Class Expectations

1.        Be on time 

2. Come prepared with supplies and work.

3. Be kind, polite, and courteous. 

4. Practice Active Listening Skills: Pay Attention, Show that you're Listening, and Respond Appropriately

5. Be resourceful and engage in problem-solving.

6. You must be an engaged learner. Pay attention, sit in your seat the way you should.

7. Be honest with your teachers and classmates.

8. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and don't make excuses.

9. When you come to this class, you are a historian and are encouraged to ask questions!

What are the points for?

• In an effort to encourage students to come to class prepared and on time, students earn "responsibility points" on a weekly basis.  

• Responsibility points count as 10% of your child’s grade in each class and can be affected by tardies and missing materials (including but not limited to, books, agendas, AR book, writing utensils, etc.).

What should each student bring to class every day?

• Agenda

• Accordion Folder

• Composition Notebook

• Zipper Pouch (INSIDE: pencils, pens, colored pencils, scissors, glue, etc...)

• Self selected novel/book

--> Click HERE for the 5th/6th Supply List <--

 How much time on average, should my child spend on homework?

• Homework in social studies/history should take your child no more than 15-20 minutes. Your child may need clarification or benefit from occasional discussions with you, however, their homework should be able to be completed independently. 

• If your child is taking much longer than the expected 15-20 minutes, please reach out to me so that we may problem-solve together and potentially make a plan for your child's success.

• Students will receive 75% of an assignment grade that is turned in late. 

•  Assignments will not be accepted after 1 week late
  (Excused absences do not fall under this category, and will receive full credit when turned in by the deadline assigned after their return.)

• Students are encouraged and expected to practice active problem-solving strategies  when they forget an assignment or material

Problem Solving Examples: 

The Challenge: Kyra leaves her history book at school and she needs it for homework.
--> The Solution: Kyra goes online, clicks on our Schoology website, finds the history textbook, and completes the homework on a separate sheet of paper to turn in the next day for full credit.

The Challenge: Margot thought she wrote her homework down, but she didn't and now doesn't know what her homework is for the night
--> Possible Solution #1: Margot calls/emails a peer from class to get the assignment
--> Possible Solution #2: Margot emails Mrs. Tench to get the assignment
(please note that after 5pm, Mrs. Tench most likely  won't be available for emails until the next morning)
--> Possible Solution #3: Margot goes into class the next day and fills out a Request-to-Re-Do form and completes the assignment a day late for partial credit

What is a Request to Re-Do?

• We are all human, and I understand that sometimes things happen, as our schedules are packed and our brains are stretched. I do NOT believe that ONE test, assignment or project defines you. I understand that sometimes our best is not always what we put forward. That is why I believe in second chances.   

• Any assignment where your child has received at 75% or less can be redone as long as the proper form is filled out with your signature. *Tests and projects are not allowed to be resubmitted unless specified*

 Requirements for the "REQUEST TO RE-DO" form 

• 75% or less on assignment (no tests or projects may be redone unless specified)

• Fill out and return the form. Copies are in our classroom in a labeled drawer as well as on this site for you and your child's convenience.

• Students should explain in written form, why they received the score. This helps me understand if it was a careless mistake or if I need to do some one-on-one tutoring with them about the skill

• Student must obtain a Parent Signature on the form to be accepted

• Students should turn in the form to their teacher. Their teacher will contact the student for an appropriate makeup schedule.

• Students are responsible for reviewing their work and deciding if they would like to complete a "Request to Re-Do" form. This is not required, however it is a chance to demonstrate their understanding in a different way and pull a grade up .

--> Digital copy of the Re-Do form <--

What is the Morning Work Grade?

• Morning Work takes place every day in the first 10 minutes of class, where students practice review skills. It is critical that students arrive to class on time so that they have the appropriate time to complete their work and ask questions. If they miss this time, they will be responsible for making up the work at a different time.

• Although, all of the skills on the page are a review of skills they have already learned, students are encouraged an expected to ask for help on questions they do not understand so that I am may work with them one on one to ensure a solid understanding. This allows me to catch any misconceptions or gaps in your child's education so that we may form a firm foundation for the skills they will learn this year. 

Volunteer Hours Per Family

Per the Cherry Creek Academy Volunteer Policy, all parents/legal guardians of children at CCA shall volunteer as outlined below: 

• Two parent family – 40 hours, per school year (both parents in the same household) 

• Joint parenting family – 20 hours each parent, a total of 40 hours, per school year (parents in separate households, but both responsible for child’s care) 

•Single parent family – 20 hours, per school year (one parent solely responsible for child’s care)

Volunteer opportunities will be available throughout the year mainly in the form of grading, pet care, bulletin boards, class celebrations,  and field trips. When opportunities arise, I will either send a Sign Up Genius link or an email asking for help. 

Please know that families will not be able to fulfill all of their required hours by volunteering in the classroom. It is your responsibility to fulfill the remaining hour requirements by contacting the front desk to determine where your assistance in most needed throughout the school. 

- Are there chaperone opportunities?

In an effort to make chaperoning as fair as possible, all family members that are interested will be entered into a Chaperone Lottery System at the start of the year. When a chaperone opportunity is available, 3 names will be randomly generated/pulled from the list and contacted. If chosen to chaperone, you will be contacted 3-4 weeks prior to the trip and asked if you are still available. If you are available, your name is removed from the list and you are approved to be a chaperone. If you cannot attend, your name will go back on the list for future opportunities. 

How Many Trips are Available?

We strive to have 3-4 field trips per year. Field Trips venues are to-be-determined as their availability is subject to change with each year. In the past we have gone to the following:

• Washington D.C.

• Estes Park 

• Virtual Boston Tea Party Museum

Monday Newsletter: 

• Each week, a newsletter will be emailed to you that details the topics we will be covering.  This is where you will find volunteer opportunities, field trip information, and general notes/reminders about the week.

CCA Eagle: 

• Our school newsletter will be emailed Tuesdays which will include information about clubs, sports, activities,  PTO events, etc...

Friday Folder: 

• At the end of each week, students will collect their papers from their RETURNED WORK folder in class. Please make sure that you make it a weekly habit to review these papers with your child. 

Communication from Parents/Guardians:

• Please do not write important messages for me in your child's agenda. I will not be checking their agendas daily as it is mainly a way for your child to stay organized. 

• If you have a message for me, please either email or call.

• If you need to get an important message to me throughout the day, please call the front office to ensure that I receive your message in a timely manner as I will only be able to check my email periodically throughout the school day.

• I am available for tutoring during our Tutorial Time from 9:35-10:05

• If your child needs to work on something specific please encourage them to advocate for themselves and ask me. 

• I would be happy to help in ANY subject!