Chapter 2

Chapter 2

CLASSROOM RULES/PROCEDURES, GRADING SCALE, AND HOMEWORK POLICY

2.1.  Classroom Rules.  All cadets will abide by the following class rules to receive AFJROTC course credit.  

2.1.1.  Cadets WILL NOT wear hats or other headgear indoors during any cadet activity.  

2.1.2.  Cadets WILL NOT talk when the instructor or a guest lecturer is talking unless recognized. 

2.1.3.  Cadets WILL NOT throw objects. 

2.1.4.  Cadets WILL NOT write on the whiteboard, bulletin board, or on any other visual aid without the instructor's permission.

2.1.5.  Cadets WILL NOT sleep or put their head down on the desk unless authorized by the instructor due to illness.  This also includes the APPEARANCE of sleeping.  If cadets are not feeling well they should speak privately with the instructor to resolve the problem.

2.1.6.  Cadets WILL NOT be loud, disruptive, or participate in any form of "horseplay".

2.1.7.  Cadets WILL always address the instructor or guest lecturer as "Sir" or "Ma'am".  The proper address for a Major is “Major”, and Lieutenant Colonel is “Lieutenant Colonel” or “Colonel”.  The proper address for a Senior Master Sergeant is “Senior” or “Senior Master Sergeant”.

2.1.8.  Cadets WILL NOT enter the instructors office without being given permission to enter and to address the instructor.

2.1.9.  Cadets WILL come to class prepared.  Cadets will bring paper, notebooks, pencil(s), pen(s) with black or blue ink, and aerospace science books for assignments.

2.1.10.  Cadets WILL be respectful, considerate, and non-threatening at all times.

2.2.11.  Cadets WILL NOT use vulgarity.

2.2.  Classroom Procedures.  The following are the daily classroom procedures:

2.2.1.  Cadets will stand behind their desk at the position of PARADE REST with all personal belongings properly secured by the time the tardy bell stops ringing or they will be marked tardy.

2.2.2.  While standing at PARADE REST, cadets will remain silent, take note of any assignments or announcements on the whiteboard, and be prepared to begin class immediately at the conclusion of roll call.  For first-hour classes, when the morning announcement is made for the pledge of allegiance and the moment of silence, all cadets are expected to come to attention and face the flag.  When not in uniform, cadets may place their right hand over their heart and recite the pledge, or they may just stand quietly.  When the pledge/moment of silence is completed cadets will immediately return to the position of PARADE REST and begin/complete the attendance procedures.

2.2.3.  With the flight at PARADE REST, the Flight Sergeant immediately calls roll using the attendance sheets.  Cadets will come to ATTENTION when their name is called and respond "HERE SIR/MA'AM".  Cadets can then return to PARADE REST after their response.  After the roll is called, the Flight Sergeant will report to the Flight Commander for example, "TWO CADETS ABSENT SIR/MA'AM" or "ALL PRESENT OR ACCOUNTED FOR, SIR/MA'AM".  The Flight Commander will then turn to the instructor and state "ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR or (NUMBER) CADETS ABSENT, SIR".  After the report, the Flight Commander will bring the flight to ATTENTION and then direct the flight to "TAKE YOUR SEATS".  Cadets can then sit down and will refrain from talking.

2.2.4. Cadets who are not standing behind their desk with belongings secured when the bell rings may be marked TARDY.  Cadets that enter the classroom after the bell has rung, will stand at PARADE REST just inside the doorway until the rest of the class has completed attendance.  The cadet(s) will remain at PARADE REST until recognized by the instructor.  When the cadet(s) are recognized they will come to the position of ATTENTION and state, “Request permission to enter.”  At that time the instructor will receive any late slips and have the cadet(s) take their seats.   Tardy procedures outlined in the Merrillville High School handbook will also be followed.

2.2.5.  Absences and tardiness may negatively affect Outstanding Flight competition and the individual cadet's course grade.  Being on time and attending school are qualities that will ensure success in school and later in the job market.

2.2.6.  At approximately two minutes before the class dismissal bell rings, the instructor will direct that the Flight Commander/Sergeant to "PREPARE FOR DISMISSAL".  Cadets will stop class work and put books and classroom materials away.  Cadets will clean out their desks, pick up any trash in the immediate vicinity of their desks, align their desks with others in their elements, and stand at PARADE REST for dismissal.

