RULES, GUIDELINES, EXPECTATIONS & POLICIES

RULES

 

A Definition:  A principle or regulation governing conduct, procedure, etc.

 

Our Rules:

  • Respect the right of others to express their opinions by - 
      • Listening
      • Thinking
      • Dialogue
  • You and Your Work are on time.
      • Work due at the beginning of the period is in the basket by the time the bell goes off.
  • Our Classroom is kept neat and tidy.
      • Part of our daily routine is to check around us for loose paper, wrappers, food etc.
  • GUM, DRINKS AND SMALL SNACKS ARE ALLOWED IN THIS CLASSROOM – UNTIL IT’S A PROBLEM!!
      • DRINKS MUST BE IN A CLOSED CONTAINER
      • due to student health issues, you cannot eat any snacks with peanuts in them, or snacks like doritos that are fried in peanut oil
  • You must have an admit to get into class after an absence – HAVE IT BEFORE CLASS STARTS!
  • no cell phone use or fondling at any time during the class period

 

 

GUIDELINES

 

A Definition (From “Guide”):  To direct, supervise or influence.  An indication or outline of policy or conduct.

 

Our Guidelines:

  • Work productively with your STUDY AND WORK partner(S)
      • STUDY PARTNERS are your primary resource for assignments, materials, resources
  • Work product is always -
      • Neat
      • Consistent with instructions and intent – USE YOUR SYLLABUS
  • Disruptive behavior kept at a minimum.
      • Do not find an “Accomplice”.
      • DON’T MAKE THE CLASS “PART OF YOUR BAD DAY”
  • Transitions are accomplished smoothly and effectively without disturbance.
      • Minimal noise
      • Minimal time wasted
  • Noise and Activity consistent with tasks at hand – Skyview is a noisy place, let’s do our part to keep things relatively calm!
      • Individual Work – Silent work, minimal movement.
      • Study Partner Work – Minimal talking, low voice, minimal movement. Noise at a “Low Buzz”.
      • Group Work/Class Discussion – Lively dialogue, but modulated. Some Movement.  Noise at a “High Buzz”.

           

EXPECTATIONS

 

A Definition:  (From “Expect”):  To be considered reasonable, due or necessary, probable or certain.

            My Expectations -

§         Assume that what we do has a purpose

      • To do our best
      • To learn
      • To grow
      • To enjoy the experience
      • to follow daily procedures
        • have organizer, pen and paper at all times
        • read overhead when i enter class
        • have all required materials ready within two minutes of beginning of class

 

Past Student Expectations -   What are any others?

 

·         BE FAIR, DON’T PREJUDGE US

·         EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE IN WHAT WE DO *

·         BE AVAILABLE WHEN WE HAVE QUESTIONS*

·         BE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PREPARED

·         BE INTERESTING *

·         MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH TODAY

·         MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER SOCIETIES & CULTURES

·         GIVE US INTERESTING AND MEANINGFUL WORK

·         BE PATIENT                 * = most frequent

 

ASSESSMENTS

 

YOU WILL HAVE PRIOR NOTICE OF ALL FORMALLY ASSESSED EVENTS

 

GRADES WILL BE POSTED NO LATER THAN ONE WEEK AFTER A FORMALLY ASSESSED EVENT UNLESS YOU ARE NOTIFIED

 

IT IS ASSUMED THAT YOU COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARENTS – THEY SHOULD REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO THE ON-LINE GRADE SYSTEM

 

YOUR SEMESTER GRADE IS BASED ON YOUR CUMULATIVE GRADE, NOT THE AVERAGE OF YOUR QUARTER GRADES

 

OTHER FACTORS/CONSIDERATIONS THAT INFLUENCE YOUR GRADE

  • EVERY STUDENT HAS A BAD DAY
  • IMPROVEMENT OVER COURSE OF THE SEMESTER
  • SUSTAINED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

 

CONSIDERATION OF THESE FACTORS CAN ONLY INCREASE YOUR GRADE – YOUR PERCENTAGE GRADE IS YOUR “BASE” GRADE

 

Percentage and Grade Summary

91.1-100 %

A

78-72%

C

90-91%

A-

71-70%

C-

89%

B+

60-69%

D

88-82%

B

60%<

F

81-80%

B-

 

