Seventh Grade
English/Language Arts and Social Studies Syllabus Mr. Norris
Parents and students, welcome to Mr. Norris’ Seventh Grade class. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I’m looking forward to this upcoming adventure that will be the 2022-23 school year.
Seventh Grade is a very important grade in student development. My teaching philosophy is to encourage students to become lifelong learners by challenging them to think critically at all times. It’s a simple thought, but whether or not it’s a conscious decision, life never allows you to “turn your brain off”. Life requires critical thinking, analysis, research, and making decisions based on the evidence presented: all four ideas that are areas of emphasis for our class.
Our school has committed to the implementation of the Common Core Standards into our curriculum. Students will be able to show their mastery of the grade level content through writing exercises, reading exercises, and other projects. This will give our students the tools needed to do more than just repeat back information they are told, but to develop their own ideas and apply relevant knowledge to their own lives.
English-Language Arts Course Expectations
ELA SYLLABUS:
Students will:
· Write Persuasive, Narrative, Research, and Informative essays aligned to Common Core Standards.
· Read multiple texts relevant to course content.
· Demonstrate their knowledge through multiple assessment models.
· Incorporate different uses of technology and media for assignments when required.
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a daily basis, and completion of homework will be important for both student’s grades and understanding. Assignments will vary from reading novels, vocabulary and grammar activities, research and outlines, or reviewing notes and studying, and will usually require an hour to complete. While there may be days when there is less homework assigned than others, there will never be a day when there is “no homework”.
Social Studies Course Expectations
Seventh Grade Social Studies will focus on the civilizations of the West African Empires, the Meso-American Empires, the Roman Empires, the Rise of Islam, China, through Western Europe and Renaissance. Students will be able to show their mastery of the content through writing exercises, reading exercises, and other projects. This gives our students the tools needed to do more than just repeat back information they are told, but to develop their own ideas.
Requirements
1. To begin class, all students will be lined up outside of the classroom in one line.
2. Students must bring their supplies which include two pens, an ELA folder, an ELA notebook, and the designated ELA novel to each class.
3. Students will be required to participate in class activities, which include the daily “Do Now” and any Directed Lesson, Activity, or Assessment, in order to receive the points for those assignments.
4. Homework will be given on a daily basis. Any missed homework will not be allowed to be made up without an approved notice from the office.
5. Students will be respectful to the teacher, each other, and the class activities at all times. This is non-negotiable
Please take note of the grade weights, performance rubrics, and grade percentages.
Grade Weights:
Assessments: 40%
Class work 30%
Participation 20%
Homework 10%
Rubric for performance in activities
4- Consistently performing above grade level.
3- Consistently performing at grade level.
2- Developing grade level proficiency.
1- Not performing at grade level.
Students are also given a citizenship grade. Factors for this grade include following classroom behavior rules, consideration for others, leadership, and volunteering for classroom jobs.
About Mr. Norris
I’m a San Francisco, California native, and a graduate from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. I began my teaching career back in 2005 right here at Century Community Charter School, where I was a Sixth and Seventh Grade English Teacher for four years before moving on to a similar position at another school.
I’m also involved in our school’s sports programs. I’m the head football coach, as well as the assistant coach for the boy’s basketball team.
My most important job outside of being a teacher is being a husband and father.
Contact
I can be reached through email at [email protected], or by appointment arranged through the school office.
English/Language Arts and Social Studies Syllabus Mr. Norris
Parents and students, welcome to Mr. Norris’ Seventh Grade class. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I’m looking forward to this upcoming adventure that will be the 2022-23 school year.
Seventh Grade is a very important grade in student development. My teaching philosophy is to encourage students to become lifelong learners by challenging them to think critically at all times. It’s a simple thought, but whether or not it’s a conscious decision, life never allows you to “turn your brain off”. Life requires critical thinking, analysis, research, and making decisions based on the evidence presented: all four ideas that are areas of emphasis for our class.
Our school has committed to the implementation of the Common Core Standards into our curriculum. Students will be able to show their mastery of the grade level content through writing exercises, reading exercises, and other projects. This will give our students the tools needed to do more than just repeat back information they are told, but to develop their own ideas and apply relevant knowledge to their own lives.
English-Language Arts Course Expectations
ELA SYLLABUS:
Students will:
· Write Persuasive, Narrative, Research, and Informative essays aligned to Common Core Standards.
· Read multiple texts relevant to course content.
· Demonstrate their knowledge through multiple assessment models.
· Incorporate different uses of technology and media for assignments when required.
Homework
Homework will be assigned on a daily basis, and completion of homework will be important for both student’s grades and understanding. Assignments will vary from reading novels, vocabulary and grammar activities, research and outlines, or reviewing notes and studying, and will usually require an hour to complete. While there may be days when there is less homework assigned than others, there will never be a day when there is “no homework”.
Social Studies Course Expectations
Seventh Grade Social Studies will focus on the civilizations of the West African Empires, the Meso-American Empires, the Roman Empires, the Rise of Islam, China, through Western Europe and Renaissance. Students will be able to show their mastery of the content through writing exercises, reading exercises, and other projects. This gives our students the tools needed to do more than just repeat back information they are told, but to develop their own ideas.
Requirements
1. To begin class, all students will be lined up outside of the classroom in one line.
2. Students must bring their supplies which include two pens, an ELA folder, an ELA notebook, and the designated ELA novel to each class.
3. Students will be required to participate in class activities, which include the daily “Do Now” and any Directed Lesson, Activity, or Assessment, in order to receive the points for those assignments.
4. Homework will be given on a daily basis. Any missed homework will not be allowed to be made up without an approved notice from the office.
5. Students will be respectful to the teacher, each other, and the class activities at all times. This is non-negotiable
Please take note of the grade weights, performance rubrics, and grade percentages.
Grade Weights:
Assessments: 40%
Class work 30%
Participation 20%
Homework 10%
Rubric for performance in activities
4- Consistently performing above grade level.
3- Consistently performing at grade level.
2- Developing grade level proficiency.
1- Not performing at grade level.
Students are also given a citizenship grade. Factors for this grade include following classroom behavior rules, consideration for others, leadership, and volunteering for classroom jobs.
About Mr. Norris
I’m a San Francisco, California native, and a graduate from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. I began my teaching career back in 2005 right here at Century Community Charter School, where I was a Sixth and Seventh Grade English Teacher for four years before moving on to a similar position at another school.
I’m also involved in our school’s sports programs. I’m the head football coach, as well as the assistant coach for the boy’s basketball team.
My most important job outside of being a teacher is being a husband and father.
Contact
I can be reached through email at [email protected], or by appointment arranged through the school office.