Middle School Syllabus

Hayfield Secondary

Middle School Chorus Syllabus

2026-2027

Hayfield Secondary School’s Commitment to Equity & Cultural Responsiveness:

All teachers at Hayfield Secondary School are committed to the following principles and values:

●      Creating a safe, open, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all members of the Hayfield family.

●      Striving to implement a curriculum that is historically accurate and interculturally responsive, one that tackles complex concepts with an honest, objective lens and reflects the diverse array of experiences of our community of learners.

●      Encouraging our learners to critically assess information for validity and impact on self, local, national, and global communities.

Teacher:

Ms. Melissa Torres  Room 1525 & 1523

mmtorres@fcps.edu | 703-924-7599

Additional help available after school Wednesdays 3-4:30 & By Email Appointment

Course Description

Chorus students will study correct vocal production, sight-singing and development of musicianship through the study of appropriate choral literature.  Emphasis is placed on the development of musicianship and proficiency in ensemble performance. Course content includes a study of choral literature, vocal techniques, and sight-singing. Based on successful completion of sequential concepts for each level, students will continue to learn advanced musical concepts. Students must meet both the school day and outside of the school day participation requirements to receive credit for the course.

This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Co-Curricular FCPS Regulation 3866

Many courses include participation requirements outside the regular school day. In order to receive credit for the course, students must be enrolled in the course and meet both the school-day and after-school requirements. Additional details for these courses can be found in the course descriptions of the FCPS Standard and Optional Course Offerings catalogs.

Course Objectives

STRAND 1 – LITERACY

Standard 1 – The student will develop and demonstrate critical listening skills.
Standard 2 – The student will read, notate, and perform music.

STRAND 2 - CREATE

Standard 3- The student will use creative thinking skills to compose and improvise music

STRAND 3 – PERFORM

Standard 4 – The student will demonstrate skills in music performance as an individual.
Standard 5 – The student will demonstrate skills in performance as a member of an ensemble.
Standard 6 – The student will use performance skills to demonstrate original artistic thought.

STRAND 4 – RESPOND

Standard 7 – The student will describe, analyze, critique, and evaluate music.

STRAND 5 – CONNECT

Standard 8 – The student will explore music in terms of historical context.
Standard 9 – The student will explore music in terms of cultural context.

Materials

Students are responsible for the following items and are expected to have them in class every day:

●      Course Materials Fee paid once at the beginning of the academic year.

●      Pencil. Students will be asked to make notes in their music. Pens are never to be used in class.

●      Folder. Provided by the teacher and may travel back and forth between school and home.

●      Music. Students are financially responsible for the music if lost and damaged.

Textbook
Students will be issued music throughout the year. Any sheet music issued is property of Fairfax County Public Schools and should be treated as such. Failure to return any music or to return in worse condition than it was issued (tears/rips, excessive markings) will result in the student paying to replace the piece of music. Individual parts of any piece can run anywhere from $2.00-$10.00 depending on the piece.

Fees: Student Fee Regulation 5922
All students in a high school chorus course will be assessed a fee of $50.

This fee covers

●      Black performance Binder  

●      Pencil/highlighter/pencil pouch

●      Casual Performance T-shirt

●      SightReadingFactory.com Subscription

●      Concert Accompanist

●      Formal Uniform

 
Free & Reduced Lunch students need to have completed the Free/Reduced Lunch Application Form, and must check the “Consent to Share” box in order to have fees waived for the 25-26 school year. (https://www.fcps.edu/frm)

 Concert Attire
Students will be measured for uniforms at Parent Orientation night and if missed during class.

Casual Uniform

●      Course Fee provided T-Shirt

●      Solid colored Blue Jeans - No Rips

●      Closed Toe & Heel Sneakers

Formal Uniform

●      School Chorus Polo (included in course fee)

●      BLACK Dress Pants OR BLACK tea length skirt

●      BLACK dress shoes. If shoe has heel, it must be NO MORE than 2 inches

●      Black Socks/Tights/Stockings

●       

*Jewelry: Small earrings are accepted. All other jewelry is not permitted except for medical or religious wear.

Jeans, leggings, flip-flops, sandals, Crocs, tennis shoes & sneakers are not acceptable Formal Concert Attire.

Rolling Gradebook

At Hayfield, we will be using Rolling Gradebooks. A rolling (cumulative) gradebook allows for progress towards a final mark that captures the total picture of student grades, regardless of length of quarter or number of assignments in each quarter. A rolling gradebook allows for flexibility and equitable grading practices.

●      Cumulative Grades from each quarter carry over and build upon the previous quarter. This allows all summative assessment topics to be reassessed/regraded throughout the year regardless of current quarter.

●      Quarter grades are a snapshot of a student’s current progress in the course and demonstrate performance to that date, not just the quarter.

●      Final grades are determined by a combination of all assignments and assessments

throughout the year, regardless of the quarter the work was completed.

Assignments will be graded and grades will be posted in the SIS Gradebook within 7 school days after the due date with the understanding that major projects/papers may require additional time to ensure quality feedback.

SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE Access: All students and parents/guardians can have access to their students’ grades, attendance, and other records through the SIS StudentVUE or SIS ParentVUE platforms.   Students log in to StudentVUE with their FCPS username and password.  Parents/guardians log in with an activated ParentVUE account.  Parents/guardians can obtain an activation key letter to activate their SIS ParentVUE account OR receive instructions to reset their password by contacting Hayfield Secondary directly via this Google form OR by submitting the Parent Support Request form.

Grade Design

Yearlong Gradebook Categories- Grades will be determined by the following weights and categories:

Grade Category

Description

Weight

Summative

Assessments that measure mastery of standards. Assignments in this category are eligible for reassessment.  Examples of Summative assessments include:

Individual Performance Assessments, Ensemble Performance Assessments (Concerts, Rehearsals)

70%

Formative - In-Class

Assignments/assessments that provide students with feedback on their learning towards mastery of standards and assignments that allow students to practice content and skills. Formative assignments/assessments allow students to understand areas for improvement while learning is in progress prior to a summative assessment.   Examples of formative assessments include: Reflections on performances, Rehearsal Etiquette, Practice guides, etc.

**30%

FCPS Minimum Grade Requirement and the Use of the Zero: Students who make a reasonable attempt at completing an assignment will receive a minimum of a 50%. A “reasonable attempt” occurs when a student submits an assignment with some evidence that an attempt was made to demonstrate knowledge. If a student does not make a “reasonable attempt” to show evidence of their learning, a zero may be entered into the gradebook. 

Final Grade Calculation with Midterm and Final Exams

Quarter grades will NOT be averaged together to determine the final grade, as Hayfield Secondary School uses a Rolling Gradebook. A Rolling Gradebook means that grades are accumulated throughout the year, and the final grade is determined by the student’s demonstration of academic growth throughout the entire school year. This grade will consist of the below weighted categories. 

Of the final grade,

-        work completed throughout the year will count 100%

FCPS 100-Point Grading Scale

Grade

100 Point Scale

Explanation of Designation

A

100-93

Designates the status of a student who consistently demonstrates accurate and complete knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS Program of Studies (POS) and applies that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

A-

92-90

B+

89-87

Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of content and skills specified in the FCPS POS, with some improvement needed in accuracy and/or consistency in performance, applying that knowledge to solve problems in a variety of settings.

B

86-83

B-

82-80

C+

79-77

Designates the status of a student who demonstrates knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS POS, but requires additional practice and instructional experiences to acquire skills necessary to solve problems.

C

76-73

C-

70-72

D+

69-67

Designates the status of a student who needs significant practice and instructional experiences to acquire the knowledge of basic content and skills specified in the FCPS POS necessary to solve problems.  As a final mark, it is not necessarily sufficient to meet the prerequisite requirements.

D

66-60

F

59-50

Designates the status of a student who has not demonstrated the basic knowledge of content and/or skills specified in the FCPS POS and requires additional practice and instructional experiences in order to succeed.

Gradebook Reminders

●      There will be a minimum of 7 graded assignments (quizzes, tests, examinations, essays, homework, papers, etc.) over the course of each quarter.

●      No one assignment or assessment counts for more than 35% of the quarter grade.

●      Extra credit can be assigned but must meet the following criteria:

1) it must be standards based,

2) it must be offered to all students equally. Students will not be given extra credit or grades for activities such as attendance, bringing in classroom materials, providing parent signatures, participating in fundraising/charitable events or participating in non-curricular activities.

●  Class rehearsal etiquette will be included in a student’s grade.

●  Guidelines for assessing: Posture, Technique, actively working with ensemble, and musical contribution (Correct notes, rhythms, dynamics etc.)

Grade Book Key- The following codes will be used in SIS to help explain student grades:

Comment

Code

Explanation

Not Turned In

NTI

The student was in class but did not turn in work related to the skill being assessed.  If they do not turn it in, their grade can be negatively impacted with a 0 value in the gradebook.

Excused

(Do not make up)

Exc

The student did not complete the assignment (may be for an absence or other reason) and the teacher determined they do not need to make up the work.  Their grade will not be impacted.

Attempted

Att

The student made a reasonable attempt at the assignment/assessment/etc. but the attempt scored below 50%.  This code will automatically score the student with the mandatory minimum of 50% of the total.

Absent

Ab

The student was absent when the work was assigned or submitted and the work needs to be made up.  This placeholder will count as a missing grade until the student turns in an attempt at the assignment. 

