Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original.

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In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Georgia

Button Gwinnett

Lyman Hall

George Walton

North Carolina

William Hooper

Joseph Hewes

John Penn

South Carolina

Edward Rutledge

Thomas Heyward, Jr.

Thomas Lynch, Jr.

Arthur Middleton

Massachusetts

John Hancock

Maryland

Samuel Chase

William Paca

Thomas Stone

Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia

George Wythe

Richard Henry Lee

Thomas Jefferson

Benjamin Harrison

Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Francis Lightfoot Lee

Carter Braxton

Pennsylvania

Robert Morris

Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Franklin

John Morton

George Clymer

James Smith

George Taylor

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James Wilson

George Ross

Delaware

Caesar Rodney

George Read

Thomas McKean

New York

William Floyd

Philip Livingston

Francis Lewis

Lewis Morris

New Jersey

Richard Stockton

John Witherspoon

Francis Hopkinson

John Hart

Abraham Clark

New Hampshire

Josiah Bartlett

William Whipple

Massachusetts

Samuel Adams

John Adams

Robert Treat Paine

Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island

Stephen Hopkins

William Ellery

Connecticut

Roger Sherman

Samuel Huntington

William Williams

Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire

Matthew Thornton

Welcome Parents & Students!

Thank you for visiting our class website. Please visit often to get the latest news and information on what is happening in our class. If you have any questions about 7th grade ELA please don't hesitate to contact me! I am looking forward to working with you this year!

Below is the syllabus for this school year:

Miss Burcicki’s 7th Grade ELA Syllabus

2019-2020

SCA Middle School

Instructor: Miss Janelle Burcicki

E-mail: jburcicki@scasd.us

Website: http://websites.pdesas.org/jburcicki/default.aspx

Phone: 570-356-3404

Welcome to 7^th Grade ELA Class!

In seventh grade, ELA class is compacted into a daily double period of reading, grammar and writing. This course will be aligned to the PA Common Core Standards. We will be utilizing a variety of reading and writing resources with classroom instruction. Please check my website frequently for links, due dates, homework and classroom happenings. It is equally important to check Sapphire and the seventh grade homework calendar on a regular basis. I sincerely look forward to working with you and making this an awesome school year!

Students in this course will:

• Read, analyze, and interpret novels, short stories, informational texts, poetry and drama.
• Work collaboratively and independently on a variety of literary projects and presentations.
• Plan, write, revise, and edit several pieces of writing including text dependent analysis essays (TDA), personal narratives, descriptive and informative essays, persuasive essays, research papers (MLA format) and other creative pieces with a sharp, distinct focus. Students will experiment with sentence length, language and voice.
• Understand, appreciate and utilize a variety of literary elements and devices.
• Expand vocabulary skills through word study and development of word usage skills.
• Use language correctly and demonstrate knowledge of grammatical conventions and mechanics.

Class Supplies—Bring Them Every Day!

• ELA notebook (single subject or a separate designated section of a multi subject notebook)
• ELA folder (2 distinct sections: year long papers/marking period papers)
• Pencils (sharpened before class begins) or black/blue pens
• Independent reading book (Accelerated Reader)
• Laptop (fully charged prior to class)
• Sticky notes
• Highlighters
• Agenda

* Textbooks will remain in the classroom and can be accessed through “Classzone.com”.

* Novels will be assigned to students throughout the year and should be taken home and brought back to school each day.

Your Success Will Depend On:

• Doing all assigned work with honest effort
• Seeking extra help and asking questions when needed
• Turning work in on time and consistently (late points will be deducted from assignments)
• Coming to class prepared, organized and on time
• Making up all missed assignments/tests (check the absent bin and come during Pd 11 to get caught up!)
• Behaving appropriately during class (see below for my discipline policy and rewards for positive behavior)

Helpful Hints for a Successful School Year:

• Write down ALL homework and upcoming due dates in your agenda!
• Consult your agenda when packing up for the day and when you are at home getting ready to complete assignments. Also, check the 7^th grade homework calendar! (can be accessed through the website of any 7^th grade teacher)
• Do your very best work each and every day! Having a positive attitude and trying your best will get you far!
• If you have any questions or find you are struggling with a concept and/or assignment, please see me for support. I will gladly set aside time to help you during a lunch period or during RTII at the end of the day. I look forward to helping you do your very best and to achieve success!

Accelerated Reader & Study Island

We will be utilizing the “Accelerated Reader” (AR) program this year. I will provide students with information and requirements on a handout sheet in the upcoming weeks. “Study Island” will be used during instruction throughout the year as well. Dates for diagnostic testing on Study Island will be posted on my website. This program will also be used occasionally for quizzes and tests based on the current topics we will be covering during class time.

