-Parents and students should know how to log onto Rediker. Here you can see grades that have been posted and work that is missing. I do update regularly -- usually about twice per week. If you do not know your login or have trouble, please contact support at edtechdept@spscarlisle.org.
*Please be aware of the policy for Academic Eligibility for sports & clubs. It's in the handbook.*
Social Studies - when school is regularly in session:
Homework is checked daily as assigned. Homework is usually worth 4 points per assignment (overall, 10% - 20% of each student's grade) and is checked for being complete & on time rather than checked for correct answers. Nonsense answers or notes with missing sections are considered incomplete work.
In 7th and 8th grade, chapter tests are given once every two to three weeks and are worth 100 points. In 6th grade, we have chapter quizzes, given once every five to seven class days, usually worth about 50 points each. We take the tests on Google Classroom and so we have no paper copy of the test to send home, but I do release the test once all students have taken it, which then goes to their e-mail account. The grades are posted to Rediker once I've marked the essays. Occasionally, we have a project-based assessment, which can be worth anywhere from 10 - 50 points. 6th-grade students will have regular mini-projects starting in January to prepare for their Adopt-a-Country presentation.
7th & 8th grade students who receive a D or F on a test are encouraged to complete a remedial assessment to replace that grade within a one-week window. Missing projects will have points deducted for lateness (usually 10% per day) and this is more serious, as it has a larger effect on the grade.
Several times a year, we participate in writing contests from the VFW, AMVETS, and Carlisle Barracks. In class, we brainstorm ideas for writing topics, review the criteria for the contest and the grading rubric for the assignment, and begin writing the essays in class. Please know that we are not expecting college essays here -- the charm of these writing contests is hearing their voices when we give students a chance to reflect on a topic and express their own thoughts about it.
Homework is due at the start of class -- it is either here or it is not. Online assignments (less frequent) are due by the due date and time as posted. Absences due to illness may be granted extensions. Please see the "homework" tab for more details.
Please check Rediker about once per week to keep an eye on your student's progress. Middle school students are gaining independence and it is not always a smooth road -- if they are doing well, please praise and encourage them. If they are struggling, please ask them for their perspective and ask what they think they could do to improve their grades. You are always welcome to check in with teachers via e-mail or ask for a meeting -- we are happy to collaborate and figure out how to help all our students be successful!