Assignments and Grading
Projects will be completed both in and outside of class. You will prepare at least two short research projects in World Geography.
Tests and quizzes will be given in each unit. Keep your notes and assignments organized, so that you have what you need to study! Tests and quizzes will typically be given on a Tuesday or a Thursday. The dates of upcoming quizzes and tests will be announced at least one week in advance.
In-class assignments help to build your skills and apply new information learned in class. Some assignments, including exit tickets, will be submitted for a grade.
Homework assignments will occasionally be given. In-class assignments, including some project tasks, may become homework if not completed during class time.
Each graded assignment will have a point value, with projects and tests having a higher point value than most other in-class or homework assignments. Your letter grade for the marking period will be based on a numerical average.
A 100 - 90 C 79 - 70 F 59 and below
B 89 - 80 D 69 - 60
The school year is divided into four quarters. Each quarter contributes equally to your grade in the course. There is no final exam in World Geography. The final project will count toward your Quarter 4 grade.
Submit Assignments
Carefully read all assignment directions in order to understand when assignments are due.
All assignments must be submitted in the format described in the directions (for example, through Google Classroom, on a printed worksheet).
Read the assignment directions carefully and ask questions before the due date.
Late Assignments
Homework and in-class assignments that are submitted late will be eligible for a maximum of 60% credit, if submitted one day late (including after class on the day it is due). Homework and in-class assignments will not be accepted more than two days late.
Projects that are submitted late will lose 5% credit for each day that the project is late. Essays and projects will not be accepted more than 4 days late.
Academic Honesty
See the Social Studies Academic Honor Code for more information about academic honesty, including use of permitted resources and crediting sources.
Arrive On Time
Be in your seat by the time the bell rings at the start of class. As you get to know your new schedule, think about what adjustments you might need to make in order to arrive on time!
Arrive Prepared
Prepare your materials for class as soon as you arrive. There will typically be instructions on the board that tell you what you will need for class. You will receive a weekly grade for preparation and participation in this class.
Hall Passes
You will receive a hall pass sheet during homeroom at the beginning of the year. You will keep the sheet at the front of your binder, and you will use the same hall pass sheet for all of your classes.
If you need to leave World Geography during class for any reason (bathroom, water fountain, nurse, etc.), you will: 1) ask the teacher for permission, 2) complete a row of your hall pass sheet, and 3) get the teacher’s signature on your hall pass sheet. Then you may leave.
Technology (Phones, Headphones, Computers, etc.)
Use your Chromebook as required for class activities (only).
Cell phones and headphones (including AirPods) are not permitted in class. If you have a cell phone, you will place it in the class’ phone stand at the start of class. You may collect it when you are dismissed at the end of class.
Headphones (including AirPods) will remain in your school bag at all times.
If you use a cell phone or headphones (including AirPods) during class time, the teacher will confiscate the technology until the end of class. If this occurs on more than one occasion, the technology will be given to the building principal until the end of the school day.
Neither cell phones nor headphones may be taken out of the classroom when you go to the restroom or water fountain.
Absences
Absences due to illness or doctor's appointments are excused.
You will have as many days to complete missed work as you had excused absences. Talk to the teacher about missed work on the day that you return to school. (Note: assignments with their corresponding due dates will generally be posted in the Google Classroom for your reference, as well.)
If you miss class due to a school event (e.g., sport, field trip, volunteering), you are responsible for completing previously scheduled work as originally scheduled. For example, if you are leaving school early for a sporting event on a day that an assignment is due, you are expected to submit your work before you leave school that day.
You will have as many days to complete missed work as you had excused absences.
Quizzes or tests missed due to an absence must be taken within 5 school days of your return to class. Speak to the teacher to schedule your missed quiz or test.
Food and Drink
You may have a water bottle in class.
No food or other beverages are allowed in class.
Communicate
Contact the teacher with any questions – especially regarding absences and missed work.
Email is the best way to contact Ms. Milliken outside of class. (Note: If you need an answer before tomorrow, make sure to email before 7:00 pm.)
Go to Ms. Milliken’s office before or after school to pick up papers, ask questions, or say hi!
Meetings are a great way to ask more in-depth questions or to get support on a project. Please email Ms. Milliken to schedule meetings before or after school.
All Jenkintown Middle/High School Rules and Policies apply in our classroom.
Image: CIA World Factbook, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons