ACADEMIC OFFERINGS:
Students at SJHS are offered a unique block schedule which allows for fewer
classes per day, increased in-depth critical thinking per class, and more teacher
directed homework assignment completion, along with a greater variety of exploratory
courses.
SJHS offers four core subjects of: English, Social Studies, Math, and Science.
Physical Education and Family Skills will be offered to all students for 18
weeks, alternating 9-week sections.
All students will choose a different exploratory each nine weeks.
Seventh graders will have a semester of Scientific Inquiry and a semester of
Keyboarding, and Eighth graders will have a semester of Math Inquiry and a semester
of Literature during the Mon-Wed-Fri Core Exploratory time.
Music students are offered vocal and instrumental music, and non-musical students
are offered a Physical Health/Technology class.
The teaching staff for Sterling Junior High is as follows:
Math/Computers: Lorrie Ball
Language Arts: Tricia Schechter
Social Studies: Elizabeth Schmidt
Science: Christy Riffel
P.E./Health: Chris Hewitt
Family Skills: Carol Prather
Spanish: Carlo Guarneri
Band: Larry Brownlee
Vocal: Clark Comley
Vocal Assistant: Cindy Anthony
Art: Alice Mattson
Special Education: Jennifer Mantz
Para Professionals: Linda Calderwood, Mary Lou Hurtado, Marcelline Koch
Librarian: Amy Brownlee
Counselor/Tech: Dan Weiner
GRADES:
Students will be issued grade cards on the Wednesday following each 9-week
grading period.
Progress reports will be sent at the mid-term of each grading period to the
home of all students.
Students having a GPA of 3.5-4.0, with no grade lower than a C will be listed
on the Honor Roll. Students having a GPA of 3.0-3.49, and no grade lower than
a C will be listed in the Honorable Mention Honor Roll. Grade point averages
(GPA) will be figured on a four point scale with A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0.
All incomplete work will be converted to a failing grade.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT:
We will assess student improvement by three areas of data collection: teacher
tests and grades, portfolio contents, and standardized tests. The standardized
tests that will be used are the Kansas Assessments in Reading, Writing, Math,
Science and Social Studies, and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. This triangulation
will give us an accurate picture of each student's improvement.
COUNSELOR:
Dan Weiner, the K-8 counselor, is available to provide counseling services
to junior high students. Mr. Weiner can provide assistance with study skills,
anger management, conflict resolution, and other issues. Students will also
be able to meet with Mr. Weiner individually to address their specific concerns.
Parents wanting to have their child receive counseling services must sign a
counseling consent form.
ACTIVITIES OFFERINGS:
We are a member of the Mid Central Activities Association at the high school
and junior high school levels. We compete against the schools of Ellinwood,
Halstead, Haven, Hesston, Hillsboro, Lindsborg, Lyons, Wichita Collegiate and
Reno Valley. We feel this gives our students an excellent opportunity to compete
academically and athletically against some of the best school systems in central
Kansas.
SJHS offers several extra curricular activities including football, volleyball,
basketball, and track. We also compete interscholastically in vocal music, instrumental
music, and Scholars' Bowl. In addition, J-Teens is the junior high girls service
organization; A Few Good Men is the junior high boys service organization and
the Sterling Junior High Student Council serves as our student government organization.
The head coaches and sponsors for Sterling Junior High are as follows:
Football: Chris Hewitt
Volleyball: Dwayne Wilson
Track: Sheri Laudermilk
Girls Basketball: Lorrie Ball
Boys Basketball: Clint Bedore
Scholars Bowl: Melissa Feil
J-Teens: Linda Calderwood
Stuco: Trisha Schechter
Cheerleader Sponsor: Darla Hinshaw
PHYSICAL FORMS, ETHICS, INSURANCE:
The Kansas State High School Activities Association rules require the completion
of a physical examination before a student is eligible to take part in practice
sessions or to represent his/her school in interscholastic athletics or cheerleading.
You may contact the school nurse, Mrs. Fabin, or your coach for further information.
USD 376 requires that an Ethics form and an Insurance form be on file, as well
as, the physical form, before any participation is allowed.
ACTIVITY BUS GUIDELINES:
When students travel out of the district for activity participation they are
expected to follow the district's bus policies.
...The behavior code will be followed.
...Bus drivers will report all violations to the administration.
