Expectations and Grading
Supplies
To help support the learning in my classroom it would be greatly appreciated if students always have working wired (not Bluetooth) headphones/earbuds, a pencil, and way to stay organized such as a folder or section in a binder for occasional papers. Other donations to the classroom of items such as pencils, glue, dry erase parkers, tissues, hand sanitizer, wipes, baggies, foil, etc. are always appreciated.
Absences
Regular school attendance is critical to the learning process. When your child is absent, he or she misses valuable instructional time. Students are permitted to make up work missed during absences. Students have one day to complete makeup work for each day they are absent. For example, if a student is out for two days, they are given two days to make up all work upon their return to school. However, some activities will be difficult or impossible for students to make up (such as science experiments and hands-on math activities). Therefore, your child may be given an alternate assignment or may be excused from the assignment altogether. Please remember to call the school attendance line when your child will be absent.
Grading Policy
Your child’s grades will be determined from a variety of activities, including class participation and effort (30% of total grade) as well as written reflections, projects, formal and informal assessments, and other class assignments (70% of total grade). I believe that learning is a process and a student’s first attempt at an assignment may not reflect mastery. In order to maximize opportunities for learning and success, students may redo any work and submit it during the quarter it was assigned for a better grade (provided it is submitted by the end of the 7th week of the quarter). Late work can also be turned in by the end of the 7th week of the quarter it was assigned, in order to receive credit. However, points may be deducted from assignments if they are late. (Please check assignment rubrics for more information on point deductions for late assignments.) Grades are updated regularly. Students and parents are able - and encouraged - to access grades in every subject as often as desired through Infinite Campus, our online gradebook. If you are unsure how to access, please contact the office. If you do not have Internet access or would prefer a paper progress report, please notify me in writing and I will send them to you.
If a student chooses to redo or resubmit any work, I ask that they fill out and turn in a paper copy of the form at the bottom of this page. In addition to the form being available electronically, paper copies can be found on my classroom whiteboard.
Homework
Good news: homework will NOT be a regular part of this class! However, there may be some instances when students do receive homework, such as:
- to finish a project or assignment in order to meet a pre-established deadline
- to complete unfinished activities started in class
- if you just really like what we are doing in class and want to move ahead!
If none of these reasons apply, then homework will not be assigned. In the rare cases that homework is given, it is expected to be turned in on time. Students will not be allowed to call home if they forget their work, nor will a parent letter, email, or phone call serve as an acceptable excuse for not completing work on time. Organization and proper planning are the keys to success!
How can you help at home?
- Ask each day what was learned. We are learning each and every day, so don’t accept “nothing” or “I don’t know” as an answer!
- Please contact me any time you have a question or concern. Communication between school and home is essential!
- Monitor your child’s progress on projects and activities - even if they don’t want you to! An involved parent is a child’s best advocate.
- Support your child, but don’t do the work for them!
