English 7 ACC (Period 1 and 5)
Course Description
HYDE PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
"Education for Mastery" Student Expectations
2025-2026
Course: Reading 7/English 7 ACC
Level: 7th Grade
Teacher: Mrs. Jackson
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This one-year course provides instruction in the English Language Arts strands identified by the Common Core State Standards as reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language. This course emphasizes the development of critical reading skills. This course is designed to build on knowledge and skills through close reading of texts, learning combining elements of different kinds of writing in support of analysis and reflection, and class discussions. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills the seventh grade English requirement.
COURSE GOALS:
- To read and explore a wide variety of increasingly complex text (informational, fiction and nonfiction, expository) independently and proficiently.
- To respond, reflect, or analyze in writing or speaking with a focus on: how an author develops a theme or central idea in text; the relationship among characters, setting, and plot; and the way in which the writer or speaker uses structure, word choice, and syntax to make points clear, convincing, and engaging.
- To demonstrate and extend a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- To support increasingly abstract ideas by conducting short research projects and gathering relevant information from multiple print and digital sources to use as evidence whether writing or speaking.
- To integrate information from multiple resources in support of a thesis/claim, use quotes or paraphrase data accurately, and follow a standard format for citations.
- To investigate and analyze the elements of complex text, selected from a range of seventh grade literary and informational text, to understand how writers use structure, word choice, and point of view to develop theme or main idea, create drama, and advance the meaning or style of a text.
- To recognize and explore the purposes and characteristics of the major genres of text (e.g., prose, poetry, drama, literary non-fiction).
- To apply independently and consistently the general strategies of organization and focus, revision, and word choice to produce writing (e.g., argument, expository, narration) appropriate to task, purpose, and audience whether over time or under a tight deadline.
- To be able to read and comprehend the various literary elements and techniques at a 7th grade reading level or above.
TEXTBOOK/REQUIRED MATERIALS: The textbook for this course is “Into Literature” from HMH. This is the textbook for all ELA students in the district.
Each student needs a backpack to keep their Chromebook and charger in, as well as a notebook and pencil. EVERY STUDENT MUST BRING THEIR CHROMEBOOK AND CHARGER EVERY DAY!
HOURS OF AVAILABILITY: You may request an appointment by contacting the office at 702-799-4260 ext. 4200. The best method of contact is via email. I can be reached at the following email address: Mrs. Jackson [email protected]
WEBSITE: Students will be directed to Canvas to check for assignments, resources, announcements, etc. All information will also be placed on the board in the classrooms. For further information, you can access my website at www.hydeparkms.org.
EVALUATION AND GRADING: Grades are based on percentages using the scale of:
90%-100% - A
80% - 89% - B
70% - 79% - C
60% - 69% - D
50% - 59% - F
Quarter Grade Calculation:
80% Summative Assessments
20% Formative Assessments
Semester Grade Calculation:
50% Quarter 1 / 50% Quarter 2 = Semester 1
50% Quarter 3 / 50% Quarter 4 = Semester 2
LATE/MISSING WORK POLICY: Students are allowed five school days after the return from their absence to request missing work. Students may turn in missing assignments up to five school days after the assignment was due. Students will not be penalized for turning in assignments late. Note: Student Citizenship Grades will be impacted by turning in late assignments. See Citizenship for more information.
Assessment Retake Policy: In order to retake an assessment, the student MUST demonstrate an effort to improve their mastery of the content. Once this is reviewed by the teacher, an opportunity will be given to improve the assessment score. The highest score will always remain in the gradebook.
Students must request a retake (after the above criteria is completed) at least one week before the end of the grading/quarter period.
Note: Abuse of the retake policy will result in a parent conference.
INFINITE CAMPUS: Parents and students can view student grades on Infinite Campus. Students should be checking Infinite Campus WEEKLY. If you do not have login information, please contact the front office for assistance (702-799-4260). A link for Infinite Campus can be found at hydeparkms.org.
EXTRA CREDIT: Extra Credit is given rarely and at the discretion of the teacher.
TARDY POLICY: A student must be entirely in the classroom when the bell begins to ring, to be considered on time. Students will scan their ID badges for attendance in each class. Multiple tardies will result in progressive discipline.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE: Upon request, a student may receive additional help between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, Tuesday through Thursday.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Classroom rules are designed to provide an environment conducive to learning.
1.) Be present-- Listen carefully and follow directions.
2.) Be polite-- Show respect to everyone and the learning process.
3.) Be prepared-- Be on time and bring your materials...smiles always welcome!
In addition to the above rules, all school regulations will be enforced at all times.
Academic Dishonesty Policy: If a student cheats on an assignment or test he/she will be given a ‘0’ on the assignment and a parent/guardian will be contacted. If the incident is repeated, future consequences will be discussed at a required parent conference.
Bullying Policy: Under NRS 388.122, “bullying” means written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical acts or gestures, or any combination thereof, that are directed at a person or group of persons, or a single severe and willful act or expression that is directed at a person or group of persons, and: a. Have the effect of: (1) Physically harming a person or damaging the property of a person; or (2) Placing a person in reasonable fear of physical harm to the person or damage to the property of the person; or b. Interfere with the rights of a person by: (1) Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the person; or (2) Substantially interfering with the academic performance of a student or the ability of the person to participate in or benefit from services, activities or privileges provided by a school.
*This is a summary of the legal definition of bullying. Please use the link below to access the full legal definition and for other information on bullying: http://ccsd.net/departments/guidance-counseling/bullying-and-cyberbullying-resources
CHROMEBOOKS: Students will be issued school chromebooks for their use throughout the year. The student is fully responsible for the chromebook and charger. Students should arrive at school with the chromebook fully charged.
PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE: All behavior issues will be dealt with using progressive discipline, depending on the severity of the behavior. Not having an ID card and lanyard, as well as cell phones and phone distractions will also fall under the progressive discipline policy.
1st infraction: verbal warning - 2nd infraction: student/teacher conference, call home - 3rd infraction: counselor referral, call home - 4th infraction: class detention, call home - 5th infraction: dean’s referral, call home.
CITIZENSHIP: