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    7th Grade Language Arts

    Mrs. Murphy          RM: 302       penny.murphy@dvusd.org   (602) 467-6550

     

    Welcome to 7th grade. I am looking forward to a great year of learning!

    Class Description and Objectives:  During the school year we will be working diligently in Language Arts to cover a wide array of standards. A copy of these standards can be accessed on our district website. The areas we will cover will range from reading and analyzing the elements of literature, expository texts, poetry, vocabulary, functional texts, and persuasive writings. Of course, we will also be incorporating writing into much of what we do in class on a daily basis. We will be composing essays, narratives, letters, and poetry.

    Curriculum: We will use the Collections (Grade 7) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt textbook.  The textbook may be accessed at my.hrw.com or through Canvas. We will also use a site called No Red Ink to offer individualization.

    Supplies: Students will need their school planner (provided by DSMS), an ample supply of pencils, eraser, pens, highlighters, and a composition book or a spiral notebook (to be kept in the classroom). 

    Donations of facial tissue, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes are always greatly appreciated.

    **Arizona law requires that public schools provide supplies required for academic success. This list represents optional, supplementary items which you may supply, at your discretion.

    Classroom Expectations: Students should be on time, prepared for class, and respectful to all others in the classroom. Students should ask appropriate questions when they arise and listen when others are speaking. The use of cell phones and personal music devices is prohibited in the classroom unless special permission is given. Failure to follow any of these expectations will result in discipline ranging from verbal warnings, detentions, up to referrals to the office. All students have the right to learn and no student will impede that right.

    Assignments and Late Work: Assigned work must be completed and prepared to turn in to the teacher at the end of class on the assigned day. If a student does not have an assignment completed, it will become homework. Otherwise, homework is not assigned. Most assignments will be assigned through Canvas.

    Absent Work: Students are responsible for picking up absent work upon returning to school. They will have 1 day for every day they are absent to complete the work. In cases of long-term absences, special arrangements will be made by the teacher. Keep in mind that most assignments are posted in Canvas and can be accessed anytime.

    Grades: Grades will be updated weekly on the online Power Schools system. It is important that you and your student have access to their current grades in all classes. Students’ grades are divided into two main categories: 70% for assessments, essays, and projects, and 30% for classwork. I’m looking forward to another amazing school year. Please feel free to contact me at any point if you have questions or concerns.  

    I encourage parents and students to gain access to Power Schools, the district's online grade book, by clicking the Power Schools icon on the school’s website.  The Username and Password are the same as the student’s login information on the school computer. You may choose to download the Power Schools app on your phone, too.

    Please contact me anytime.  Phone calls go directly to voicemail any time of the day.  I will return your calls/email within 24 hours. I look forward to a successful year.

     

    Sincerely,

    Penny Murphy

    ELA/Student Support Services