Miscellaneous Details about the Course and Your Grade
What you need to know about assignments (Part I):
(A) Every assignment MUST be either handwritten (in dark blue or black ink) or typed on a computer or typewriter; all assignments are to be done on standard 8-1/2-x-11 paper unless otherwise directed. At least one essay should be turned in with a previously typed draft that shows revision occurred.
(B) All handwritten assignments are to be legible and neat. Any illegible paper will not be graded at the time it is turned in, but will only be accepted upon being resubmitted, at which point it will be treated as a late assignment (see below).
(C) Grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation COUNT. These are not optional ingredients to an A paper. Any paper with excessive difficulties in these areas will receive the grade it deserves; under special circumstances, it may be reworked until it meets acceptable standards (and will not be considered a late assignment).
What you will need:
(A) A loose-leaf binder in which to place handouts and assignments, to take notes, and to write in-class work, journals, and reading logs.
(B) Pencils or pens (black or blue ink) with which to take the aforementioned notes and in-class assignments.
(C) An inquisitive mind, a willingness to think through concepts, the confidence to speak your mind and ask questions, and the courtesy to listen to differing opinions politely.
Please, come to class, at all times, ready to record notes and assignments, perform the day’s activities, and to ask questions or share your thoughts and opinions.
What you need to know about assignments (Part II):
Every assignment is given a specific due date; this date is absolute (with two exceptions). Failure to honor the due date will result in what will be considered a late assignment, which may or may NOT be accepted; if accepted, the grade it earns will likely be 50%. (Note—Be proactive! Every year, students involved in curricular and extracurricular activities—e.g., Forensics, football, band, etc.—find themselves in a hole due to their many commitments. Assignments due on the date of an absence (and known of in advance) are still due in class, in my email, or in my mailbox by the start of class that day. Know now that you WILL likely receive a ZERO for any late assignment that you have not requested an extension for beforehand or that exceeds the date of the extension.)
Exception One: Assignments given during an absence from school. For every day absent, you will be given one extra day to make up homework assigned while absent. In-class assignments and exams will be made up in class, time permitting; otherwise, in-class assignments will be due in class, by email, or in my box by the end of a mutually agreed upon day. (An excused absence from school must meet what is outlined in the Student Handbook. It is also a good idea to have the telephone number(s) of a classmate (or two) so that you can get a head start.)
Exception Two: By written request of the student and/or a parent/guardian that an extension be given for GOOD cause. A new due date will then be established through a phone or in-person conference between the teacher and the student (and parent if desired or necessary).
Tests and homework that are assigned while the student is out on an excused absence can be made up penalty-free within the number of days after your return that is equal to the number of days absent from the assignment date. After that scores are lowered 10% for every day (up to five) beyond the cut-off date. Tests missed due to unexcused absences cannot be made up. Homework assigned before and due during an absence are due (with obvious exceptions) immediately upon return to school—note: large assignments, such as essays, are due even during an absence (with obvious exceptions) and must be submitted electronically or sent with a classmate or friend. Tests assigned prior to and missed because of an excused absence must be made up on the day of the return from the absence or if unable to take the exam that day, the student is responsible for scheduling a make-up at his/her earliest convenience. If the student knows about the absence in advance, plans must be made prior to leaving for the absence. Failure to follow these protocols will most likely result in a ZERO being assigned to the assignment/test.
Teacher Availability:
If you ever have any questions or concerns about the class, an assignment, or some aspect of the work or lesson being gone over, you are highly and unequivocally encouraged to address these questions and concerns to me; however, since class generally does not provide time to discuss such matters, be proactive. Come up to me before or after class to schedule an appointment during Student Support (or some other time that works for us both) so that we can chat.