Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What is the policy for homework and make up work?
Homework and Classwork Homework and Classwork are due IN CLASS the day that we are checking them. Students receive the most benefit from assignments if they can correct them and ask questions at the same time. Assignments will be accepted after class on the same day for 80% credit. Make-Up Work If a student is absent, all work should be made up within 3 days of returning to school in accordance to the Vance handbook. An extension may be granted if deemed necessary by the teacher, for example, in the case of an extended absence. Thank you for your support of my effort to teach students to be responsible. Should you have questions or need further information, please feel free to call me at (423) 652-9577 or e-mail me at easterlingt@btcs.org.Back to Top
What procedures are in place in this class?
Pathfinder Team Procedures A procedure is simply a method or a process as to how things will be done on our team. The reason we have procedures in life is so people can function in society knowing the acceptable and efficient way to do things. The following procedures establish our team culture and support our effort to succeed as a learning team. Please be very familiar with these procedures to help our team run as a well-oiled machine. Thank you for your cooperation. Absent � Have your parents call the school by 8:00 A.M. � Give your teacher the note during roll call. � Check teacher web pages for assignments. � Ask your teacher for any worksheets that are needed. � Make up the assignments within 3 days and by the teachers� deadlines for each grading period. Announcements � Stand for the �Moment of Silence� and the pledge. � Remain completely silent during the �Moment of Silence!� � Say the pledge with the class. � Remain standing for dress code check. � Listen carefully to all of the announcements. � Write down information that is important to you. Arrival � Put all non-academic items in your locker. � Go to the bathroom and get a drink of water before class. � Have two sharpened pencils. � Pick up your �Bell Work� and read the board for further instructions. � Follow the procedures of your classroom teachers. Attention Signal � �Give Me 5� � Sit up with safe hands. � Look at and listen to the teacher. � Attention is directed to the teacher. � Notes are taken if necessary. � Talk to the teacher if you have questions. Bathroom � Use the bathroom before school or between classes! � Treat the facilities with respect and keep them clean. � No horseplay in the bathrooms. � If you must go to the bathroom during class, you must fill out your agenda and have it signed by your teacher. Binders � Organize binders with blank paper at the front of the binder. � Clean out your binders at the end of each six weeks. � If you don�t know if you need to keep something, ask your teacher. Board Work � Use a quiet voice. � Get an eraser and a marker. � Locate your workspace and write your name above it. � Freeze and face the teacher during instructions. � Do your own work first and then compare answers. � Ask for help by making a question mark under your name. � Squat down when you have completed a problem, so it can be checked. � Erase the board, cap the marker, and put the eraser on the tray at the end of the session. � Move quickly and quietly back to your seat. Classroom Etiquette � Stay in your seat while the teacher is talking, i.e. sharpening pencils, getting tissues, recycling paper. � Pay attention and be respectful of others trying to learn. � Use appropriate school language. � Sharpen pencils at the beginning of class, not during instruction. � Store your binders and books in the desk tray, not on the floor or in the aisles. � Keep your head off your desk. If you are sick, notify the teacher. � Do not adjust temperature of the room via the air conditioner, heater, or windows. (Layer your clothing or bring a sweater.) DEAR- Drop Everything And Read � Have a library book with you at all times in all classes. � Do not read during lessons. � Read silently at your seat when you finish your work. Hallway Behavior � Take care of your responsibilities, such as, getting your materials out of your locker, going to the bathroom, or getting a drink of water. � Only whisper in the hallways. � Use appropriate school language. � Keep your hands, feet, and materials to yourself. � Walk calmly and quietly to your next class. � Be in the classroom in your seat before the teacher closes the door. Hallway Travel � Line up at the lockers outside the teacher�s doorway. � Listen quietly for directions. � Walk up the hallway without disturbing other classes. � Stay to the right as you walk through the hallway and as you go through the doors. � Keep your hands, feet, and materials to yourself. � File into the cafeteria or gym and take the first seat available or follow the directions as given by the teacher. How to Get Attention � Raise your hand to ask a question. � Raise your index finger to sharpen your pencil or get a Kleenex. � Raise 2 fingers to be excused. � Raise a �flat� hand to get me to slow down. � Teacher Responses: Thumbs up: �Yes.� Thumbs down: �No.� Flat hand: �Wait.� Manipulatives � Have safe hands during teacher instructions (hands in your lap.) � Only use manipulatives in the way intended to learn the concept. � When you are finished, carefully and neatly place them back where they go. Materials � Bring your agenda to every class! � Bring your binder and subject notebook. � Bring your books and workbooks. � Bring your pencils or pens. � Bring your homework. � Bring your brain and a positive attitude. Permission to Leave Class � Permission to leave class is only granted by the teacher. � Your agenda is your hall pass. � Take your agenda with you as you go through the hallway. Switching Classes � Wait to be dismissed by your teacher. � Copy all homework assignments from the board into your agenda. � Clean up your area. � Drop recyclables in the bin. � Do not leave the team area without permission from a teacher! � Gather all of your materials for your next class. � Go to the bathroom or get a drink of water. � Go straight to your next class. � Enter only when all students from the previous class have cleared the room. Teacher Out of the Room � Continue working. � Stay in your seat at all times. � Make your teacher proud. Visitors � Show-off by using your best manners and behavior. � Continue working. Work Finished Early � Check over your work for accuracy. � Write down your homework assignments. � Read your book silently at your desk. � Write in your Journal. � Work on the computer. � Complete homework from other classes. � Help another student with permission from the teacher. End of School Dismissal � Listen to afternoon announcements. � Wait for your teacher to dismiss you. � Gather all of your belongings and homework materials from your locker. � Quickly go to your designated dismissal area. � Do not loiter in the hallways!Back to Top
What is Mrs. Easterling's Discipline Procedure?
1) Non-verbal warning 2) Verbal warning 3) Private conference with student 4) Phone call to parents 5) Referral to office Should a student's behavior be such that immediate office referral is required, I will follow the Discipline Policy set forth in the Vance and BTCS handbooks.Back to Top
What is the best way to get in contact with Mrs. Easterling?
The best way to contact me is via e-mail. I do check my e-mail daily. If you need to call the school to talk to me, the best time to call is after 1:30 during my planning period. The school number is 423-652-9449. Our team phone number is 432-652-9577.Back to Top
How can I check on my student's grades?
The school system is using Power School this year. Grades are not available on-line at this time. If you need to check up on your child, email me. Interim reports are sent home the third week of the six weeks. Report cards are sent home the Wednesday after the end of the six weeks.Back to Top
How do I schedule a conference?
To schedule a conference, please call the school or e-mail me.Back to Top
What are the rules for our team?
Be respectful. Be resourceful. Be responsible.Back to Top