Mr. Lee Kiessling 8th Grade Reading Teacher

B.S. Frostburg State University M.S. Johns Hopkins University Teaching Howard County Children Since 1974

Welcome

Welcome to Mr. Kiessling's website! I'd like to let you know about what goes on in our reading classes this year. I will be updating this website about short and long term assignments and projects, independent reading, and the instructional reading we do in class each quarter.

Our goal this year in reading is to help you become literate using a variety of texts, to respond in your reading using writing and speaking, and to become very aware of who you are as a reader, writer and thinker. This will take time and practice, but I assure you that you will be well prepared for your high school literacy experiences!

Our Units of Study:
1. Strategies For Reading Social Studies Content Texts : Term 1
2. Critical Literacy and Connections (CH); Critical Responses to Literary Text:
        -Terms 2-4; novels, short stories, poetry; Reader's/Writer's Workshop
        -African-Am Voice (CH), terms 3-4
3. Research: The Big 6/I-Search Project: Term 3; Action Research (CH) Term 3
4. Careers Exploration Unit; Terms 2, 4; MSA Review and Preparation: Term 3

Materials Needed:
1. Self-selected novel for daily reading.
2. 3-ringed notebook (one inch) or a loose-leaf notebook section designated for Reading with these sections: Handouts, Journal Entries, Notes, Returned Work, and Vocabulary using dividers
3. College ruled loose-leaf paper, pen, pencil, highlighter, post-a-note pads
4. Book Report Handbook: I'll give it to you the first week!

Standards for Assignments:
1. All work is to be completed in blue or black ink or typed. Pencil will be used only when assigned. Paper set-up is in accordance with the Howard County Middle School Writing Stylebook when typed or completed on loose-leaf paper.
2. Work is due on the date assigned. If you are absent on a due date, turn in the assignment on your first day back.
3. An absent student has the responsibility of checking my website and following up in class concerning missed assignments and arranging due dates with me.
4. Late assignments are deducted by 10 percent per day up to 50% and must be turned in within two weeks of the due date. After two weeks, assignments will not be accepted for grade.   
5. Students and parents need to make sure all computers and printers are working properly throughout the school year, especially before assigment due dates. Late work because of equipment problems will still follow the same guidelines above.

1. Each quarter grade represents evaluation in two areas: Daily Work and Assessments.

Daily Work consists of classwork and homework activities: 50%.
Assessments represent take-home quizzes, oral/written book responses, unit
assessments, research products: 50% .

Students will be given grade record sheets to document all of their reading grades. Every assignment will be reviewed and recorded on the grade sheet each week.

3. Parents are asked to sign the grade sheets at mid-term and at the end of each term. Parents ... this  is important...watch how your 8th grader is doing!

Assignments for June 9th-13th, 2008:

Challenge RDG Classes (Per. 1,2):
1. Enjoy your summer!
2  Read independently over the summer!
3. Grade sheets reviewed with parents.
            
Grade Level Classes (Per. 6, 8, 9)
1. Enjoy your summer!
2. Read over your summer!
3. Grade sheets reviewed with parents.
 
        Parents, June has arrived so quickly!! It has been such a pleasure having your 8th graders this year, and I hope you and your families have a safe and restful summer! Good luck to all of the 8th graders as they move on to high school! Please make sure you see your 8th graders' grade sheets with my 4th term average for them, and my initials, as always. It has been a privilege to serve you all!

Mr. Kiessling  (lee_kiessling@hcpss.org)  http://faculty.mountviewmiddleschool.org/kiessling