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Rules, Procedures, Expectations
1. Be ready to start at the bell.
2. Bring all materials, supplies, and assignments to class.
3. Respect others’ rights and property.
4. Follow directions.
5. Don’t interrupt while others are talking.
Class work/Homework
Most class work can be finished in the time allowed at school. In the event that a student doesn’t finish, it
may be necessary to finish the assignment at home. The assignment is due the next school day.
Many homework assignments are assigned to be completed over several days. The assignment is to be
completed before class on the due date. Assignments not turned in on the due date can be turned in for ½
credit the next day. A zero will be recorded for any assignment that is not turned in on the due date or one
day late for ½ credit. A zero notice will be sent home for parents to sign. Please check agendas for
assignments and the dates they are due.
Enriched Vocabulary Program
Wordly Wise 3000 is an enriched vocabulary program that GATEWAY students complete at Herndon.
Class fees are used to purchase the workbook. Students will complete one lesson per week. The unit is
introduced on Monday. Students are responsible for completing all exercises for homework. The unit is due
on Friday, and a test will be given on the unit. If a student is absent on Friday, the unit is due on the day they
return to school.
Eighth graders have completed the eighth grade book. Their new book will be the ninth grade Wordly Wise
3000. This should be a challenge for them. Please check to be sure they are completing the unit during the
week.
Outside Reading
Students in GATEWAY are expected to read a book every two weeks. They will take an AR test on the
book when we go to the library. Also, each grade has an assignment on each book. Sixth grade students will
have reading projects focusing on some element of the book. Seventh grade students will complete responses
and logs on the books. Eighth grade students will write essays and complete novel questionnaires that analyze
literary elements of the book they read.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The ELA comprehensive curriculum for each grade is divided into 6 or 7 thematic units. Each unit incorporates the grade
level expectations (GLE’s), which include literary strategies, writing skills, and language concepts. Throughout the units
higher order thinking skills are stressed. Activities include research, individual and group projects, and writing activities.
Vocabulary development and grammar instruction occur within the context of the literature and student writing.
Units of Instruction
Grade 6
Unit 1: Nonfiction-Newspapers and Magazines
Unit 2: Fiction: Realistic Fiction
Unit 3: Historical Fiction
Unit 4: Myths
Unit 5: Poetry
Unit 6: Drama
Unit 7: Research Reports—Writing Prompts
Grade 7
Unit 1: Content Area Reading/Informational Nonfiction
Unit 2: Modern Fantasy/Science Fiction
Unit 3: Ode to Me-Poetry
Unit 4: Fiction-Short Stories and Novels
Unit 5: Propaganda/Persuasion
Unit 6: Speech and Drama
Grade 8
Unit 1: Who Am I? Biography and Autobiography
Unit 2: Content Area/Informational Nonfiction
Unit 3: Laughing Out Loud—Humorous Fiction/ Essays
Unit 4: Mystery—Elementary, My Dear Watson
Unit 5: Life Is a Poem-Poetry
Unit 6: That’s a Novel Idea-Novel
Unit 7: All the World’s a Stage--Drama
Pam Hergenrader
pjhergenrader@caddo.k12.la.us
The ELA comprehensive curriculum for each grade is divided into 6 or 7 thematic units. Each unit incorporates the grade
level expectations (GLE’s), which include literary strategies, writing skills, and language concepts. Throughout the units
higher order thinking skills are stressed. Activities include research, individual and group projects, and writing activities.
Vocabulary development and grammar instruction occur within the context of the literature and student writing.
Units of Instruction
Grade 6
Unit 1: Nonfiction-Newspapers and Magazines
Unit 2: Fiction: Realistic Fiction
Unit 3: Historical Fiction
Unit 4: Myths
Unit 5: Poetry
Unit 6: Drama
Unit 7: Research Reports—Writing Prompts
Grade 7
Unit 1: Content Area Reading/Informational Nonfiction
Unit 2: Modern Fantasy/Science Fiction
Unit 3: Ode to Me-Poetry
Unit 4: Fiction-Short Stories and Novels
Unit 5: Propaganda/Persuasion
Unit 6: Speech and Drama
Grade 8
Unit 1: Who Am I? Biography and Autobiography
Unit 2: Content Area/Informational Nonfiction
Unit 3: Laughing Out Loud—Humorous Fiction/ Essays
Unit 4: Mystery—Elementary, My Dear Watson
Unit 5: Life Is a Poem-Poetry
Unit 6: That’s a Novel Idea-Novel
Unit 7: All the World’s a Stage--Drama
Pam Hergenrader
pjhergenrader@caddo.k12.la.us