January 23, 2012
Welcome to the third quarter. We are officially half way through the school
year.
This quarter, our focus will turn to preparing for the FCAT Reading (coming in
April) and FCAT Writing (coming for eighth graders Tuesday, February 28). Our
extended SSR time on Mondays will be replaced with FCAT Reading preparation
activities until the FCAT Reading is complete. Thus, Accelerated Reader
requirements have been altered slightly for the third quarter. Please check
the AR link for more details.
The literary fair is also coming this quarter. As we complete writing
activities like the graphic novel, editorial (gifted only), and poetry,
students will be invited to enter pieces into the literary fair. Students who
are awarded with either first, second, or third place or honorable mention
will earn extra credit for their accomplishment.
Additionally, students are encouraged to independently write pieces for the
literary fair. Students in gifted have been given the opportunity to write
short stories; if these are entered in the literary fair, the student will be
awarded up to 50 points of extra credit. Students in advanced may earn the
same amount of extra credit for short stories or personal narratives which are
entered in the literary fair. Since the literary fair is a showcase of
excellence, only the top entries will be considered for entry so students are
encouraged to talk over their ideas with Mrs. Arguello and show her drafts
throughout the writing process. More information about the literary fair is
available under the Literary Fair icon to the left.
Let's continue to set ourselves up for success, coming to class with all
supplies including pen, paper, and language arts folder. Write down all
homework assignments and make a plan to complete all assignments by the due
date and study in advance of all tests and quizzes. Finally, schedule time
each night as part of your homework to read for AR points.
Mrs. Arguello
December 30, 2011
Happy New Year. I hope that everyone has had a safe and happy holiday break.
Now, let's start 2012 right. Before returning to school, fill your backpack
with the supplies that you will need for success. These include paper, black
or blue ink pen, and folder.
Then, if you are not currently doing so, make a resolution to complete all
homework on time and study for tests well in advance. You will need a plan to
accomplish this noble goal including writing your homework in your agenda,
scheduling study time, and eliminating distractions during homework time.
Make 2012 a great year by planning to succeed in school.
Mrs. Arguello
October 28, 2011
The first quarter sure went by fast. As we begin the second quarter, I will
remind eighth graders that the AR requirements have seen a few additions.
Please review the Accelerated Reader section of this web page for details.
I cannot stress enough the importance of studying well in advance of tests. I
think that all students see by now that language arts tests are meant to
challenge. Suggestions for studying are usually provided with the homework.
Follow these suggestions each night in advance of a test.
Finally, I remind you that students are expected to come to class daily with
black or blue ink pen, paper, language arts folder, and composition book. We
use these supplies regularly. To ensure that you are prepared, put a new pen
and stack of paper in your backpack each Sunday. Then, each night after
completing homework, make sure that you have put your language arts folder and
composition book in your backpack.
To ensure that students are completing assignments, we have a new late work
policy which is spelled out under the icon to the left. Please review this
policy carefully as failing to understand it can result in grades of zero.
Let's make it a great quarter.
Mrs. Arguello
August 15, 2011
Welcome to Language Arts.
I look forward to meeting each of you on Monday, August 22. We will all work
together to have a successful year in language arts class.
We will be joined the first half of the year by Ms. Beneus, an intern teacher
from Florida Atlantic University. Let's all make her feel welcome.
This website is filled with vital information about the class. Please check
it regularly.
Each Monday, the site will be updated with the lesson plans for the week.
This will include all classwork and homework for each day of the week. You
can access this information by clicking on the correct homework link on the
side of this page. For example, if you are in eighth grade advanced language
arts, click the link that says "Homework: Eighth Grade Advanced Language
Arts." Then, scroll down for the day in question. Monday will be on top of
the page, and Tuesday through Friday will appear as you scroll down. Please
use the homework section to plan ahead for completing assignments or to find
something that you missed in class. Of course, it is essential that students
check the homework section when absent to find out about make up work.
The supply list, Accelerated Reader information, copies of important class
handouts, links to other key websites, and even a link to Pinnacle where you
can check grades are available by clicking the appropriate links on the left
side of this page.
At your earliest convenience, parents and students are encouraged to check
the "Classroom Rules and Procedures" section for important information about
the day-to-day expectations and workings of the class.
I encourage students and parents to use this website as a tool for success in
language arts class this year.
Best wishes,
Mrs. Arguello and Ms. Beneus