Ms. Whitman's Classroom Plan

I. General Classroom Rules:

A. Teach. (Help one another.)

B. Respect one another.

C. Learn.

 

II. General Classroom Procedures:

A. Arrive walking by the tardy bell or with an appropriate pass.

B. Sit in assigned seat and begin Daily Geography.

C. Sharpen pencils in the beginning of class and take out supplies.

D. Use the restroom BEFORE CLASS.

D. PET PEEVES: tardiness, class readiness, gum/ food or drinks.

 

III. Possible Consequences of Broken Rules:

A. Verbal Warning

B. Teacher Conference

C. Parental Conference

D. Teacher Detention

E. Referral (Note: All consequences will not be used for serious offenses.)

 

IV. Possible Consequences of Following Rules:

A. Good grades

B. Games or Puzzles

C. Prizes or treats

D. Good Behavior Reports

E. Computer Time

 

V. Course Requirements:

 

         A. Supplies for every day:

1. 1 or 1 1/2" binder with pockets, three dividers and paper

2. pencil and pen (black or blue ink only)

3. red pen for checking ONLY

4. yellow highlighter

5. student WORLD atlas

 

          B.Supplies to turn in:

1. GIRLS ONLY: pack of pencil colors, Kleenex

2. BOYS ONLY: 10-pack of fine-tipped markers, Kleenex

 

C. Binders: Student binders will contain daily activities, notes, maps, drawings, handouts, tests and all graded work carefully arranged. These will be graded by use of a CHECKUP TEST given twice each nine weeks as part of the daily grade. The test will necessitate that students organize their binders, keeping in mind FORM (to be explained), NEATNESS, and COMPLETENESS.

 

IT IS ALWAYS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE MAKEUP BINDER FOR CLASSWORK WHEN ABSENT OR TO CALL A CLASSMATE.

*CLASSMATE’S NAME ____________________________________________

*PHONE & EMAIL________________________________________________

 

*ASSIGNMENTS AND HANDOUTS WILL ALSO BE ON MY WEBPAGE.

 

D. Projects: Several special projects will be required this year. Handouts will be given and with specific guidelines and thoroughly explained in class. These projects are designed to help students learn to pace themselves and avoid procrastination. Projects are mandatory and worth 200 points. A parent signature will also be required.

 

E. Homework: The most important component for social studies homework will be reading, studying or reviewing notes. Written homework will also be assigned periodically and will always be checked at the beginning of class. Written homework must be completed entirely for credit to be given.

 

F. Participation: Involvement in class activities is a MUST! Participation grades will be given each week with points calculated on the following: readiness, materials, and attentiveness. Completing Bell Activities, doing homework, having books/supplies and participating in activities all count toward your 450-point Participation Grade (possible 50 points per week). Homework from other classes and personal notes will be picked up and not returned. Participation points will be lost.

 

G. Interims: Interim grades will be determined from tests, quizzes, daily work, one binder checkup, and one participation/ homework grade. Special project grades will not be available until the end of the nine weeks.

 

H. Tests: Tests or other assessments for 100 points will be given each week with group work being determined by rubric. Point values for other grades will be 50 points.

 

*All graded assignments must be neatly written on a complete sheet of loose leaf with correct school heading (SEE LIGHTBULB.) in black or blue ink or pencil.

 

*Talking during testing will NOT be permitted under any circumstances, as I will always be available and all questions should be directed to me. Talking OUT during a test distracts other students and will result in five points being deducted from your grade. Talking TO another student will not be allowed, as I will not know if you are discussing the test, and ten points will be deducted from your grade. If this happens twice for the same test or if cheating is apparent, a “0” will be recorded for your grade and a parent’s signature will be required.

 

*IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROMPTLY SCHEDULE MAKEUP TESTS WITH THE TEACHER OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME.

 

GRADES WILL BE RECORDED AS "#" AND ARE COUNTED AS ZEROES UNTIL MAKEUP WORK IS COMPLETED.

 

THIS "#" WILL CONVERT TO A ZERO IF THE MISSED ASSIGNMENT IS NOT MADE UP WITHIN TWO WEEKS (UNLESS THEIR ARE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES).

 

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENTS TO CHECK THE CLASS GRADEBOARD OR STI FOR GRADES OFTEN.

 

I. Textbooks: We have new $68 textbooks for you to use. Since we are fortunate enough to have class sets, keep your book AT HOME in a safe place. Remember, you will be fined for unecessary damages.

 

J. Extra Credit Work: It has been my experience over the years that MANY students will request that they be allowed to do extra credit work towards the END of the nine weeks period. This is an extremely busy time for teachers with exams to prepare, grades to enter, make-ups to give, etc. I do not make it a practice to give special assignments, except in cases of extended absence or a struggling student who has done all other work.

 

K. Grading Procedure:

1. TESTS (Projects, Tests, and Other Assessment Methods) - 60%

2. DAILY (D.G., Homework, Participation, Notebook)          - 20%

3. EXAM                                                                          - 20%

[(T x 6) + (D X 2) + (E x 2)] divided by 10 = FINAL GRADE