Class Policies
Academic Integrity
The purpose of Language Arts assignments is to reinforce, introduce, and extend foundational and complex skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. In order for students to grow in these areas, they must engage in their own original thinking. When students plagiarize or cheat, it denies the student the opportunity to develop their own thinking and show their own abilities.
From the Auburn Middle School Student and Family Handbook
The AMS Academic Integrity Policy closely follows the policy in place at Edward Little High School.
Plagiarism - the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own without acknowledging or obtaining permission from the source.
Cheating - the unauthorized use of information, materials, devices, sources or practices to complete academic activities.
Plagiarizing and cheating are significant, and can impact the trust between a student and teachers and/or other students here at AMS. Teachers and administrators at AMS encourage all students to achieve their highest academic potential. We want all students to develop characteristics that will give them the best chance to be successful adults: integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.
First Offense (any class)
The student will have a discussion with the teacher.
The teacher will notify parents and administration.
Other teachers will be notified by the administration.
The offense will be noted in the student’s Powerschool information file.
The student will receive a 50 for the assignment.
The student has the choice to redo the assignment, but the new score will be averaged with the 50.
(Example: 50 + 90 = 140/2 = 70 final grade)
Further Offenses (any class)
Steps 1 through 4 will be followed.
The offense will result in a grade of 50 with no chance to make up the work.
NOTE: A grade of 50 on a significant assignment could result in a failing grade for the class.
Attendance
Regular attendance is important to successful learning and relationship building. If a student is absent from class, it is the student’s responsibility to check in with Ms. Viscardi regarding missed work when s/he returns to school. If a student has a planned absence, checking in with Ms. Viscardi to obtain assignments s/he will miss while away is encouraged.
Cell Phone Policy
Families can contact students through the main office at (207) 333-6655. Students can contact families using the office phones at appropriate times (with a pass from a teacher between classes, during lunch, or with staff discretion). Students will place their cell phones in their lockers when they arrive at school, and the cell phone will remain in the locker until dismissal.
Classroom Library
Students will have access to the classroom library, which is a collection of over 1,100 titles. Students will have an account on the online classroom library management system, and must see Ms. Viscardi or the student classroom librarian in order to check out a book. While there is not currently a time limit on book checkouts, students should return books in a timely fashion so that other students may check the book out. If a book is damaged or lost, a book replacement fee will be charged to the student whose name is on the book checkout.
Communication
In Language Arts, students will have a Google Classroom page where class assignments and resources will be posted. Students will also have a Powerschool account to see grades on assignments, as well as assignments that are marked missing, late, or incomplete. It is important that the student makes the first attempt to advocate for their learning, as middle school is where these skills are developed. If there is a question about an assignment, students are able to ask Ms. Viscardi directly during the school day or may send an email.
Food & Drink
Students are permitted to have a small snack during the first 5 minutes of class. After this time, snacks should be cleaned up so students can focus on the activity or lesson. Students may have water bottles, but should not have them on their desk while they are using their iPad to prevent accidental spills and iPad damage.
Habits of Work
Students will be assessed on their Habits of Work using the following criteria:
Preparation for Learning:
Arrive to class on time, with proper materials and ready to learn
iPad is charged and ready to use in class
Cell phones and earbuds are put away
Completes assignments on time
Obtains and completes missing work in a timely manner
Engagement with Learning:
Engage in classroom activities
Participates in classroom discussions
Willingness to revise and improve work
Demonstrates perseverance through challenges
Interaction with Peers and Teachers:
Demonstrates respect towards others
Takes responsibility for their own actions
Shares responsibility during collaborative tasks
Provides constructive feedback and support to other students