My name is Carol Jemes.  I have been teaching for fourteen years.  I love teaching language arts because I enjoy introducing students to different genres and writing techniques.  I would like for all of my students to leave my classroom as a life-long reader! 

September 28, 2011

Welcome to WMDS!  Many activities have been planned for the first quarter in Language Arts, as well an introduction to Reading Counts, the writing process, and narrative writing.

I am very excited about using literature and writing texts this year.  Our  literature text is entitled 8th grade Literature by McDougal Littell.  I will be receiving an on-line link very soon.  Our writing text is Write Source.  The online text is www.writesource.com/iwrite  It is a writing source that supports students and parents with articles, features, tips and contests.

I have been very encouraged by student's grades and responsibility.  I believe that I have a great group of students this year.  Students will be reading a number of pieces of literature during the first quarter.  This will include memoirs and fiction.  Students will be writing a memoir as well as other pieces of narrative writing. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your child.  My email address is cjemes(at)waynesville.k12.mo.us You may also contact me at 573-774-6198.

Assessment for Learning

My classroom uses the Assessment for Learning concept.  We begin each unit of study with a pretest.  Since pretests are just for determining areas of strengths and weaknesses, no grades are ever given on a pretest.  Once that pretest is self/herself over that particular objective.  

After the pretest comes the learning.  We will have variety of methods for learning.  We will practice concepts by doing work in class and working at home.  Practice is important, even if a grade is never given for it.

After the learning comes the test for a grade.  Reteaching takes place for students who not do well on the test..

Reading Counts deadlines for first quarter:

September 12

September 29

October 14

Reading Counts deadlines for second quarter:

November 4

November 28

December 16

 Reading Counts deadlines for third quarter:

January 20

February 10

March 2

Reading Counts deadlines for fourth quarter:

March 30

April 20

May 18

Academic Assistance:

I provide academic assistance every Tuesday from 2:45-3:45.  I would also be happy to stay with your child other evenings if given prior notice.

 Grading Scale:   

GRADE    PERCENTAGE    GRADE    PERCENTAGE
    
     A             95-100           C               73-76
     A-            90-94             C-              70-72
     B+           87-89             D+            67-69
     B              83-86             D              63-66
     B-             80-82             D-             60-62   
     C+            77-79             F               59-Below