Language Arts (8th Grade) | McNavish, Jeffrey

B.S in Education, Northern Arizona University (English major, history minor)

Hello! After spending a decade teaching in the Mesa district, I am now returning for my ninth year in the Higley district.  Over the years I have taught Freshman AP (honors) English, 8th grade English and Accelerated English, and both standard and honors 8th grade American Studies.  I was also the freshman baseball coach at my former school for seven years, and I am proud to say that I coached the 8th grade boys to a baseball title at Chaparral.  I look forward to another terrific year, and I am excited to be a part of the  Cooley team.  Go Cougars! 

 

 

 

 

 

8/21 

Parents:

Parent-teacher conference invitations will be sent out today and tomorrow for students who currently have a low grade and/or may be struggling academically in Language Arts.  If you do not receive an invitation but would like to schedule a conference to discuss your child's performance, follow the link below to schedule a specific time.  First quarter conferences will take place on Wednesday the 29th from 5:00-7:00p.m and Thursday the 30th from 2:00-4:00 and 5:00-7:00p.m.

 

http://ptcfast.com/schools/Cooley_Middle_School

 

 

 

 

 

8/21

Parents/students:

A few of you will notice that your class grade suddenly went up--this is not a mistake.  According to a change in the Cooley grading policy, the lowest assessment score a student can receive is 50%.  When I first enter assessment scores, the actual raw student score will be posted so that each student can see whether he/she demonstrated mastery on the standard; once retakes begin, I will alter any score below 50% to the minimum default.  

 

 

 

 

8/16

Parents:

I will be sending out parent-teacher conference invitations on Wednesday for any student who has a low score in my class; I will also include a signup link for those who do not receive invitations but would like to schedule a conference.

 

 

8/14

Students:

If you noticed a slight change in your grade average between Monday afternoon and today (8/14), don't be alarmed--I had entered an incorrect weighted value in the gradebook.

 

 

 

8/2

Thank you to everyone who attended Curriculum night; I enjoyed meeting with you.  A quick reminder--the practice link on my home page provides information about assignment due dates and instructions.

 

 

 

7/20

Parents,

  A list of recommended supplies can be found at the bottom of this page; the only item that I request specifically for my class is a 5 subject spiral notebook.  The cheapest I have seen them is at Walmart, where prices vary from under $2 to around $7.  If you have trouble finding one, 3 subject spiral notebooks can be reformatted to fit the same purpose.  I have limited quantities of almost all other needed materials (pencils, pens, etc.) available in class if a student does not have a needed item.   

 

7/18

Parents,

   On the first day of school, I will be providing your child with a copy of my class syllabus; this document will provide you with an overview of class policies, tutoring and test test retake opportunities, grading policies, behavior expectations, and other items for general reference.  Please sign the last page so that your child can return it by Friday the 27th.

 

7/18

Parents,

  Please join me on Curriculum Night, which will take place from 5:30-7:30p.m. on Wednesday, August 1st.  Curriculum Night allows me to (briefly) meet you, provide an overview of your child's Language Arts curriculum, and answer any questions you might have to begin the year.

 

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Recommended supplies:

 5 subject college-ruled spiral notebook (highly recommended)

highlighter(s)

blue or black pen and a red pen for editing

package of 3x5 lined notecards

#2 pencils

dry erase marker(s)

loose-leaf paper