Riverdale Grade School

The Riverdale 7/8-language arts program is based on Oregon's model of English Language Arts Comprehensive Curriculum Goals, the Essential Learning Skills, the Riverdale Language Arts Scope and Sequence, the Performance Standards for the 8th Grade Benchmarks Certificate of Initial Mastery, the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools and the No Child Left Behind Act.

The 7/8-language arts program is sequential. Skills and instructional material focused on during a student's 7^th grade year are reviewed and refined in the 8^th grade year, and development of some new and different skills begins. While there are certain norms of achievement scheduled within the language arts scope and sequence, students don't always reach them at the same time or through the same methods of instruction. What may be a challenge to one student may be a breeze for another. Consequently, the Riverdale upper level language arts program tries to accommodate the diverse learning styles and rates of each student. The ultimate goal is that every student be challenged but not overwhelmed.

Certainly another goal of the 7/8-language arts program, as well as all of the other subject areas, is to prepare Riverdale students for the academic rigors of high school. It's our intention that your sons and daughters will depart Riverdale Elementary equipped with the skills, knowledge, study habits, and self-confidence they'll need to be independent, successful learners in the high school environment.

Some Specifics:

What follows is a compendium of the subject matter that your son/daughter will be studying in 7/8 language arts this school year.

Writing

-- Steps of the writing process (first draft, revising, final draft)

-- Paragraph writing (topic sentence, coherence, unity)

-- Paragraph writing (narrative, descriptive, persuasive, expository)

-- Expository compositions (research paper, book report, literary analysis)

-- Poetry

Reading

-- Literature studies (short story, novel, poetry, drama, nonfiction)

-- Literary elements (theme, plot, setting, characterization, figurative language, conflict, climax, etc.)

-- Independent reading

Vocabulary (usually weekly)

-- Word Lists

-- Definitions

-- Usage in sentence writing

-- Etymologies

-- Companion forms of words (example: compatible, compatibility)

-- Meaning through context

-- Weekly tests

Spelling (usually weekly)

-- Word lists

-- Phonics generalizations

-- Prefix/suffix

-- Homonyms

-- Weekly tests

Grammar

-- Subject/predicate

-- Sentence classification by purpose

-- Parts of speech (noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, verb, conjunction, preposition, interjection)

-- Complements (direct and indirect objects, / predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives)

-- Phrases (prepositional, infinitive, participial, gerund, appositive)

-- Clauses (subordinate and independent)

-- Classification of sentences by structure

Usage

-- Correct pronoun usage and pronoun/antecedent agreement

-- Subject/verb agreement

-- Modifiers (degrees of comparison)

-- Principal parts of verbs

Mechanics

-- Capitalization

-- Punctuation (end marks, comma, colon, semicolon, quotation marks, hyphens, apostrophes)

Study Skills

-- Reading techniques

-- Note taking

-- Identifying main ideas and supporting details

-- Distinguishing fact from opinion

-- Strategies for test taking

Texts and other materials

7^th Grade Elements of Language (First Course)

Elements of Literature (First Course)

7th Grade Vocabulary List (teacher-generated)

Animal Farm

Supplemental short stories and poems

Oregon Writing Scoring Guide

Student-selected novel(s)

8^th Grade Elements of Language (Second Course)

Elements of Literature (Second Course)

8th Grade Vocabulary List (teacher-generated)

Flex-Text (anthology of hand-picked short stories)

To Kill A Mockingbird

The Diary of Anne Frank

Hamlet

Supplemental short stories and poems

Oregon Writing Scoring Guide

Student-selected novel(s)

Riverdale 7/8 Science Program

Instructor: Ms. Jill Leve

E-mail: jleve@riverdale.k12.or.us

The upper grades science program is a 2-year course, taught on a unit schedule. The curriculum is based on the Riverdale Science Scope and Sequence, the Oregon Department of Education Content and Performance Standards and the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools.

My goal as a teacher is to:

1. Help students develop an understanding of the world and the connections within it.

2. Prepare students to use appropriate scientific processes and to be able to make educated decisions about the world around them.

