Welcome 8th Grade Students & Parents!

Hello! My name is Shannon Beck, and I teach Language Arts and Social Studies! I am SO excited for this year! I love to read and write, and I hope to help encourage your student to find joy in books and the writing process this year. I also enjoy history, and our 8th-grade curriculum focuses on our nation’s independence up to 1914 — so we have a lot of interesting events to cover! 8th grade is an exciting year, and I am so thankful to be able to help prepare your child to be successful in high school and beyond! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!  

ELA Grading Policy:

Language Arts:

Writing/StudySync         40%

AR                                 20%

Lexia                             15%

Word of the Day             5%

Spelling                        10%

Social Studies Grading Policy:

Notes                           20%

Quizzes                        30%

Study Guides               10%

Tests                            40%

Late Work Policy:

If a student is absent, they are responsible for checking the While You Were Out folder to get the assignments that they missed—and to complete them before the next progress report.  If something is not clear, it is THEIR responsibility to talk with the teacher or group mates when they return and get all of their work turned in within a reasonable amount of time!

Progress Reports:

Progress Reports will be sent home for my classes every other Monday. They are to be signed and returned  to school on Tuesdays. This lets me know that you are aware of your child’s progress and grades in my classes!

FINAL GRADES: Last day of Trimester

look for FINAL Progress Reports to go home the last week of each trimester. These Progress reports will show the final grade for Language Arts and Social Studies that will appear on final report cards.

Suggested Supplies:

  • Backpack
  • Pencils, pencils, pencils & Pencils!

***If you have a hard time getting any of these supplies, please let me know, and I will make sure you have what you need!

Student Behavior Expectations:

  • Have a pencil, paper, planner, books, and homework ready when you get to class.
  • Use the pencil sharpener at appropriate times.
  • No excessive trips to the water faucet during class…you can bring a water bottle.
  • Follow the dress code—you will be sent straight to the office—you will not get to go change in the bathroom.
  • No cell phones or smart watches during class. If it goes off (on purpose or accidentally), it will be sent to the office for parent pick-up.
  • Use the bathroom at appropriate times.
  • No use of the middle room unless you have permission from the teacher.

Lockers:

8th graders are allowed to have access to a locker again this year. If your student would like to have one, please purchase them either a combination or a key lock. Make sure to have a copy of the key or combination to give Mrs. D. Leal in Computer Lab 2. Remember, students are NOT allowed to share lockers with their friends!

Contact Info:

Shannon Beck

8th Grade: ELA & SS

Poetry & Prose Coordinator

Spelling Bee Coach

Sundale School

shannon.beck@sundale.org

 

Shannon Beck Locker


8th Grade SS Textbook.pdf

 

Introduction to Art

Course Description:

  • This year, students will be introduced to elements of art, a variety of techniques, and media.
  • Individual creativity, neatness, and respect for the work of others are encouraged.
  • Students will complete two or three units per trimester.
  • Units will consist of a lesson a week with time to practice a new technique together and then individually.  

Grading Procedures:

  • Trimester Grades will be determined by daily work habits and finished projects.
  • Students will be given a checklist and a folder to keep track of their weekly work.
  • At the end of the unit, students will bring all work completed home to show their parents and have them sign off on the completed work.

Classroom Expectations:

  • Do your best and have a positive attitude!
  • Treat others and their work and personal space respectfully.
  • Take responsibility for yourself and your actions.
  • Respect art supplies and school property.
  • Show up to class on time
  • Clean up on time (put away your supplies, clean up your table and the floor around you)

 

Public Speaking

Public speaking is one of the most important--yet dreaded--forms of communication in the world. Glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, is real! You probably feel like you have it right now! This trimester, we will work on taking the fear out of speaking in front of others and learn how to become pros at body language, how to prepare correctly for a speech, how to speak clearly, and how to own the room. Get ready to conquer your fears of speaking in public!

  • All About Me Speech
  • Animal Speech
  • Animal Speech with Canva Slides (no notes)
  • How To Speech with Canva Slides (no notes)
  • Things I Want To Do Before I ________ with Canva Slides (no notes)