Classroom Policies & Procedures

• Students must bring materials to class every day (notebook & folder, writing utensil, AR book, laptop, assignments/homework). You will not be permitted to go and look for materials from your locker once class has started. Come to class prepared.
• No outside food/drink is permitted in my class except for water (unless you have a medical note)
• Arrive to class on time—use the bathroom, water fountain and your locker before the bell rings. If you are late, you must have a pass.
• Be prepared to work at the bell. I expect students to be quietly seated with their needed supplies and working on the bell ringer assignment by the time the bell rings. Take out any homework that is due and have it ready on your desk.
• Respect for the classroom and materials
• Respect for teachers and classmates
• Safari stacks (positive behavior tickets) for purchasing my pencils, erasers, and bookmarks
• No cell phones/ear buds—they will be confiscated the first time they are seen and turned in to the office
• Signing out books from my room—use library sign out book on my shelf and fill out the required information. Books must be returned and shown to Miss Burcicki before putting them back where they belong on the shelf
• Quiet during announcements/when classroom telephone rings
• Remain seated until you are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell
• Check class website and 7^th grade Google homework calendar daily
• ELA is graded using a total points system (points earned/points possible). You should regularly check Sapphire to know where you stand with your grade and see me if you have any questions/concerns. I am here to help!

Laptops

*Must be charged prior to class—3 infractions will result in a lunch detention and a phone call/email home

*NO GAMES—follow district internet usage policy!

*Computers should NOT be on the desk or in use unless you are permitted to do so for an assignment.

*If you are having trouble with internet or having “technical difficulties” at home when an assignment is due, please bring in a signed note from a parent/guardian or have them contact me through email. If internet troubles are frequent, please let me know so we can come up with a plan.

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My Homework Policy

*Students can use a homework pass (2 Tiger Tickets) once per marking period. It will count as an “Excused” in Sapphire, meaning it will neither harm nor benefit your grade. (Note: This does not apply for projects and assignments that were assigned in advance with a due date.).

* 3 missed homework assignments will result in a phone call/email home. After 3, students will be assigned a lunch detention (as per middle school homework policy)

*You are responsible for making up missed work when you are absent. Always check the homework calendar and the “Absent folders” in the classroom for papers and assignments. Check with a friend to get any notes that you missed. I will be glad to help you get caught up during a lunch period or during RTII at the end of the day if needed. We can also set up a time for you to make up any tests/quizzes that you missed. As per school policy, one day for each day a student is absent will be provided to complete make-up work, unless special arrangements have been established.

Grading

Grades will be calculated based on points within the following weighted categories:
Tests- 40% ; Projects- 25%; Quizzes- 20%; AR- 5%; Classwork/Homework- 10%
Student grades are available on Sapphire and should be checked routinely by students and parents/guardians. To receive full credit, all assignments must be complete and turned in on time. All homework and upcoming assessments are posted on the 7th grade homework calendar and on Miss Burcicki’s front board.

Late work: You may submit late assignments for up to one week after the initial due date. All late work will receive half credit. Students must complete and attach a late work slip to the front of the assignment (found on the shelf on Miss Burcicki’s counter). As per school policy, incomplete assignments will be reported for disciplinary action via Sapphire.

Extra Credit

*There will be several extra-credit opportunities each marking period. Extra-credit assignments must follow all directions and cannot be turned in late.

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*Notebooks/folders can be turned in for an extra-credit grade at the end of the marking period. I will look to see that your notebook contains ONLY ELA materials and that all notes/assignments are written down and kept neatly in your folder. Your notebook and folder must show all work from that marking period for credit. There will be no partial credit as this is an extra-credit assignment.

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Discipline Policy

For Level 1s:

• Verbal warning and level 1 slip (take home to be signed and returned)
• Further infractions and disruptions during that class session will immediately result in your name on my list for lunch detention and contact home.
• I keep record of level 1s using a checkmark system in my gradebook. Once you reach 3 in a marking period, you will receive a level 2 referral in Sapphire to Mr. Callahan, which will result in a lunch detention the following day and notification home.

For Level 2s:

For serious offenses, the issue will be entered immediately as a referral to the office through Sapphire (the 3 level 1 “checkmarks” do not apply for level 2 offenses). See the middle school handbook for more information on level 2 infractions.

*Positive behavior in my class will be rewarded every Friday for students that remained “checkmark free” that week! 😊

Let’s work together to make this an awesome school year!