Late

La

This will appear alongside a grade for an assignment. Notation that the student turned the work in but it was late.

Reassessed

Ra

This will appear alongside a grade for an assignment.  Notation that the student was reassessed on a standard or skill and the teacher updated the students achievement score.

Incomplete

(re-visit assignment)

Inc

This will appear alongside a grade for an assignment and indicates that the student turned in the work but the assignment was not complete and should be re-done or completed.

Not for Grading

NFG

This can be used to track assignments (like paperwork) that will not be included in the student’s grade.

Reassessment Policy

It is important that students are prepared for assessments like tests and quizzes and show the most complete evidence of their learning on assessments like projects or essays. For summative assessments, students who received lower than a 90% will have one opportunity to reassess their learning up to 90%. Students who wish to reassess will be asked to complete some steps before reassessing. This might include steps like

Unexcused Absences

Required Rehearsals

●      Unexcused absences from required rehearsals will be categorized as "did not attempt" and assigned a grade of zero.

●      If a student attends a meaningful portion of a required rehearsal or makes a reasonable effort to participate, they will receive a minimum score of 50%.

○      Required Rehearsals
Video record yourself performing your part accompanied by the practice tracks for your ensemble’s concert repertoire. You are not required to perform from memory. Be sure you can be seen in the video. Save the recording in your google drive and then share with your director. Demonstrate appropriate individual technique (tone, posture, articulation, diction, breath support, musicianship, expression).

Dress Rehearsals & Performances (Summative Assessments)

●      Unexcused absences from required performances will be categorized as "late" and may be made up with a 10% penalty if submitted within two weeks of the original performance date.

●      In the event that a student has been given a reasonable opportunity to submit the make-up assignment, and the parent/caregiver has been contacted, the student may receive a grade of zero for a summative assessment. 

●      At the director’s discretion, a student with an unexcused absence from a required rehearsal may not be allowed to perform in the concert, and a make-up assignment will be required.

●      Chronic absenteeism, when a student misses 10% or more of class rehearsals leading up to a performance, may result in the student not being allowed to participate in the concert, and a make-up assignment will be required.

○      Required Dress Rehearsals
Part 1: Video record yourself performing your part accompanied by the practice tracks for your ensemble’s concert repertoire. You are not required to perform from memory. Be sure you can be seen in the video. Save the recording in your google drive and then share with your director. Demonstrate appropriate individual technique (tone, posture, articulation, diction, breath support, musicianship, expression).
Part 2: Constructed response: type one paragraph (150 words minimum) describing considerations that you, as the performer, need to keep in mind when performing as an ensemble member. Refer to specific ensemble performance skills (blend, balance, tone quality, phrasing, articulation, watching the conductor). Share the paragraph with your director via school google.

○      Required Concerts
Part 1: Video record yourself performing your part accompanied by the practice tracks for your ensemble’s concert repertoire. If your ensemble performs from memory, then you are required to perform from memory. Be sure you can be seen in the video. Save the recording in your google drive and then share with your director. Demonstrate appropriate individual technique (tone, posture, articulation, diction, breath support, musicianship, expression).
Part 2: Constructed response: answer the following questions in paragraph form using complete sentences (300 words minimum). You should have one paragraph for each question.

■      Question 1: What skills and personal qualities do you develop as an on-stage performer? Consider aspects such as confidence, discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. How can you apply these skills and qualities to other areas of your life, such as academics, future careers, or personal relationships?

■      Question 2: Reflect on the progress you and/or your ensemble have made during this concert cycle. What specific musical or interpersonal skills have improved? Provide examples of challenges you faced and how you worked through them as an individual or as a group.

Excused Absences

●      Excused absences from required rehearsals or performances (summative assessments) will be categorized as incomplete and must be made up with video recording. Excused absence will be at the discretion of the director and parent communication.

Final exams and midterms are not eligible for retakes.

Formative Reassessment Work

●  No formative assessments are eligible for reassessment.

Late Work Policy

●      For assignments and assessments, late work will be accepted with a 10% penalty if submitted by the end of the unit.

Hayfield Secondary School Absence Make Up Work Policy

At Hayfield Secondary School, our focus is on student achievement. A student’s grade is based on achievement: what the student knows and is able to demonstrate (mastery learning).  All assignments must be completed in order to accurately assess what a student knows and is able to do so that appropriate feedback can be given to every student.  Teachers, school counselors, and administrators will ensure that students take advantage of all opportunities to demonstrate mastery of content.

Assignments are given due dates so that learning can progress sequentially in a timely manner.  Students who have not had an adequate opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content because of excused absences or extenuating circumstances should work with their classroom teachers and school counselor to complete the missing assignments.

FCPS Secondary Grading and Reporting Guidelines state:

Makeup Work for Absences

Students are fully responsible for completing any missed assignments.  Each day of absence affords at least one school day of makeup work opportunity. The period of time allowed to make up work may be extended at the discretion of the teacher/team.

Makeup work for excused absences is graded and recorded in the grade book by teachers without penalty to students.  For an approved pre-arranged absence, a student may request assignments in advance of the absence.  Teachers will provide regular or alternative assignments in advance of the absence, when feasible. Following any absence, including a prearranged absence, students should make arrangements with individual teachers for makeup work. 

Long-Term Excused Absence

Absence from school for an extended period may be excused for the following reasons:

●        long-term illness (verified by a physician’s note).

●        hospitalization.

●        death in the immediate family.

●        unusual circumstances approved by the principal.

Makeup work is graded by the class teacher (or the homebound instructor); grades are recorded in the grade book without penalty to students.

Unexcused Absence

Unexcused absences do not mandate course failure. Students may choose to make up work following unexcused absences and teachers may help the student and parent or guardian identify missed work, but teachers are not obligated to provide or grade makeup assignments. Make up work is encouraged so that students will be prepared for future instruction. 

Winter and Spring Break Policy

Hayfield Secondary School celebrates Winter and Spring Break as family time, that is homework free time.  No homework will be assigned over the break.

Students will have a concert sometime after the break.  The students will have time in class to work on music, and, with careful planning, students will have enough time out of class to prepare for the performance while keeping the Winter and/or Spring Break homework free. No major assessment can be given on the first orange day or the first white day upon returning from break.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Hayfield’s policy is based on the idea that we will treat behavior separately from academic achievement.  Any student who has forged, cheated or plagiarized will be subject to policies established in the Hayfield Honor Code.

The Hayfield Honor Code:  “I promise in my honor not to lie, cheat, or steal.  I will promote high ethical standards, foster unity, contribute to a trustworthy environment, and improve the spirit of Hayfield Secondary School.  If I do not follow this code of conduct, I agree there will be consequences for my actions.”

Our Honor Code policy is located on our website:  https://hayfieldss.fcps.edu/academics/honor-code.

AI Use in the Classroom and on Assignments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of technology that involves computer programming and data. There are many different types of AI tools.  Some can use data to make predictions, decisions, and/or generate content.

As your teacher, I will specify when it is acceptable for students to use AI on any part of an assignment. As a class, we will review expectations for citing AI and/or how students should explain their use of AI.  Students should follow the FCPS Honor Code and Hayfield Honor Code to maintain academic integrity.

Students should be able to demonstrate that they understand the information they turn in. AI tools can produce false information called “AI hallucinations.” Students should always check what AI creates, make sure it fits the needs of the project and audience, and that it is accurate.  Students remain responsible for the content they submit.  Students should not use AI on an assignment without the teacher's explicit permission.

Before using AI tools on assignments, students should ask their teacher:

●      if AI can be used on any part of an assignment

●      how it can be used

●      how to show your work

●      how to cite or explain their use of AI

In general, students should not enter any of the following information into AI Tools:

●      personal information (name, date of birth, etc.)

●      education records (grades, transcripts, etc.)

●      work that belongs to others.

You can search the FCPS Digital Ecosystem Library (DEL) using "AI" (in quotes) to see which AI tool features are approved for use on FCPS devices or networks. The DEL provides information on approved audience(s) for each tool. We may use these tools as appropriate in this course. Your use of AI must comply with the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). This includes the Acceptable Use Policy in Appendix A of the SR&R.

Personal devices may enable access to other AI tools (not approved in the DEL).

●      Use of other AI tools will not be required in this class.

●      Parents/Caregivers decide what access to AI tools is appropriate on personal devices.

●      Parents and students are encouraged to read the AI tool's terms of service and privacy policies. Find out what kind of information the AI tool can collect, use, and share and what age students must be to use the tool. Check whether you retain rights to your data, the ability to delete your data, and the ability to opt out of data sharing. Be aware that some AI tools may keep the information you enter and use it without permission. You might not keep all rights to your work.

●      Be careful with any information you give an AI tool.

CommonSense Media Resources on AI and Parent Tips and FAQs provides supportive resources that parents can explore.

Regardless of whether you use a personal device or an FCPS device, students must follow teachers' expectations, the Honor Code, and SR&R.

Field Trip Expectations

The Music Department is planning a Spring Field Trip. All students are expected to adhere to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities while traveling. All students are expected to be in good academic standing in their music class to participate. Any student with severe behavior issues prior to or during the field trip can be disallowed from the field trip with no opportunity for refund of any expenses already paid at the discretion of the teacher(s) and administrators involved.