3. Foster a love of science and a desire to learn more.

I am excited to be teaching science to your children and am looking forward to a wonderful year. Please email me with any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Jill Leve

7/8 SCIENCE GRADING FORMAT AND EXPECTATIONS

There will be a minimum of 7 ways you can earn points towards your grade:

1. Homework—assigned most weekdays

2. Classwork—varies depending on how extensive

3. Lab experiments—generally one per week, due 1-2 days after lab has been completed

4. Quizzes—vary, should be 5-30 points, unannounced or announced

5. Tests—vary, 50+ points, always announced at least one week prior

6. Projects—80-100 points, always announced with sufficient time for completion

7. Notebook—collected at least one time during each trimester and is 10% of overall trimester grade (7^th grade only)

Grading scale is 90-100+% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69% D, 0-59% F

ASSIGNMENTS:

All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late work will lose 20% for every school day that it is late. After 5 days, the work should still be turned in, so it will no longer be considered 'missing,' though its value will be minimal.
Homework assignments may be letter graded (A, B, C, D), accuracy graded (9/10 correct) or checked.
All assignments must be headed properly (name, #, date, assignment) in the upper right corner. They also must be completed in black/blue ink, pencil or typed.
Any assignment without a name will be RECYCLED and will earn a 0!
Every assignment needs to be completely and thoroughly completed and if it isn't, it will be returned to be redone for some loss of credit.
If a student misses school for any reason, it is their responsibility to find out what they missed and get any needed papers and assignments and complete them in the required timeframe. Get copies from friends or from the bin of extra papers in the classroom.
Missed work due to excused absences needs to be made up, or it will lower the overall grade and may result in a loss of comprehension. Certain assignments may require time after school, during a study hall or lunch/recess.
Unless there is an extended absence, make-up work must be completed within the number of days of the absence for full credit. For example, if a student misses Monday and Tuesday, all make-up work should be turned in by that Friday. Any work turned in after this time will be considered late work and will lose 20% per school day. Alternative assignments may be given, to be determined by teacher.
Work and tests due during a planned absence should be completed prior to that absence.
Homework should take 15-30 minutes each night (M-Th). I do not want students spending more than 30 minutes on any regular assignment (studying for tests and projects are the exception). Please email me or sign-off on the assignment if it is going to take more than 30 minutes.

TESTS:

Any test or quiz that earns less than 60% will require a parent signature.
Missed tests and quizzes must be made-up, preferably on the day of return. Extended absences will be given allowances.
Study guides will be given and posted on my webpage by the Friday before a test and all tests are announced at least one week ahead of time.
Tests may cover material from class notes and handouts (1^st place to study), the textbook, labs, videos, presentations, homework assignments, and class activities.
Tests can consist of multiple choice, T/F, short answer, completion, analyzing graphics, and practical lab-type exams.

CLASS BEHAVIOR:

Respect for all people, supplies and property is expected at all times.
Come to class prepared every day, which includes bringing your science notebook, textbook, planner, pens/pencils and any needed supplies for the day.
Use class time effectively and productively.
Participate in class and ask for help when needed. I am available for help during class, before and after school (except when there are meetings), and during the elective periods.

OTHER:

"Bonus leaves" will be awarded as behavior incentives. Each is worth 1 extra credit point. It must be signed and can be turned in on any Monday of the trimester, to count during that trimester.
Homework passes will be given out for superb test/quiz scores (98.0% and above) and in cases of extraordinary behavior. They can be used to replace any regular, written, nightly homework assignment. They may also be turned in at the end of the year (June) for extra credit.
Extra credit is offered occasionally and will only count as points for the student. There will be NO last-minute extra credit options at the end of the trimester.
I will check my school e-mail at 8 P.M. and will try to respond.
Computers used in the classroom must be treated respectfully, returned undamaged and with the original settings.
No games may be played on the computers and permission is required to check e-mail. Computers are to be used for school-related purposes only.

All grades will be posted regularly. These grades can be accessed through my webpage at any time. You will be responsible for checking this regularly and keeping up with grades and any missed work.

ONLINE TEXTBOOK:

Click here to access the textbook. The username is the student's first and last name, no spaces and no capital letters (ex. johnsmith) and the password is the same as their online grade password.

WORK SAMPLES:

Each grade (7^th and 8^th) will complete many practice work samples and preparatory samples prior to the actual work samples for the state of Oregon. The first of these final samples will be completed around winter break, and subsequent samples will be completed, if needed.

For access to our science curriculum, please download the .pdf version of this document or check out the 7/8 science curriculum maps.

Riverdale 7/8 Spanish

2011-12 Academic Year

Instructor: Mrs. Angela Dawes

email: adawes@riverdale.k12.or.us

website: Here

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is amazing that I have been at Riverdale for 12 years! After living in Central America for two years and Spain for one, I settled here in Portland. I am really excited about this year and getting to know all the students in Spanish classes more and more. Please feel free to look around the room and ask any questions that you may have.

The most important goal of the Riverdale Spanish program is to provide a climate that is safe to take the risks of delving into new cultures and the languages that nurture them. My goal is for the kids to have fun and to do their best. The

Riverdale 7^th and 8^th grade foreign Spanish program is based on a curriculum that follows the guidelines for oral proficiency set forth the by the American Confederation of Teachers of Foreign Language (ACTFL). The curriculum map is available in the RGS website.