 

79%

C+

 

 

 

STUDENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

I AM HERE BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL EVERY DAY

I AM HAPPY TO MEET WITH YOU IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, OR PROBLEMS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONFERENCE

  • SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE – BE THERE ON TIME
  • COME WITH AN AGENDA – OUR TIME IS TOO VALUABLE TO WASTE
    • IF IT IS ABOUT AN EXAM – PUT YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTION “IN THE BASKET”
  • COME WITH AN OPEN MIND AND READY FOR A PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSION

 

HOMEWORK

 

DAILY HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS ARE SHOWN ON THE SYLLABUS

  • ASSIGNMENTS ARE INTENDED TO HELP YOU LEARN
  • COMPLETION OF ASSIGNMENTS IS PART OF ORGANIZER ASSESSMENT

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER!

  • SKIM ANY  CHAPTER/ATLAS ASSIGNMENTS BEFORE CLASS
  • READ FOR DEEPER MEANING AFTER CLASS LECTURE/DISCUSSION/INQUIRY
  • KNOW YOUR IDENTIFICATION TERMS
  • BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE FOCUS QUESTIONS
    • IN DEPTH – USING THE METHODS WE WILL DISCUSS IN CLASS
    • UTILIZING THE APPROPRIATE IDENTIFICATION TERMS

 

ATTENDANCE

 

ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS.  YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL ASSESSED EVENTS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A QUARTER OR SEMESTER GRADE IN THIS CLASS.  IF YOU ANTICIPATE A PROLONGED ABSENCE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST ASSIGNMENTS THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO KEEP PACE WITH THE CLASS.

 

STUDY PARTNERS

 

EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE A STUDY PARTNER

  • YOU MAY PICK – THIS IS A PRIVILEGE THAT MAY BE REVOKED IF YOU AND YOUR PARTNER HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH RULES, GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
  • INFORM MR. EMERSON WHO YOUR PARTNER IS

 

WHAT A STUDY PARTNER DOES

  • WORKS WITH YOU IN CLASS
  • HELPS YOU IF YOU ARE ABSENT BY
    • TAKING GOOD NOTES FOR YOU
    • PICKING UP HANDOUTS
    • TELLING YOU ABOUT ANY CHANGES IN SCHEDULE, OTHER INFORMATION

IF YOU COME TO ME ABOUT A MISSING HANDOUT, MY FIRST RESPONSE WILL BE ”SEE YOUR STUDY PARTNER”.  “I DIDN’T GET ONE” IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE EXPLANATION!!!!!

 

TARDY POLICY

 

LATE ARRIVAL DISRUPTS BOTH THE CLASS AND INSTRUCTOR.  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARE IN YOUR SEAT, WITH MATERIALS SHOWN ON THE WHITEBOARD OUT, AND READY TO GO WHEN THE BELL RINGS.

 

YOU ARE ALLOWED THREE TARDIES A QUARTER, BUT NO TRUANCIES.

 

EXCEEDING THREE TARDIES WILL RESULT IN AN “INFORMAL” AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION.  THIS “INFORMAL” DETENTION WILL BE SERVED IN THE CLASSROOM THE SECOND DAY AFTER THE 3RD QUARTERLY TARDY.  THE DETENTION WILL LAST FROM 2:10 TO 2:45.  FAILURE TO APPEAR WILL RESULT IN A “FORMAL” THREE-DAY DETENTION REQUEST BEING FORWARDED TO THE ADMINISTRATION. 

 

EACH ADDITIONAL TARDY WILL RESULT IN “FORMAL” THREE-DAY DETENTIONS BEING FORWARDED TO THE ADMINISTRATION.  A TRUANCY WILL ALWAYS RESULT IN FORMAL DETENTION.

