Parent Partnership

Hello Parents and Guardians!

Welcome to your very own page on our website!

This is where you will find answers to questions you might have regarding our classes, expectations, and/or structures put into place for success this year. If your questions are not answered on this page, please feel free to e-mail either of us at:

mhayes@lps.k12.co.us or mtoland@lps.k12.co.us

FAQs

Q: My child will be absent, what will he or she need to make up?

A: Our class works at the pace of the students' learning so it is challenging to anticipate what students will be missing far in advance. The best way to ensure students do not miss anything is to have them follow the Absence Procedures:

1.) Check the website by starting with the "Weekly Slides" page and look at the slide show for the class and the date missed. We recommend students make a To Do List as a record of each of the items, lessons, or activities we covered the day of their absence to assist with the make-up work process.

2.) Students should come in before school, after school, or at lunch the day they return to talk to us about what is expected of them to get caught up in class. The To Do List will significantly reduce the time it takes to accomplish this step, especially if there are several students in line to do the same thing.

3.) Students need to complete all missing assignments as well as do their best to make up the learning from the day(s) missed, and absent work must be turned in according to the school policy. The policy can be found in the student planner for further clarification; however, students are given one day for every day they are absent in order to get caught up without any late work penalty. We understand there may be exceptions to this policy and will work with students on a case-by-case basis as necessary.


Q: My child was absent, what does he or she need to make up?

A. Students are strongly encouraged to come in before school, after school, or at lunch on the day they return from an absence for an absence check-in to ensure they can receive and complete all missing work. They will not lose any Preparedness Points as long as they turn missing work within the policy and parameters listed above.


Q: Do you accept late work?

A. Yes, we do accept late work. Students will not lose content points on the assignment itself; however, they will lose Late Work Points, which is connected to the Academic Work Habits portion of the grade book. Specifically, students will lose one point per day, per assignment turned in past the due date. Late assignments must be turned in within two weeks; thus, students will not exceed a loss of 10 points for one individual assignment in the Late Work Points bank. Students receive a bank of twenty Late Work Points per quarter that will only be deducted for late assignments.


Q. There seems to be a mistake in the grade book on Infinite Campus. What should I do?

A. To err is human and we will unintentionally make mistakes when inputting grades. Simply email us with the assignment information and the actual assigned grade, and we will look into it as soon as possible. OR We recommend having your child come in the following day before school or at lunch to quickly show us the assignment and we will fix the grade upon careful review of the materials presented to us. We apologize in advance for any mistypes while inputting grades, but communication and patience is key in correcting these errors.


Q. My child is confused on the homework. How can I help?

A. If students are confused on a homework assignment, the best strategy is to recommend they email us directly. This is especially helpful in developing self-advocacy skills because students have access to their own school email address and to communicate directly with a teacher is an empowering skill to acquire. Because homework assignments are given with one to two-week deadlines, it is best for students to get started immediately so that questions can be asked and answered long before the night an assignment is due.


Q: My child needs a time extension on an assignment. May she/he have one?

A: Extensions are given for valid and parent-supported reasons on major assignments only. If students are struggling to turn an assignment in on time, they must contact us BEFORE the assignment is due in order to ask for an extension. The assignment type and situation will determine the time allotted to complete the assignment to the best of their ability. This is a situation handled best on a case-by-case basis.


Q: We don't have access to a computer/internet from our house. What can my child do?

A: The majority of assignments in this class will be online; therefore, computer and internet access is very important. However, we are more than willing to work with your child to find alternatives to all assignments requiring a computer and internet. Students can come in and talk to us before school or at lunch regarding assignments that will be difficult to complete and we will make it work.

A: Updated with 1:1 Chromebooks - Please make sure your child is opted in for Chromebook use at school and at home this year. If there are wifi connection concerns at home, please let us know and we'll help you and your child come up with some alternatives.


Q: We don't have a printer at home. What can my child do if a printed assignment is required for class?

A: Some assignments must be printed; however, the majority of work will be turned in on a handout or electronically, especially through Google Classroom. If your child needs to print an assignment for class, he or she can go to the library before school, during lunch, or after school to print. Students can also share their documents with us, so that we can help with printing needs in advance. We will not print assignments during the class period they are due because the process can be distracting to the learning environment and potentially disrupt the fluidity of the lesson. Students must plan out their printing needs in advance.


Q: My child needs extra help in your class. When are you available for more individualized instruction?

A: We strive to make ourselves available as often as possible. If one-on-one instruction is needed in addition to support in class, we recommend arranging time before school between 8:00 AM and 8:40 AM or after school between 3:50 PM and 4:30 PM; however, due to extracurricular clubs, committees, and coaching endeavors, we need advance notice to ensure our availability during these times of extra help to meet students' needs. We are also available during lunch everyday of the week. If students would like to come in during lunch, they do not necessarily need to inform us beforehand but it may be helpful in certain situations. If students would like to come in before or after school, they should email or tell us directly that they would like to come in, so we can confirm availability. We understand how important one-on-one instruction can be for certain learners, and we are more than willing to make it happen.


Q: What is the difference between a Regular and an Advanced Language Arts Class?

A: The biggest difference between the two versions of our classes is the pace and expectations of completed work and extension of standards achieved in Language Arts. A regular class of students will move at a typical 7th grade pace for the year and students will be expected to turn in work aiming to reach proficiency standards. An advanced class of students will move at a little faster pace throughout content instruction and students will be expected to turn in work exceeding proficiency standards and developing advanced levels of achievement. We are cognizant of differentiation within our regular and advanced level classes; therefore, we will do everything we can to meet your child's needs and help him/her grow as a reader, writer, communicator, and overall critical thinker. Opportunities for further enrichment experiences will be available to continue challenging learners throughout the year.


Q: How did my child qualify for an Advanced class?

A: In order for students to be placed in an advanced class, they must achieve at a high level of proficiency, if not advanced achievement, in reading, writing, and overall communication. We examine former iReady and CMAS scores to evaluate proficiency levels, growth achievement, gifted/talented information, as well as look past grades and teacher recommendations from 6th grade Language Arts. Lastly, students must exhibit exceptional work habits and academic skills to be considered for an advanced class. Middle school advanced placement does not dictate high school Honors/AP placement as those classes require a separate process for application. Students who have not been in advanced classes in middle school are eligible to look into the Honors/AP process in high school and are encouraged to do so if they are looking for more challenge in the area of English Language Arts upon nearing the completion of 8th grade.


Q: My child has a hard time finding something he or she is interested in reading. What do you recommend?

A: As much as we strive and wish to be on top of the latest and greatest of young adult literature, we default to the expertise of the Arapahoe Library Teen Service Librarians and highly recommend students visit their local libraries for recommendations. We will aim to have the librarian staff visit once or twice a year to provide book talks for all of our students. In the meantime, here are a few more recommendations:


Q: My child wants additional writing opportunities outside of the classroom expectations. What do you recommend?

A: If you're looking for additional resources outside of the classroom curriculum to meet your child's interest areas, consider looking into the following resources:


Q: What resources would you recommend if my child is ready to start talking about college?

A: If you're searching for some great resources for looking into preparing for college, even as early as 7th grade, consider looking at the following links from College in Colorado: