About Your Teacher

​​​Ms. Rubio

Reading

We will read a variety of genres--short stories, novels, poems.  We will read some stories written recently.  Others will be thousands of years old.  We will not read just to find out the ending.  Each time, we will ask questions that make us think beyond the story.

Writing

There will be a lot of writing as well.  Writing short responses, essays and poetry.  Writing communicates thoughts, new ideas, knowledge, and feelings.  We will use writing for various purposes and through various mediums.

Listening

Listening to stories and to others read is one way to understand.  We understand the message.  We understand the emotions.  We understand how to be better readers.  We will listen to the teacher, other students, and on-line read alouds. We will ask questions about what we heard.  Then we will write about what we heard. 

Class Overview and Other Information

Expectations

Be respectful
Be open-minded to different views and opinions
Participate in class discussions
Ask questions 
Do your honest best
Meet deadlines
 Wait to be dismissed from class
No gum or food in class
No Gatorade, juices, sodas, or drinks from Starbucks/McDonald's (finish these in the lunch area.)
(Water bottles are acceptable as long as they contain only water)

•  Time in class is given to do most assigned work. Any unfinished work may become Homework.  Incomplete work is unacceptable and will receive an Assignment Card.  
• Tests—On material covered in literature, grammar, and units from StudySync  as they become due and the District Writing Assessment (DWA).  
• Independent Reading—students are expected to have a novel every day to read in class and at home. 
•  Participation/Quality of Work—asking questions, expressing ideas, citing examples, turning in thoughtful and complete work are all considered part of learning.  It demonstrates the active role you take in your own learning.  Has no specific point value, but could determine the difference between grades.  
• Extra credit is not given as an individual assignment.  It is occasionally part of some activities or when the work done exceeds the basic requirements.

                       Required Materials

1. Pencils, small sharpener, and erasers
2. Blue or black pen (work in any other color will NOT be accepted)
3. Loose writing paper (torn out notebook paper with ragged edges is unacceptable.)
4. A novel or equally challenging book for Silent Reading.

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Grading Policy

Mendez Policies

A=90-100%
B=80-89
C=79-70   
D=69-60
F=59-0
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Absences and Late Work

Late assignments, with the exception of absences and/or previously discussed with me, will not be accepted.  Check here or email me for missed assignments.
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Tardies
           
Students are expected to be in their seat ready to start class before the bell rings. 
If not, he or she may be given a tardy card and/or detention.