- Will we have homework every day?
- Can we retake tests if we fail them?
- Will extra credit opportunities be provided?
- How are grades averaged?
- Do you accept late work?
- I will be out of town for final exams, what do I do?
- I am going on a vacation. May I have my assignments early?
- How do I schedule a conference with the team?
- How do I schedule a conference with an individual teacher?
- When can my son/daughter receive extra assistance from a teacher?
- When will the website be updated?
- How do I get Family Access?
- When will grades be posted on Family Access?
- Should my son/daughter have access to his/her online grades?
- Are there exceptions to any school policies?
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Will we have homework every day?
Generally, yes. On the day of a major test, students do not usually have
homework in that particular class, and over vacation breaks there is seldom
homework. This, of course, excludes long-term and/or short-term projects,
essays, and of course, reading. Students will be expected to read from a novel nightly.
The amount and frequency of homework will vary from subject to
subject, but in general homework is routinely assigned. This team strictly abides by
all campus and district policies regarding late, missing, and absent work.
The guidelines are outlined in the student handbook and will be discussed in
detail the first week of school. It is, at all times, the responsibility of the student to use the many
resources available to ensure that all work is turned in within the designated time frame.
Remember, our job is not just to teach 8th grade curriculum. Our job is to help your son/daughter
adjust to the rigors of high school.
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Can we retake tests if we fail them?
All disciplines offer students the opportunity to raise their test grades,
with the exception of high school credit classes, where retesting is not
allowed. Again, please review the policy for the time allowed to make up tests. Quizzes can not be
re-taken. See the specific subject area teacher for details. Students are expected to
initiate contact with the teacher regarding retaking tests.
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Will extra credit opportunities be provided?
Some teachers offer extra credit and others do not. There is no policy on
this topic. Extra credit can also be addressed by the student with individual teachers.
This is limited in all situations.
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How are grades averaged?
Generally, grades are calculated as follows: 50% Tests, 30% Quizzes, 20%
Daily. This differs in high school level honors classes, where the
percentages become 70% Tests, 20% Quizzes, 10% Daily.
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Do you accept late work?
Per campus policy, one day late is a maximum of 70 and 2 days late a maximum
of 50. After that, no credit will be given per district policy. This differs in high school
level honors classes, where late work is not accepted.
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I will be out of town for final exams, what do I do?
Per district policy, no teacher on campus is permitted to administer a final
exam prior to the scheduled exam period. Make-up exams can be administered.
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I am going on a vacation. May I have my assignments early?
Per district policy, no student will be provided work prior to an absence.
All make-up work will be provided upon return and the student will have an
opportunity to make up missed work in the timeline provided for
missing/absent work as outlined in the student handbook. Students are always welcome to access
the team website to stay up-to-date on class progress during their absence.
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How do I schedule a conference with the team?
If you would like to schedule a conference with the team, please contact the team lead, Mrs. Altman
by
e-mail at altmant@cisdmail.com. Please provide your name, student name, e-mail address ,and a
contact phone number. You will be contacted within 24 hours to schedule a conference.
Conferences
are held during the team planning period.
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How do I schedule a conference with an individual teacher?
If you would like to schedule a conference with an individual teacher on the team, please contact that
teacher directly. In nearly every case, a team conference is preferable so that we can all address the
needs of the student together.
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When can my son/daughter receive extra assistance from a teacher?
Students may seek additional assistance from a teacher as follows:
Morning Tutorials - 8-8:30am (parent must provide a pass for the student)
7th period Advisory - The student must make arrangements for a pass from the teacher in advance.
Extended Day - 3:40- 4:45 - Monday - Thursday - Subject area teachers are available to assist
students and administer make-up exams or exams that are being re-taken.
Teachers do have assigned duties and meetings before school on occasion. Teacher availability is
posted in the classroom for student planning. Students must always complete assignments given to
the best of their ability.
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When will the website be updated?
Teachers typically update websites on Monday's for the upcoming week. On occasions it is not
possible for the website to be updated due to technical difficulties or teacher absence. Students
should always write down the assignments during class. Also note that while teachers will try to
update the website in the event of an assignment change (due to student needs or fire drills, etc.), it
may not always be possible.
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How do I get Family Access?
Simply go to the main office and ask Mrs. Lavender, the secretary, for your Family Access login
information. The whole process takes only a few minutes. Please understand that your
son/daughter will be MOST successful with his/her own access. There is absolutely no reason why
they should not be given access to their own online grades. This is a communication tool. Now that
we are no longer permitted to post grades in the classroom it is critical that students have online
access.
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When will grades be posted on Family Access?
Grades will be posted on Family Access according to district guidelines and teacher scheduling.
Major projects and essays will not be posted for several weeks and students will be notified of when
to expect those grades to be posted. All other grades are typically posted within one to two weeks
depending on the depth to which each assignment must be graded.
Please note that "*" in a column simply means that no grade has been entered. Please refer to Family
Access frequently. This is considered the fastest way for teachers to communicate grades to parents
and students. Please understand that grades are posted as stated above.
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Should my son/daughter have access to his/her online grades?
YES! Teachers are no longer permitted to post grades in the classroom or hallways. The best and
fastest way for a student to stay up-to-date on his/her progress is to have online access. Our team
does require students to have access and will refer students to Family Access frequently. A student
needs to have the opportunity to see how one grade can impact an overall average.
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Are there exceptions to any school policies?
No. We are a team that believes firmly that the rules are in place for good reasons. We will abide by all
school policies at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, tardies, discipline, late work, absent
work and retaking tests.
