Stacie Murdock Phone Number: 817-408-4850 Email: stacie.murdock@granburyisd

1. GMS MissionThe mission of Granbury Middle School is to provide a safe instructional environment that develops good citizens by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to achieve their potential as lifelong learners. Stacie Murdock Phone Number: 817-408-4850 Email: stacie.murdock@granburyisd.org Conference Period: 8:30 -9:22 am Teacher Tutoring Time(s): by appointment Subject Area Tutoring Times: Monday 8:00-8:30 – Berryman #214 Thursday 4:00-4:30 – Murdock #220 Friday 8:00-8:30 – Lopez #225

2. Course Description 7th Grade Language Arts In Grade 7, students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and written compositions. Seventh grade students analyze a speaker's persuasive techniques and credibility. Students evaluate a spoken message in terms of its content, credibility, and delivery. Seventh grade students continue to read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Students use knowledge of Greek and Latin roots and prefixes and suffixes in reading. Students recognize how style, tone, and mood contribute to the effect of the text. Seventh grade students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Students vary sentence structure and use verb tenses appropriately and consistently such as present, past, future, perfect, and progressive. Seventh grade students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Students produce final, error-free pieces of written composition on a regular basis. Seventh grade students draw data from multiple primary and secondary sources for use in research reports and projects.

3. Student Behaviors • Be Prompt • Do NOT ask to leave the classroom without a hall pass. • Once a student enters a classroom, he/she will not be allowed to leave unless it is an emergency or unless they are called to the office.

4. Student Behaviors • Be Prepared • Have these materials with you EVERY DAY: • Textbook • Writing Utensil • Completed Assignment • Requesting to leave to get one of the required materials will result in being marked tardy for the class period. • Students must use the restroom during the three minute passing period and should not be late to class. You will be allowed to use the restroom on an as needed basis as determined by the teacher. Take care of business during your passing period.

5. StudentBehaviors • Be a polite and positive participant • Speak only when given permission, and listen when others are speaking • Raise your hand and be called on by the teacher before you speak. • Be productive • Turn in work on time and always do your best • Use class-time given to work on assignments • Be a problem solver • Correct problems quickly and peacefully before they escalate

6. Student Behaviors Insubordination: • Students must courteously and respectfully comply with the directives of any staff member at all times. • Failure to comply with the directives of school personnel acting in the performance of their duties will be considered insubordination and subject to immediate disciplinary action (referral).

7. Student Behaviors • Prepared for class • In seat at all times • Respect rights, feelings & property of others • Always follow instructions • Timely to class (in seat at when bell rings) • Effort shown on work • Strive for EXCELLENCE!

8. Show Respect • Value yourself. Be honest and ethical, and practice strong moral values. You must respect yourself before anyone else will respect you. • Treat all members of the school community and all visitors with the politeness and respect you would expect them to treat you with. • Honor the ideas and opinions of others. • Offer to help those that need help. • Be responsible with property and belongings. • If you borrow something, put it away • Do NOT mark on furniture • Sit in chairs

9. Promote Life-Long Learning You can develop lifelong learning traits: • By showing curiosity about human nature and how the world works • By seeking and valuing diversity • By persisting in seeking out new solutions • By using your unique talents and intelligence to promote positive change • By learning and applying technological tools to solve problems

10. Materials List • 1 One-Subject Spiral Notebook • Black or Blue Ink Pen • Loose-leaf Notebook Paper • 1 Folder with pockets and brads • Independent Reading Book

11. Policies • Policies & consequences outlined in the student handbook will be strictly enforced. • No food, water or gum in class. • Be in your seat and quiet when the bell rings.

12. Other Classroom Policies WORK HARD & BE NICE!

13. Make-Up Work • Students will normally have one day for each day absent, plus one additional day to make up missed work. • If the student knew of the assignment well in advance of the absence, it may be due immediately upon return as determined by the teacher. • Teachers may also assign additional work to ensure students have sufficient opportunity to master the essential knowledge and skill or to meet course requirements. • A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will be referred to the Z.A.P. Policy. • Responsibility for requesting and completing make-up work rests entirely upon the student. • It is your responsibility to remember to turn in assignments, and it is not your teacher's responsibility to remind you.

14. Grading • Minor Grades – 60% • Examples: • Major Grades – 30% • Examples: • Common Assessment – 10%

15. Late Work LATE WORK POLICY • Late work will receive a grade no higher than 80.

16. Parent-Student Communication EMAIL ALERTS • Parents may sign up for Email Alerts by logging onto the GISD website at www.granburyisd.org. PHONE CALLS: • Parents will be notified of academic or discipline concerns. TEACHER WEB SITE • Information can be obtained by visiting my website at the following link: http://www.granburyisd.org/98920819153121220/site/default.asp

17. My Pledge To Students: I pledge to teach you the skills necessary to be successful in 7th grade Language Arts. I pledge also to respect you, to listen, and to be a mentor to guide you through 7th grade at GMS.