If a student does not expect to ride home on the team bus they must have written
permission from their parents and be riding with a responsible adult, preferably
the parent. The written permission message must be given directly to the head
team coach or sponsor.
ELIGIBILITY:
In order to be eligible to participate in our interscholastic activities programs,
each student must meet the following guidelines:
..Have a passing grade in four of the five
core classes.
..Be a student in good standing in our school.
We have a weekly cycle for eligibility. Teachers notify the office on Thursday
of students failing. The student/athlete is ineligible for the following week
beginning Monday through Saturday.
SPORTSMANSHIP:
We at Sterling Junior High believe participants and fans should all display
positive sportsmanship at all activities. KSHSAA Rule 52 should be followed
at all times. The major points are as follows:
A. Be courteous to all participants, coaches,
officials, staff and fans.
B. Know the rules, abide by and respect the
officials decision.
C. Win with character & lose with dignity.
D. Display appreciation for good perform-
ance regardless of the team.
E. Exercise self control and reflect positively
upon yourself, team and school.
VOICE MAIL:
Sterling Junior High has a voice mail number: 278-2133. Please call this number
for homework information every day, plus weekly activities, bus information,
and high school and elementary information.
THE SCHOOL DAY:
The school day for students is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Seventh grade students
are asked to enter the building through the south door, and eighth grade students
through the north door facing 5th Street.
Students should not be in the building before 7:45 unless making up work with
a teacher.
OPPORTUNITY CLASS:
SJHS students who forget homework, or who are struggling academically, may
be assigned to Opportunity Class. This class takes place everyday from 3:15-3:45
in the Science lab. Teachers assign students only for academic reasons, not
for behavior. Students who are assigned, and go, may finish the work they missed
at no penalty to their grade. Two opportunity assignments in one week will constitute
a student being declared not in good standing and he/she will be ineligible
for activities beginning the following Monday, and will remain in-eligible until
a conference is held with the principal.
Students assigned to opportunity class may choose not to take the opportunity.
Assignments are then given a zero score and parents are notified of the student's
choice. Students choosing not to come to Opportunity Class will still be counted
as having been assigned and are subject to ineligibility, and may be declared
not in good standing.
EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY:
SJHS students can take advantage of our after school program. During Extended
School Day, which generally is in session from 3:20-4:15, students can meet
with teachers not coaching and get tutorial help from Mrs. Calderwood and her
aides. Any student failing 2 or more classes will be required to attend extended
school day. At times, our coaches may also assign athletes to extended school
day, without penalty. We recognize the importance of academics, and believe
they come first before student activities.
INTERNET:
Each student uses the Internet at various times throughout the year at Sterling
Junior High School, sometimes daily.
To reduce the possibility of students being on sites inappropriate to the educational
process, we utilize an effective filter system that blocks most inappropriate
sites. Each student signs an Internet access form, which states they will stay
out of inappropriate sites. Willful violators of this policy will be disciplined
according to the discipline code.
CLOSING OF SCHOOL:
In the event schools must be closed due to inclement weather, we will notify
the following radio and TV stations:
KAKE-TV, channel 10 KTVH-TV, channel 12
KSNW-TV, channel 3
102.9-FM,106.1-FM, 90.1-FM, Hutchinson
In case of bad weather while school is in session, we may need to dismiss early
in order to get rural children home safely. We have instructed our staff to
follow these procedures:
1. Teachers of non-bus riders in the elementary grades will make every effort
to ensure that someone is at home if we dismiss early.
2. Bus drivers have been instructed to see that the children riding buses get
to their houses and that someone is home before they leave. In case no one is
at home, the child will be left with a neighbor or with someone you have specified.
3. All buildings will remain open and supervised until regular dismissal hours.
Students may remain at school until parents arrive to get them.
4. Whenever school is dismissed early there will be no activity bus routes and
no organized activities practices.
Parents wishing to have their children dismissed early or to make some special
arrangements should call the principal of the building.
If the weather and/or road conditions are hazardous and it is deemed advisable,
school may start one hour later in the mornings. All buses would begin their
routes and make pick-ups approximately one hour later than normal. Any such
decision will be announced either to students when school is dismissed the previous
day or prior to 7:00 a.m. on the day of the starting late, or both. Announcements
about school starting later would be made over the same stations listed above.
