Syllabus

8^th Grade Social Studies—Mr. A. Alvarado

Course Procedures and Grading Policy

Grading Scale (subject to change during 3^rd and 6^th weeks when no six weeks exam is administered)

80%-Daily assignments, Journal, Quizzes, Participation

20%-Six Weeks Exam/District Benchmark

Supplies

Students are expected to be prepared for class every day. In addition to daily supplies (black pen, pencil, notebook paper and 100 sheet composition book), I will provide to each student a list of needed supplies. These items are necessary for proper participation and success in this class. Do not come to class unprepared.

Attendance and Tardies

It is crucial that students be in attendance for class. While it is understood that students become ill and/or have other emergencies, please do not be absent from class unless you absolutely must. The progress of the class will not stop, and you may find yourself behind. Please make every effort to schedule doctor/dental appointments after school. If you must go during the school day, please try to sign out and return to school when you are finished. Multiple-day absences tend to cause stress for students who have a great deal of work to make up. If you have a planned absence, please talk with me in advance so that we can get you the needed work. I, as teacher, am required to call a parent when a student has been absent for three consecutive days.

The tardy policy of Dr. Armando Cuellar Middle School is quite clear, and I abide by it fairly with all students. Any student not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings is tardy. All tardies will be recorded in my tardy book. For each six weeks period, the first tardy will result in a warning from me. The second and third tardies will result in a teacher-student conference. For the fourth tardy, a Level II referral will be completed and sent to the appropriate administrator, who will handle the issue. Any further tardies for the six weeks will automatically result in additional Level II referrals to the administration.

Late Work Policy

The highest possible grade on a late assignment will be a 60, before the assignment is graded.

Makeup Work Policy

As stated in Weslaco ISD School Board policy, students have five (5) class days after return from any absence to turn in missed work with no penalty. It is the responsibility of the student to check with me about missed assignments.

Retesting Policy

The only assignments which may be retested are minor tests/quizzes and major exams, excluding the district-level STAAR benchmark exams and the six weeks exam. Any retests must be taken within three (3) days of the return of the original tests. Any student desiring to retest must see me, and together we will set up a date for retesting. The highest possible grade on a retest is a 75, as per Weslaco ISD policy. Only one (1) retest will be allowed per test or quiz.

Teacher Conference and Parent Contact

My conference is during 10^th period. This period runs from 1:58 p.m.– 2:38 a.m. You are welcome to call the school at 969-6720 and leave a message for me to return your call, or you may prefer to send a note with your child. I will gladly contact you as soon as possible. I welcome any opportunity to speak with parents of my students. Parents/guardians may also email me at aalvarado@wisd.us.

Parents can view student information, including grades, on the internet through the WISD Parent and Student Access Center at www.wisd.us. Please contact the Cuellar data entry clerk for a PIN number to access the Parent and Student Access Center. Students and parents may preview and refer to my content website for the Units below by visiting http://8ssusthebest.weebly.com/