2.2.7.  Shortly before the bell rings or at the signal of the instructor, the Flight Commander/Sergeant will call the flight to "ATTENTION".  Cadets will come to the position of ATTENTION behind their desk and wait for further instructions.  Remember, the instructors or Flight Commander/Flight Sergeant dismisses the class, NOT the bell.

2.2.8.  As the bell sounds, Flight Commander/Sergeant will check that all trash is picked up and the desks are aligned.  Flight Commander/Sergeant will then "DISMISS" the flight.  Each Element Leader will lead their element out of the classroom.  Cadets will wait for the element commands “FIRST ELEMENT, RIGHT FACE, FORWARD MARCH.”  Cadets can then retrieve their personal belongings and orderly depart the classroom.

2.2.9.  To show respect to Superintendents, principals, administrators, and any other distinguished visitor, the cadet who first recognizes a visitor to the classroom will, in a confident and authoritative voice, state “FLIGHT, ATTENTION.”  All cadets will immediately come to the position of ATTENTION behind their desks, facing forward, and remain standing silently until directed to take their seats by the instructor.

2.2.10.  The Flight Commander and the Flight Sergeant are responsible for the conduct of their flight during the class period.  All cadets will abide by any Flight Commander/Sergeant instructions.  The following are examples of actions that the Flight Commander and Flight Sergeant  may address with offending cadets:  sleeping in class, not wearing uniform as required, and excessive talking during class.  Offenses of a more serious nature may be referred to the AFJROTC Instructors.   Examples of these may include:  not wearing the uniform four times during a grading period, receiving a Friday school, or disrespect of any kind.  For very serious offenses such as misbehavior on a field trip, civil arrest, school suspension, and blatant disrespect may be referred to the AFJROTC instructors for consideration of administrative action including removal from AFJROTC.

2.3.  Grading Scale.  Aerospace Science Instructors will use the following weighted grading scale.  Instructors will maintain a computerized grading system that can be reviewed at any time.  Progress reports will be accomplished through the school and parents or guardians may be notified by phone of any grade and/or behavior concerns.  Cadets should review their grades and immediately identify any discrepancies to the instructors.

AFJROTC Grading Scale  

First-Year Cadets:

Academics 40%

Uniform Wear 30%

Health and Wellness 20%

Bearing, (Behavior) & Participation 10%

Second-Year ,Third-Year, and Fourth-Year Cadets:

Academics 45%

Uniform Wear 25%

Health and Wellness 20%

Bearing, (Behavior) & Participation 10%

Note:  The Military Ball will not have a separate grading category.  However, the Military Ball is a REQUIRED part of the AFJROTC program and is a graded item.  The ball will be counted with the weight of five (5) assignments. 

2.3.1.  Grading Policy.  Cadet grades for JROTC are comprised from the grade scale listed above.  Uniform wear is normally evaluated once weekly in accordance with paragraph 4.1.1.  Academic performance consists of class work, homework, quizzes, and tests.  Normally, class work, homework, and quizzes will be assigned and completed as deemed necessary by the instructor.  The amount of such work may vary depending on the unit being studied.  Tests will normally be given at the completion of a unit of study.  Military bearing will be evaluated by observing how well cadets follow the procedures outlined in paragraph 2.1 and 2.2 above.  Participation consists of cadet involvement in classroom discussion, activities, and other corps activities such as drill team, color guard, physical fitness program, field trips, etc.  The area of military bearing and participation is by nature a subjective rating assigned by the instructors.  During the fifth grading period (3rd Trimester, 1st marking period), the cadets are required to participate in a formal military event, normally a Military Ball.  Usually, cadets that participate in the Military Ball receive full credit so long as cadets are not involved with disciplinary or behavioral problems during the course of the ball.  Cadets may lose points if instructors need to correct behavior during the ball.  Health and Wellness is a required part of the AFJROTC curriculum and is weighted as 20% of a cadet’s grade.  Cadets are encouraged to talk with the instructors at any time concerning their progress and individual grades. 

2.3.2  Homework Policy.  Cadets are expected to accomplish and turn in all assigned homework on time.  All homework is due at the beginning of the class period on the day it is due unless otherwise stated by the instructor.  If a cadet is absent on the day homework is due and has been excused in accordance with school policy, the homework is due no later than the end of the school day that the cadet returns.  This policy also applies to any other work, to include exams, which must be made up for the day(s) that the cadet was absent.  It is the cadet's responsibility to make up and turn-in any work and missed exams.  Only the instructors can make exceptions to the above policies.  The procedures outlined in the 2023-2024 Merrillville High School handbook concerning homework not completed or incomplete, will be followed.