Even if school starts later, the buildings will be open at the regular time,
and school personnel will be at the buildings to take care of students.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Regular school attendance is vital to each student's success at Sterling Junior
High School and their future in tomorrow's world. Our attendance policy is based
on the philosophy that good attendance is good self-discipline, which assists
in future long-term success in life.
Parents need to notify the school by 10:00 a.m. each day their student will
be absent. The school will attempt to notify parents if that is not done. If
parents fail to notify the school within forty-eight hours of the absence, it
will be considered an unexcused absence.
The following absences will be considered excused:
a. student illness
b. doctor and legal appointments
c. family emergencies or funerals
d. pre-approved absences in writing from school administration.
Students may make up their work for excused absences at the rate of one-day
allowance, plus one day, for each day missed. All other absences are considered
unexcused and students may not make up their work, but they may work with teachers
to complete work before the absence occurs.
According to state law, a student is considered truant if they accumulate three
consecutive, or five total unexcused absences in any one semester. Proper authorities
will be notified of any truant students. A student will also be placed on attendance
probation in which further absences will result in possible suspensions or expulsion.
PERMISSION TO LEAVE SCHOOL PREMISES:
Students shall, under no circumstances, leave school premises without permission.
Students may leave premises only under authority of, or with: a teacher, principal,
or parent.
Parent or guardian must sign the student sign-out sheet when leaving, and also
returning.
APPOINTMENTS:
Parents are urged to schedule an appointment to visit their student's teacher
whenever a concern arises. Appointments may be made by calling the school office
at 278-3646.
HOMEWORK:
Students will be required at different times to complete homework assignments.
Students may receive assistance on homework by talking with the teachers either
before or after school. Homework will be put on Voice Mail, 278-2133, each day
after 3:30 p.m.
COMPUTER USE:
Students shall have no expectation of privacy when using district e-mail or
computer systems. E-mail messages shall be used only for approved educational
purposes. Students must use appropriate language in all messages. Students are
expected to use the system following guidelines approved by teachers or the
administration.
Any e-mail or computer application or information in district computers or computer
systems is subject to monitoring by the staff and/or administration. The school
retains the right to duplicate any information created by students in a computer
system or on any individual computer. Students who violate these rules, or any
other classroom rules relating to computer use, are subject to disciplinary
action, up to and including, suspension from school.
PROMOTION GUIDELINES:
To be eligible for promotion to the eighth grade, a seventh grade student in
a regular educational program of studies must pass 6 1/2 units of credit, 4
credits of which must be core class credits (science, math, social studies,
English, keyboarding, health) within the following required enrollment of 8
units:
English-1 unit, Math-1 unit, Science-l unit, Social Studies-1 unit, Keyboarding-1/2
unit, Health-1/2 unit, Family Skills-1/2 unit, P.E.-1/2 unit; and Band-1/2 unit,
Vocal Music-1/2 unit or Physical Health & Technology-1 unit.
4 Electives, nine weeks each, with Research Methods required as one-1 unit.
Exception to the above: If a student is taking only 7 1/2 total units, they
must pass 6 units. This exception will be realized if a student takes only band
and not vocal, or vocal and not band.
To be eligible for promotion to the ninth grade, an eighth grade student in
a regular educational program of studies must pass 6 1/2 units of credit, 4
credits of which must be core class credits (science, math, social studies,
English, geography, literature) within the following required enrollment of
8 units:
English-1 unit, Math-1 unit, Science-1 unit, Social Studies-1 unit, Math Inquiry-1/2
unit, Literature-1/2 unit, P.E.-1/2 unit, Family Skills-1/2 unit; and Band-1/2
unit, Vocal Music-1/2 unit or Physical Health & Tech-nology-1 unit.
4 Electives, nine weeks each, with American Studies required as one-1 unit.
Exception to the above: If a student is only taking 7 1/2 units, they must
pass 6 units. This exception will be realized if a student takes only band and
not vocal, or vocal and not band.
A student must pass 13 units of credit during the two years of junior high school.
The credits must be earned at a rate of 6 1/2 per year. Exception would be for
those students who have taken the 7 1/2 units maximum for either of the two
years. They are required to pass 6 units per year, for a total of 12 credits.
Failure to earn either 6 or 6 1/2 credits during a school year, depending on
maximum taken, will result in a repeat of the entire year, unless special circumstances
are demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administration and board of education.
Students must be in good standing to be eligible to participate in promotion.
STUDENT APPEARANCE:
The Board of Education and staff expect parents and students to exercise discretion
in selecting the clothing to be worn to school. Proper appearance includes such
factors as cleanliness, neatness, simplicity, modesty, and good taste on the
part of the students. Please observe the following rules when dressing for school.
" Clothing with suggestive, pornographic, profane pictures/language, or
alcohol/drug references shall be prohibited at school or at school-sponsored
activities.
" Apparel which is excessively short, tight, long, large, or designed to
expose skin, may not be worn.
" No undergarments such as underwear or bras should be visible at any time.
" Cut-off pants or shirts are not allowed. All clothing must be hemmed.
" Shirts must be long enough to touch the student's pants or shorts without
riding up and exposing the mid-section.
" No mid-riff shirts or tank tops are allowed however, hemmed sleeve-less
shirts are permitted.
" Head apparel such as hats and bandannas are not to be worn in the building.
" Pant chains will not be worn on school property.
The Principal will have final say on student dress and may ask the student
to change, if necessary. Repeated dress code violations will result in disciplinary
action.
LOCKER POLICY:
Each student in Junior High is issued two lockers. They are responsible for
keeping the lockers clean and presentable. Lockers are USD 376 property and
are subject to search at any time. The following guidelines should be followed.
" Students should not put a lock on their locker without permission from
the principal.
" Students should not have access to another student's locker without permission
from the student.
" Students should not keep cash in their lockers.
" No food or drink other than a student's lunch should be stored in lockers.
If found in lockers, it will be disposed of.
" Only decorations approved by the principal will be allowed on the outside
of the locker.
" Personal decorations in locker should be in good taste and appropriate
for school. Inappropriate materials will be removed.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES AT SCHOOL:
We are very proud of our school building. In order to help keep it attractive,
we do not allow food or beverages into the classroom unless authorized by the
teacher in advance.
The vending machines will be open after school for junior high students. SJHS
students should not be at the vending machines any time during the school day
unless they have permission from a teacher.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM:
Students, teachers, and visitors participating in our hot lunch program should
purchase their meals through our office. Preferably this will be done in the
mornings before school starts for the day. Visitors are encouraged to call prior
to coming so adequate portions are prepared. Our school lunch program's finances
are computerized for greater efficiency and accuracy. Notices will be sent home
with the student if account balances are depleted. Students may be denied a
hot lunch if balances continue to be delinquent for three school days.
The School Board of U.S.D. #376 endorses the following food service guidelines:
1. Our students will eat in the building and remain on campus during lunchtime.
2. Students will not be allowed to leave the campus during lunchtime, except
for medical appointments, illness, or any other reason accepted by the principal.
A note or phone call to the office must be received prior to a blue slip being
given to the student. Students discovered off campus without permission are
subject to discipline.
3. Students may not order food from restaurants and have it delivered to the
building or school grounds without approval from the principal.
4. School organizations may occasionally eat off campus or have food delivered
to the school. The sponsor must accompany any group eating off campus.
SCHOOL NURSE:
Mrs. DeeAnn Fabin is our school nurse. Her office is located at Sterling Grade
School. Her office hours are 8:00 a.m. to l2:00 noon. She is available to our
students upon request.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL:
It is the opinion of the State Board of Health, the State Department of Education,
the Kansas School Health Advisory Council and the board that the public school
should never provide students with aspirin or any other medications.
In certain explained circumstances when medication is necessary in order that
the student remain in school, the school may cooperate with parents in the supervision
of medication that the student will use; but the medical person authorized to
prescribed medication must send a written order to the building administrator
who may supervise the administration of the medication or treatment, and the
parents must submit a written request to the building administrator requesting
the school's cooperation in such supervision and releasing the school district
and personnel from liability.
DUE PROCESS:
When appropriate circumstances dictate, students will be afforded due process
as required by current law.
HARASSMENT:
Harassment of any nature is not tolerated in our school. If a student feels
they are being treated in a harassing manner they should contact the principal.
The harassment may be sexual, racial, or any other type of intimidation.
NONDISCRIMINATION:
The district shall maintain a learning environment free from discrimination,
insult, intimidation, or harassment due to race, color, religion, sex, age,
national origin, or disability.
Any incident of discrimination in any form shall promptly be reported to a teacher,
the principal, or other appropriate school official for investigation and corrective
action by the compliance officer.
Any student who engages in discrimination may be reprimanded and counseled to
refrain from such conduct. Any student who continues to engage in discriminatory
conduct shall be disciplined. Any student who engages in discriminatory behavior
may be disciplined in a matter deemed appropriate by the administration, up
to and including suspension or expulsion from school.
NOTICE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION:
The following categories of information designated as directory information
with respect to each student will be released by Sterling Unified School District
#376 to those showing a need for such information, unless a written request
by the parent or guardian to withhold such information is received on or before
September 1 of that school year.
Directory Information includes the following information about the student:
1. The student's name, address, phone number and date of birth.
2. The student's participation in officially
recognized activities.
3. The student's weight and height as
members of athletic teams.
4. The dates of attendance.
5. The most recent educational agency or
institution attended by the student.
6. Awards won by the student.
FORWARDING OF RECORDS:
We hope that you will be able to stay in the Sterling schools for your entire
school career, but if you should have to move and need to have school records
forwarded to your new school, please fill out the proper forms at the school
at the time of withdrawal. This will enable us to eliminate any delay in forwarding
records. All bills must be paid before any records will be recorded or forwarded.
WEAPONS AT SCHOOL:
A student shall not knowingly possess, handle or transmit any object that can
reasonably be considered a weapon on the school grounds or off the school grounds
at a school activity, function or event.
This policy shall include any weapon, any item being used as a weapon or destructive
device, or any facsimile of a weapon.
Possession of a firearm shall result in expulsion from school for a period of
one-year (186 school days), except that the superintendent may recommend that
this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis.
DRUG POLICY:
A student shall not knowingly possess, sell, use, transmit or be under the
influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate,
marijuana, any controlled substance or alcoholic beverage of any kind:
...On the school grounds during, before, or
after school hours.
...On school grounds at any other time when the school is being used by any
school
personnel or school group
...Off the school grounds at a school activity, function or event.
Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician
shall not be considered a violation of this rule.
Violation of any provision of this behavior code may result in suspension and/or
expulsion.
TELEPHONE USE:
Students may use the office phone with proper authorization in emergency situations.
Forgotten books, instruments, etc. do not constitute an emergency.
In the event a student receives a call, they will be called out of class only
in cases of an emergency. Classes are not interrupted to deliver non-emergency
messages.
YEARBOOKS:
A Junior High Yearbook will be available to purchase at enrollment or during
the year for $12.
P.E. PHYSICALS:
All students need a physical for physical education class. If you have not
had a physical for sports, please make an appointment with your doctor or contact
the school nurse, Mrs. DeeAnn Fabin.
P.E. physicals are available without charge from Mrs. Fabin and will be given
the first week of school. Sign-up sheets will be available at enrollment.
WHERE TO CALL FOR INFORMATION:
Sterling Grade School: 278-3112
Brennan Riffel, Principal
Sterling Junior High: 278-3646
Gregg Errebo, Principal
Sterling High School: 278-2171
Gregg Errebo, Principal
U.S.D. #376 Office: 278-3621
Fred Dierksen, Superintendent
School Nurse: 278-3112
Mrs. DeeAnn Fabin
SJHS Voice Mail: 278-2133
Press 1 -Senior High Activities
2 -Junior High Activities
3 -Junior High Teachers
4 -Bus Arrival/Departure Times
5 -School Closings
BOARD OF EDUCATION:
Alan Davidson
Marsha Diasio
Doug Hinshaw
Kim Holman
John Wilkey
Debra Wolfe
Pam Yeakel
SIX TRAIT WRITING MODEL
SCORING RUBIC:
Ideas and Content
(5) Paper-Focused, clear and specific
My writing is full of the kinds of details that keep the reader's attention
and show what is really important about my topic.
...I know a lot about this topic, and when someone else reads it, they'll find
out some new or little-known information.
...I made sure to show what was happening (The wildly spiraling tornado aimed
straight for our barn) rather than telling what happened (it was scary).
...I filled my paper with interesting tidbits that make reading it fun and lively.
...I made sure my topic was small enough to handle. "All about Baseball"
was too big. I changed it to "How to Steal a Base."
...I could easily answer the question, "What is the point of this paper/story?"
(3) Paper-Some really good parts, some not there yet the reader usually knows
what I mean. Some parts will be better when I tell just a little more about
what is important.
...Some of the things I said are new, but other things everyone knows already.
...Some details I have used are pretty general, like: "Her hat was nice,"
or "It was a sunny day."
...I think my topic might be too big and I got bogged down trying to tell a
little about a lot instead of a lot about a little.
...Sometimes I was very clear about what I meant, but at other times, it was
still fuzzy.
(1) Paper-Just beginning to figure out what I want to say
...I haven't shared much information. I guess I don't know enough yet about
this topic to write about it.
.. My details are so vague it is hard to picture anything.
...I'm still thinking aloud on paper. I'm looking for a good idea.
...Maybe I'll write about this, but then, maybe I'll write about that...
Organization
(5) Paper-Clear and compelling direction
I've chosen an order that works well and makes the reader want to find out what's
coming next.
...My beginning gets the reader's attention and gives clues about what is coming.
...Every detail adds a little more to the main idea or story.
...All my details are in the right place; everything fits like a puzzle.
...I ended at a good spot and didn't drag on too long. I left my reader with
something to think about.
(3) Paper-Some really smooth parts, others need work
The order of my story/paper makes sense most of the time.
...I have a beginning, but it really doesn't grab you or give clues about what
is coming.
...Sometimes it is not clear how the details I have used connect to the main
idea or story.
...Some of my details are in the right spot, but some should come earlier or
later.
...I've lingered too long in some places, and sped through others.
...I have a conclusion, it just isn't the way I want it yet. I may have gone
on too long or just tried to sum up in a ho-hum way.
(1) Paper-Not shaped yet
The order in my paper is jumbled and confused. I'm feeling dizzy!
...There isn't really a beginning or ending to my paper. It just kinda "takes
off."
...I'm confused about how the details fit with the main idea or story.
...My ideas seem scrambled, jumbled and disconnected. It's confusing.
...Conclusion? Oops, I forgot.
Voice
(5) Paper-Really individual and powerful
My paper has lots of personality. It sounds different from the way anyone else
writes.
...I have put my personal stamp on this paper; it's really me!
...Readers can tell I am talking right to them.
...I write with confidence and sincerity.
... My paper is full of feelings and my reader will feel what I feel.
...I'm not afraid to say what I really think.
...You can tell that I wrote this. No one else sounds like this!
(3) Paper-Individuality fades in and out
What I truly think and feel only shows up sometimes.
...Although readers will understand what I mean, it won't make them feel like
laughing, crying or pounding on the table.
.. My writing is right on the edge of being funny, excited, scary or downright
honest-but it's not there yet.
...My personality pokes through here and there, but then gets covered up again.
...My writing is pleasant, but a little cautious.
...I've done a lot of telling and not enough showing.
(1)Paper-Not yet me
I'm not comfortable sharing what I truly think and feel yet.
...If you didn't already know, it might be hard to tell who wrote this paper;
you can't really hear my voice in there yet.
...I'm not comfortable taking a risk by telling you what I really think-I've
taken the safest route by hiding my true feelings.
...My paper is all telling and no showing at all.
...I've held myself back by using general statements like: "It was fun,"
"She was nice," "I like him a lot."
Word Choice
(5) Paper-Extremely clear, visual and accurate
I picked just the right words for just the right places.
...All the words in my paper fit. Each one seems just right.
...My words are colorful, snappy, vital, brisk and fresh. You won't find overdone,
vague, or flowery language.
… Look at all my energetic verbs!
...Some of the words and phrases are so vivid that the reader won't be able
to forget them.
(3) Paper-Correct, but not striking
The words in my paper get the message across, but don't capture anyone's imagination
or attention.
...I used everyday words pretty well, but I didn't stretch for a new or better
way to say things.
...Most of the time the reader will figure out what I mean even if a few words
are goofed up.
.. Occasionally, I may have gone a bit over-board with words that tried to impress
the reader.
...My words aren't real specific. Instead of saying, "The sun went down,"
I should have said, "The sun sagged into the treetops." Better, juicier
details were needed!
...There are as many tired out cliches
("Bright and early," "quick as a wink") as there are new,
fresh and original phrases: "My mother made me feel more special than all
her potted plants."
