Expectations

WELCOME !

Dear Parents,

It will be my privilege to serve as your child’s social studies teacher in the 2024 - 2025 school year.  It is my hope that we can partner together to create a meaningful educational experience for your child. 

This newsletter will inform you of my expectations regarding student behavior and performance, classroom procedures and contact information.

COMMUNICATION

I believe that communication between teachers and parents to be vital in forming a positive educational environment.  The school phone number is 350-2142 and my extension is 76065. My school email address is james.lancaster@nhcs.net . I check my emails throughout the day, and try to respond quickly.  To help me out, if you would just send me a short email, as soon as possible, with your name and your child’s name I will be able to easily add you to my email contacts. 

BEHAVIOR

Good behavior is a must for my classroom!  Unacceptable behavior impedes the learning process. To deal with those situations when problems do arise, I have derived the following consequences for rule infractions during a class period:

·         1st offense – warning

·         2nd offense –lunch detention

·        3rd offense - after school detention & parent contact

·        4th offense - office referral

I will reserve the right to make office referrals for major disruptions or incidents of disrespect.

GRADING

       This year in social studies classes assignments fall into one of two categories; 

       Assessments (60%)...... summative

       Assignments (40%)......formative

Late work – Assignments are expected to be completed on time.  If a child receives a homework assignment they do not understand a parent may write a note and request an additional day to complete the assignment. If an assignment is turned in late, points may be deducted from the grade on the assignment due to being turned in late.

EXPECTATIONS

1.       Arrive Prepared for class – Students must arrive to class with ALL the materials they need for class (PENCILS, PAPER, ANY ASSIGNMENT THAT IS DUE). I do not allow students to return to their lockers once class has begun.

       2.      Cell phone -  Students are not allowed to use their cell phones at anytime during the school day (7:50-3:20). Cell phones  need to be powered off and placed in their bookbag.

3.    2-Pocket Folder – Students will need a 2-pocket folder that will be kept in class.  The folder is where notes and many assignments will be kept. Being organized can really help a student be successful in my class. 

4.       Pencil Sharpening – I prefer MECHANICAL PENCILS but if a student prefers regular pencils then he/she should come into class and sharpen their pencils immediately before the bell rings.   If a pencil breaks during class, they need to ask for my permission before using one of my sharpeners.

5.       Pencil Borrowing –  I understand that occasionally students forget supplies.  For that reason, students may borrow one of my pencils if needed.....following guidelines listed in class.

6.       Beginning Class –Students will work on Bell Work during the first few minutes of class.

7.       Talking – Students will need to raise their hand in order to speak during direct instruction.

8.       Dismissal – The bell does not dismiss the students, I do!

9.       Bathroom breaks – I usually provide a whole class bathroom break near the beginning of each class.  If circumstances don't allow this students can ask permission at the appropriate time and then sign out to use the restroom.

10.       Daily Assignments –  check under "assignments" on this website

11.       When a student is absent –  Students who have been absent will need to see me to get assignments they missed.  Students need to make up assignments as soon as possible. Remember also that all assignments are posted on my website.  Please call or e-mail me if you know your child will be out ahead of time. 

12. Tutoring – I will hold after school tutoring on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30.  THERE CURRENTLY IS NO LATE BUS TO TAKE STUDENTS HOME AFTER TUTORING……budget cuts.  Please be at school by 4:25 to pick your child up on time. After school tutoring will begin on... TBD. 

13.    Testing – I conduct numerous assessments during the course of instruction.  I firmly believe that these assessments should be a part of the learning process.  About every 3 weeks I will give a test that is cumulative on all the concepts we have covered in the current unit we are studying.

14.    Late work – Assignments are expected to be completed on time.  If a child receives a homework assignment they do not understand a parent may write a note and request an additional day to complete the assignment. If an assignment is turned in late, points will be deducted from the grade on the assignment.

EXTRA CREDIT:   I do not offer extra credit. I offer plenty of opportunities for students to be successful in class if they are active learners, complete assignments, and take advantage of retakes on assessments that they were not successful.

CURRICULUM

It is my goal to broaden students’ thinking about the world around us.  I believe that students benefit from being able to participate in real-life experiences that will prepare them for successful futures.  At Trask Middle School, all social studies instruction is taught following  Common Core Standards. 

I am sure this will be a great year for your child.

Sincerely,

Jim Lancaster