Policies and Expectations

Grading: Term grade will be determined as follows:

            Paper/Projects:            30%                         Homework/Class Work/Writer's Notebook:            30%

            Tests/Quizzes:            30%                          Effort/Attitude/Participation:                          10%

Homework:  Homework will be assigned most nights, and should average about one hour each night.  I also expect you to spend about 30 minutes each night on independent reading. (FYI… fifth graders are expected to read 40 books during the course of a year!) Please see homework page for further information.

Quality/Timeliness:  I expect you to do your best work at all times, and to hand it in when it is due.  Since I expect all assignments to be handed in on time, you should expect to complete any unfinished homework during lunch or after school.  Your homework will be graded as follows:

            90-100=            outstanding accuracy, neatness, and effort

            80-89=              good accuracy, neatness, and effort

            70-79=              fair accuracy, neatness, and/or effort

            60-69=              poor accuracy, neatness, and/or effort

            0=                     not handed in

Writer's Notebook:  You will need your writer's notebook everyday, both in class and at home.  You will also be responding to reading and completing many short homework assignments here.  The journal is an important way for me to keep in touch with each of you, to understand your thinking, appreciate your questions, and help you be successful.  I will collect, respond to, and grade your writer's notebook regularly.

Community Service:  One of the main goals of the Facing History and Ourselves Unit is to get students to understand how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others.  In an effort to help develop these kinds of habits, we encourage students to become involved in community service both at school and in the greater Watertown area.

Absences:  Students are responsible for all make-up work when they are out.  All work missed should be handed in within the week the student returns.  If projects are due when a student is out, it is expected to be handed in the day the student returns.

Behavior:  I expect that every member of our learning community (including myself) commit to honest and respectful communication and safe behavior at all times.  In the event that this commitment is not met, I will address the behavior immediately.  This could include staying after school, contacting your parents, or if necessary, a referral to the Assistant Principal.

Home/School Communication:  Good communication is the key to success in my classroom and in the world.  I encourage students to initiate communication whenever possible, but I welcome communication from parents as well.  The best way to reach me is by email or by calling the school.  I will make very effort to respond within 24 hours. 

sam_morris@watertown.k12.ma.us                          617 926-7783 (ext. 1110)