Dear Parents:

It’s a privilege to teach your children they are delightful and intellectual.

You are the primary persons responsible for the education of your children, I will make every effort to keep you informed as to various aspects of the curriculum and the rules and requirements so you can effectively assist your children with the learning process.

NEW LANGUAGE ARTS TEXTBOOKS:

We have just received new language arts textbooks entitled “HMH into Literature Texas”

· The student textbooks will always be kept in the classroom

If you would like to review the book, please go to website at www.hmhco.com/programs/into-literature which will give a general overview of the material or please stop by the classroom.

· The textbook and related notebook have a unique number which has been assigned to the student.

· If there are assignments requiring a page or two from the book, I will handout copies of the applicable pages or upload the pages to my Google Classroom.

· Each student has a classroom notebook in which they will keep their completed assignments, essays, tests, quizzes, book reports, notes, etc.

· The student is responsible to keep their assigned textbook and notebook in good condition. If the materials are damaged (ripped, marked in, lost, etc.), the student will be responsible to replace it. The cost to replace the textbook is $150

· NOTE: We will also continue to use the existing vocabulary workbook.

GRADING:

The grading plan is as follows.

· Test / Projects is 25%

· Classwork is 25%

· Quizzes is 20%

· Homework is 15%

· Participation is 15%

Participation includes class discussions and related activities. The students were advised about the grading on the first day of school.

ESSAYS:

The requirements for ALL essays are:

· Preferably typed (computer or a typewriter) Note: The school will loan a Chromebook if the parent form is returned

· Use the MLA format (Modern Language Association). I have started to teach the MLA format which is mandatory in high schools and colleges. I will gradually add additional components of the MLA format as the year progresses.

· Use the “special heading” which identifies the student and has other information.

 Each student’s “special heading” has been set up in the Google docs account for each student.

 This heading must be in 12-point, Times New Roman font, with their last name and page number in the upper right corner on the first page.

· Submission can be through Google Classroom in which case they do not need to submit a hard copy unless I otherwise specifically request that they do so.

· Comply with all requirements and instructions in the prompts and stay on subject.

READING:

Although some students have indicated that they do not like to read, reading is an important element of education (and life) especially an integral part of any language arts program!

· Reading: Stories and poems will be regularly assigned.

· Reading List: Students will need to read 4 books from the list which was provided prior to the beginning of school and posted on this page.

· Book Reports: Book reports will be required at least quarterly. I will most likely ask the student to choose any book which is age appropriate for school. If the book is not on the list, please have your student get my approval prior to reading the book.

COMPLETION AND DELIVERY OF WORK:

· All assignments (classwork, homework, essays, or projects) need to be submitted by the stated deadline.

· Please review the Student Parent Handbook section with respect to late work.

· Note: Up until now, I have been very lenient with respect to late submission of assignments. However, accepting late submissions is not fair to the other students who comply with the deadlines nor is it good for the student who is submitting late. On Monday on September 26th, I will enforce the late work requirements (with the exception of an excused absence).

PREPARATION AND PLANNING:

All of the students are in Middle School and need to be personally responsible for completing their homework AND bringing it to school. I will no longer accept statements such as their parent did not put it in my bookbag or similar responses.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE:

If students need additional help with understanding the material or the assignment, I have advised them that I am more than willing to assist them and am usually available during the day – all they need to do is ask!

If you have questions, please feel free to call me at the school (210) 824-6431 or email me at [email protected]

Yours in Christ,

Christopher Lanphar

St. Pius X Catholic School

ELA Middle School Teacher

Sixth Grade Religion Teacher

6th Grade:
1st Qtr – D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths
2nd Qtr – The Devil’s Arithmetic
3rd Qtr – Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
4th Qtr -- Where the Red Fern Grows


7th Grade:
1st Qtr – The Giver
2nd Qtr – Chains
3rd Qtr – The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas
4th Qtr – The Outsiders

8th Grade:
1st Qtr – Animal Farm
2nd Qtr – Glass Menagerie
3rd Qtr – Inherit the Wind
4th Qtr – To Kill a Mockingbird