I love to teach. I love the light bulb moments. I love when a challenge is met and conquered. Every day is an adventure teaching 8th graders and I learn something new about what to do and not to do every single day.
I teach English/Language Arts (ELA), Literacy Academy, and Debate. With all three of these classes, we work on all the skills listed under the class overview. With ELA and Debate, it follows a proficiency scale (Standards-Based Grading) whereas Literacy Academy is pass/fail since it is meant as a support class.
Also, I will be directing the musical this year. Look for more information to come at the end of October about auditions, timeframe, etc.
Unfortunately, this year there will not be a competitive debate team due to lack of interest. If a student would like to participate as an individual, let me know and I would be happy to get them in contact with someone that can help them register for competitions, etc.
Class Overview:
Writing promotes fluency in language and students will do some form of writing nearly every day in many genres and for a variety of purposes. Our writing lab will be used several times and all of the six writing traits are addressed with particular emphasis on voice, word choice and conventions.
Reading opportunities are abundant in this class since frequent reading promotes literacy, comprehension and improved writing skills. We study a variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama.
Speaking and Listening are talents that 8th graders have no trouble practicing with their peers. They are gifted at casual conversation, but usually lack experience in public speaking. This course will refine speaking and listening skills through both formal and informal speech opportunities.
Vocabulary Activities are an essential part of reading comprehension and general literacy.
Materials Needed:
Students will need to purchase a 1 inch three ring binder along with college ruled paper. This binder will stay in the classroom. This binder will be used for almost daily writing and housing homework (to avoid it disappearing into the bottomless depths of the backpack never to be seen again.) Students will need pens and/or pencils with them in class every day.
Classroom Policies/Procedures:
Classroom Behavior is regulated by two simple classroom rules: In Mr. Coombs’s classroom, we avoid creating problems for ourselves and others and Give Respect, Expect Respect. Within the first days of school, we will discuss what this looks and sounds like so everyone will have clear expectations.
I follow all of the school and district policies regarding tardies, nuisance items, electronic devices, etc. Keep cell phones, iPods, and other devices tucked away unless, at times, where we may use cell phones or tablets in class along allowing to listen to music while completing an assignment. If I haven’t authorized using the device here is the process: I warn the first time, confiscate them to my desk the second time, and on the third time and on each time thereafter the cell phone will be taken to the office where parents/guardians will be notified to pick up the device.
Homework assigned depends upon the current unit of study. Sometimes, homework is a nightly event and other times, students will not not have any for several weeks. Homework will ONLY be used as a practice or if the student is unable to complete the an assignment in class (I always strive to give "enough" time in class). Parents can check my website to see homework due dates.
Incomplete Assignments are not ever accepted. I expect students to complete 100% of the work before they turn it in. My responsibility is to help students learn so if you feel like you are struggling on an assignment please come to me and ask assistance. Most likely, I have already noticed your struggles before you need to come to me but please be assured that I am always willing to give you assistance. Students learn more content from a complete assignment than from an incomplete one. They also learn that being prepared and conscientious matters.
Cheating/Plagiarism: Unless I specifically give the class permission and/or instructions to work with other students on an assignment, assume otherwise and students must complete all work on their own. Taking credit for someone else's answers, ideas, writing, etc. is cheating and/or plagiarism. Giving another student the answers, etc. is also considered cheating because it denies that student the opportunity to gain or demonstrate knowledge on their own. Students who cheat/plagiarize receive U's in Life Skills and 0 on the assignment (for lack of evidence) until the student turns the completed assignment.
Videos or Video Clips are used judiciously in this course to reinforce instruction. To the best of my ability, I will ensure that videos comply with the district policy.
Life Skills / Citizenship expectations are high in my class. Everyone's efforts are required to create a positive learning environment. It only takes the actions of one to destroy it. Here are the criteria:
1- Pay attention, actively volunteer, and participate in class discussions and activities every day.
2- Be prepared with all materials, completed assignments, etc. Late assignments, missing assignments, and missing materials result in lowered Life Skills/Citizenship scores.
3- Never create discipline problems/distractions for yourself or others.
4- Maintain a positive attitude (no whining) and show respect for yourself and others.
5- Show up to class on time every day and be ready to go when the bell rings.
"So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it." – Willy Wonka from the film, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory".
With the school year upon us, I feel like Willy Wonka in the quote above – know what we need to do and push to find the time to meet each goal and objective. Through combined effort and hard work, the accomplishments we see in May will astound us all. I intend to come to class each day excited, motivated, and enthused. I expect each student to strive to do the same (even if they may not feel like it every day). A positive attitude and outlook can greatly change anyone's perspective. I appreciate the time you took to read through all this information. If you have questions at any time, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mr. Micah Coombs
I teach English/Language Arts (ELA), Literacy Academy, and Debate. With all three of these classes, we work on all the skills listed under the class overview. With ELA and Debate, it follows a proficiency scale (Standards-Based Grading) whereas Literacy Academy is pass/fail since it is meant as a support class.
