TRANSITION ACADEMY

GAINESVILLE CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM

READING SYLLABUS

FALL SEMESTER 2006-2007

FIRST QUARTER

Instructor:  Sandra S. Mills, Ph.D.

Office:  Transition Academy/Phoenix Academy Room

Phone Number:  770-536-2062

Planning:  2^nd Period (9:25-11:30)

TEXTS:

Robb, Laura, Klemp, Ron, and Schwartz, Wendell. Reader’s Handbook: A Student

            Guide for Reading and Learning.  Houghton Mifflin Co.: USA, 2002.

The Times.  Gainesville, GA.  www.gainesvilletimes.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

As readers, eighth graders continue to broaden their reading experiences through the study and anlysis of compelling literature.  Throughout the eighth grade, students continue to refine their skills in the production of quality essays and narratives.  Students continue to develop their own writing styles, and they use strong verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.  Many enjoy writing in the first person.  Students begin to embrace causes, and their writing reflects their developing social consciences.  They often rely on arguments from emotion in their persuasive writing.  The Middle Grades Grade Writing Test and the CRCT serve as measures of what they have accomplished.  They also like debating various topics, working within a group setting on individual tests, and sharing their ideas in order to develop their viewing and listening skills.

INTRODUCTION:

This course is a review of eighth grade reading, writing, critical thinking, problem solving, conventions, listening, speaking, and viewing skills for students who fail in one of the following categories:

            A.  The student did not achieve grade level on the CRCT in reading and math (State of Georgia mandated for 2006-2007).

B.  The student did not meet the criteria set by the local board. 

·     Students must pass three (3) out of (5) academic classes (math, reading, science, social studies, and language arts).

·        Students must pass reading.

·        Students must pass math.

·        The third class may be science, language arts or social studies

OBJECTIVES:

            A.  Students will be using language to learn.

            B.  Students will be using various reading strategies to learn.

            C.  Students will be using the conventions and forms of language for editing and

            revising their writing.

            D.  Students will be growing in their appreciation of the language.

            E.  Students will be reviewing test-taking skills.

            F.  Students will be using study skills.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

            A.  Dress Code: 

Monday-Thursday--

·        SOLID-COLORED Collared shirts:  Red, black, white or navy blue

·        Boys’ shirts MUST be tucked in at all times with the belt being visible.

·        Khaki, red, black, white or navy blue pants

·        Dresses, skirts and skorts on or below the knee

·        Pants/shorts must be worn at waist level

·        Belts must be worn at all times (black or brown)

·        Red, black, white, or navy blue sweaters and sweatshirts (must be worn with

·        colored shirt)

·        Shoes and socks

·        Shoes MUST be strapped and strings tied

·        Hair in its natural appearance or hue.

Friday—Spirit Day:  Any of the above attire or jeans

Students cannot wear:

• Tank tops, see-through tops, halters, midriff tops, spaghetti straps, loose fitting

clothes that expose underwear, tight-fitting or revealing clothes, or any other attire

that teachers and/or administrators deem inappropriate or immodest

• Hooded sweatshirts, tops, or jackets
• Loose fitting clothes that expose underwear or body parts
• Sweaters and jackets tied around the waist
• Clothing with tears, rips, or cut-offs, Un-hemmed pants, and pants dragging the

floor

• Spandex or other tight fitting articles of clothing
• Clothing which displays any obscene, violent, sexually or racially inflammatory,
• or otherwise disrespectful and questionable message or symbols and/or clothing
• which promotes any illegal activity; this includes displaying or advertising
• alcohol, tobacco, or gang-related materials
• Bandannas or bandana prints on any item
• Hats and head coverings (Coverings worn because of religious beliefs must
• have administration approval)
• Headbands
• Sunglasses inside the building
• Distracting hair colors and haircuts
• Body piercing (belly button, nose, tongue, eyebrows, multiple ear piercing, etc.)
• Visible tattoos

Violations of dress code will be handled in the same manner as any violation of school policy/rules.  Timeout, referral, In-school and out-of-school suspensions apply.  Teachers are responsible for ensuring ALL students follow the required dress code.

The following are guidelines for students who violate the dress code:

• First Offense—Warning and parent notification for a change of clothing
• Second Offense—Administrative Detention/parent notification for a change of clothing
• Third Offense—3 Days ISS
• Fourth Offense—3 Days ISS
• Fifth Offense—3 Days OSS
• Continued offenses may result in a referral to a disciplinary tribunal.

