Classroom Expectations
This page will touch on some of the information that can be found in the Syllabus, which is also linked at the bottom of the page.
School Pillars and Expected Behavior
Skills-Based Grading Policy
In an effort to align our instruction with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy Standards for History-Social Science, our department will continue using our skills-based grading framework that will enable teachers to provide more specific, targeted feedback for students and better track their progress.
Reading Writing Speaking/Listening Content
Types of Work
Make-Up Policy
If a student is absent, he or she will be responsible for finding out what they have missed by checking in with peers or me, either in person or via email, or by checking my website. Extra copies of handouts will always be made available in class. A student gets one make up day per absent day. No point deduction will be taken unless the time allotted is exceeded.
Late Work
Students are allowed to turn in 1-3 late assignment per trimester depending on their grade level, within one week of the assignment’s due date. Students need to show an increased level of personal accountability in 8th grade. Students will need to email me (or communicate in some way) before the assignment is due in order to receive an extension for that assignment. Failure to communicate for the need of an extension will result in a missing assignment and a score of “0” for that assignment.
Participation and Effort
Students are encouraged to actively participate and try their best in all learning activities. Every student should feel safe and comfortable with asking for help or clarification when needed. Personal growth and academic learning happen when mistakes are made, confusion is cleared, and risks are reflected upon.
- Positive People – All members of our community meet each task with confidence and determination. We are polite, courteous, respectful and keep each other safe
- Actively Engaged – All members of our community are focused on the goal in front of us, giving each task our full attention.
- Working Together – We work to cultivate supportive relationships with everyone in our community, encouraging everyone to meet his or her full potential.
- Striving for Excellence – We do what we say we will, and see each of our commitments through to the end. We help each other make and meet goals that benefit everyone.
Skills-Based Grading Policy
In an effort to align our instruction with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy Standards for History-Social Science, our department will continue using our skills-based grading framework that will enable teachers to provide more specific, targeted feedback for students and better track their progress.
Reading Writing Speaking/Listening Content
Types of Work
- “Process and Practice Work” | Class Assignments and Homework
- Students are responsible for writing down all homework and assignments in their agenda and checking for them regularly by referencing the class white board at the beginning of class and checking my class website.
- “Mastery Work” | Assessments: Tests, Papers, Projects, Presentations
- Assessments may include a short-answer test, writing assignment, culminating project, reading comprehension test, or oral presentation. At my discretion, in order to check for understanding, I will give students short quizzes in between units to formatively assess their learning/track progress.
Make-Up Policy
If a student is absent, he or she will be responsible for finding out what they have missed by checking in with peers or me, either in person or via email, or by checking my website. Extra copies of handouts will always be made available in class. A student gets one make up day per absent day. No point deduction will be taken unless the time allotted is exceeded.
Late Work
Students are allowed to turn in 1-3 late assignment per trimester depending on their grade level, within one week of the assignment’s due date. Students need to show an increased level of personal accountability in 8th grade. Students will need to email me (or communicate in some way) before the assignment is due in order to receive an extension for that assignment. Failure to communicate for the need of an extension will result in a missing assignment and a score of “0” for that assignment.
Participation and Effort
Students are encouraged to actively participate and try their best in all learning activities. Every student should feel safe and comfortable with asking for help or clarification when needed. Personal growth and academic learning happen when mistakes are made, confusion is cleared, and risks are reflected upon.
Contact Me
The best way to reach me is via email. Should you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to conference with me or visit my classroom, please email me at [email protected]. You could also reach me via phone at (650) 903-6945 ext. 2332. In either case, I will try to get back to you within 24 - 48 hours.