Expo 2019-2020
Teacher: Rhonda Clark (940)369-2385 rclark4@dentonisd.org
This class seeks to harness your student’s exceptional potential with a focus on reading and writing in the context of the International Baccalaureate program. Our work together will give students time to explore their own interests and passions and grow as individuals, both academically and emotionally.
Classroom Expectations
I value a mutually respectful learning environment that allows students as much freedom as they are capable of having. Sometimes the level of independence offered depends on the mix of students in a classroom. I’ve had classes in which students could be trusted to leave the classroom without permission to use the restroom and get a drink and others in which it was necessary to set times students could leave the classroom. No matter what, I will treat students fairly.
Grading
Though learning is more important to me than grades, grades allow me to communicate to students and parents where a child stands in relationship to reading and writing standards for her grade level.
I will follow Denton ISD’s grading policy by allowing students to re-assess for major assignments/ tests if the student meets the following conditions:
1.The student has scored lower than 90 on an initial major assessment.
2.Student has completed all formative assessments/assignments, even those that were not graded, related to the summative prior to the reassessment opportunity. Student should keep all returned work so he can prove he has completed this.
3. The student engages in additional learning opportunities/assignments I determine to be necessary. (Students may be asked to design this for themselves.)
4. The student may reassess within four (4) school days of the student receiving the grade on the original assessment unless extenuating circumstances exist.
5. The original assessment was not an extended assessment such as an essay, portfolio, or long-term project. As such extended assessments give ongoing feedback, re-assessment is NOT permitted in such cases.
Note: Only one re-assessment will be allowed, and if there are two grades, I will use the
higher of the two grades with a maximum grade of 90.
Tutoring
Tutoring is not just for students struggling with low grades. A student can come to tutoring if he wants to learn more about a subject or a skill or even if he wants a quiet place to read or work on homework. I am available most days after school until 4:30. Because I have meetings occasionally after school and will be given some after-school responsibilities for at least one day per week, I ask that students tell me either via email or in person before they show up. Parents must pick students up by 4:30 in front of Calhoun on Congress Street. Lunch tutoring is NOT an option. I have morning duty four days a week. I am available Thursday morning from 7:30 to 8:10. I am available Monday through Wednesday afternoons from 3:45 to 4:30. Please let me know if morning is preferable to after school.
Student Responsibility
I expect students to take responsibility for advocating for themselves when possible. This is a challenge both for middle school students and for their parents.
If there is a concern about grades, learning, or classroom expectations, ideally students should bring concerns up with me before or after class. If your child is reluctant, I urge you to start a group email between you, your student, and me.
If putting the responsibility on the student is not working, parents are welcome to contact me. That is often necessary. As always, if you have concerns, please contact me.
Students Supplies
Students will leave two composition books in my classroom. One will be for reading and one will be for writing.
They will come to school daily with a pen and pencil and other supplies depending on our activities. All students should have a book to read (their choice) every day in my class. We have quite an extensive EXPO class library from which to check out.
I welcome donations of tissues, highlighters, index cards or hand sanitizer throughout the year. We can always use books!
Parent Involvement
If you are eager to help, please let me know. I’m especially challenged with decorating bulletin boards & organizing the classroom library. We may need chaperoning for class trips. Our PTA is worth joining and does powerful work for Calhoun. Please join.
Contacting me
I should respond to emails and calls within 24 hours unless I am out of town on weekends. During the school day, I am fully focused on the students in my classroom and many days I don’t check email until students leave. If you don’t hear from me after 24 hours, please try again. Your email may have gone to my spam folder or I may have overlooked it.
Learning is a partnership between teacher, student, and parent and I am excited for all of us to be on the same team.