(1) Paper-Confusing, misused words and phrases abound
My reader is often asking, "What did you mean by this?"
...A lot of my words and phrases are vague: "We liked to do things,"
"We were friends and stuff."
...My words don't make pictures yet: "Some-thing neat happened." "It
was awesome."
...Some of my words are misapplication. Oops, I mean misused.
...Over and over I used the same words, over and over, and then over and over
again until my paper was over.
Sentence Fluency
(5) Paper-Varied and natural
The sentences in my paper are clear and delightful to read aloud.
...Some sentences are long and stretchy, while some are short and snappy.
...It's easy to read my paper aloud. I love the sound.
...Sentence beginnings vary; they show how ideas connect.
...You can tell that I have good "sentence sense" because my paper
just flows.
...All excess baggage has been cut. I've economized with words.
(3) Paper-Routine and functional
Some sentences are choppy or awkward, but most are clear.
...Some of my sentences are smooth and natural, but others are halting.
...Sentence beginnings are more alike than different.
...I need to add linking words (therefore, later, for this reason, when this
happened) to show how sentences connect.
...Some sentences should merge; others need to be cut in two.
...I have used more words than necessary--I still need to trim some deadwood.
(1) Paper-Needs Work
Because there isn't enough "sentence sense" yet, this paper is difficult
to read aloud, even with practice.
...As I read my paper, I have to go back, stop and read over, just to figure
out the sentences.
...I'm having a hard time telling where one sentence stops and another begins.
...The sentence patterns in my paper are so repetitive they might put my reader
to sleep!
...I have to do quite a bit of oral editing (leaving some words out, putting
some others in) just to help the listener get the meaning.
Conventions
(5) Paper-Mostly correct
There are very few errors in my paper; it wouldn't take long to get this ready
to publish.
...I have used capitals correctly.
...Periods, commas, exclamation marks and quotation marks are in the right places.
...My spelling is accurate.
...Every paragraph is indented to show where a new idea begins.
...My grammar/usage is consistent and shows control.
(3) Paper-About halfway home
A number of bothersome mistakes in my paper need to be cleaned up before I am
ready to publish.
...Spelling is correct on simple words. It may not always be right on the harder
words.
...Most sentences and proper nouns begin with capitals, but a few have been
overlooked.
...Paragraphs are present, but not all begin in the right spots.
...A few problems with grammar and punctuation might make a reader stumble or
pause now and again.
...My paper reads like a first draft; I was more concerned with getting my ideas
down than making sure all the editing was taken care of.
(1) Paper-Editing not under control yet
It would take a first reading to decode, and then a second reading to get the
meaning of my paper.
...Speling errer our commun, evin on simple werds.
...My paper, have errors in punctuation? and grammar that send the reader back
two the beginning from a sentence to sort thing out
...i've got caPital lettErs scattered in All Over tHe plaCe or NOT aT all.
... I haven't got the hang of paragraphs yet.
...The truth is, I haven't spent much time editing this paper.
SIX TRAIT WRITING MODEL:
Checklist for Good Writing
Guide to Editing and Revision
How can you tell if something you read or write displays the traits of good
writing? It should meet the following standards:
Stimulating Ideas
..Presents interesting and valuable information
..Has a clear message or purpose
..Holds the reader's attention
Logical Organization
..Includes a clear beginning, middle, and ending
..Contains specific details to support main ideas
Engaging Voice
..Speaks in a pleasing and sincere way
..Shows that the writer really cares about the subject
Original Work Choice
..Contains specific and colorful words
..Presents an appropriate level of language
Smooth-Reading Sentences
..Flows smoothly from sentence to sentence
..Displays varied sentence beginnings and lengths
Correct, Accurate Copy
..Follows the basic rules of grammar, spelling and punctuation
..Paragraphs begin and end in the right places
PROOFREADING CHECKLIST
___ Did I begin a new paragraph in the appropriate places?
___ Did I spell all words correctly?
___ Did I indent each paragraph?
___ Did I write each sentence as a com-
plete thought that makes sense?
___ Do I have any fragments or run-on sentences?
___ Did I begin all sentences with a capital letter?
___ Did I end each sentence with the correct punctuation mark?
___ Did I use commas, apostrophes, and other punctuation correctly?
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