Ms. Shapiro

Magnet English 8

2011-2012

 

Ms. Shapiro’s Serious Sentiments

 

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

 

This is a supplement to the course syllabus, which reviews important class policies. Please read this supplement, and sign

your names on the handout sent home on day one of school, indicating that you have read and accept each section.

 

ARTICLE 1: Appropriate Language

    In our class, we will use respectful and considerate langage with one another, which is a refletion of the respect we

will extend to one another.

If you make a mistake, or you are sorry about something, the following are acceptable forms of apologies:

“I’m sorry,” “I apologize,” “My apologies,” “Forgive me,” “Excuse me,” “My mistake,” “Pardon me.” If these apology

phrases sound foreign to you, practice them! Additionally, use the phrases, “Thank you,” and “You’re welcome” when

necessary.

     In addition, we will have many opportunities to share our opinions and to have class discussions. We will do this in a

respectful manner. If you do not agree with something someone has said, it does not grant you license to criticize that person.

We will learn to respectfully disagree with one another. Therefore, while having a class discussion, if you disagree with

someone, you will begin by saying, “I appreciate/honor your opinions, but I respectfully disagree with you...” There are many

variations of this. We will practice in class.

     Please be respectful of everyone in our class. You are to avoid any language that may be interpreted as hurtful,

offensive, or derogatory. You are to avoid any language that may offend a person's culture or religion. Additionally,

no racist, sexist, or homophobic comments will ever be tolerated in or around this class. If I ever hear anyone utter

any offensive terms, there will be consequences, even if you’re joking. Homophobic includes words

such as, “faggot, fag, or gay.” (“Gay” is offensive if not used in the correct context. For example, saying “This assignment is

gay” is not the appropriate way to use that word! Calling someone gay as a means of insulting him/her is not acceptable either).

The California Education Code and LAUSD support, advocate, and mandate equality and educational equity for all students. No

criticisms, insults of any kind, “put downs,” cursing, or negative behavior and demeanor are permitted in this class. LAUSD has

a very serious anti-bullying policy, which I absolutely support and enforce. If you are having problems with any class member,

let me know, and I will handle the situation. Any student who poses a physical or emotional/mental threat to any other member

of the class will be removed from the class immediately, counseled by the dean or magnet coordinator, and given the

appropriate consequence deemed by the person handling the situation.

 

ARTICLE 2: Work Habits/Cooperation Grade

As students and parents know, work habits and cooperation are indicated on progress reports and reports cards in the form of

either an E= Excellent, S= Satisfactory, or U= Unsatisfactory. Students do not automatically receive an “E” or an “S.” These

marks must be earned, just as academic grades are earned. The work habits grade is generally determined by a student's

participation in class and thorough completion of assignments. Just because a student completes all assignments does not mean

the student will automatically earn an “E” or even an “S.” I will also be examining students' comprehensive effort in class and

students' diligent, thoughtful completion of assignments. Three or more missing assignments in a 5-week period will result in an

automatic “U” in work habits, and missing one major assignment in a 5-week period will result in a "U" in work habits.

The cooperation grade is generally determined by students' behavior and following of class policies.

I will document any incident in which a student misbehaves and does not follow class procedures or policies.

As part of being a responsible student, it is the students' obligation and duty to always behave respectfully and responsibly!

Some possible reasons for a decline in cooperation/work habits grade include, but are not limited to: tardiness,

using inappropriate or offensive language (NOTE to students: what you and I consider to be offensive may be different;

be careful with your words! We will thoroughly discuss appropriate words in class), chewing gum, text messaging, not being

seated when the bell rings, not copying the agenda upon entering class, not paying attention in class, disrupting the class,

coming to class without supplies, asking a neighbor to borrow supplies, keeping cell phones on during class, cheating on a test

or assignment (which also results in a fail for that assignment and a “U” in work habits and cooperation on the

following report card and possibly the remainder of the semester), etc.  These are just some examples of transgressions.

Bullying another class member WILL result in an automatic "U" in cooperation on the following progress report/report card. There will be no

debate about this. The person who is the "bully" will not be the person to determine if his/her words or actions were of an inappropriate nature.

Any criticism of another student, of any nature whatsoever, or any incidence in which a student places his/her hands on another student will be

cited as an incidence of bullying and will be dealt with by the administration.

Note: In many cases, work habits and cooperation are interchangeable. For example, if a student is talking in class without

permission, that is a clear reflection of both unsatisfactory work habits and cooperation.

Note: There will be no debate about consequences for cheating. If you are caught cheating, you will automatically earn a

“Fail” for that assignment and a “U” in both work habits and cooperation on the following progress report/report card.

Cheating is not just limited to “copying” off of someone’s paper. There are multiple methods of cheating, including,

but not limited to: plagiarism, allowing someone to copy your work, rewriting MY words from a sample essay, etc.

