FAQ About Geography Class

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
  1. How do I use this handout?
  2. What do I do when I enter the classroom?
  3. Will I always have an assigned seat?
  4. What is the dismissal policy?
  5. What do I do if I need to leave the room during class period?
  6. How am I graded in this class?
  7. Can I hand in assignments late?
  8. Whbat do I do if I'm absent or missed class?
  9. What if I'm absent when there is a quiz or a test?
  10. Aside from checking the website, how can I contact Mrs. Townley?
  11. What materials will I need for class?
  12. How do I conduct myself during class instruction?
  13. How do conduct myself during group work?
  14. What is the discipline policy? What rules do I follow?
  15. Where are the classroom supplies for students' use?
  16. What should I do before I leave the classroom?
  17. What is the one thing Mrs. Townley always requires?



How do I use this handout?

*This essential piece of paper will remain in your binder throughout the 
year.
*Before you ask a question about classroom procedures, homework, grades, 
etc. you should refer to this document because you just might find the 
answer!
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What do I do when I enter the classroom?

*Smile and say hello to Mrs. Townley.
*Place your homework on your desk.
*Copy your homework from the board.
*Check for the Do Now Activity either on the board or the overhead and begin 
working on it immediately.
*If you finish the Do Now early, you may review your homework quietly while 
you wait for further instuctions.
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Will I always have an assigned seat?

Yes, we will change seats several times during the school year.
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What is the dismissal policy?

*The teacher dismisses the class, not the clock or a bell.
*Do not start packing up your belingings until the teacher dismisses the 
whole class.
*Students are not permitted to line up at the door unless specifically asked 
to do so.
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What do I do if I need to leave the room during class period?

*Please raise your hand and ask for permission.
*Sign out using your LAST name, location and time out and then time in.
*Don't forget to take the pass.
*I will write separate passes for the nurse or library.
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How am I graded in this class?

*Grading is based on the point system. Each homework assignment is worth 10 
points.   Other assignments will be worth different amount of points, 
although usually 100 points will be used.
*You will be graded on a number of items:  class participation including 
daily do now activities, homework, projects, tests and quizzes.
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Can I hand in assignments late?

*No, I expect assignments handed in on time.
*If you do hand in something late, it will receive a zero.  Some important 
assignments may be made up after school for no points.
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Whbat do I do if I'm absent or missed class?

*I expect you to make up any work that you missed as a result of an 
absence.  This does not include music lessons or TIB where you are actually 
in school.  Assignments can be handed in before school, after school, or at 
the beginning or end of class when you are finding out your homework. If you 
are absent from school, you will have 2 times the number of days out to hand 
in the work.  For example, if you are out 2 days, you will have 4 days to 
hand in the work.
*Homework and other information will be posted on the TeacherWeb site.  In 
addition, I will post assignments on the board on a daily basis.  Homework 
will also be posted on a monthly calendar in the classroom.  It is your 
responsibility to get this information.
*TeacherWeb address:http://teacherweb.com/NJ/ParkMiddleSchool/Townley/
Bookmark this page on your computer.You can also use the Park Middle School 
web site to link to the teacher web page.
*Check with a "study buddy" about missed assignments.
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What if I'm absent when there is a quiz or a test?

*You are responsible for taking the test on the NEXT day you are back in 
school unless other arrangements with the teacher are made.
*If you are in school with a scheduled music lesson or TIB class, you are 
required to come to class and take the test or quiz first, then report to 
your other lessons.
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Aside from checking the website, how can I contact Mrs. Townley?

*If you have questions or you would like to meet with me outside of class, 
you may see me at the end of the school day.
*I can also be reached through the email option on the teacher web page( 
upper right corner) or at jdmeo-townley@mail.spfk12.org.
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What materials will I need for class?

*You are required to bring the following items to class every day:  binder, 
pens, red pen, colored pencils, thin black line marker,and of course, 
homework assignments.
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How do I conduct myself during class instruction?

*You must respect everyone's opinion and everyone's right to speak his/her 
mind.
*Please raise you hand and wait for Mrs. Townley to call on you if you 
choose to contribute something to class.
*Do not interrupt anyone who is speaking either by raising your hand or 
calling out, this includes the teacher.
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How do conduct myself during group work?

*I will assign groups most of the time.
*While you are in a group, each member plays a vital role.
*You must listen to everyone in the group.  Everyone deserves the right to 
voice his/her opinion, even if you disagree with the opinion.
*If I see that you cannot work in a group setting, you will continue to work 
independently.  This includes any other conversation that is not "geography 
talk".
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What is the discipline policy? What rules do I follow?

*In addition to respecting your classmates' right to learn in a safe and 
clean invironment, you must follow the school rules in the Park Middle 
School Handbook.  Please take time to review these rules.
*I will not hesitate to assign consequences or contact home if 
necessary.
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Where are the classroom supplies for students' use?

*On the supply table near the class entrance you will find the staplers, 
scissors, tape, rulers, etc.
*You do not need to ask to use these items, just help yourself and put them 
back when finished.
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What should I do before I leave the classroom?

*Make sure you have copied and understood the homework assignment.
*Make sure you have all of your belongings.
*Have a great rest of the day!
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What is the one thing Mrs. Townley always requires?

*PUT YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME ON YOUR PAPERS!!!!!
*Papers with no name get no points.  Be proud of your work and take 
recognition (and points!) for doing it.
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