Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What can I do to be successful in math?
- How much homework can I expect from this class?
- What should I do if I forgot my materials?
- What should I do if I forgot my homework?
- How do I find my assignments when I have been absent?
- Will seating be assigned?
- How much will tests count towards my grade?
- What is a G-POW?
- Do I have to work in THAT group?
- What is a participation grade?
- Are tutorials available?
- Is there any way to bring my failing grades to passing?
- I do not understand the lesson, what do I do?
- When should I clean out my notebook?
- Why do I have to take notes?
- What do I have to bring to class?
- HELP!! I cannot find my book for my homework assignment. What can I do?
- PARENT QUESTION: There is a ZERO in the gradebook, what can I do?
- PARENT QUESTION: I would like to discuss my child's progress in math. How do I get in touch with you?
- PARENT QUESTION: Is there any way for me to check my child's grades online?
What can I do to be successful in math?
First, you must use your class time wisely. We only have 53 minutes
together, and it is important to make each minute count. Second, ask
questions when something does not make sense to you. Third,
complete every assignment to the best of your ability. Take the
time to think about the question as well as the best answer to give. If
you find you have difficulty with an assignment, I am always available for
tutorials at 7:20 every morning. Do not wait until class-time to address
your problem. Finally, STUDY for your exams.
How much homework can I expect from this class?
I promise to only give homework I feel you truly need. I will not give "busy work", but instead will only assign a few
thought provoking questions that will give you a greater understanding of the math
concept, as well as much needed practice.
What should I do if I forgot my materials?
See the G-POW (Great Person of the Week). You may borrow
anything you need
for class, but you will be asked for collateral for the
loan. :o)
What should I do if I forgot my homework?
I will accept late work, for reduced credit. You need to fill
out a "Where's My Homework" paper, and turn it in instead
of your assignment.
Thirty percent will be deducted from the final grade.Any late
assignment(s) should be turned in as soon as possible, and placed
in the "late work" tray.
CORRECTIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FOR LATE ASSIGNMENTS.
How do I find my assignments when I have been absent?
Your work will be located in the "Absent Work" hanging file at
the back of the classroom. Your name will be stapled to the
assignment. Any make-up work should be turned in ASAP and in accordance with SHJH policy.
Please place absent work in the "absent tray" when completed.
Absent work will not have a recorded grade until it is turned in and graded.
Will seating be assigned?
Yes.
How much will tests count towards my grade?
Tests will be 50% of your final grade. The other 50% will come
from homework, class work, class participation, and projects.
Quiz grades count as 1/2 a test grade.
What is a G-POW?
Great Person Of the Week. It is the responsibility of the G-POW
and two assistants to help our class run smoothly. They are responsible
for collecting and passing out papers, making packets for absent
students, running errands, assisting a substitute teacher, and completing a "While you were out".
Do I have to work in THAT group?
Yes!
Many of the activities and assignments for this class will
require that you work with a group of students. You are expected to
complete your assignment with your group of people. You will have the
opportunity to work with all of the students in our class at one time or another, so
if you do not like the group you are currently with no worries, your
group will change soon. Remember, we all must work to the best of our
ability in whatever situation we are in. Flexibility is key!
What is a participation grade?
This grade is given 1 -2 times per six weeks and is based on attitude, willingness to
work with others, and answers given throughout the week. It counts as a
daily grade, and can really help improve your average for the six weeks!
Are tutorials available?
YES!!
Morning tutorials begin at 7:20 every morning. Just drop by when you need additional help.
Afternoon tutorials are available upon request. If I do not have any extra-curricular activities planned
with my children, I will be happy to stay.
Is there any way to bring my failing grades to passing?
Students who receive any grade below 70% have the option of
correcting the work to bring their grade to 70%.
1. Student must work the problem correctly
2. Student must write a sentence of what their mistake
was, and what they learned from that mistake.
3. When all else fails, I usually drop 2-3 of the lowest daily grades. :o)
I do not understand the lesson, what do I do?
First and MOST IMPORTANT: Ask questions during class!! I do not bite (hard) and I encourage you to
ask before you are lost.
Second: Come in for tutorials! I am available every morning (unless I have a morning duty, and you
can check the calendar to see if I am available)
Third: 5th period tutorials
** I do not accept the "I didn't understand how to do my homework excuse." You will still receive a
zero. COME SEE ME BEFORE CLASS BEGINS! :O)
When should I clean out my notebook?
Keep all graded work, quizzes, and tests until the end of the six-weeks - after you have received your
report card.
Why do I have to take notes?
Keeping good notes will help you:
1. learn the material
2. stay focused during class
3. help study for tests
4. help you with your homework assignments
What do I have to bring to class?
1. Pencil
2. Math notebook & composition notebook
3. Colored pen (for grading)
4. Highlighters
** Anything else we need will be provided for you
HELP!! I cannot find my book for my homework assignment. What can I do?
Click on the "links" section of my website.
Click on the appropriate link for your textbook.
PARENT QUESTION: There is a ZERO in the gradebook, what can I do?
A zero will be recorded for ONE REASON:
The student DID NOT COMPLETE THEIR ASSIGNMENT.
I do not record zeros for absent work (these assignments are left blank in the gradebook until the assignment is turned in)
Homework may be turned in late for reduced credit.
**Remember: NO ZERO IS PERMANENT IF YOUR CHILD COMPLETES THE ASSIGNMENT
PARENT QUESTION: I would like to discuss my child's progress in math. How do I get in touch with you?
There are several ways to contact me:
1. Call the school office and leave a message (903) 323-7718. I will contact you during my conference
or sometime after school.
2. Email me. I usually check my email first thing in the morning and after school. I will contact you ASAP.
My email address is smckelvey@springhill.esc7.net. Or you can click on the mailbox at the top of my
webpage and it will send an email to my address.
PARENT QUESTION: Is there any way for me to check my child's grades online?
YES!! Call the school office or visit the school website for information on how to access your child's
online gradebook.
I update homework grades on a daily basis. However, I do not grade late work and absent work everyday.
If you child was absent or turned in a late assignment it will take several days to show up in the gradebook.
