Class Expectations

CLASSROOM EXPECTIONS  --  MR. BELAN’S WORLD GEOGRAPHY CLASS – 2007-08

1.             BE RESPONSIBLE!

            A.            Students are expected to be in their seats when the tardy bell rings. Be on time.

                               Every second you are late takes time away from the other students.

               B.            I cannot stress enough the importance of attending class and good behavior.

                               Both are necessary to academic success. Stay out of ISS.

               C.            The information that is in the book, notes, handouts, quizzes and discussions are fair game for tests.

2.             EVALUATIONS / GRADING:                                     GRADING SCALE:

                               25%  =Average of homework                  A  = EXCELLENT   94-100                 

                               25%  = Average of quizzes                       B  = GOOD             86-93      

                               25%  =Average of tests                          C  = AVERAGE     78-85

                               25%  = Projects                                     D  = POOR             70-77

                                                                                          E  = FAILING       below 70

               The failure to do homework in this class will adversely affect your grade.

NO NAME ON THE WORK = NO GRADE EXCEPT ZERO

THIS IS NOT A JOKE!

3.             MAKE UP WORK:

               A.            Students who miss tests, quizzes and homework assignments due to unexcused absences will receive a zero.

               B.            Homework will not be accepted after the time it is due.

               C.            When an absence is excused, homework must be turned in when returning to class - there is no grace period.

               D.            Projects are due on the due date. There are no extensions. Projects are 25% of the grade.

               E.             It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with me for any make up           

                               tests, quizzes, homework assignments and in class work. You are to find me.

               F.             If you do not believe that homework is important in this class, Please ask a student who was in this

                               class last year.

5.             SPECIAL PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:

               A.            There will be several projects throughout the course of the class.  Parents may need to

                               supply research time and materials. These projects are important to your grade. Please

                               do not dismiss them.

6.             MATERIALS / EQUIPMENT:

               A.            Students are expected to bring the textbook, pencils, pen, eraser and their notebooks to class each day.

                 Most tests will be scantron – buy a good eraser and bring it with you.    

               B.            Other items will be announced in advance.

7.             STUDENT CONDUCT:

               A.            Treat yourself with respect.

               B.            Treat others, their opinions and their property with respect.

               C.            No profanity will be tolerated!

               D.            Follow the school rules, as outlined in the student planner.  This includes the dress and honor codes.

8.             CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

               A.            Raise your hand when you have a question or something to contribute.

               B.            Ask questions.  (It is better to ask than not ask and then spend a lifetime wondering…..)

               C.            Listen to others. (More will be learned with an open mind than an open mouth….)

               D.            Use the restroom before entering class.

               E.             Sharpen pencils before class begins.

               F.             Keep your hands to yourself.

               G.            Stay seated unless directed otherwise.

               H.            When working in groups, please do so quietly.

               I.              Students should hand absentee notes to me before class starts. (Block 2A and 2B only)

               J.             Keep your own work and notebooks organized.  They will be invaluable when studying for tests.

               K.            No Sleeping. You will be awakened—usually by a loud noise.

               L.          No food, gum or drink in class.

               M.           No nail polishing, hair care or make-up application during class.

               N.            Students are expected to act appropriately at all times. I will call parents, assign detention

                               and refer students for administrative action if necessary.

               O.            Remember that your conduct affects not only your learning but also that of the class.

9.             PARENTS

               A.            Please follow up with your child. I will notkeep any papers, assignments or tests.

Everything will bereturned to your child after it is graded.

Please check with them.

It is crucial that they stay on track. Talk to your children about current evevts. 

10.           YOUR EDUCATION

               A.            Your education is our main concern during your time in this class.  Since you will be here

                               on my time and on the time of others, please do not waste it! 

               B.            Anything you do to disrupt class and prevent others from learning will not be tolerated.

               C.            If you learn anything in school this year—learn to be responsible. No one will take care

                               of you when you get older except you.

       D.            Do not be late. The door will be locked when the late bell rings. You will have to wait for

me to open the door.

11.           FUN

               A.            Have fun. There are many wondrous things in the world. Be amazed – be fascinated - be amused -laugh

                                         –ask questions – share your knowledge -  learn.

Quote from Thomas L. Friedman, author of “The World is Flat”, published 2005: (Talking to his daughters) “Girls, when I was growing up, my parents used to say to me, ‘Tom, finish your dinner – people in China and India are starving.’ My advice to you is: finish your homework – people in China and India are starving for your jobs.”

I urge both students and parents to read the following books:

“The World is Flat”,Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux ISBN: 0374292884

"Why Geography Matters" by H. J. de Blij Publisher: Oxford University Press Date Published: 2005 ISBN: 0195183010

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