During Spanish classes, the students will participate in a variety of activities that focus on oral, listening, reading and writing proficiency in the Spanish language.

The goals for this year are as follows:

Within the grammar and vocabulary studied, the students will be able to speak, read and write in the target language, understand the spoken language and have a respect and understanding of the cultures surrounding the countries that speak the target language.
The students will demonstrate respect for each other and the school environment.
After Spanish II, the students will enter a competitive high school Spanish language program in either year 2 or 3.

Textbook

There is a new online textbook this year. You can access the PDF of the textbook here . There is also an interactive web-based textbook version. The login is here.

The Class ID is: voces7509 and the User ID is: 46856 if you have problems with the web-based version, please email me.

Homework and Grades

I believe that kids need to be assessed in many different ways.

All assignments, quizzes and tests are on a point system that is then converted into a percentage at the end of the trimester. When my grades are posted, they will be available to check here.

Homework assignments have two functions: to reinforce what has been done in class or to quickly introduce the student to a topic. Homework is assigned every weeknight and almost always is due the next day. If your child is consistently doing over 25 minutes of Spanish homework a night, please email me.

Homework is worth 10 points. Homework that has not been completed a week after it is due, will not be counted. Late homework is 5 points.

Homework (10 points)

Speaking assessments (25 points)

Quizzes - oral and written - weekly (100 points)

Cultural Activity (100 points) - due at the end of each trimester

Students do have a term project due in November. It is called the "Cultural Activity". This is due at the end of the term and may require some help from home! Look for information on my website in the Cultural Activity folder.

Please email or call me if you have any questions or if your student is struggling in Spanish class. I welcome any comments or email if you are interested in helping with fiestas.

Gracias,

Angela Kendall Dawes

Social Studies

Instructor: Mr. Jeff Robinson

jrobinson@riverdale.k12.or.us

Welcome back to a new school year at the NEW Riverdale Grade School. I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing summer and that you all are ready to begin again. This school year is going to be awesome!

I would first like to explain that success in anything begins with a commitment. I am committed to being the very best teacher that I can be. I am asking for a commitment from my parents and students as well. I have a couple of things that I believe are crucial.

The two key elements that are vital to student success are ATTENDANCE in class and COMPLETION of homework. In-class instruction, group work, and teacher assistance can only take place if students are in school. Plan your time well to include homework and "down" time, along with getting the proper amount of rest. Putting work off until the last minute usually proves to be disastrous!

Students will be recording daily and long-term assignments in the planners given out during the first week of school. Assignments are always written on the front board every day and updated on my website calendar page. So, when students do need to miss class, they need to check my webpage for any work that they may have missed.

Additionally, participation in class is also a key element for student success. Below, I have outlined the expectations for participation.

Participation grade

Being in the right place and the right time doing the right thing is the basis of the Participation grade.

This includes:

* coming to class on time in a quiet and calm manner

* bringing ALL necessary supplies

* following teacher directions

* talking when it is appropriate and being a respectful listener

* putting forth your best effort

Online grades

I use a web based grade program so that parents and students may track academic progress. These reports are updated about every two weeks. You may access the online progress reports by clicking here.

I am truly excited to be teaching here at Riverdale, and I look forward to taking this educational journey with all of you.

Thank you,

Mr. Jeff Robinson

7^th and 8^th Grade Social Studies

TEXTBOOKS

8^th Grade- The American Republic-Glencoe 2005

Civics Today-Glencoe 2005

7^th Grade- Journey Across Time- Glencoe 2005

The World and its People- Glencoe 2005

The above textbooks may be accessed online by clicking here

ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments are graded using "points earned" over "points possible" (19/20 = 95%) to determine the percentage earned. All assignments need to be neatly and fully completed, with proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and paragraphing. All major written assignments are to be done in ink or computer, no exceptions.

Assignments are to be turned in at the start of class on the date due. Any assignments turned in after 4:00 P.M. of the due date will be considered late. Late assignments are assessed a penalty deduction of 20% for each day the assignment is late. Assignments not turned in after one week will not be accepted and the grade will be recorded as a zero. (Some assignments are due at the start of class and are not eligible for the 4:00 P.M. option).

Types of assignments: written textbook assignments, handouts, note-taking assignments, essay questions, essay reports, term papers, class discussions, oral class presentations, and projects.

Assignments must be completed neatly, with a proper heading, which includes your name, date, class period, and name of the assignment listed in the upper right hand corner of the paper. Work turned in that is messy or incomplete will be returned to be redone and will be considered late. Papers turned in without names will be discarded for no credit.

