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Strategies for Success – Syllabus

Pearl River Central High School

Mr. Bales

2023-2024

Contacting Me:

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Good luck.

I am available before school, after school, and during planning by appointment. The easiest (and best) way to contact me is via email.

School phone: 601-798-1986 

E-mail:  rbales@prcschools.org

Introduction:

Have you ever needed something done that is simple but you had no idea how to do it? Are you a person that does not like giving money away just because you should have known how to fix it but did not have a clue what to do? This class will teach simple techniques on how to fix or check certain things so that you don’t have to pay to get them done. While we will not cover everything there is to learn, we will learn a lot of the basic things. Such as how to write in cursive, fill out a job application, write a resume, a scholarship application, as well as many other things.

All I ask is that you come to class ready to learn as well as help teach. There will be things that you, as a student, can fix that the rest of us are not able to do and you will be allowed to do such if it is something, we should all know.  

 COURSE METHODOLOGY

⮚     This is an inquiry-based course. Students will generate knowledge through online readings, asynchronous discussions with students and their instructor, interactions with online tutorials, and online and hands-on simulations.

⮚     The instructor will act as a guide, a facilitator, and a resource advisor. He will always be available through course messages.

⮚     The student must actively construct and acquire knowledge by being intrinsically motivated to succeed. To succeed, students must participate in and complete all readings and activities. This course requires the student’s active participation.

⮚     Both formal and informal assessment methods will be used in the course. Informal assessment will include an evaluation of the quality and timeliness of participation in class activities. Formal assessment may include multiple-choice quizzes, tests, discussion board participation, and written assignments. A final exam will be given at the end of the course.

Course Objectives:

This is a 9-week class where we will be learning things that we can use in our own lives. Things can help us save money and time and are easy to do but sometimes cost a lot of money for us to get done. We will observe as well as complete each assignment so that we may be better prepared in life to financially help our families in the future. If you or your parents know of something that we should cover please don’t hesitate to tell me so it may be considered. Not all suggestions can be done due to students’ safety being important, but all suggestions will be considered. 

Required Student Materials:

Black or blue ink pens, or pencils

Notebooks are required for all students and should be brought to class every day.

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Activities will include but are not limited to:

1.   Class lectures, power points, reading, internet searches, and hands-on activities.

2.   Note-taking; class discussion; reading articles; and answering questions.

Academic Integrity:

All students have the right to take tests and quizzes in an environment that allows them to concentrate and do their best work. Students who disrupt the testing process will have their test/quiz scores reduced by 10%. Students caught cheating one time will receive a failing grade for that test/quiz.  If you are caught cheating again you will be referred to the office and I will contact your parents.

Assessment/Grading:

Grades will be based on the following:

Tests/Projects/Portfolio: 50%

Classwork/Homework/Quizzes/Notebook: 40%

Midterm/Final: 10%

Absence Policy

An absent student is required to make up all coursework missed regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. At a minimum, the student shall have no less than one week from the day the student returns to school to complete and hand in make-up work for credit. Makeup work for absences is graded and recorded in the grade book by teachers without penalty to students if submitted according to the timeframe in this policy. Specific arrangements must be made with the student’s teacher(s). If a student is not in school on the day an assignment is due, that assignment is due and expected in the next class. 

Late Work Policy

The expectation is that all students will turn in all assignments on time; however, when this does not occur, we need to encourage students to show responsibility for their learning by completing the assignments. Late work not due to absence will not be accepted for full credit. Late is any time after the assignment is collected by the teacher. Students will be allowed to submit a late assignment or project. Work turned in after the due date will reflect a 20-point deduction. Except for extenuating circumstances, work will not be accepted more than one week after the due date. 

Students who have been suspended out of school (OSS) will be allowed to make-up work at the discretion of the principal. 

Bathroom Policy:

 Each classroom has a designated time for us to go to the restroom. Students are only allowed to go during that class time, and cannot take their phones with them.  

Chromebook:

You will need to bring your Chromebook and charging cord every day to school.

Cell Phone Policy:

We will follow the policy as explained in the Pearl River Central student handbook.

Requirements:

●      Be in your seat ready to start class when the bell begins ringing, not after. 

●      Bring required supplies.

●      Complete reading assignments when given and be prepared to discuss the material in class.

●      No food, candy, drinks (except clear water), or cell phones.

●      Please do not leave trash on the floor or your desk—throw it away.

●      Be Polite.

●      Work only on these class assignments during class (no outside subject matter)

●      Do your work. Giving unauthorized aid on any assignment is forbidden.

Final Thoughts:

It is my sincere wish that you have a successful learning experience in my class. My philosophy is pretty straightforward:

●  I come prepared every day- so should you.

●  I stay focused on the content (no “free” days)- so should you.

●  I believe structure and order are necessary for learning to take place, but there is also room for some fun.  Behave yourself.

●  I think “bud-nipping” is key. Problems can be avoided if you take a proactive approach.

●  I believe in mutual respect and everyone’s ability to learn. Play nice.

Course Outline:

●  First 2 days

o   Introduction and Getting to Know Everyone

●  Week 1-9

o   How to write in cursive.

o   How to write a check and balance a checkbook.

o   How to fill out a college application.

o   Research what type of job the student may be interested in and what amount of schooling is required for that occupation.

o   How to search for a particular type of job.

o   How to fill out a job application.

o   How to fill out a resume.

o   How to sew on a button.

o   How to invest and save for the future.

o   (THESE ARE NOT ALL IN THE ORDER THAT THEY WILL BE COMPLETED.)

●  Week 10

o   FINAL EXAM

Education is the most powerful weapon

which you can use to change the world.  

Nelson Mandela