General Policies
BE PREPARED: Come to class each day with the necessary materials and prepared to participate in class activities. Materials include, but are not limited to: notebook, 3-ring binder, pen, pencil, eraser, homework, assigned book/articles/stories, and an open mind.
RESPECT: You are expected to be respectful of your fellow students at all times. We are a classroom community working together to progress in learning.
FURTHER RESPECT: We will maintain a professional atmosphere in the classroom. There is no eating, drinking, or gum chewing. Cell phones and personal music players are also not allowed in class and will be confiscated.
SUBSTITUTES: If I am absent, the substitute teacher will have a lesson for you and you are expected to work diligently as usual. I will fully support the substitute’s authority and decisions.
ABSENCES: If you are absent the day before a scheduled test, please return to class prepared to take the test.
YOUR PROGRESS: You are welcome to discuss your work and progress with me at any time during the year. I am available in A302 by appointment. Take the initiative to talk to me if you have a problem, a question, or something to add to our discussions.
Homework
Homework will consist of reading, vocabulary, grammar, and writing as well as independent reading and research.
You are expected to organize your work to meet both short and long term deadlines.
Homework must be done neatly and should reflect your commitment to your studies.
Homework will be posted on my webpage as well as on the left-hand side of the white board.
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Paper Requirements
Write neatly on standard white lined paper. If I cannot read it, it will be marked as wrong. Please removed the "frillies" from work torn out of a notebook.
In the upper right hand corner of your paper, put your name, block, and date. Also, get in the habit of putting at least your name in the upper right header of each page after page 1, and page numbers in the footer. This is important. Some staples or clips go awry--you want your pages to go with your paper. This procedure also help catch some would-be cheaters.
Word-process whenever possible. Always double space, Times New Roman, 12-point font. Your work will be easier for you to edit and for me to read. Also, in case of a problem, getting another copy will be easy.
Staple Your Work: All work beyond one single page must be stapled prior to class. Papers not stapled together will automatically lose 5 points.
You will lose 3 points per convention errors.
Printer/Computer Problems Papers will not be given any sort of grace period because of this issue--on deadlines, there is typically an epidemic of computer issues. If the paper is not passed in on the deadline, it is late. Here are some pointers to help avoid this:
If your printer suddenly does not work--get a pen and paper and neatly copy your work from the computer screen and hand in on time.
Computer has a virus that wiped out everything--always back up your work on a thumbdrive (available for as little as $5). Then, use Abbot Public Library or come in early and finish/print your work--my room is open at 7AM. Hand in the paper on time.
Computer is not hooked up--use Abbot Public Library with your thumbdrive. This is a good habit to develop--finding a working computer.
Turnitin.com: You will upload written assignments to our class account. Your work will not be graded until it has been uploaded. Please see me for technical help should you need it.
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Grading Policies
Homework: it's due when it's due. Homework we go over in class will not be accepted after that class period. You must have this homework ready for that day or you will receive 0 credit.
Late papers lose ONE FULL GRADE per day late. Papers more than five days late will only be considered for half credit, but full effort must be obvious. All papers must be turned in. I will not excuse any student from completing and passing in any paper.
All makeup work for excused absences is due within one week of the absence.
No makeup work for unexcused absences.
Printer/Computer Problems - see Paper Requirements
Grading: it all counts Grades are computed as follows: Quizzes 20%, Homework 20%, Classwork 20 %, Projects 20%, Tests 20%.
What makes the difference is this: we'll have more quizzes than tests, more homeworks than projects.
Quizzes: announced and unannounced
Homework: assignments done outside of class for class will be checked every day in some form—this could be during class discussion, visually checking written work, collecting and grading the work, etc.
Classwork: appropriate class participation, work ethic during class, satisfactory completion of in-class assignments, and note taking during class
Projects: short term (due date within one week) and long term (due date within several weeks)
Tests: 1. You will be given plenty of advanced notice—please use all of that time to study 2. You must sit straight and do not look at anyone else's work during the test. 3. You must not use any teacher-unauthorized testing aids during any tests. To do so is cheating. 3. You must not talk to others or disturb the quiet in any way. 4. You must not take photos or copy any part of any test at any time. To do so is cheating. 5. It is your responsibility as a student to do your own work, and it is also your responsibility not to allow others access to your work. I support the school policy on cheating.
Tip: Keep a list of all your grades in your notebook and you will know your average throughout the year.
Remember that the school policy is to lower the grade for each absence above five that is not waived.
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