Also, I will be directing the musical this year. Look for more information to come at the end of October about auditions, timeframe, etc.
Unfortunately, this year there will not be a competitive debate team due to lack of interest. If a student would like to participate as an individual, let me know and I would be happy to get them in contact with someone that can help them register for competitions, etc.
Class Overview:
Writing promotes fluency in language and students will do some form of writing nearly every day in many genres and for a variety of purposes. Our writing lab will be used several times and all of the six writing traits are addressed with particular emphasis on voice, word choice and conventions.
Reading opportunities are abundant in this class since frequent reading promotes literacy, comprehension and improved writing skills. We study a variety of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama.
Speaking and Listening are talents that 8th graders have no trouble practicing with their peers. They are gifted at casual conversation, but usually lack experience in public speaking. This course will refine speaking and listening skills through both formal and informal speech opportunities.
Vocabulary Activities are an essential part of reading comprehension and general literacy.
Materials Needed:
Students will need to purchase a 1 inch three ring binder along with college ruled paper. This binder will stay in the classroom. This binder will be used for almost daily writing and housing homework (to avoid it disappearing into the bottomless depths of the backpack never to be seen again.) Students will need pens and/or pencils with them in class every day.
Classroom Policies/Procedures:
Classroom Behavior is regulated by two simple classroom rules: In Mr. Coombs’s classroom, we avoid creating problems for ourselves and others and Give Respect, Expect Respect. Within the first days of school, we will discuss what this looks and sounds like so everyone will have clear expectations.
I follow all of the school and district policies regarding tardies, nuisance items, electronic devices, etc. Keep cell phones, iPods, and other devices tucked away unless, at times, where we may use cell phones or tablets in class along allowing to listen to music while completing an assignment. If I haven’t authorized using the device here is the process: I warn the first time, confiscate them to my desk the second time, and on the third time and on each time thereafter the cell phone will be taken to the office where parents/guardians will be notified to pick up the device.
Homework assigned depends upon the current unit of study. Sometimes, homework is a nightly event and other times, students will not not have any for several weeks. Homework will ONLY be used as a practice or if the student is unable to complete the an assignment in class (I always strive to give "enough" time in class). Parents can check my website to see homework due dates.
Incomplete Assignments are not ever accepted. I expect students to complete 100% of the work before they turn it in. My responsibility is to help students learn so if you feel like you are struggling on an assignment please come to me and ask assistance. Most likely, I have already noticed your struggles before you need to come to me but please be assured that I am always willing to give you assistance. Students learn more content from a complete assignment than from an incomplete one. They also learn that being prepared and conscientious matters.
Cheating/Plagiarism: Unless I specifically give the class permission and/or instructions to work with other students on an assignment, assume otherwise and students must complete all work on their own. Taking credit for someone else's answers, ideas, writing, etc. is cheating and/or plagiarism. Giving another student the answers, etc. is also considered cheating because it denies that student the opportunity to gain or demonstrate knowledge on their own. Students who cheat/plagiarize receive U's in Life Skills and 0 on the assignment (for lack of evidence) until the student turns the completed assignment.
Videos or Video Clips are used judiciously in this course to reinforce instruction. To the best of my ability, I will ensure that videos comply with the district policy.
Life Skills / Citizenship expectations are high in my class. Everyone's efforts are required to create a positive learning environment. It only takes the actions of one to destroy it. Here are the criteria:
1- Pay attention, actively volunteer, and participate in class discussions and activities every day.
2- Be prepared with all materials, completed assignments, etc. Late assignments, missing assignments, and missing materials result in lowered Life Skills/Citizenship scores.
3- Never create discipline problems/distractions for yourself or others.
4- Maintain a positive attitude (no whining) and show respect for yourself and others.
5- Show up to class on time every day and be ready to go when the bell rings.
"So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it." – Willy Wonka from the film, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory".
With the school year upon us, I feel like Willy Wonka in the quote above – know what we need to do and push to find the time to meet each goal and objective. Through combined effort and hard work, the accomplishments we see in May will astound us all. I intend to come to class each day excited, motivated, and enthused. I expect each student to strive to do the same (even if they may not feel like it every day). A positive attitude and outlook can greatly change anyone's perspective. I appreciate the time you took to read through all this information. If you have questions at any time, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mr. Micah Coombs