You have arrived at the 8th grade!
You have one more year at Woodland Park Academy before you all will be walking the halls of high school. This is an exciting time socially, emotionally, and mentally. It is going to be a thought provoking and fun year that will push you academically and allow you to meet and exceed 8th grade Academic Standards. This is my 12th year at WPA, and I am incredibly excited to be sharing this experience with each of you. I also look forward to communicating with you about the needs and successes of your child.
Textbooks/Library books
In 8th grade you will be using History Alive, Saxon Math, Making Meaning workbook, Literature, and various independent reading books. It is the student’s responsibility to return the books at the end of the year in the same condition as they received it. If not, the student/guardians will be responsible for the book. We have a classroom library so books need to be checked out.
Homework Policy
Woodland Park Academy has created a homework policy. Please read the Student Handbook.
Absences
If your child is absent it is his or her responsibility to get their missing assignments from me and then turn them in, in a timely fashion.
Snacks/Lunch
This year students may now buy breakfast. Our lunch is at 12:00-12:23; Students may bring in a healthy snack; they may eat their snack while we are working.
Reading Workshop
WELCOME TO LANGUAGE ARTS
8th Grade Curriculum: Based on the Michigan State Standards and Objectives
Reading “Get Ready to Read”
We will be exploring a variety of genres in both reading and writing through out this year. This year we will identify purpose, structure, style, meaning, and theme using selected reading strategies. Through mini-lessons and conferencing we will analyze, compare, and contrast characters, plots, settings, details, and work towards fluency. For the 1st marking the student’s goal is to read 8 novels per person. Don’t panic, you will be surprised at how easily you will accomplish this goal!
Writing Workshop
Students will learn the process to write a persuasive essay and research paper that is supported with evidence. Writing and analyzing news articles using appropriate form. We will be working on spelling words independently in written work and correctly using content-related vocabulary words.
Additional skills include, critical listening and oral presentation, forming a response, vocabulary, and grammar. Students will plan, organize, and participate in discussions and self/peer critique discussions.
Folders/Binders/notebooks
Students will be provided with two notebooks and folders. They are responsible for bringing in (2) three ring binders, with 3 dividers. One will be used for Reading Workshop and the other for Writing Workshop. These will be used for Daily Language Review, reading journals, writer’s notebook, grammar, and vocabulary.
Homework
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any work they may have missed.
