Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. Is homework / classwork graded?
2. What about tests?
3. Notebooks?
4. What materials are needed?
5. Do you give extra credit work?
6. How is Soc. Studies work weighted by assignment?
7. How is Religion-6 graded?
8. Classroom/Discipline Policy for Middle School

Is homework / classwork graded?

Yes, it is graded at least 2-5x weekly, at my discretion; a 
variety of assignments and learning styles are assessed for 
homework and classwork assignments. Assignments are assessed  by 
number grades only. 
Missing, incomplete, or very poor quality work is graded as 
failing grade (below 69%) or a 0%, at my discretion.
much improvement,content answers are incorrect/missing, work is 
very incomplete ,use of sentence fragments or sloppy/written in 
pencil.Any homework that is not completed,done ,or not handed in 
to me receives a grade of 0%/FNW(for no work).I don't arbitrate 
homework grades.It is the students responsibility to check my 
website and make up homework/classwork, especially after absence 
due to illness; please refer to the student handbook regarding 
missing assignments.Work for vacations not scheduled on the 
school calendar will not be provided, again as per the school 
policy and handbook. See last questions about assignment 
weighting.

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What about tests?

Tests are announced to students as soon as I plan them; I don't 
give pop quizzes. Tests may consist of vocabulary words in each 
subject that I teach, use of maps etc., short answers, multiple 
choice and a essay question test graded seperately and given 
ahead of time. Essay outlines are encouraged(on my outline 
thinking map)and may be used in the essay testing .These are also 
submitted to me with the essay final at testing; only essay 
question material should be on the thinking map. Essays are 
graded with a rubric .

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Notebooks?

I check notebooks at least 1x per grading period; I look for 
clarity of the notes(most of which I have written out for 
students on the board), neatness, sequence of pages and chapters, 
maps, graphs, and charts in the notebook. "Doodling" is 
not permitted and notes as such will have to be re-written on the 
student's own time. This off-task behavior will be taken into 
consideration in the effort poirtion of the term report card. 
Notes provide assistance in assessment prep and encourage 
development of organizational skills, skills that a student will 
carry with them for a lifetime. SMCS alumni have indicated that 
notebook setup is key, especially in beginning high school 
classes.

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What materials are needed?

Notebooks should ideally be a 5 subject notebook; we takes lots 
of notes and use them for homework questions. A folder for 
worksheets is also needed as well as black and red non-erasable 
ink pens. ONLY a red crayon,pen,or marker will be used for the 
student to self-correct tests as a class before handing them 
in for teacher grading. Some mini-projects may use art box 
supplies; I will announce using these to my classes prior to the  
class period. Having the needed supplies constitutes part of the 
effort grade on the term report card.

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Do you give extra credit work?

No. All students should have plenty to do with the schoolwork 
provided.See above question on class work and homework.

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How is Soc. Studies work weighted by assignment?

In  all my SS classes , classwork@ 25% (review, maps, graphs, 
projects, etc. in class) counts toward grade, homework is also 
very important for grade @ 25%, chapter tests are 40%,and essay 
tests are 10%.

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How is Religion-6 graded?

Religion has classwork at 60%,chapter tests at 40%,no homework is 
assigned(very rare, unless it is make-up work for the student). 
Chapter tests are open book tests done during class time.

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Classroom/Discipline Policy for Middle School

Please refer to this on Mrs. Frazelle's website where it is 
clearly explained AND the SMCS Student-Parent Handbook. Mrs. D. 
has the final say .

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