 

The consequences for student transgressions include: cooperation/work habits decline in grade, an apology, a phone call home,

a written essay or statement about what the student did and how to reform his/her behavior, detention, etc. Sometimes, a simple

warning may solve the problem. Sometimes the student may need to be referred to the magnet coordinator or dean, etc. A

general chart of consequences is as follows: If a student misbehaves (which can include an array of possibilities such as

talking, chewing gum,  passing notes, not paying attention, not being prepared, etc.):

1.  I will issue a verbal warning. If necessary, the student will have a conference with me to discuss his/her behavior.

2.  If the student commits the transgression AGAIN, the student will earn no more than an “S” on the following progress report

in work habits/cooperation, I will contact parents/guardians via a note or a phone call, and a written essay about how to modify

behavior will be required.

3. If the student commits the transgression a third time, two Us will be assigned on the following progress

report/report card, and the student will be referred to the magnet coordinator or dean.

Keep in mind: This is just a generic behavior chart. The consequence depends on the severity of the transgression. As previously

stated, a verbal warning may be a sufficient consequence. Conversely, if a student severely misbehaves, all consequences will be

bypassed, and he/she will immediately be sent to the magnet coordinator or dean and earn a "U" in cooperation and/or work habits

on the following progess report/report card.

IMPORTANT: An excess of “Us” in work habits/cooperation WILL prevent a student from graduating on stage. This is a

Porter policy, and it will not be waived. Please refer to the student agenda and/or the 8^th grade Magnet policies letter to educate

yourself about how many “Us” and “Fails” a student can earn without compromising the privilege of graduating on stage. If you

are concerned about this policy, please make an appointment to discuss this with the magnet coordinator.

ARTICLE 3: Missed work during an absence

As stated in the syllabus, late work is NOT accepted! Late work will only be permitted if a student has a valid absence,

with a parent/guardian note. In such a case, the student will be given the same amount of time to complete the work that the

class was originally given. It is the students’ responsibility to check the absence folder, located on my desk, the day the student

returns from the absence. The absence folder lists all of the work that we do each day. If a student is confused about

something listed in the absence folder, he/she needs to make the effort to ask me for clarification or help. “Confusion” is not a

valid reason to not complete an assignment. If a student does not obtain missing work from me the day that he/she returns from

an absence, the student will not be eligible to make up the work. If a student misses work due to laziness or because

he/she claims to have not known the assignment, NO provisions will be made to accommodate that student.

I make great efforts to communicate all assignments with students in specific detail, verbally and in writing. In addition to

throughly explaining each assignment multiple times and in a variety of ways, I also write each assignment on the board,

in the absence folder, and on this website. Depending on the complexity and projected completion time of a given assignment,

I also create detailed timelines and written instructions for students.

If we are working on a long term project (e.g., an essay, oral report, research report, etc.) and a specific due date has been

given in advance, the assignment will not be accepted late, even if the student is absent on the due date. If you know you are

going to be absent on the day an assignment is due, bring the assignment the day before, email it to me, or mail it to the

school post marked no later than the due date. If you are absent on the day of an exam, you must approach me immediately

upon return from your absence to schedule a make up date. IT IS NOT THE TEACHER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REMIND

STUDENTS TO MAKE UP THEIR WORK! If a student does not approach me the absolute day he/she returns from an absence,

then he/she WILL NOT be permitted to make up the work, and I will not remind you. These policies fortify my goal of

building responsibility in students. I can be reached via email if you are absent and have questions about your missed

work, or any time that you are confused about an assignment and need help. My parent/guardian/student email address

is: TeacherShapiro@aol.com. Note: If you miss an assignment because you were sent out for discipline reasons, you may not

make up the assignment. This is part of your consequence for choosing to misbehave in class.

 

ARTICLE 4: Homework/Assignment Information

Homework is designed to give students further practice on material learned in class or to continue/complete assignments

that are discussed in class and sometimes begun in class. Homework may consist of a variety of activities, including, but not

limited to: grammar practice, literature analysis, discussion/analysis/comprehension questions, outline and essay writing,

research reports, preparation for oral reports or projects, studying for tests, etc. There are no designated nights for homework,

as homework is given based on the needs of the students and based on what we are learning at any given time. For example,

if the class is working on an essay, which takes approximately 2 weeks to complete (including the outline through the final draft),

other homework may not be given during that time, as to allow the students to focus on the essay. As stated, homework will be

assigned based on the needs of the class. Therefore, parents should check their child’s agenda daily to see

when homework is assigned. Students are required to write the daily class assignments and homework assignments in their

agendas. If a student's agenda is blank, he/she is not doing his/her job! All assignments are also posted on this website. For

each assignment, I provide the students with detailed instructions and timelines, as well as samples that I have created.

All assignments must have the standard class heading, as per the Porter agenda. The heading

should be the first component written before the student begins the assignment. This prevents students from forgetting to

write their names. Assignments turned in with no names will earn no credit, as I cannot award credit to an unidentified person.

Assignments with just a name and no other heading will have one point deducted. Likewise, if you are scrambling to write your

heading as I am collecting the assignment, one point will be deducted.All in-class assignments should be written neatly and

legibly and turned in when I collect them. Any assignment that is not written in complete sentences, unless I have instructed

you to not write in complete sentences, will be returned with no credit.

