Mr.Amarasekara: Language Arts & Social Studies
Welcome to the seventh grade!
The goal for our students this year is to master 7 th grade state standards and develop the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills they will need to be successful and prepared to succeed in future education, career, and life. Please encourage your child to complete daily assignments and projects in order to master all content taught throughout the school year. The following information will help you prepare for a successful year:
Heritage Intermediate School’s Mission Statement
The Heritage Intermediate Staff will collaborate to ensure that all students learn at high levels and are prepared for success in the real world.
Subject Information
Language Arts
StudySync: A comprehensive, 21 st century English Language Arts program for grades 6-12. The program leverages cutting edge technology to create an engaging, relevant program.
StudySync provides standards-based instruction that can easily be customized to ensure all students are ready for college and career in the 21 st century.
4 Units
1. In Pursuit
2. The Powers that Be
3. Justice Served
4. Getting Along
Social Studies
History Alive!The Medieval World and Beyond will provide your child exciting pathways into medieval times. Exploring, discussing, and interpreting information are some of the ways that your child will become involved in the curriculum. Leveled Questioning and Learning Targets will be essential to mastery of standards.
Daily Preparation
Being organized is extremely important! For some this is half the battle. The students should bring their Binder Reminders, spiral notebooks, and any other supplies needed daily.
Missing Assignments/Late Homework
We believe homework is a tool for reinforcing concepts and skills taught in class. Classwork is due the same day and all homework is due the following day, unless otherwise stated. Assignments not finished during class will be completed at home as well.
Missing assignments will be scored as a zero or no credit. If a missing assignment is turned in late it will receive half credit. If the missing assignment is not turned in within the week of which it was due, that assignment will remain as a zero in the grade book.
Late Projects or Writing Assignments
For each day the project is late, the score will be reduced by 5%.
Absent Work
Absent students are responsible for all make-up work. For each day your child is absent he/she will be allowed two days to submit all missing assignments. Assignments will be made available for your child the day he/she returns. It is the student’s responsibility to acquire his/her absent assignments immediately upon returning to school.
Ways of Communication
1.E-mail or Telephone-E-mail addresses and school phone numbers are in your child’s Binder Reminder.
Mr. Amarasekara
manjusri_amarasekara@etiwanda.org
(909) 357-1345
2.Google Classroom -Provides access to assignments, updates, and resources.
3.Heritage Intermediate School Website/Teacher Website – It is important for students and parents to check our teacher websites daily. Important announcements, daily homework, weekly plans, and other important resources will be posted and available to parents and students.
4. Aeries Gradebook-Grades will be posted weekly on Aeries Online Gradebook. This will show your child’s current grade and any missing or incomplete assignments. Students are responsible to check grades and missing assignments.
5. Heritage Binder Reminder - This is a superior organizational tool. Each student received one to help him/her keep track of daily assignments and projects. They are to be brought to school each day. Please check your child’s Binder Reminder daily and respond to any notes from his/her teachers. This is also a great way for you to write notes to us.
Classroom Expectations
With the belief that lifelong success depends on self-discipline, we have developed a classroom discipline plan to ensure that all students can learn and master the required content in a safe and task-oriented environment. All students deserve the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth. Our classroom expectations are:
C.A.R.E.
Come to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn.
Act in a responsible manner by being cooperative and not disruptive.
Respect all adults, other students, and yourself.
Excel in all you do while learning and mastering the required content. No excuses!
H.A.W.K. R.U.L.E.S.
Have a positive attitude.
Always come to class prepared .
Work hard to earn good grades.
Know how to ask good questions.
Respect your teachers and others .
Utilize class time wisely .
Learn from your mistakes.
Enter and exit class quietly.
Stay in your assigned seat
Rewards
1. Verbal praise
2. Participation in grade level activities
3. Positive notes/phone calls home
4. Earn Reward Tickets
5. Monthly Rewards
Consequences *Students who choose not to follow the expectations will receive consequences such as…
1. Verbal warning
2. After School Detention
3. Parent Contact(Phone call, email, or note)
4. Parent Conference
5. Referral to Administrator
NOTE: In severe cases students will be referred immediately to the office.
Grading Scale
Assignment Types Values and Percentages
Homework 10%
Classwork 25%
Quizzes/Projects 30%
Tests 35%
We look forward to a very exciting and productive school year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Amarasekara
