Ms.

Vann
Vannhan@wcps.k12.md.us
8
th
Grade ELA/Magnet
301-766-8110
E. Russell Hicks Middle School


Ms. Vanns English course for eighth grade is designed to help students become more thoughtful and
critical readers, more deliberate and skilled writers, and more involved and responsible human beings.
This course is based on American literature and non-fiction. It is writing-intensive and asks students to
participate actively, whether individually or in groups. Well read, discuss, write about, and design
projects based on (but not limited to) the following texts:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe
Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Robert G. OMeally
Poetry and short stories by U.S. writers

If there are any questions about the texts/poetry/literature we are reading, please feel free to contact me.
Students will be able to check out copies of these books if needed (lost copies must be replaced by the
students family).Outside reading is essential for continued intellectual growth, and I allocate time in class
for it at least twice a week. We have a wonderful middle school library that is rife with books in all
categories, from graphic novels to challenging fiction. Students should carry outside reading with them at
all times.
Regular assignments will include reading 20 minutes a night, weekly writing assignments (only to be
completed if the student needs extra time outside of the classroom), and occasional essays. Grammar
instruction will be based on helping students clarify and strengthen their writing. Other instructional
elements include class discussion, reading aloud, and informal journal writing based on questions and
concepts from the texts being studied, creative concepts, and from what is going on in the world around
us.


Tardies, Absences, Late Work, Cheating:
If you are late to class or absent, it is up to you to find out what you missed. Cultivate a list of
classmates phone numbers and e-mail addresses so you can find out what to make up.
Late assignments will be marked down one letter grade for each day late. Assignments later
than three days after the due date will not be accepted and will be marked as zero.


Method of Assessment:
Students are evaluated on active and thoughtful participation in class discussions, regular and
careful completion of homework assignments, scores on essays and tests, and effort and progress
shown through the semester.
Most assignments will be assessed using a 10-point scale (scores of six and below must be
redone); quizzes, essays, and special projects will be assessed using percentages or specific
rubrics.
Do your own work. Read the Student Handbook for the school policy on plagiarism and academic
dishonesty.



If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at school at 301-766-8110
or e-mail me at Vannhan@wcps.k12.md.us


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Please return this portion to Ms. Vann by Monday, August 26, 2013 to indicate youve read the
class expectations.

Thank you!




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