Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How are S.S. 8 GATE/S.S. 8 (U.S. History) grades weighted?
- How are English 8 GATE grades weighted?
- How often do students have tests?
- How much homework do students get?
- When are grades posted?
- What are the "U.S. History" Packets?
- What should students do if they are absent?
- Is late work accepted?
- How can I check grades on-line?
- How can students get extra help if needed?
How are S.S. 8 GATE/S.S. 8 (U.S. History) grades weighted?
Grades for the U.S. History classes are weighted in the following categories:
Homework--40%
Classwork--20%
Assessment--40%
How are English 8 GATE grades weighted?
Grades for the English 8 GATE class are weighted in the following categories:
Homework--25%
Classwork--25%
Assessment--40%
Presentations--10%
How often do students have tests?
English 8 GATE students will have a quiz each Friday on vocabulary, grammar/proofreading,
and the skills focused on that week (students need to focus on their Starter/Warm-Up sheet that
we do every day at the start of class). We will also have unit tests (told in advanced).
U.S. History (College Prep & GATE) students will have a test/quiz approximately every couple
of weeks. The questions are based on what we've been doing in class as well homework.
Students should use their "U.S. History Packets" (and study guides) to study/review material
that will be on the test/quiz.
How much homework do students get?
Students should expect approximately 20-30 minutes of homework Mondays-Thursdays.
Most homework assignments are due the following day, usually for 10 points per assignment.
Students are expected to write down their homework assignments in their agendas at the
beginning
of each class. They may also check this website to view homework.
When are grades posted?
Students are shown their grades at least once every two weeks. Grades are always posted in
our classroom. Grades are posted on-line (on this website-- just click "Grades" on the left
hand column). You type in the student last name & then type in the student ID # under
"Password."
If a student/parent has any question/concern about a grade, he/she should talk with me
(Mrs. Stevens) as soon as possible.
What are the "U.S. History" Packets?
The "U.S. History Packets" are packets of student work that will be collected and graded
approximately every 2-3 weeks. The packets must be complete, in order, stapled,and they
must have a Table of Contents page.
The "U.S. History Packets" will be due every date that we have a test/quiz (and this date
will be known told in advance). The packets of student material will really help students
prepare for tests/quizzes (including the semester final exam, which will cover all of the
material for the semester).
What should students do if they are absent?
1) Students should contact a classmate and/or check the website to see what the homework
assignment is.
2) Students should check the "Absent Box" (located in the front of the classroom) to get the
handouts/worksheets that were distributed.
3) Any previously assigned homework should be given to the teacher on the day they return
to class. (If something was due on Tuesday & the student was absent Tuesday, then he/she
should turn in the work when he/she returns to class in order to receive up to full credit.)
4) Any quiz/test missed due to an absence needs to be taken within 2 school days. Students
need to arrange to take the quiz/test with Mrs. Stevens.
5) A student has the same number of days he/she was absent to do the work that was
assigned when he/she was absent.
Students should always get help from me (Mrs. S) whenever they need it-- I'm here to help!
Is late work accepted?
Late work is accepted only during the study of a particular unit, and only for up to 1/2 credit.
For instance, when we study The Civil War, a student cannot turn in an assignment from the
Colonial America unit for credit. It is really important that students do their best and do their
work on time.
How can I check grades on-line?
Just click "Grades" on the left hand column of this website. You type in the student last name &
then type in the student ID # under "Password." If you have any questions/concerns, please
contact me (Mrs. Stevens).
How can students get extra help if needed?
Our classroom (room Q-4) is open before school and during lunch most days. I am more than
happy to help any student who wants/needs additional help. If these times don't work, he/she
should see me so we can make arrangements for help after school.