 

YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK CONTAINS THE DEFINITIONS OF TARDY AND TRUANCY

 

ITEMS YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS CLASS

 

DAILY

 

  • 1” BINDER – SEE ORGANIZER RUBRIC
  • NOTEBOOK PAPER
  • PEN/PENCILS

 

FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITY – SEE SYLLABUS WHEN REQUIRED

 

  • GLUE STICKS*
  • COLORED PENCILS*
  • SCISSORS*
  • COLORED MARKERS*
  • RULER*
  • 3”X5” INDEX CARDS (FOR RESEARCH PAPERS)

 

AT HOME (OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

 

  • THREE-HOLE PUNCH
  • STAPLER

 

            *CAN SHARE WITH STUDY PARTNER

 

LATE WORK

 

LIFE IS FULL OF UNFORESEEN EVENTS.  SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T GET AN ASSIGNMENT IN ON TIME. 

 

IF YOU CANNOT COMPLETE AN ASSIGNMENT ON TIME, YOU MUST INFORM ME, IN WRITING, BEFORE 12:00 MIDNIGHT THE DAY BEFORE AN ASSIGNMENT IS DUE.  USE E-MAIL FOR THIS.  YOUR E-MAIL MUST OUTLINE THE REASON FOR THE DELAY, AND YOUR PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE.  I WILL USE THIS INFORMATION, AS WELL AS A FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION WITH YOU, AS THE BASIS FOR MY DECISION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT THE WORK, OR IF SOME PENALTY IS INVOLVED.

 

WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, LATE WORK WILL, DEPENDING ON THE ASSIGNMENT,  WILL EITHER BE NOT ACCEPTED, OR RECEIVE A REDUCED GRADE.  IF WORK IS TURNED IN CONSISTENTLY LATE, A CONFERENCE WILL BE SCHEDULED TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION.

 

YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS, OR HAVE ARRANGED FOR AN “OMIT” IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A GRADE IN THIS CLASS.  FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN “INCOMPLETE” FOR THE SEMESTER.

 

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism occurs when one steals or uses the ideas or writings of another and presents these writings or ideas as his or her own.

Stephen Wilhoit’s article titled "Helping Students Avoid Plagiarism" in College Teaching (Fall 1994, pages161-164) lists the following types of plagiarism:

  1. Buying a paper for a research service or term paper mill.
  2. Turning in another student's work without that student's knowledge.
  3. Turning in a paper a peer has written for the student.
  4. Copying a paper from a source text without proper acknowledgment.
  5. Copying materials from a source text, supplying proper documentation, but leaving out quotation marks.
  6. Paraphrasing materials from a source text without appropriate documentation.
  7. Turning in a paper from a "free term paper" website.

 

  • PLAGIARISM IN ANY FORM IS NOT TOLERATED IN THIS CLASS.

 

  • THE PENALTIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PLAGIARISM ARE CONTAINED IN YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOK. 

 

  • DON’T DO IT!!  IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT, SEE ME FOR HELP!  WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOU SUCCEED IN THE ASSIGNMENT!

 

 

SEATING

 

AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO SIT WHERE YOU WANT TO.  NO MORE THAN TWO (2) STUDENTS PER TABLE.  EVERY TWO WEEKS, I WILL ASSESS THE IMPACT OF CURRENT SEATING ARRANGEMENTS ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE.  IF SEATING ARRANGEMENTS ARE “GETTING IN THE WAY” OF AN INDIVIDUAL, GROUP OR CLASS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, THEN I WILL CHANGE THE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS TO BEST HELP AN INDIVIDUAL, GROUP OR CLASS SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY.

 

ESSAY ASSIGNMENT FORMAT AND GUIDANCE

 

THIS INFORMATION IS PUBLISHED IN A SEPARATE DOCUMENT AVAILABLE ON THE CLASS WEBSITE.  IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ADHERE TO THESE RULES.

 

CLASS WEBSITE

 

THE ADDRESS TO THE CLASS WEBSITE IS: http://skyview.vansd.org/REmerson/

 

YOU CAN ALSO GET TO THE WEBSITE BY GETTING TO THE SKYVIEW HS WEBSITE, CLICKING ON FACULTY, FINDING MY NAME AND CLICKING ON IT.

 

THE WEBSITE CONTAINS SECTIONS FOR SYLLABUS, LEARNING GOALS, TOOL KIT, AND CLASSROOM PROCEDURES.  YOU WILL HAVE TO DOWNLOAD INFORMATION FOR YOUR ORGANIZER.