Be Ready What does this look like? Be in class on time with materials ready to go. This means laptop charged, paper, pencil and other necessary materials available to use, class work completed, and overall mindset of ready to learn. After directions are given, transition to the next activity in a timely manner and be prepared by taking out materials. If you've missed class, prepare for your return by watching YouTube videos of class.
Be Kind What does this look like? Treat your classmates, and myself, in a manner in which you want to be treated. Be respectful of other opinions and perspectives. Be considerate of other people - wait until someone is finished talking to share your own thoughts, encourage others by talking positively, and think big picture in regards to other cultures, people, and experiences - just because it's not like you doesn't make it bad!
Be Responsible What does this look like? Be honest with your classmates and myself about your actions. Have integrity in all that you do because it reflects back on yourself. Be responsible for your classroom and picking up after yourself - markers and colored pencils, extension cords, pushing chairs in, and throwing away your garbage. Share your roles as a student and team.
Be Your Best What does this look like? Things may be hard; always persevere and try your best - that is all I ask. Have an open mind and a positive attitude. Most important, be advocate for yourself. This means you can ask questions, request accommodations or modifications. Everyone learns differently, so take the driver's seat of your own learning and ask for what you need to be and do your best.
Grading and Classwork
Large projects/papers, quizzes, exams and other assessments will be graded. Assessments will be given a point value, and a final grade will be based on these values. Any assessment that is not proficient (C- or higher) must re-take the assessment after additional teaching/review. Students that would like to re-take an assessment, even if it is above proficient, will have the same opportunity after additional teaching/review, but it will not be mandated.
Daily work will not be graded. However, the completion of daily work is critical to the learning and success of this course.
Grading will not be impacted due to lateness. After much consideration, a deduction in a grade due to lateness is not a reflection of student learning, which is what a grade is meant to reflect, but rather student behavior. However, the expectations of the class, be ready and be responsible, are two of the cornerstones. No matter where you go after high school, college or the workforce, getting things done in a timely manner is critical to success. If work is habitually late (3 or more times), a meeting will be set with the teacher and guidance counselor.
If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to request missing work. If students are absent for a quiz or exam, they will have the number of school days missed to complete the quiz or exam. If students are absent when an assessment/project/paper is due, the assignment will be due when they return, unless other arrangements have been made or prolonged absences.
If a student receives a grade they feel is unfair or not an accurate assessment of their work, they can advocate on their own behalf.