see you in class

  • Welcome to 8th Grade Language Arts with Ms. Smith

     

    I have an exciting year of reading, researching and writing planned for eighth grade at Swann Middle School. Reading will include assigned books that we will read as class plus books you will choose yourself. We will be writing every day; everything from short paragraphs about current events or events happening in  your life to longer essays about the topics we discover in our reading and research.  I look forward to sharing my passion for words and reading with each of you!

     

    Keep up with school announcements on Facebook @ Swann Middle and 8th grade announcements at Remind by texting @swanng8 to 81010. 

    Please feel free to contact me with  any questions, concerns, suggestions or if you just want to chat.

    Email - smithm11@gcsnc.com   
    Mobile - 865-292-4261
    For ELA updates, join my remind at https://www.remind.com/join/bh88fk

    What to Bring

    • 1, 1.5 or 2 “ 3 ring binder in your choice of color (this will be your class notebook)
    • 100 sheets  (or more!)  of college ruled paper 
    • a pencil - must have every day
    • a highlighter - will use some days
    • optional - 6 divider sheets for binder
    • optional - colored pencils, markers

    If you are able, extra  items for my room  are always welcome - a box of tissues, whiteboard markers, candy or stickers for the reward jar, extra binders, paper, divider sheets or pencils will all be put to good use.

     

    A Look at Our Year 

    Quarter 1 - Literacy; where we establish  a  lifelong reading habit and review common literary concepts 

    Quarter 2 - Research: where we become experts about one aspect of the American Revolution and conduct extensive research to present an in-depth research paper

    Quarter 3 - Genre: where we read and analyze science fiction and ultimately write our own science fiction short story

    Quarter 4 - Argument: where we learn to recognize and build compelling  arguments;  and compose a letter to a changemaker on a an issue we are passionate about.

     

    Rules for Surviving 

    #1 - Find a book you love and learn to let yourself get lost in the story. Read vigorously and often.

    #2 - Fight the distractions; keep your phone away, leave the drama  at the door, focus on the lesson and embrace your time in ELA class.

    #3 - Be open to new ideas and challenges; celebrate this year as a year of growth and learn everything you can.

    #4 - Actively participate in our community - join a club, play a sport, speak up in class, share your ideas, be kind to everyone, pick up that piece of trash, try your best every day - make Swann a place we are proud to be a part of.

     

Phone: 865-292-4261

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Mary Ellen Smith

All About Ms. Smith

 This is my third year teaching at Swann Middle School. I live in Stokesdale with my German Shepherd pup, Huckleberry. I am a proud graduate of UNCG and Northwest Guilford High School. In my spare time I like to read, bake, and play with yarn! Ask me anything else you would like to know.