Moorhead Junior High School 2016-17
Mr. Sznajder Language Arts
“You are the best or worst teacher you will ever have”
Opening Comments:
Welcome to the next level! I am Mr. Sznajder, your Language Arts teacher. Before I begin to outline this year’s class expectations, let me first give a short professional summation. After graduating from Sam Houston State University in 2005, I went on to continue my education and received my Texas teaching certification as a Generalist (qualified to teach all subjects) in Grades K-8. I have been teaching since 2006. I expect for my students to value their education, embrace the learning process and be genuine in the pursuit of their dreams. I do not expect perfection however, I expect the best you can give! You will get out what you put into this class!!
*Interesting facts:
Although I enjoy reading, I have also authored a plethora of poems and recently copyrighted a work of non-fiction. I am finishing up post graduate work in the pursuit of my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
We will now go on to review several of our class room procedures, rules and general information you will need to know before we begin our journey into “the world of learning.”
Note: For Pre AP, expectations are high, as this class is designed to prepare you for advanced levels of study. Please be prepared to give your best: positive attitude, strong effort, and dedicated focus. I am available to help you achieve your goals in my class.
Scoring/Assessment (per CISD guidelines)
Major Grades (tests, projects, etc.) 50%
Daily Grades (homework, journals, etc.) 30%
Quiz Grades (quiz, pop quiz, etc.) 20%
Initial Classroom Procedures:
A procedure is a consistent way of doing things which promotes order and productivity.
(Mr. Sznajder)
In Class Norms: All I ask is that you CARE!
C– Curious- intrigued to the point of wanting to learn- Every. Single. Day.
A– Attuned- know what is going on and look for subtle changes and shifts
R– Respectful- respect others, me, and ultimately yourself
E– Engaged- be an active member of the class; wherever we are, be there too
Class Materials: “Mechanical” pencil or pen, Lined paper, A Class Binder/six dividers (1 in.), Loose paper (college ruled), Highlighters, Colored (BE PREPARED EVERYDAY)
Note: I do require the use of technology in and outside the classroom; I encourage its use in a positive, constructive and educational manner. It is time to use technology to expand our futures and not just waste our time) Please get with me to make the necessary arrangements if you currently lack the resources.
Start of the Day Procedure:
- Greet me at the door
- Come in and get your interactive binder out
- Begin your brain crunch or follow alternative instructions on the board
(Remember not to be late; tardies will be counted without a note of excuse)
Work procedure:
- As long as you are working, and are on task with the assignment, you will trusted with more responsibilities…ie online work, discussion threads, blogging, portfolio work
- Everyone is working for an individual grade, but we will encourage one another to work as a team (care about others)
- Often, you will be required to access flipped lessons (see me if you need to work something out; it will be no problem-This is NOT an exclusively flipped classroom)
Attention procedure:
- I will say CLASS and you will say YES…..with the same non-verbals I express…
- Quiet square: a designated place where I stand to get your attention
- Look at my non-verbals…what do they say?
Turning in class work and tests procedure:
- Pass papers directly to the person next to or in front of you (depending on seating arrangement)
- I will collect them when they are all at the designated desk
End of class period procedure:
- Two to three minutes before the bell rings, I will make announcements regarding the next day (including flipped lesson instructions and class thread discussions
- I will allow you to gather your things in this time
- I excuse you, not the bell- Remember this class and you will be excused just after the bell rings
Other procedures will be established throughout the school year including, but not limited to: hallway, library, assembly…etc…
(ALL PROCEDURES WILL BE REPEATED AS A CLASS UNTIL THEY ARE SECOND NATURE)
Late Work Policy:
If you have an excused absence, I will allow you to turn in homework (at no penalty) after the due date in relation to the amount of class-time
Failure to turn in any assignment on the day its due will result in the following point deductions!
1 Day Late = -10 pts
2 Days Late = -20 pts
3 Days Late = -30 pts
4 Days Late = -40 pts
5+ Days Late = -50pts
(Pre AP only)
I have chosen novels for this year’s reading list, but you are only required to purchase the following. (Please purchase these so you can annotate in your own book)
- A Wrinkle in Time, Madeline L’Engle
- The Watsons go to Birmingham, Christopher P. Curtis
Pre Ap Portfolio Project:
All Pre Ap students enrolled in my classes this year will be required to sign up for an edublogs.com blog page and connect it to our class home page. Students will be creating a personal blog site for this class and will be gathering a portfolio of work they have produced through the year. The portfolio requirements will be posted throughout each semester and a student may work on it anytime they choose. This portfolio will include student essays, letters, research, blog posts, discussions, poems, and many other projects from this year.
Skills we will learn:
Brain Based learning, Critical Thinking, Computer Skills, Blogging, Dictionary Skills, Annotation, Author’s Purpose, SAT Vocabulary, Figurative Language, Sound Devices, Imagery, Rhetorical Devices, Inference, Contextual Analysis, Personal Narrative Writing, Expository Writing, Persuasive Writing/ Argumentation, Rhetorical fallacy, Spotting Irony, Probing, Questioning (open and close ended) Theme, Symbolism…AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!
A few final thoughts:
* This class is designed to help you critically think while reading, writing and communicating verbally and electronically. When reading, analyze the story; make predictions, and relate to the story or characters. While writing, be inspired to jot down past reflections, current thoughts, and future dreams. When you speak, measure very carefully what you are saying. Make connections to what you have learned and are learning.
Reading is fundamental. Reading must be a daily practice in your life and will indeed be practiced in one way or another every day in this class.
Writing is a powerful time where you control the end product. It should be thoughtful, creative and never a waste of time.
* You must apply what you learn. Go home and tell your family, discuss with your friends and share with your classmates.
* We all learn in different ways; this class will be taught using brain based research and multiple intelligences techniques.
* We cannot tolerate disrespect and there will be consequences for those who take away from the learning of others.
* We work hard to establish an atmosphere of security, respect and success; take this opportunity seriously, but also have fun in the process!
* Don’t do the bare minimum! You are in this class to do your best while creating lasting educational efficiency!
I know we will have a great year; I value your education and respect you as a student. Please value my position and respect me as your teacher.
Please feel free to contact me for more information or to set up a parent-teacher meeting: my e-mail address is jsznajder@conroeisd.net or just call the Moorhead Jr. High front office. My conference period is first period this year.
www.sznajderclass.com (My school website)
jsznajder.edublogs.org (Class blog site)
This is our class blog site… sign up for a free blog and connect to the class blog-
(A safe online site designed specifically for education)
See what is going on; take a look at what your kids are accomplishing…OFTEN.
Student _______________________
Parent or guardian __________________ Contact Number __________________________
Parent E-Mail _________________________________________________________________