Christmas Gift Exchange!

          This year we will be doing a Christmas book exchange!! Please buy one new book, and wrap it for your secret person!  Try to buy something that looks fun and exciting!! Please spend only between $5-$10 maximum.  Each student should have a card with a person's name on it and a type of genre that they like or find interesting for their book choice.They may also write down favorite authors on the card to help with the book-finding process.  If you are unsure of what book to get, please feel free to ask me!!  These gifts will need to be brought in first thing Friday morning, or earlier of you can.  If you are in someway unable to participate in this exchange, please tell me as soon as possible.  We do not want anyone left out!

--Mrs. Barr

Research Report Reminders

          Below is the rubric that will be used in assessing your score on your research report.  Please take the time to look at this while we begin the brain storming process for your papers.  

         Your final outline and your works cited pages are due this Friday. Earlier work is fully acceptable and encouraged if you would like extra input in crafting a better paper. Also, please be working on your rough draft over Christmas break! It will be due the Friday we come back, but try to use the extra time you have so that it will not be all rushed at the end.  Please see me if you have any questions!

Criterion	Poor 5-25 pts	Fair 25-40 pts	Good 40-50 pts
Content & Development 50 pts	Poor - Content is incomplete. - Major points are not clear and /or persuasive.	Fair - Content is not comprehensive and /or persuasive. - Major points are addressed, but not well supported. - Research is inadequate or does not address course concepts. - Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought.	Good - Content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. - Major points are stated clearly and are well supported. - Research is adequate, timely and addresses course concepts. - Content and purpose of the writing are clear.
Criterion	Poor 5-25 pts	Fair 25-40 pts	Good 40-50 pts
Organization & Structure 50 pts	Poor - Organization and structure detract from the message of the writer. - Paragraph is disjointed and lack transition of thoughts.	Fair - Structure of the paragraph is not easy to follow. - Paragraph transitions need improvement.	Good - Structure of the paragraph is clear and easy to follow.
Criterion	Poor 5-25 pts	Fair 25-40 pts	Good 40-50 pts
Format 50 pts	Poor - Paper lacks many elements of correct formatting. - Paragraph is inadequate/excessive in length.	Fair - Paper follows most guidelines. - Paper is over/ under word length.	Good - Paper follows designated guidelines. - Paper is the appropriate length as described for the assignment.
Criterion	Poor 5-25 pts	Fair 25-40 pts	Good 40-50 pts
Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling 50 pts	Poor - Paper contains numerous grammatical,   punctuation, and spelling errors. - Language uses jargon or conversational tone.	Fair - Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. - Language lacks clarity or includes the use   of some jargon or conversational tone.	Good - Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct. - Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.

For every day late, the research paper will have 5 points taken off for a total of a ¼ of a letter grade.

Weekly News Update- By Mackenzie

Research Report Due Dates and Format

Due Date Schedule:

5 Artifacts/ Sources due- Friday, December 7^th

Report Rough Outline-Friday, December 14th  

Final Outline- Friday, December 21st

Works Cited Page- Friday, December 21st

Hand written rough draft will be due on Friday, January 11th

Final draft is tentatively due on January 18^th

Dates may be subject to change with sufficient notice.

Research papers should consist of:

• Title Page (should look like the cover of the packet)
• Typed Outline
• Body of paper is at least 5 full pages typed
• Your last name and page number in the heading (upper right hand corner) on each page
• One illustration/graphic related to topic
• Work Cited page (with at least 5 required resources in alphabetical order)

Word Processing Guidelines:

• 12 point font size
• Font: Times New Roman or Arial
• Double Spaced
• No extra spaces between paragraphs (only hit return/enter once)
• Paper does not conclude with “the End” nor does it contain “No-No” words 
• Your final completed project should be put in an essay folder with all of the required materials.