Weimar Junior High

Reading Language Arts & Writing

2025-2026

Darrian Smith

My goal is to get students excited and motivated to learn. The mission is to create a positive and nurturing classroom environment that promotes creativity and individuality. We will apply different skills and strategies that allow students to flourish amongst each other while preparing for their futures to become lifelong learners and leaders!

Teacher Contact Information:

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns that you have!

Email: dsmith@weimarisd.org

Phone: ________

Remind Code: wjh05

Google Classroom Code: ______

Course Description:

This course will focus on building strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as aligned with fifth-grade learning standards. Students will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts to develop comprehension strategies, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Writing instruction will focus on narrative, informative, and opinion pieces, with an emphasis on the writing process—planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure will be integrated into daily instruction.

Students will engage in collaborative discussions, presentations, and projects to strengthen communication and analytical skills. By the end of the year, students will be able to read and analyze grade-level texts, write with clarity and purpose, and express their ideas confidently in both spoken and written form.

Scope and Sequence:

First Six Weeks 

• Unit 1: Living Literate Lives
• Unit 2A-2C: Author's Purpose & Craft

Second Six Weeks

• Unit 3A: Exploring and Crafting Fiction: Literary Elements
• Unit 3B: Exploring and Crafting Fiction: Traditional Literature

Third Six Weeks

• Unit 4: Reading and Performing Drama
• Unit 5: Exploring and Crafting Poetry

Fourth Six Weeks

• Unit 6: Exploring and Crafting Informational Text through Inquiry
• Unit 7: Authentic Research to Craft an Argument

Fifth Six Weeks

• Unit 8: Making Meaning through Multiple Genres 

Sixth Six Weeks

• Unit 9: Making Meaning through Research 

Classroom Expectations:

Be Respectful:

- Listen when others are speaking

- Use kind words and actions

- Respect yourself, your classmates, and all adults

Be Responsible:

- Come prepared with materials and homework

- Follow directions the first time

- Take care of your belongings and our classroom

Be Safe:

- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

- Walk in the classroom and hallways

- Use classroom tools and materials properly

Be a Learner:

- Try your best, even when it's hard

- Ask questions and participate

- Learn from mistakes and keep going

Be a Team Player:

- Help others when they need it

- Work well in groups

- Celebrate each other's success

Materials:

• 100 Sheet Composition Notebook
•  2 Inch Binder
• 8 Tab Dividers
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Glue

Grading Policy:

A total of at least six daily grades and three major grades will be taken each six weeks.

Daily Grades = 45% of total grade

Major Grades = 55% of total grade

Assignments, Assessments, and Projects:

Daily grades will come from homework, in-class activities, and quizzes. 

Major grades will be determined by unit exams, spelling tests, six weeks projects, and completion of AR goals. 

Assignment due dates and test dates will be communicated through the Remind App.

Failed Assignments or Assessments:

Students will have the opportunity to make corrections on any quizzes or assessments that receive a score below 70%. Students will work on their corrections during before-school tutorials, activity period, or after-school homework lab. Completed corrections will be turned back into the teacher for credit. The highest score a student may receive on corrections is a 70.

Late Assignments:

Students may turn in late work for up to a week past the due date. After one week, the student is no longer allowed to turn in late assignments.

• 10% of the total grade will be deducted for assignments that are up to 3 days late.
• 30% of the total grade will be deducted for assignments that are up to a week late.

Absences/Missing Work:

In the case of an absence, the student is responsible for collecting any missed work. The student will have the same number of days missed to make up the work. For example: if the student is absent for one day, the student has one extra day to complete and return the missing work. Two consecutive absences = two extra days to complete and return missing work. 

AR Reading:

Each six weeks students will receive an accelerated reading goal that they are expected to meet. The percentage that they meet is a major grade at the end of the six weeks. For example: 60% = 60 as a test grade, 82% = 82 as a test grade, 100% = 100 as a test grade. They earn points towards their goal by taking comprehension quizzes on the books that they read throughout the six weeks. Reading Logs will be sent home throughout the six weeks to monitor student progress.

Homework Policy:

Students will receive vocabulary and spelling homework that is to be completed each six weeks. Homework will be assigned on a Monday and due back the next Wednesday. Vocabulary quizzes and spelling tests will be taken the Friday after the homework is due. Students are expected to turn in their homework on the due date. Failure to turn in homework on time will result in a lunch detention. 

Homework due dates and test dates will be communicated through the Remind App.

Tutorial Opportunities:

Grading Consequences:

All students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students caught cheating will receive an automatic zero on the test or assignment and will be referred to the principal for further disciplinary action.