TESTS

Nearly all the material covered on assignments or in class will be on the tests.

Other sources for test material include: class discussions, lectures, projects, films, guest speakers, textbook reading, supplemental sources and class activities.

Types of tests: quizzes, pop quizzes, unit tests, midterms and finals. Other forms of evaluation: oral presentations, projects, take home tests.

Types of testing methods: map reading, multiple-choice, short and long essay, matching, and fill in the blank. Nearly all tests (except pop-quizzes) are announced one week in advance.

IN-CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Class behavior is part of the class participation score and is assessed along with the regular class work. Attention in class is expected at all times.

Students need to use time effectively and productively. With the large amount of work required in the Upper Grades there is no time to waste. On most occasions, class time will be made available to start homework assignments.

Students are expected to actively and positively participate in all class activities.

CLASS PREPAREDNESS

Come to class quietly, prepared, and on time, every time. Bring proper materials to class, including the assignment planner/notebook.

Schedule time wisely.

Set aside a consistent block of time after school for homework.

Plan the week so as not to be overloaded with hours of homework in one night. This is especially true for assignments in Social Studies and studying for tests.

If a student misses school for any reason, it is THEIR responsibility to make sure to get the homework assignments/notes missed for that day(s). Check Mr. Robinson's homework page for posted assignments and instructions. Call a friend for details if necessary. One day will be extended on the due date for every day missed.

If students/parents know they are going to be absent for reasons other than illness, a planned absent form needs to be completed at least 24 hours prior to your leaving school.

COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY

Students have access to the class computers provided they treat the equipment respectfully.
No games may be played on the computers and permission is required to check e-mail for school-related purposes only.

Changing/tampering the computers, settings, applications, etc. will be cause for being banned from using class equipment.

Students may use their personal computers provided school policy is properly followed.

OTHER

Please ask for help. I also check my school e-mail at 8:00 P.M., so if there is a question about an assignment, I will respond if I receive the e-mail BEFORE 8:00 P.M.

Try your best on all the homework. If you are unsure of what to do, ask a friend, or take some initiative and do what you think is best. I will appreciate the effort.

Additionally, most assignments should take no more than 25 minutes. I do not want students spending more than 30 minutes a night on any one assignment.

Welcome tback to school, I've been enjoying the chance to begin working with your students again this year. This will be my fourth year at Riverdale, and my eighth year teaching. I taught in Brooklyn, NY and Manizales, Colombia before moving back to the northwest and settling in at Riverdale. I believe that students need to learn the techniques of math and to apply those settings in problem solving contexts to build a deep understanding.

In a typical math class, students will complete a warm-up, learn new material, and have time to work on their assignment with help from their group and myself. I try to leave 10 to 15 minutes of class time each day for students to work on their assignments and ask questions before they leave. It is important that students take advantage of this time to dive in and wrestle with concepts and new skills.

You can help your students in math by ensuring that they are completing their HW each night and coming to school with their required materials the next day.

Homework: HW is assigned most every day and updated on the HW calendar on my homepage. The primary source of HW is the whiteboard. The assignment is written on the board in the same spot each class. At the end of the day I post the HW assignments online. When students have difficulty on homework assignments they are encouraged to come in and ask me the next day. I am happy to allow more time when needed, but I need to know when it is needed and why. Otherwise assignments completed late will have points deducted for lateness.

Online Textbook: There is one. See the link from my homepage for the link, login info, and password.

Grades: My grades are back online this year. Your student filled out a survey and I have collected passwords. You need only type your child's last name and their password to view the grades. Please let me know if you encounter any issues with the online grades. The grades are weighted, 70% from content scores, 20% from HW, and 10% participation

Communication: I have a class blog at hclassblog.wordpress.com. I will post updates to the blog throughout the year. You are always welcome to email me (nhershman@riverdale.k12.or.us) or call the school (503-262-4842) to get hold of me.

Teach a Class? Would you like to come talk to a Pre-Algebra, Algebra or Geometry class about the mathematics of the work you do? Do you have a hobby that is technical and involves mathematical skill? As the math that your students learn becomes more complex and abstract, they will be that much more intrigued by the actual practical applications. I'd love to work with you to share your knowledge and experience with the students in my class, and I'm sure they'd be eager to have you step in for a day. Last year we had presenters come speak about Statistics in Education Policy, Finance, and Construction. If you would like to get involved let me know!

I look forward to meeting families I haven't worked with yet and continuing to build relationships with those I've worked with before. Please let me know if you have questions or concerns. I appreciate your feedback and will work hard to provide the best math education I can for your students.

Back-to-School Night

Textbook

Homework and Grades

Pre-Algebra, Algebra, & Geometry