Class Policies

On this page you will find most of our general policies.

In the Policies drop down menu you can find additional additional information and policies that are more specific.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Classwork Policy

Regular classwork is expected to be turned in to the labeled bin at the front of the room on the day it is assigned unless a specific date is set. When an assignment is given it is reviewed as a class and the due date posted on the board at the front of the class. Typically classwork is graded on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All grades are entered into the computer by Sunday of that week.

Late Work

I want students to submit their best work, during the first trimester I will take late work up until the grade book closes one week before conferences. For the second trimester students have until the end of the month, the final trimester students have until the end of he week. I will continue to take the assignment however late it is but the grade may be decreased due to it being significantly (more than 3 weeks) late.

Turning in Assignments

There are four colored bins at the front of the classroom. Each is labeled for a specific topic. This is where students will turn in their assignments. Additionally, if a student wants to leave me a note or message, the "Homework" bin is emptied by me every day.

Getting Papers Back

I score or provide feedback on very nearly every paper a student completes. After a paper is scored, it is date stamped with the date and returned to the student via their file folder in the drawer to the right of the front door. Students are encouraged to retrieve their papers at least once a week.

I encourage students to hold on to all their graded papers until the end of the trimester. In case there is a discrepency in the gradebook, students can locate the graded paper. I would suggest a drawer, file or box at home to store papers.

Regrading

I always want students to give their very best, with this in mind, if a student would like to improve their grade, they are welcome to go back over the paper and correct their errors, then resubmit the paper for regrading. I will not regrade more than once. Their score is then changed in the computer with a note that it is a regrade. Tests may not be resubmitted.

Tests

Testing can be stressful for some students. With this in mind I try to support and encourage students when testing is necessary. In order to be sure that a student understands a concept, I assess students on various levels. There will be written assessments, oral assessments and project based assessments. Typically we have a mini-quiz on the concepts we have been working on each week. This is more than an opportunity to see what the students have learned, it is an opportunity for me to determine if a concept needs to be retaught or reviewed. Testing and assessments guide my instruction.

All tests should be three hole punched and filed in their binder

There may be re-test opportunities.

If the class on a whole does not do well on a particular test the class will review the topic(s) and a re-test will be offered. The higher of the two grades will be given.

Seating and Classroom Jobs

Typically we will change our classroom seating once a month. This gives us the opportunity to make new friends, refocus learning and have new conversations. It also helps students who need a change in environment to help them focus their attention. With new seats may come new classroom "jobs".

Some of our classroom jobs are; computer maintenance, doors and windows, paper passing and collection and classroom assistant (filing papers), errand runner, gate keeper and pencil maintenance. As the year opens and progresses, the class and I may determine if additional jobs are necessary.

Give Me Five!

In order to gain student attention, one of the most common methods I utilize is "Give Me Five".

Often the class will be working independently and while we strive for it to be a quite environment, it can be a bit loud. When the noise level become too loud for students to hear instruction or information, I will refocus the class with a hand signal and a count down. This is also used when we need to prepare for transition to another program or activity.

Transitions

This year we are planning to reestablish rotations. Students will rotate each day for one of their classes.

Mr. Bakody will be teaching Social Studies.
Ms. Hutchins will be teaching Science
Mrs. Etchart will be teaching Computer Science and Digital Citizenship

Our main transition is the rotation to Science, Social Studies, P.E or Computer Classes. These transitions will take place at various times as noted on our schedule.

The Restroom

In preparation for middle school students need to become accustomed to using the restroom during their breaks. I will encourage this. If frequent trips to the restroom during instruction time become a problem, or if there is any vandalism happening in the restrooms, I will send the student to the restroom in the nurse's office so it can be documented. If there is a medical reason why your student is using the restroom frequently during the regular day, please let me know so I can be sure to monitor this.

Physical Education

Students need to be dresses appropriately for P.E. every day. This includes closed toe shoes!

Cleats are not allowed on the playground during recess or P.E.

Students will spend the first three weeks of school creating their own P.E. plan. The plans will be kept in a class binder and each day a student will present and lead their P.E. Plan for the class from 10:00 - 10:10. Additionally, Mr. Nicholls will teach P.E. twice a week. Time permitting we may have additional outdoor activities.

If for some reason, your students cannot participate in P.E on a particular day, please send contact me. I will excuse the student for a maximun of three days. If the student needs to continue to miss P.E. you will need to provide a doctor's note.

Dress Code

I adhere to the district dress code. It is very basic and has few restrictions. My only requirement is that students be dressed appropriately for P.E activities, no bare midriffs, all shirts must have shoulder straps that are at least one inch wide. All students must wear closed toe shoes, no cleats.

Water Bottles

Students are welcome to have a water bottle at their desk during the day. These can be refilled in the "Hydration Station" in the cafeteria at recess and lunch. Students may use the class drinking fountain during independent work time. Please, nothing other than water in water bottles. No food in class usless it is a special occasion, like a class event or lunchtime movie.

Candy and Gum

Gum is not permitted on any campus at Ventura Unified School District. Especially during the holidays (like Halloween) students tend to want to bring candy to school. Please check your student's bag or backpack and do not send candy or gum to school. Students need to have healthy and nutritious food during their learning time. Save these special treats for the weekends and after school please.

Special Occasion Treats

If it is your child's birthday or a special occasion and you would like to bring a treat for the entire class there are several things I would ask;

Please check with me before bringing items as there may be students with allergies
Please bring "healthy" snacks. Some examples are; Trail Mix, Popsicles, granola bars, fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits,
Better yet, there are many great party treats available. I have had students bring pencils for their classmates, I have access to books for $1.00 apiece, a special art project, or a special activity.
If you feel that cupcakes are the only way to go, please contact me. At Ventura Unified we try to limit the amount of sweets that students consume at school.

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