Mrs. O'Keefe

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Dear  8th Grade Parents and Students,

Welcome back to another year at Saint Norbert School.  It is my hope that 
this year will be a wonderful year for all of you and that we will continue 
the process of preparing your children for high school.

I have included all important information about my classroom expectations and 
policies regarding homework and grading.  Although I have already reviewed 
this in class with the students, I ask that you review this with your child 
to clear up any questions or concerns that you or your child might have.  It 
is important to note that all grades are weighted and will have an impact on 
the overall grade at the end of each trimester.

As part of the curriculum, I have selected three novels that will deal with 
the themes of “Growing Up” and “Facing Challenges.”  I find that these two 
themes are very applicable to eighth grade students as they are adjusting to 
becoming young men and women.  In addition, we will be reading Night to 
complement our trip to the Museum of Tolerance and the Holocaust Museum.  I 
hope that these novels will provide the students with an exposure to 
different styles of literature, as well as continue with the literature 
program.  I will be ordering them through Barnes and Noble, and will collect 
money for the novels at the beginning of each trimester.

Because we are a part of a triangle of success for the students, I ask that 
you contact me as issues arise throughout the school year.  My job is to 
provide an environment where your child can be successful, and I can only do 
that when we remain in constant communication.   I encourage you to contact 
me with any concerns you have.  Working together, your child can have the 
best year ever!

I pray that we have a wonderfully successful year!

In Christ,

Deanna O’Keefe
dokeefe@stnorbertchurch.org
cell 813-3164
home 281-7212

Mrs. O’Keefe – 8th Grade
                 Classroom Policies and Procedures
                       Saint Norbert School
                            2010-2011

Classroom Expectations

•	Be respectful to yourself and to others
•	Be prepared and on time
•	Ask questions in order to learn
•	No gum in the classroom

Grading Policy

In accordance with the grading policy at Saint Norbert School, the grade 
scale for 7th and 8th graders is as follows:

A	95-100				C+	77-79
	A-	90-94				C	73-76
	B+	87-89				C-	70-72
	B	83-86				D	60-69
	B-	80-82				F	59 and below

Homework

Homework is an extension of material that has been covered in class during 
lecture and/or individual reading.  I expect all homework assignments to be 
completed and turned in on time.  Homework should be done to the best of the 
student’s ability.  Questions about assignments or specific problems on 
homework should be addressed before the assignment is to be turned in.Late 
homework will be accepted  if it is turned in before the test on the 
material.  Late homework will only receive half credit.

English Grammar

The language arts curriculum for the eighth grade students is largely focused 
on teaching and reinforcing basic grammar skills, mechanics, and structure.  
At all grade levels, grammar skills are taught and assessed based upon each 
individual level. The eight parts of speech are the primary focus of the 
first trimester in order to provide a solid foundation for the rest of the 
year. Following the eight parts of speech, basic sentence structure and parts 
of the sentence are taught.

Literature

Literature will consist of reading grade-level literary selections both in 
and out of the classroom.  We will focus largely on the four main elements of 
literature – character, conflict, plot, and setting.  In addition to the 
reading selections from the textbook, we will also be reading one novel per 
trimester.  Key literary/poetry terms and concepts will be covered as well.  
In addition, students will be expected to read 180 minutes (3 hours) on a 
weekly basis.  Generally, the students will be given 30 minutes of silent 
reading in class each week, but they will be responsible to complete the rest 
of the reading outside of school.  All students are also expected to complete 
their Accelerated Reader points before the end of each trimester as they, 
coupled with the weekly reading logs, comprise 30% of the literature grade.

Vocabulary

Since vocabulary has been incorporated into the curriculum to expand student 
vocabulary knowledge and usage, we will generally cover one chapter in the 
vocabulary book each week (Mondays and Fridays).  We will begin by studying 
word parts, prefixes, suffixes and root words.  The denotation and 
connotation of words will be discussed and studied.  Most chapters will be 
divided into a two week block of study.  Week one will consist only of basic 
vocabulary words, spelling, and part of speech. Building upon week one, 
during week two of study students will be expected to know the definition of 
the words and be able to use them correctly in a sentence.   Spending time 
studying and drilling both inside and outside of class should allow students 
sufficient time to become familiar with the vocabulary words.  The students 
are expected to make an effort to recognize the words in the written/oral 
context and should try to incorporate the words into their personal 
vocabulary.

History

History will consist of class lectures, collaborative learning assignments, 
and research.  We will study the events from colonization through the Civil 
War and Reconstruction, with special emphasis on the Constitution of the 
United States.  Focus will be placed on the challenges that faced the new 
nation, as well as the causes, course and consequences of the Civil War.  
Students will travel to Washington D.C., Boston, and New York City to 
reinforce what has been discussed and taught in the classroom.

Discipline

Strike/ Calendar Behavior System

A “Strike System” is used in the seventh and eighth grades by all faculty and 
staff.  Students are given strikes for reasons listed but not limited to 
those cited in the St. Norbert Parish School Handbook pages 22 and 23. The 
faculty will monitor student strikes given each week; students whose choices 
and behavior have warranted three or more strikes in a given week will be 
issued an after school detention.

Students must carry their student planners with them at all times, and 
strikes will be tracked in the calendar section of their planners.

Behavior grades will be calculated in the following way:

No strikes in a day…………………………..4 Points
	1 Strike in a day……………………………..2 Points
	2+ Strikes in a given day…………………….0 Points

Consequences:

3 strikes/ teacher signatures in a week….students will receive a 45 minute 
after school 					detention.
3 detentions in a trimester….  a conference will be scheduled with the 
student, teachers, 				Principal, and parents, 
and a 
contract will be written.
4 detentions within a trimester…student will receive an in school suspension 
for one 					day.
5 detentions in a trimester…. Student will receive an out of school 
suspension for one 					day.
6 Detentions in a trimester….Student will be asked to leave Saint Norbert 
Parish 					School.

***The school wide discipline plan is strictly enforced throughout the junior 
high program. (P.23-24 Saint Norbert Parish School Handbook.)

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Mrs. O'Keefe

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