Greenbelt Middle School

TAG Language Arts

Ms. Jessica Jones Rm: 1206
Jessica.jones@pgcps.org




There is no end to education. It is not that
you read a book, pass an examination, and
finish with education. The whole of life,
from the moment you are born to the moment
you die, is a process of learning.
Jiddu Krishnamurti


Welcome to the start of a new beginning. I know that it is going to be a positive year
full of growth. I want to thank you in advance for all of the support in making this a
successful year.


Course Description

TAG Language Arts is designed for identified highly able learners. It is conducted as
a reading/writing course. You will be working with both the Common Core
curriculum and the William and Mary Curriculum throughout the year. You will be
responsible for study of works of literature from various authors covering different
genres including: novels, short stories, essays and poetry. You will use critical
thinking skills in analyzing advanced/above level texts. Vocabulary and grammar
will be an important part of each unit we study. Essays and presentations will be
assigned and will provide the opportunity for you to present your knowledge of the
subject.

Units of Study by Quarter

Quarter Unit of Study
1
st
Poetry
William and Mary Utopia
2
nd
William and Mary Utopia
3
rd
Argument
4th Genre/Author Study

Materials


3 or 5 subject spiral journal (needs to be in class no later than 9/2
Lined paper
Blue or Black pens

*****Tablets will be allowed in class for education purposes only when directed by the
teacher. Greenbelt Middle School is not responsible for damaged or lost personal
property. Texting and personal electronic communication during class time will not be
tolerated. **********


Grading Policy

Assessment..50%
a. Tests/quizzes
b. Essays
c. Projects

Classwork.25%
All work that is begun or completed in class

Homework25%
All work completed outside of the class setting


Classroom Policies

Essays Essays will be begun in class in the form of prewriting. Drafts will be
completed and turned in. (They may be typed, hand written, or emailed.) The drafts
will be commented on and returned to you. You will then complete a final copy. The
final copy must be typed and attached to the original draft that I commented
on. (If you do not have access to a computer at home let me know and I will ensure
that you have time to type at school) Final copies of essays will be uploaded to your
online portfolio.

Journal Journals will be used to record notes and complete class assignments.
Journals will be graded. They must be brought to class every day and should not
have other subject matter in them. They should be at least 3 subjects. The subjects
will be labeled in class as grammar, literature, and writing.

Novel Assignments Students will be required to read several novels throughout
the year. A classroom copy will be provided for each child. However, I encourage
you to purchase your own copy so that you can write in, or underline passages in
the book. You can also download eBooks if you will be bringing a tablet to class. I
will provide you with the ISBN number for all novels we are reading so that all
students can have the same version.

Parent communication The most efficient way to reach me is by email @
Jessica.jones@pgcps.org. Parents and students both are strongly encouraged to
view Schoolmax at least once a week. This is the most effective tool for
monitoring student progress. If missing work or slipping grades are caught quickly
they can be remedied. Please do not wait until progress report time to look at your
childs grades!

Make up work

Make up work will be provided upon receiving an excuse note within one week of
the absence. All late papers will be marked as failing without an excuse note. Please
have your child request makeup work for each teacher, have each teacher sign the
excuse note, and return the note to the main office at the end of class.

If you email me on the day of your childs absence I can reply with the missing work
that day. However, emails do not count as an official excuse note.

Classroom Expectations

1. Be on time for class.
2. Show respect for others by your choice of words and actions.
3. Allow the teacher or other students to teach without disruptions.
4. Enter class each day with all of the necessary materials.
5. Complete all classwork/homework by your merit only.
6. The teacher dismisses the class not the bell.


(Please cut this portion and return to Ms. Jones)

To the parents: Please certify that you have read and understood the syllabus.

I certify that I have read the following syllabus and I have understood the
requirements of Ms. Joness class.



___________________________________ ______________________________________
Signature of parent Printed name of student/mod #