September Letter

September 28, 2009

Dear Parents and Family of 7/8^th Grade Students,

Though the month of September was short, we’ve hit the ground running in English and History. By now, students have written a personal essay, composed an original poem that uses specific literary devices, and are currently re-writing the ending of a short story that we read in class. We are also reading a variety of short literary pieces, including short stories, poems, folk-tales and non-fiction. In history, we’ve been reviewing ancient civilizations and learning how the inventions, discoveries, art, architecture and beliefs of these civilizations have shaped our world today.

Starting in October, we will begin reading our first class novel, Lord of the Flies by William Golding. This book will invite students to discuss and debate age-old questions relating to human nature and the development of civilization. Not only with this book build critical thinking skills, it will serve as a thematic connection to what we are learning in history as well.

I am requesting that every student owns a personal copy of the book. This allows students to take notes in the book during class, and to use the book at home for projects and writing assignments. Students will need to have the book in class by October 5.

Please let me know if you would be willing to purchase a book for your son or daughter. If not, the school will be able to supplement those students who do not purchase their own books. Please understand that the more money we save on classroom supplies, the more money we have for fieldtrips and other school functions.

I appreciate your continued generosity and support and look forward to a new month of learning.

Sincerely,

Daryl Bilandzija

http://www.odysseycharterschool.org/dbilandzija/

darylb@ocsmail.org

X____________________________________________________________

I can purchase _______ copy/copies of the book.

Tags: 7th Grade , 8th Grade , parents

Add comment

COMMENTS

No comments yet. Be the first!

Wish List

September 04, 2009

Classroom Wish List

** Most importantly, I wish for all of my students to be well rested, healthy and ready to learn.

Thank you parents for all of your contributions. Due to your generosity, our classroom supply closet is fully stocked.

If you would still like to help, please see me about fund-raising for our upcoming camping, hiking and field-trips.

Tags:

Add comment

COMMENTS

Hello,I am John Haddad's father. If you need any help on fundraising and class supplies send an e-mail or call me @213-923-1922 email fmmike@charterinternet.com

Mike Haddad 12:33AM 09/12/09

Class Syllabus

September 04, 2009

7/8^th Grade English and History

Class Syllabus

Mr. Bilandzija

Odyssey Charter School 2009-10

_________________________________________________________________________

Class Overview

The overall purpose of English and History is to develop students’ critical thinking skills, expand historical and social awareness and improve language skills. We will apply what we learn in both English and History through a variety of writing assignments, creative projects, Socratic discussions, dramatic performances, presentations and research.

English Objectives

The main objective of English class is to help students read, write, listen and speak with confidence, clarity and a sense of purpose. We will focus on the following three core areas of language development:

1. Reading—Students will read and analyze novels, dramas, short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. Students will develop vocabulary through the study of root words and word lists taken in context from course readings.

2. Writing—Students will practice and produce a variety of writing including journals, creative pieces, autobiographical, expository, analytic, reflective, persuasive, compare and contrast, and research essays. Students will study and apply proper English grammar and conventions.

3. Listening and Speaking—Students will practice effective communication through class discussions, group collaborations, academic presentations and creative performance.

History Objectives

In history, we will study the major social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred in the world in the years A.D. 500–1789. In order to better understand the universal patterns in history, we will focus on the following thematic questions:

Culture—What were the most influential ideas, events, art and discoveries of different cultures and what did they contribute to our world?

Economics—How did different societies deal with the production and distribution of goods and services? What is the most just economic system?

Politics—What forms of government did different cultures develop over time? Which form of government is the most just?

Environment—How does the environment determine the development of civilization? What are the differences in relationship between different cultures and the environment?

Technology—What were the most important tools and technologies developed by different cultures? How has the development of technology and tools changed the world?

Cooperation and Conflict—What are the major causes of most wars and conflicts? What factors allow humans to be more cooperative and peaceful?

Required Class Materials:

Students should bring the following materials to class everyday:

· A composition notebook for English to be used for journals, notes and writing

· A composition notebook for History to be used for notes and writing

· A three-ring binder with dividers for handouts and reading materials

· Blue or black pens, pencils and a sharpener

· Colored pencils, markers and highlighters are optional

Assessment:

Students will be given written and oral feedback on all work, in addition to a letter grade. Grades will be earned in the following areas:

25%--Formal Writing: essays, papers, quizzes and short answer tests

25%--Composition Books: journals, notes and reflections

25%--Projects: group work, presentations and portfolios

25%--Effort: doing your best work

90-100%=A

80-89%=B

70-79%=C

60-69%=D

Less than 60% = F

Late Work and Email Policy:

Unless you are sick or have a family excuse, late work is not acceptable for any reason and will receive zero credit. Students are allowed to revise any written assignment as many times as they please, only if they turn the assignment in on time. I do not accept work through email. It is your responsibility to print out your work and turn it in. In the event that you cannot print, simply hand-write your assignment.

Class Expectations and Rules:

Do your best and you will succeed. In addition to always doing your best, please be aware of the following class rules:

· No food, drinks, candy or gum. Water only and please bring a reusable container.

· No cell phones or ipods in class. All electronic devices must be turned off and put away at all times. If they are out in class, they will be taken away and parents will have to pick them up in the office.

· Leave it better than you found it. Help to keep the class and campus clean and green by picking up after yourself and helping others.

Email: darylb@ocsmail.org or mr.bilandzija@gmail.com

Tags:

Add comment

COMMENTS

No comments yet. Be the first!