Class News - Page 4

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Class News: Classroom Expectation

September 8, 2025

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are excited to begin this journey with you and your child. At St. A’s, we believe that learning is most successful when school and families work hand-in-hand, grounded in our Catholic faith. Below you will find important details about our classroom policies, and academic expectations.

Communication

You can reach me directly at principal@saschool. Emails will be returned within 24 hours.
All official communication will be sent to the email address you have on file. If your contact information has changed, please notify the school office immediately.
Phone calls or in-person meetings can be scheduled as needed. I will also provide updates on student performance at least twice a month.

Google Classroom & School Website

Google Classroom: Lessons, assignments, study resources, and weekly updates will be posted daily. Parents may opt in for notifications about missing or late assignments. A link to join will be sent once students are enrolled.
School Website: Contains links to each Google Classroom, important parent resources, schedules, and updates. Please check regularly for new information.

Option C & Grades

Grades and progress reports are posted to Option C.
Teacher will update grades at least once every two weeks.
Parents/guardians should check Option C regularly to track progress and address issues before they become serious.
In addition, I will personally reach out to families if a student is failing or in danger of failing.

Homework & Assignments: Homework helps students build responsibility, self-discipline, and mastery of skills.

Expectations: Students are responsible for completing all assignments, including homework, classwork, and projects.
Late Work: Due to my dual role, no late work will be accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances and I have approved them.
Quizzes & Tests: Teachers may occasionally give unannounced assessments (“pop quizzes”) to check for ongoing understanding. Students who are absent must complete the exam on the day they return.

Classroom Expectations

To maintain a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment, students are expected to:

Arrive on time, prepared, and in uniform each day.
Keep cell phones turned off and stored in the classroom closet during the day.
Raise their hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
Treat classmates, teachers, and school property with respect.
Maintain clean and organized desks and personal spaces.
Bring only what is needed for class to their desks; other belongings remain in backpacks.
Consume only water in a sealable, reusable bottle (max size: 16 oz).
Take responsibility for making up work after an excused absence. No late work will be accepted for unexcused absences.

Uniform Policy

Students must wear the full regulation uniform each day.
During colder months, only school-branded sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn in the classroom.
On virtual learning days, uniforms are still required.
Please review the student handbook for full details.

Subject Overview

7th Grade

ELA (Substitute): Students will read a variety of novels and nonfiction texts to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Both creative and analytical writing will be emphasized.
Social Studies (Substitute): Focus on American History I—from the nation’s beginnings through 1877. Students will explore early settlement, the Revolutionary War, the Constitution, and the Civil War.

8th Grade

ELA (Substitute): Analysis of literature and nonfiction, advanced grammar, and expository/argumentative writing.
Social Studies (Substitute): Focus on American History II—from 1877 to the present. Students will explore Reconstruction, industrialization, world conflicts, the Civil Rights Movement, and contemporary issues.

Faith & Prayer

At St. A’s, we believe faith is woven into every part of education. Students will:

Begin and end each day with prayer.
Participate in classroom prayer, scripture reflections, and seasonal devotions.
Attend and actively participate in school Mass.
Celebrate the liturgical seasons (Advent, Lent, Easter) with special prayer experiences.

Non-Catholic students are warmly welcomed. They are expected to participate respectfully in faith activities and are encouraged to share their perspectives where appropriate.

Summer 2025 Reading Assignments
For Incoming 7th & 8th Graders

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope you and your family are enjoying a restful summer. Please find below the summer reading assignments for incoming 7th and 8th grade students. Mr. Dutton has retired. We thank him for his years of service and wish him well. The summer assignment was posted at a later date, and many families did not receive the notification.

📚 Incoming 8th Grade

Required Book:
Dear America: Young Readers’ Edition: The Story of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas

Vargas was only twelve years old when he was brought to the United States from the Philippines to live with his grandparents. He didn’t know it, but he was sent to the U.S. illegally. ©2019 (Grade Level 6–8)
Available on Amazon and other retailers.

Assignment:

Write a 2–3 page report (typed, Times New Roman, size 12, double-spaced).
Use complete sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation.
Your summary must include:

Setting (when/where the story takes place)
Main characters
What happens in the story

📚 Incoming 7th Grade

Required Book:
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

Mary Lambert has always felt safe and protected on her beloved island of Martha's Vineyard. Many islanders, including Mary, are deaf, and nearly everyone can communicate in sign language. ©2020 (Grade Level 7–8)
Available on Amazon and other retailers.