B.  Gainesville City Schools Attendance Protocol

• Parents/guardians will be given a copy of the Gainesville City School’s Attendance Protocol and the State Compulsory Attendance Laws.  The parents/guardians of ALL students will receive and sign a copy of the attendance protocol and return it.  A copy of the signed copy is given to the homeroom teacher, the original placed in the student’s file, and a copy sent home for the parents. 
• At three (3) unexcused absences, the homeroom teacher will contact the parent/

guardian.

• At five (5) unexcused absences, will make a follow-up contact to the parent/guardian.  A letter will be sent home by mail or with the student including the number of days missed and a copy of the school attendance policy and the State Compulsory Attendance Laws.
• At ten (10) or more unexcused absences, an automatic referral will be made to the

court system by the Social Work Department and a letter will be mailed or delivered to the family indicating that the court referral has been made.

C.  Attendance Policy:  Excused absences include student illness, death in the immediate family, Page at the General Assembly, natural disaster, religious holidays, instance where student attendance would be hazardous, or when mandated by a government agency.  Parents or guardians are requested to make appointments during non-school hours when at all possible.  When students are absent, they should bring a note when returning to school stating the reason for the absence.  Excessive absences may result in failure for the quarter or semester.

D.  Unexcused Absences:  Students will be allowed to make up missed

assignments.  Students absent only one day are expected to turn in or take any pre-assigned work or tests the day they return.  Students will have two days, per consecutive day absent, to complete assignments.  The highest grade that can be earned for make up work is 70.  The grade or zero (0) will be recorded for assignments or tests not made up by the specified time.  Work must be made up before or after school, not during the regular class period. Students who receive an Incomplete (I) for a final grade will have ten (10) school days by which to make up missing assignments or tests.  Students will not be allowed to make up work after the tenth day.

E.  Tardiness to Class:  Students arriving to class late will receive one warning per semester for unexcused tardies.  After one unexcused tardy students will be assigned a Teacher Detention.  The second unexcused tardy will result in an Administrative Detention.  Numerous tardies may result in assignments to ISS, OSS, Academic Saturday School, and a referral to a disciplinary tribunal.  Excessive tardies to class may result in students losing school privileges such as field trips.  Teachers should refrain from detaining students, if at all possible.  If the need arises, it is necessary for the teacher to give the student a pass to the next class.  Late Bus:  If a bus is late, students should first check in at the Student Services office and report quickly to homeroom.

F.  Academic Requirements/Supplies: 

1.      Students will bring text and/or other appropriate materials to class each day.

2.      Students will have a Language Arts Portfolio of Success.

3.      Students will have appropriate writing utensils and paper.

G.  GCSS Grading System:

Homework = 15%                         A         90-100             Below 70 = Failure
Tests/projects = 45%                    B           80-89
Daily/Quizzes = 40%                    C           70-79

Conduct will be graded as follows:

S—Satisfactory

N—Needs Improvement

U—Unsatisfactory

            H.  Homework:   Home study is a necessary part of each student’s educational

                  program.  Each student must be expected to spend some time studying and

                  reading at home, in addition to class instruction, to achieve success.  Some

                  assignments are long-range in nature and require planned study time for

                  completion.  Planned study eliminates the necessity of spending too much

                  time in completing an assignment the day before it is due.  Parents can expect

                  to find homework assignments in the student agenda.

I.  Discipline Policy:  Disciplinary rules are outlined in your student agenda.

• Students will be verbally warned the first time a rule is broken.
• The parent(s) will be notified if the behavior persists.
• A referral will be written as a last resort or for any major infraction.

J.  Classroom Behavior Rules:

4.      Follow directions, be prepared and pay attention.

5.      Enter the room in an orderly fashion and be seated.

6.      Do not leave the room after you enter.

7.      Do not disturb or distract other students, especially during a test.

8.      Respect school property, i.e. keep all equipment/furniture in good condition.

9.      No swearing in class.

10.  Bring necessary materials with you every day.

11.  Make-up work is your responsibility.

12.  Stay in your seat until you are dismissed.

13.  Try to show respect for yourself and others by putting others first and by listening when someone else, teacher or student, is speaking.

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:

            Summer Reading is due by Friday, August 28, 2006.

            Because we are making every effort to individualize as much as possible, weekly assignments will be forthcoming.