Rivera Middle School

8^th Grade – Language & Literature

Mr. Isley

                The goal for our classes this year include the proper uses of technology, reading different genres, expository and persuasive written essays, verbal presentations, and listening skills. The Common Core State Standards emphasize these areas of instruction. In order to insure Rivera students are prepared to succeed in all their future academic and career endeavors all assignments and projects will be aligned with the newly adopted CCSS.

Materials:                                                                                                           Grading Policy:

1. Notebook with lined loose-leaf paper (college ruled) 1. Tests               25%
2. Pencils (Red Pen for editing)   2.  Quiz               20%
3. Highlighters – 5 assorted colors  3.  Writing          30%
4. Glue Stick               4. Homework     10%
5. Colored Pencils  5. Class work      10%     
6. Agenda – provided by Rivera! 6. Participation   05%

Homework policy:

                Homework will generally be assigned on Mondays and will be collected at the beginning of classes on Fridays of the same week. Homework assignments will vary, but usually include some degree of studying for tests and quizzes which are normally administered on Fridays as well. Other examples might include work sheets, rough draft writing assignments, or vocabulary sentences… Late work will be accepted and graded at the instructor’s discretion on a case by case basis. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete your studies.

Absences:

Students who are absent are responsible for obtaining all information and assignments missed on those given days. Students may consult with their peers, with Mr. Isley, or check the Rivera website for missing work. Unfortunately, not all class materials can be duplicated – i.e. classroom discussions and lectures. Therefore attendance counts! Reasonable accommodations for make-up work will be afforded, and will not be counted as “late.” Do not, however, take this as an invitation to take advantage of the system.

 Promotion Requirements:

                As a reminder to you, promotion criteria have been established through district policy. 8^th Grade students not meeting the minimum requirements will be excluded from promotion, and from all promotion related activities. In order to be eligible for promotion to High School students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade. Furthermore, no student may have more than one “U” in citizenship during the 2^nd semester of their 8^th Grade academic year.

Students: 

                It is important that you take responsibility for your own actions throughout the year. Remember, character counts! Please make sure you have reviewed all this material with your parents, Lets have an awesome year.

Parents:

                This is a partnership between you, your child, and me. Please remain diligent in following your child’s academic progress throughout the year.  A few ways you can help accomplish the latter are accessing the Aries Parent Portal, attending Parent-Teacher conferences, and by contacting me whenever you have any concerns at (562) 801-5088, or by email at [email protected]

Please sign below to indicate that you have read and understand the above information.  

Print Student Name:______________________________   Period:______  Grade:_______

Student Signature:_______________________________

Parent Signature:________________________________

Date:__________________________________________

Rivera Middle School

8^th Grade – Performing Arts

Mr. Isley

Course Description: This survey is designed for both the student new to drama and the student with a general background in the theatre.  This class will cover all aspects of theatre – the play, the actor, and the audience. Group and individual work will be used to develop skills in movement, voice, story development, conflict building, characterization, use of theatre terminology, and application of production techniques. Improvisation and memorization required.

Course Objectives: The overall objective of this course is to introduce students to theatre and its components.  By the end of the semester members of this class will be able to:
            1. Understand the performing arts and appreciate them through a new found knowledge

2. Discuss the origins and values of theatre arts and their place in the contemporary society
3. Develop stage presence and voice projection through participation in state production activities
4. Understand and apply knowledge of theatrical aspects of theatrical production
5. Understand and demonstrate a knowledge of the play production process, including aspects of technical theatre
6. Demonstrate self-confidence by projection a desired image both in social and professional situations
7. Demonstrate use of performance techniques:
   A. Movement
   B. Voice projection
8. Diction
   D. Facial expression
               E. Gesture
9. Analyze various pieces of dramatic literature
10. Demonstrate discipline demanded by concentration and focus of characterization
11. List skills needed in the basic principles of the technical theatre production:
    A. Make-up
    B. Lighting
                C. Costuming
                D. Set design
                E. Construction
    11. Discuss the functions of theatrical management:
                A. House
                B. Property
                C. Stage
12. Discuss the values of theatre arts and explain their place in contemporary society
13. Discuss major developments I theatre history from Greek to modern times