One hour of Language Arts Compass is due by Sunday, 5 pm. (8% of grade)

Welcome to the new 9-weeks - District Timed Writing Prompt #2 this Friday 10/29 and Homework Notice (please read this entire message carefully)

Students will be taking their second DTW (district timed writing) examination on Friday.
The prompt will be expository. We are currently discussing writing thesis statements.  The essay should begin with a thesis statement.

Students and parents:

• DTW's have a significant impact on the 9-week grade,   (I did not use DTW #1 in calculating the 1st 9-week grade, but the plan, or lack thereof, DID count),
• a plan MUST be created BEFORE writing,
• a minimum of a 5 paragraph essay is expected,
• grammar and punctuation count,
• the writing must focus on the prompt, be organized (into paragraphs), provide support (FRIESS-include appropriate facts, reasons, incidents, examples, sensory details and statistics) and follow standard writing conventions (indent paragraphs, use correct capitalization, punctuation, and grammar (including verb tense) and,
• writing will be graded using the 8th grade FCAT Writes rubric.

Also, the amount of homework will be increasing.  Most homework will be done in a workbook.  It is imperative that the workbook comes to class each day.  Unfortunately, the workbook work cannot go into the Basket of Eternal Forgiveness, so expect pop-quiz questions each day to verify that you have done your due diligence.  Students may leave their heavy textbook at school! But.....don't underestimate me.  I am serious about these assignments and I will be very tough on any students not prepared.  I have mapped out the assignments through January.  One hour of Compass Language Arts per week is also required.  I have added extra assignments for students needing intervention on certain skills. The Compass lab is available before school if you are having problems at home.  Compass should be working now.  If you are having problems, try another computer.  Also try deleting cookies.  95% of my students are successfully getting their Compass assignments done.

Homework in LA due Tues., 10/12

Students need to read Under the Royal Palms: A Childhood in Cuba (pages 796-801) and write a paragraph, using their FRIESS skills.  The paragraph should be at least 7-8 well-written, edited sentences and will answer the question on page 801: How do you think Alma's parents will react when she and her cousin return home?
Use details from the text to support your answer. Remember, you also have a worksheet (front/back) due.  
Parents, I have been very concerned about the quality of work I am seeing on worksheets.  These sheets must be done with great care; words should be carefully chosen and edited.  Many students did not pass the last few homework assignments done on worksheets. Please check your child's work.

COMPASS IS DOWN for repairs.  I will give you an update on Monday.

Your LA text is online. You can leave your text at school if you have online access.

Click here. Use this activation code 3767769 (in the first box) and 10 (in the second box.)  You will have to create your own username and password.  Your birthdate will be requested.