From the Desk Of

From the Desk Of

From the Desk of:

Mr. Szeker

chARTer~TECHHigh School

World History

US-2

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the first semester at chARTer~TECH. This letter is to inform you that your child will be taking history this semester and I would like to take some time to tell you a little bit about the course procedures, textbook, grading policy, access to the chARTer~TECH network, and contact information in case you have any questions.

A common first question asked by parents concerns the textbook for the history courses. My courses use an online textbook, which I feel has many advantages. The first being there is not a 15 pound history textbook to be lugged around by the students, secondly the book can not be lost leaving the student responsible for a 50 or 75 dollar fine, and finally the student can not forget the textbook in his or her locker. It is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. To view the textbook simply follow the directions below.

To get to the history website from home:

(US-2) Go to

(World History) Go to

Username – chartertechPassword – chartertech

Go to topic explorations

Then click on the section you wish to explore

One of the biggest advantages students have at chARTer~TECH is the technology available in the school. Each student has their own computer in the classroom connected to a school wide network which leads to almost limitless educational possibilities. While it may seem a little confusing or intimidating at first, students quickly learn the ease of useing the network. This network can also be useful to parents at home. If you have internet access you have the ability to access the network from home ( I have provided instructions, see Remote Desktop Connection form). When you connect to the network you can view the “common” folders from home. Each teacher has a common folder where daily assignments can be stored. In my common folder each class has a daily agenda, past assignments, notes for each section, and a folder to save make up work. This can be beneficial in many ways:

  • If a student is absent, the class work for that day can be found in the assignment folder. The assignment can then be made up and saved to the completed make up work folder.
  • If a student missed notes due to absence, or possibly did not get everything down in time, then they can access the notes at any time in the notes folder.
  • Parents at home can see the assignments that students are working on and discuss it with them at home.
  • You can even look at the notes to help your child study, or make up practice quizzes for them at home from the notes. (I’m sure the students would love that!)

Now on to class policies, I do allow for make-up work in my classes. Students are responsible for work missed due to absence, illness, class trips, showcases, etc. Class work can be found in the assignment folder listed above, or students can ask me for work they missed. Make-up work completed in a timely manor (students have as many days as they were out to make up the work, if a student is out 2 days he or she has 2 days from the date of return to hand in make up work) will receive full credit. Make-up work handed in after that time will still receive credit but it will be slightly reduced depending on how late it is. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO GET MAKE UP WORK.

Grading Policy:

Tests and Projects = 40%

Quizzes = 25%

Class work =20%

Homework = 15%

Progress:

I give students a progress report about every other week to let them know exactly where they are in the class. These progress reports are homework assignments that are to be brought home, signed, and returned. This is intended to keep you informed of your child’s progress in my class. If you don’t see one in the next 2 weeks, ask your child where it is.

Homework:

Written homework is not given on a daily basis. This is because the class work activities are extensive and intense, and I want the students spending time at home studying notes and working on projects when possible. Written homework is usually given about once a week, but the students have homework every night. Study the notes. If students spend 15 minutes a night reviewing their notes they will be very successful in this course.

I hope this was informative and helps get the students off to a great start in the first semester. If you have questions I can be contacted at any time. The best way to get in touch with me is through email, I will respond as soon as possible. My email address is . I look forward to working with your children this semester and hopefully meeting all of you soon.

Please take the time to sign and return the bottom portion of this sheet, it will be the first homework assignment for the students.

If you have any questions please contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Jeff Szeker

I have read and understand the course procedures as listed above.

Student Name______Date______

Parent (Guardian) Signature ______

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