Most formal, analytical, and long-term assignments, such as essays, research reports, and journals must be typed

using 12 pt., Times New Roman font, with one inch margins on each side and on the top and bottom. If a type writer is being

used, the standard type writer Courier font is acceptable. With each assignment, students will be advised well in advance of the

format , requirements, and grading/evaluation procedure. If it is expected that an assignment is typed, and the student does not

have access to a type writer, word processor, or computer, students may use the school library during nutrition/lunch/after

school on most days, the school computer lab on designated days, or students can use my classroom computers during

nutrition or lunch. Of course, the public library is a resource as well. Whether an assignment is written or typed, it is due at the

beginning of class on the due date, unless I specify otherwise. Assignments with multiple pages should be stapled prior to coming

to class, or one point will be deducted. Printer problems or computer malfunctions are not valid excuses to not turn in an

assignment when it is due, as that illustrates the assignment was done at the last minute. Please make sure you always save your

work onto a disc, cd, or flashdrive; this way, if you do have unexpected printer problems, you can take your saved work to a

library or to an office store to print. I have had to do this many times when I have had printer problems. While you may use my

class computer to type your work during nutrition or lunch, you may not use the class printer to print your work the day that it

is due, as it is your responsibility to have the work ready to turn in, as a tangible document, when it is due.

ARTICLE  5: Class participation

We will participate in many class activities. Some will be worth points and a grade; some will just be for the sake of learning and

gaining knowledge and experience. Please be advised that not all assignments will be worth a grade. School is not just about

getting grades; rather, it’s about accumulating knowledge and experiences, which will carry you through life and motivate you

to appreciate the luxury and joy of learning new things. Sometimes we will do assignments just for the sake of learning and

practice. If you choose to slack off on an assignment because it is not being graded, then you will automatically receive a “U” in

work habits and cooperation. Your work habits and cooperation will be adversely impacted if you ask, “Is this for a grade?”

Learn to appreciate all of your experiences in class, whether they’re graded or not. Even more important than your grade is what

you learned and what you’ll retain from the experience. Knowledge is our ultimate goal!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ARTICLE 6: Substitutes

In the instance of my absence, a substitute will cover my classes. I make great efforts to leave very detailed lesson plans for

substitutes, as well as pertinent information regarding the class. It is expected that students display exemplary behavior/work

habits for a substitute and follow all directions given by the substitute. My absence does not give students license to become

lazy or mischievous. I ask substitutes to leave me very detailed reports on the class behavior, work habits, and any individual

student’s behavior of which I need to be aware. There is absolutely no valid excuse for a student to misbehave while a substitute

is present.  If a student misbehaves while a substitute is present, the student will earn a “U” in work habits and cooperation for

that grading period and possibly for the rest of the semester. In the case of severe misbehavior, parents will be contacted and/or

the students will be referred to the magnet coordinator or dean for appropriate school consequences.

 

ARTICLE 7: When in doubt, ask for help!

Because I cater to many students, I may not always know who is struggling. I am available to help students during nutrition and

lunch on a daily basis, with prior arrangements. If you need help, let me know, and we will arrange tutoring time.

Do not give up on something because you are confused or frustrated. Instead, ask for help!

 

 ARTICLE 8: Parents/Guardians+Students+Teachers working together= SUCCESS!                                                   

  I spend much time, effort, and energy creating lessons plans, assignments, and projects that will be interesting and meaningful

for students, while delivering the necessary class content and California State Standards. Additionally, I put forth a tremendous

amount of time into carefully grading students’ assignments and writing helpful comments, as well as oferring help to students

on an individual basis during lunch. As it is expected that I do my part as the teacher, it is also expected that students do their

parts, which at the bare minimum means coming to class on time, coming to class prepared, following all classroom policies,

and thoroughly and thoughtfully completing assignments on time. It is expected that students don’t just do the work, but put

their best effort forth into doing the work. I encourage parents/guardians to remain involved in their child’s progress in the class.

As previously stated, parents/guardians should check their child’s agenda, which details our daily assignments and homework.

I do not contact parents/guardians when students miss an assignment or earn a low score on an assignment.

The need for my calling parents/guardians should be obviated by parents/guardians remaining proactive. Please make sure

your child is completing his/her home assignments and projects. Please ask your children to see their grades and their portfolios.

You may want to call the school to verify the dates of progress reports and to find out if progress reports are being mailed home or delivered

by your child. Know when grades are coming home! The progress reports/report cards are my method of communicating your child’s grade

with you. If you would like more communication regarding grades beyond the progress reports, you  may contact the school to arrange a time

to talk with me. We could then set up an alternative and supplemental grade reporting, such as agenda checks. Please stay current on your child’s

grade, and contact me if you are concerned about anything. I will return all calls, emails, and notes promptly!

Again, I can be reached via email at: TeacherShapiro@aol.com