CLASS POLICIES 2016-2017 Mr. Huls
Classroom Rules
In addition to wearing the correct uniform, I ask students to observe these three simple rules in my class:
1. Be respectful raise your hand and be recognized before speaking walk silently in line during school hours ask permission to leave your seat enter classrooms silently be attentive in class and follow teacher/staff treat teachers and other students with courtesy directions 2. Be responsible bring your agenda, all books, and supplies to class do all assignments to the best of your ability daily return correspondence the following school day accept responsibility for/consequences of your actions keep your space clean (desk, floor, cubby) 3. Be honest refrain from cheating, forging signatures, copying or plagiarism
Obviously there are many examples of ways students may violate these rules. The goal of these rules is to create an environment that is conducive to learning and builds good character. Any behavior that interferes with that goal will not be allowed. Failure to observe these rules may result in one or more of the following consequences: a warning may be given infraction recess detention send to the principal’s office parent conference lower behavior grade
Grading Policies
Grades will be determined according to weighted categories using the Archdiocesan grade scale as follows:
English (Grammar and Writing) Literature (Reading and Vocabulary) Tests & Writing Assignments 60% Tests & Projects 50% Quizzes 25% Quizzes 20% Homework & Classwork 15% Homework & Classwork 15% Accelerated Reader 15% Social Studies (U.S. History) Math (8th Algebra/7th Pre-Algebra) Tests & Projects 60% Tests 60% Quizzes 25% Quizzes 25% Homework & Classwork 15% Homework & Classwork 15%
Archdiocesan Grade Scale 100 – 95 A 88 – 87 B 79 – 75 C 94 – 93 A- 86 – 85 B- 74 – 70 C- 92 – 89 B+ 84 – 80 C+ 69 – 65 D 64 and below F Tests and Quizzes
Tests and quizzes will be given to assess student learning. Tests and quizzes cover material studied in class and assigned as homework.
Tests Quizzes cover an entire chapter or large unit of study cover less material given upon completion of a chapter or unit usually given once or twice per week usually will be announced at least 3 days in may or may not be announced advance should be expected by students usually preceded by an in-class review and/or the lowest quiz score is dropped study guide a day or two before students should review material regularly, rather than wait until a test is announced the lowest test score in math class will be allowed a make-up test at the end of the trimester Homework, Classroom Activities, Preparation, and Participation
Students are expected to come to class prepared and participate. One part of preparing for class is doing assigned homework. Another part is paying attention, taking notes, and getting involved in class activities and discussions.
Homework will be given regularly to reinforce concepts already covered in class or to prepare for the next class. It will be checked at the beginning of class for completion, neatness, effort, and occasionally for accuracy. I expect students to attempt all problems and show their work.
Most homework assignments will be given a grade based on 3 points possible and be graded on the following rubric:
3 points All problems attempted, consistent effort throughout, work shown, and neatly done 2 points Mostly complete, effort made on most problems, some work not shown, or messy 1 point Few problems completed outside of class, little effort, no work shown, or extremely messy Incomplete No problems completed besides those done during class time, or left homework at home Half points may be given on homework where not all criteria fits one of the above categories
Homework will not be accepted late.
Homework is to be completed at home unless students are given time in class. Copying homework is not allowed, and will result in a zero for that assignment for both students involved.
All classroom activities will be graded in part on participation. Failure to prepare for these activities or participate in them will result in lower scores.
All assignments are to include a specific Holy Angels heading, or they will not be accepted.
Notes taken in class are to done using Cornell (two-column) Notes.
Projects & Book Reports
Students will be assigned one project each trimester in social studies and literature classes. Generally, these projects will require a significant amount of time and effort to complete. Projects will be assigned well in advance of the due date to allow time for completion. While efforts will be taken to avoid assigning projects due near those of other teachers, it may still occur. It will be the student’s responsibility to budget his or her time accordingly.
Please keep these policies in your binder or agenda Projects will usually be assigned to small groups of students; however, students may be given the option to work alone on some projects. Whenever possible, time to work on projects will be afforded in class. Students should make the most of this time to minimize the need to meet outside of school hours. Literature projects are often based on a novel read in class.
Accelerated Reader
Students will be required to read several books throughout the year and pass the corresponding Accelerated Reader tests. Accelerated Reader tests reading comprehension and recall of details about plot, setting, and characters. Be sure to check if there is an available Accelerated Reader test when choosing a novel to read. Each trimester students will be required to earn a minimum of 20 points. Students must also choose books of an appropriate grade level or they will not count toward the 20-point requirement. Please check with me if you are not sure about appropriateness. Students who score 40 or more points in a trimester will earn extra credit.
Daily Warm Up
Each morning class will begin with a short math exercise designed to review recent material or basic facts. Students are expected to enter the room quietly, immediately begin the warm up, and try their best. These problems will be graded regularly.
Extra Credit
Extra credit assignments may or may not be offered during a trimester. They are not assigned frequently, and should not be counted on. While not required, doing the assignment will add a small percent to the student's overall grade. I may also give extra credit points on a particular assignment or test, allowing a score over 100% on that given assignment. Under no circumstance will extra credit be offered on an individual basis, rather all extra credit assignments will be offered to the entire class.
Absences
It is often difficult for students to succeed when regularly absent from school. I encourage you to come to school if possible and avoid absences for trivial reasons. The following procedures should be followed in case of an absence:
If a student is at school but misses a class for whatever reason (came late, doctor appointment, altar serving, participation in a school event, etc.) it is the student's responsibility to turn in any assignment due that day, on that day. Assignments that are not turned in that day will be considered late.
Any handouts given out during an absence will be placed in the student's mailbox, or sent home if the student's work is requested through the office.
Students should check online for any assignments given during their absence.
Students should have a few trusted friends they can call for assignments and clarifications during absences.
I will generally allow 1-2 days to complete assignments when a student is absent. I will allow longer periods of time for extended periods of absence.
If a student is at school leading up to a test day, but is absent on the day of the test, he or she will be required to take the test the next school day.
Required Materials Students are expected to come to school prepared. The following items should be brought to class on a daily basis: blue or black ink pens pencils red ink pen paper and notebook textbook & workbook calculator for math classes silent reading book headphones or ear buds highlighters While not needed on a daily basis, students should also have a USB drive for turning in presentations or documents.
Students should also have an art supplies box at school which can stored in a cubby and used as needed (markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, rulers, etc.).
Website & Gradelink
Homework assignments, project due dates, and test dates will all be posted on the school website.
Even though homework will be posted online, students will still need to fill out their agendas every day. There have been occasions when homework was not posted due to a loss of internet connection or teacher error.
All grades will be accessible from Gradelink. I will not inform students of a grade during class time. If there is a problem with a grade, please see me outside of class time or write me a note/email.
8th Grade Scheduule
Please keep these policies in your binder or agenda