Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Is homework / classwork graded?
- What about tests?
- Notebooks?
- What materials are needed?
- Do you give extra credit work?
- How is Soc. Studies work weighted by assignment?
- Classroom/Discipline Policy for Middle School
Is homework / classwork graded?
Yes, it is graded at least 3-5x weekly, at my discretion; a
variety of assignments and learning styles are assessed for
homework and classwork assignments. Assignments are assessed by
number grades only. Missing, incomplete, or very poor quality
work is graded as a failing grade (below 69%) or a 0%, at my
discretion or by administrative directive. An incomplete may be assessed a lower grade or 0% due to much needed
improvement,content answers are incorrect/missing,the work is very incomplete ,use of sentence fragments or illegible/written
in pencil. Any homework that is not completed,or not handed in to me receives a grade of 0%/FNW(for no work).I don't arbitrate
homework grades.It is the students responsibility to check my website and make up homework/classwork, especially after absence
due to illness; please refer to the student handbook regarding missing assignments.Work for vacations not scheduled on the
school calendar will not be provided, again as per the school policy and handbook. See last questions about assignment
weighting.
What about tests?
Tests are announced to students as soon as I plan them; I don't
give pop quizzes.I provide chapter test study guides for SS
classes if they are closed book only. Tests may consist of
vocabulary words in each subject that I teach, use of maps etc.,
short answers, multiple choice and a essay question test graded
seperately and given ahead of time. Essay outlines are encouraged
(on my outline thinking map)and may be used in the essay
testing .These are also submitted to me with the essay final at
testing; only essay question material should be on the thinking
map. Essays are graded with a rubric .
Notebooks?
I check notebooks at least 1x per grading period; I look for
clarity of the notes(most of which I have written out for
students on the board),neatness, sequence of pages and chapters,
maps, graphs, and charts in the notebook. "Doodling" is
not permitted and notes as such will have to be re-written on the
student's own time. This off-task behavior will be taken into
consideration in the effort poirtion of the term report card.
Notes provide assistance in assessment prep and encourage
development of organizational skills, skills that a student will
carry with them for a lifetime. SMCS alumni have indicated that
notebook setup is key, especially in beginning high school
classes.
What materials are needed?
Notebooks should ideally be a 5 subject notebook; we takes lots
of notes and use them for homework questions. A folder for
worksheets is also needed as well as black and red non-erasable
ink pens. ONLY a red crayon,pen,or marker will be used for the
student to self-correct tests as a class before handing them
in for teacher grading.Please purchase enough for the entire
school year (boxes available at office supply stores) and allow for loss. Some mini-projects may use art
box supplies; I will announce using these to my classes prior to
the class period. Having the needed supplies constitutes part of
the effort grade on the term report card.
Do you give extra credit work?
No. All students should have plenty to do with the schoolwork
provided.See above question on class work and homework.
How is Soc. Studies work weighted by assignment?
In all my SS classes , classwork@ 30% (review, maps, graphs,
projects,essays etc. in class) counts toward grade, homework is
also very important for grade @ 35%,and chapter tests are 35%.
Classroom/Discipline Policy for Middle School
Please refer to this in the Parent and Student Handbook. Mr.Fleck, our Assistant Principal, will have the final word on behavioral measures.Also, please note our Uniform policy as well.