Welcome to the 8th grade! My name is Ms. Dill and I’m super energized to work with you all this school year. This year, the Intervention Literacy Support experience will consist of exciting new literacy strategies and creative writing opportunities. This will be an exciting year for all! 

This class is designed to act as a support to their Language Arts class. We will be using the Common Lit curriculum as a framework for students learning. In all classes, students will be distributed novels on their reading and comprehension levels and tested using the accelerated reader and a combination of the i-Ready reading program. 

Students will focus on reading, writing, and discussing various complex texts and themes. Throughout the year we work in small and larger groups in conjunction with learning new vocabulary daily. 

Furthermore, I look forward to meeting all of you and playing a pivotal role in your child’s education. Again, Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have | [email protected]

Students will

• Develop an ability to write about problems from historical, philosophical, rhetorical and/or cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. Engage in group discussions and activities to develop critical perspectives, a clear sense of audience, and a fluent and effective style
• Plan, write, and revise formal essays, one of which will involve research and the integration of multiple sources. Essays will include narrative, interpretive, and persuasive strategies. Develop critical attitudes toward culture and media

1. Attend class every day, on time.
2. Treat the classroom and all those in it with respect. Keeping the space clean is a must. Permission to leave the room is required.
3. Always do your best. There are no excuses in my classroom, only accommodations. 
4. Complete assignments on time, unless discussed with me first. 
5. Ask for help when you need it and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. 
6. Be impeccable with your word. If you say you are going to do something, then do it. 
7. Don’t assume things. Do the research and ask questions.
8. Don’t take things personally. We are all still learning and adapting. Learn to practice patience with everyone, including yourself.
9. If you show love, you will get love. If you show hate, you will get hate. Be reciprocal. 
10. Never give up. You fail the moment you decide not to try.

Alliance Leadership Middle Academy school-wide grading system is through standards based grading on the following scale:

A (3.4 and above) = Advanced

B (2.7 and above) = Proficient

C (2.0 and above) = Basic

NP (1.99 and below) = Below Basic & Far Below Basic

Academic grades are determined by the student’s mastery of each target 8th grade English Language Arts, CA content standards  

Life & Work Skills grades are determined by the student’s average score on class work and homework (i.e. binder checks, focus notes, class assignments, reading, homework)

Students will be required to complete writing assignments, tests/exams, and homework. Students will also be required to participate meaningfully and respectfully in classroom discussions, maintain good attendance, have a respectful and positive attitude, and come to class ready to learn! This includes but is not limited to: 

• All backpacks and bags must be stored away properly upon entering the classroom. They must be stored behind your chair at all times. 

• Absolutely no eating allowed. 

• No drinks but water allowed. 

• The usage of cellphones in my classroom is prohibited. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of your phone until the end of the class period. Being a recidivist will result in the cell phone being confiscated until a parent or guardian comes to retrieve it.  

• All students are required to practice self-control. This includes monitoring their behavior and extra talk outside of instruction, being distracting to other students, using profanity, not following classroom rules & expectations, and violating school policy and regulations. Failure to practice self-control will result in administrative intervention.

Students who do not follow the appropriate guidelines for behavior and whom do not meet classroom expectations will incur the following consequences in sequential order:

• Warning (verbal or written)
• Intervention (seat change, parent contact, refocus, teacher-student conference)
• Severe Cases and repetitive behavior issues will result in referrals to school administration