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Seaman Freshman Center MRS. STAHL’S CLASS RULES 2008-2009

Welcome to the new Seaman Freshman Center. I expect this to be a fabulous year. Here are some important things you need to know and remember to assure success in your modern world history class. The rules are simple and few. They have been established to promote learning and teaching, and it is very important that you understand them.

1. Be in your seat with the necessary books and materials when the bell rings.

2. Follow directions the first time they are given.

3. Use all class time for meaningful work.

4. Treat everyone and everything in the classroom with respect.

If you chose not to follow the school rules or my class rules, there will be consequences because no behavior that interferes with learning and teaching can be tolerated. Nevertheless, not all offenses are serious enough to warrant a trip to the office. Conversely, there will be positive consequences for appropriate behavior. The main reward will be a more enjoyable and less stressful class where learning is fun because your teacher will be able to devote her attention to creative instruction and helping students.

I want you to have a great educational experience at the Freshman Center built upon open honest communication. I encourage you to participate in class and ask questions. Please let me know if you need help or have any concern. I am usually available both before and after school to help students, and you can also communicate with me via e-mail. My web address is tstahl@usd345.com

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

In addition to the Seaman High School and class rules, there are a number of procedures with which you must be familiar that help things run smoothly.

Supplies: Required supplies include: a three-ring notebook with dividers, notebook paper, black/blue pen, red pen, pencil, and highlighter. A pencil pouch and a pocket page in the notebook are highly recommended.

Tardies and Passes: If you are not in your seat ready to work when the bell rings, you are tardy. I will loan books, pens, and pencils if I have extras and you ask before the bell rings. Each student will have 3 passes to leave the room per nine weeks. Passes to the health room and call slips do not count. Passes are given at my discretion to minimize disruptions in teaching and learning. Each unused hall passes is worth a half a percent of extra credit at the end of 9 weeks. Please remember that I dismiss the class, not the bell.

Assignments: Important information is written on the board daily. Always record assignments in your planner. Assignments are to be done on notebook paper in pencil or blue or black ink unless you are told otherwise. Illegible or extremely sloppy work will not be accepted.

Headings: Assignments should have your name, date, and hour in the upper right margin of the page. Clearly identify the assignment on the first line, e.g. P. 54, Discussion Questions 1-5. Also, label late or make-up work at the top of the page before placing it in the appropriate basket at the front of the room. Assignments without complete headings or done in unapproved colors of ink will lose a letter grade.

Late Work: In school as in life, there are serious consequences for being late. Instead of monetary penalties like businesses impose, there are point penalties in class. Assignments should be ready when the bell rings on the day they are due. Late daily work will receive half credit through the day of the chapter/unit test. When a major assignment like a report is late, ten percent of the points will be deducted each school day with a maximum penalty of 50% of the points earned.

Make-up Work: When you are absent, it is your responsibility to catch up as soon as possible. When absent because of a school-related activity, get your work in advance and turn it in with the rest of the class. For other absences, please check the board for your work. Ask about missed work between classes or during study time. Generally, you will be allowed two school days for each excused absence. Missed tests are usually scheduled during seminar. In accordance with the school rules, students who are unexcused absent will receive no credit, and students assigned to OSS may make up tests and major assignments with 10% deducted for each day of OSS. Make sure you clearly label your make-up work and place it in the appropriate basket.

Retesting: If you earn a score below 80% on a test, you may retest within two weeks. Retests will be scheduled during seminar and before or after school and the two scores averaged. Project grades may also be raised in the same way by redoing the assignment.

Grades: Grading is based on the accumulation of points. Points are earned for daily work, tests, quizzes, reports, and participation. Tests and projects make up about half of your grade. I encourage you to check your grades on-line often.

Respecting Property: Do not handle or borrow things that do not belong to you without permission! My desk area--including the telephone, computer and other forms of technology--are off limits without permission.