Dear 2002-2003 Seventh graders, Eighth graders, and parents,

 

Welcome to Middle School English!

 

This letter is a summary of my classroom expectations.  Notice that the greeting includes your parents.  Your first 20 points will be given to you after your parents have read and signed this letter and you have returned it to me by TUESDAY.

 

Let’s begin:

Relating to Grades:

 

1.        Always bring your textbook, paper and a pen/pencil to class; you will receive a "0" for any work you cannot do because you do not have the appropriate materials. 

 

2.        An exam will be given at the end of each semester.                                                                                                                             

3.        CHEATING will result in failure of that assignment; I only need to suspect.                                                                                  

4.        YOU are responsible for make-up work after an absence. I will not remind you. Tests may be made-up before or after school or during lunch, not during class.   Furthermore, if you have been given an extended outline detailing the assignments for several days, you will still be responsible for taking exams that could occur on the day you return to class.  In regard to class assignments: you will be given one day per each day you have been absent to make up the class assignment if the absence is excused.  If your absence is unexcused you will be given a zero for all grades taken on the day of your unexcused absence.  Your absences will not interfere with your classmates’ learning or with my teaching. 

 

5.        You will be evaluated on pop quizzes, writing assignments, vocabulary work and tests, literature tests, group activities, oral presentations, and other assignments.  Here is the grading scale:

97-100       A+                          87-89       B+                           77-79       C+                           67-69       D+

96-94          A                             84-86       B                             74-76       C                             64-66       D

93-90          A-                           80-83       B-                            70-73       C-                            60-63       D-     Below 60 E

 

6.        Late work in this class is anything turned in after I’ve collected an assignment—even if work is turned in later that period, it’s still late.  For every day that an assignment is late you will receive a 20% deduction in the grade.

 

Relating to Leaving Class:

 

7.        You will receive three “Pass outs” each quarter to use for emergencies, such as using the restroom, going to your locker or for a drink.  Once your passes are gone you must take a tardy to leave the room.  You will receive one percentage point of extra credit for any unused Pass-outs at the end of the quarter.

 

 

Relating to Behavior:  (All school rules apply in addition to the following:)

 

8.        Do not bother others so that you interfere with their right to learn.  This includes all behavior that is distracting to me and to others around you. (excessive talking, making noises, throwing papers, walking around the classroom, etc.)

                                                                                                               

9.        Do not write notes in class.  If you write notes during class I will take them.

 

10.     Do not use language that is derogatory towards another person based on race, religion, ethnic background, or anything else.  I will not tolerate any foul language, inappropriate comments, or inappropriate drawings or hand signals.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

11.     No sleeping.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

12.     Grand Rule of Them All:  When in doubt, ask permission first, not forgiveness later.

 

Discipline Relating to Behavior:

 

                As much as possible, discipline infractions will be handled with verbal warnings.  At times I will assign sentences.  However, severe discipline problems (for example fighting, cussing, extreme disruptions) will be handled by the principal.

 

Curriculum:

A wide variety of student interests and abilities necessitates a wide variety of readings which examine the conventions of narrative and the human experience.  Occasionally, sensitive and sometimes controversial issues arise within the literature. Students are not compelled to use materials that are contrary to the values and standards upheld in their home environments.  In the case of conflict between the literature and home values, alternative selections are available.

 

The class sets of novels and plays which may be used in addition to the literature and grammar textbooks include:

 

7th grade English                                                 8th grade English

The Tempest                                                                          The Merchant of Venice

The Barn                                                                               Out of the Dust

The Watson’s Go To Birmingham                                     The Pigman

 

Supplies for class:

 

1three-ring binder

1 pocket folder

pens/pencils

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Leslie Bradley

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the above policies and I agree to abide by them.  (student signature)

 

 

____________________________________________________________________

(parent/guardian signature)  Your comments and/or questions are welcome.

 

 

If there is anything you would like me to contact you about immediately, please make note of it in the space below.