In PowerSchool, what do the scores C, P, I, M and E mean?
C - completed
P - partially completed
I - incomplete
M - missing
E - excused
Do I need to complete formatives?
Yes! The development of skills is assessed and part of your grade (Criterion B, Strand 1).
In addition, they build the skills and confidence to tackle the summative task (which is also assessed).
Please note: Excessive formatives that are missing will impact your citizenship score.
What happens if I don't do the formatives?
You will not be able to do as well on the summative/performance task and, if you want to improve your summative, you will need to complete the formatives first.
Can I redo a summative?
Yes, but you will need to meet with me before you do. We will discuss what needs to happen. More than likely, you will need to complete or rework some formatives before I rescore you start redoing the summative.
What is a rubric? Why do we use them?
A rubric is set of expectations provided before an assignment is started so that you have a guide as to what is expected. It is just as important as the directions.
We use rubrics so there are no surprises after the assignment is complete. You know what was expected before you started and before you turned in your work.
Why do I need to write in complete sentences?
Communicating in a clear manner is done by expressing full thoughts. Writing in complete sentences allows us to articulate our thinking in written form.
When we are talking to each other we may not need to use full sentences because we have body language, facial expressions, and background knowledge to help fill in the spaces that are missing.
What does "roll the question into the answer mean"?
Rolling the question in the the answer means that you restate the question in a declarative manner.
For example:
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: My favorite color is green.
Where is the class syllabus?
The syllabus can be found in your planner/handbook.
I was absent - did I miss anything?
Of course! You can check with a classmate or, better yet, look at the Media Arts calendar and then plan some time to make up what you missed.
And if something was due while you were out - please turn it in!
Why do I need to save documents a certain way?
The file extension helps an operating system, like Windows or Chrome, determine which program on your computer the file is associated with. Here is a document that breaks down the ones we use the most in class.
Why is it important to save documents with clear and specific names?
It is important to clarify what is in the document without having to open it up. Having hundreds of "Untitled Documents" in your folders creates a mess and leads to a lot of wasted time when you try to find things.
What is the best way to stay organized?
Name everything!
Create folders - and use them. Create folders for every class - and then a subfolder for each unit you are studying within that class. Keep all documents related to that unit in that subfolder.
"Star" documents that you go back to over and over. Then sort by the "starred" materials inside Google Drive. This will allow you to find materials quickly and easily.
What is meant by a URL?
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is nothing more than the address of a given unique resource on the Web. In theory, each valid URL points to a unique resource. Such resources can be an HTML page, a CSS document, an image, etc. *
What do mean by file extensions?
The file extension helps an operating system, like Windows or Chrome, determine which program on your computer the file is associated with. Here is a document that breaks down the ones we use the most in class.
Why do we fist bump on the way in to class?
Greeting one another in some fashion is always a good idea. Fist bumps require us to slow down and recognize each other as people before we get started. We don't have to fist bump - we can shake hands, elbow tap, or none of the above. An individual greeting, though, is required.
Why was I marked Late?
Per school policy, "Students are expected to be seated and working when the bell rings. Students walking into class as the bell rings or who do not have materials ready are considered late."
Should you have a pass from a teacher, counselor, or administrator excusing you from class the late will be stricken from the record.
Please note: Excessive lates will impact your citizenship score.
Why do I need to have a book with me?
Reading is a skill. If you do not practice the skill, it gets lost.
Better readers tend to be better writers. We will be doing a lot of writing in class. I want you to have best chance at succeeding so we will work on building vocabulary through reading.
Sometimes technology doesn't work... A book gives us a back up plan.
What is a Learning Objective?
A Learning Objective is what gives us an understanding of what we are striving to learn on a given day. If we don't have a focus, then we just go through the motions without thinking about what we are doing and why we are doing it.
Why do we use Typing Club?
Typing with speed and accuracy is skill that is going be needed to help you get through the high school and into your careers. You may not need it every day but you will need to know how.
I was absent - what do I do?
You can check with a classmate or, better yet, look at the Media Arts calendar and then plan some time to make up what you missed.
And if something was due while you were out - please turn it in!
What is meant by appropriate dress?
For our purposes, appropriate dress will refer to the clothing that is appropriate for the task at hand.
When using video equipment - shoes that provide support and security so that the equipment that is being carried around is not likely to be dropped. Think PE shoes.
When interviewing - shirts and pants/shorts/skirts that represent the best of Mitchell. No t-shirts (unless Marauder News Network) or clothing with holes.
May I use the bathroom during class?
Yes. It is not ideal but you may. You will need to sign out before you go and sign back in when you return.
Multiple and regular use of the bathroom will result in a phone call home so any medical needs can be addressed.
May I eat in class?
NO!
May I drink in class?
Water only. And please keep the water bottles on the floor.
May I listen to music while I work?
It depends:
There are days where there is a lot of direct instruction that require you to hear and understand the directions. On these days you may not.
There are days that you are working within groups. On these days it depends on what the activity requires of you and the group. Check with me first.
There are days in which you need to block out those around you so you can focus. On these days, you may as long as you check with me first.
What music may I listen too?
Anything that your family has approved of and others cannot hear.
May I use YouTube to listen to music?
If you have a play list, yes. If not, you may not. Too much time is wasted when students are using YouTube for music because you end up WATCHING the music.
May I borrow headphones?
Not to listen to music. Please bring your own earbuds or headphones.
Digital Citizenship is defined as "... the norms of appropriate, responsible technology use."
Basically it all comes down to this: the manner in which we handle ourselves when we are online.
Be Safe
Be Responsible
Be Respectful
Common Sense is a great place to start. This organization "is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology."
They have resources for students, teachers, and parents.