The purpose of this webpage is for students and parents to know what is going on in class and what is expected; it will also allow students who have been absent to keep up with work they are missing.
Classroom expectations:Responsibility and respect are the foundations for all of my expectations. In order to have a respectful and encouraging educational environment, there must be certain guidelines to promote a positive learning atmosphere. In addition to the guidelines mentioned on this page, students are also expected to understand and abide by the rules and policies in the Highland Student Handbook (be sure to review the dress code).
1. Be on time and be in your seat by the time the bell rings.
2. Respect the people around you (your instructor, your classmates, and yes, yourself) as well as the physical aspect of the classroom (no flying objects, no writing on desks, keep your hands to yourself, etc) at all times.
3. At all times, you will be expected to use language appropriate to the classroom.
4. Food and drink (with the exception of bottled water with a cap) are strictly prohibited.
5. Keep hats (or head gear of any kind) off while in the classroom.
6. No electronic devices should be out during class. If I hear or see any of them, the item will be confiscated and submitted to the administrative office where a parent will need to be present in order to reclaim it.
7. Personal grooming at any time during the class period is not acceptable. Apply makeup, lotions, perfumes/body sprays/colognes before or after class in the bathroom.
8. Make use of the bathroom facilities before or after class. Passes will only be given in emergency situations.
9. Purses, books, and other items must be stowed under your desks. Keep items out of the aisles so no one stumbles over them.
Absences: Makeup work is your responsibility, but I am available for assistance upon request. It is also your responsibility to get the absence memo which will have been completed for you for each day of your absence. Makeup tests/quizzes must be made up by appointment only. You must schedule an appointment the day you return (this doesn’t mean you have to take it the day you return—only schedule an appointment). If you do not schedule a make-up, you will receive a zero on the assignment.No makeup work is accepted for UNEXCUSED absences.
Long term assignments and projects are given due dates well in advance, and absences will NOT affect due dates.
*Note: Missing days beyond what the state/district allows can/will result in disciplinary action and/or natural consequences. These can include receiving no credit on assignments due during absences which have become excessive.
Grades: Late assignments will not be accepted and will earn a zero—see “absences” and “tardies” for additional assignment information as related to those topics. **Special note: Essays are due on the day they are due—even if you are absent! Only in cases of emergencies (printer breaking, etc) or absences can you email me your essays (and bring the rough draft when you return). However, please do email the essay as opposed to having it be late and receiving a zero.
Your grade is your responsibility. I do not “give” grades; you earn your grade. You can keep track of your grade by logging onto Infinite Campus which will be updated periodically. Please be aware of your grade so there are no “surprises.” This may not be weekly if we are working on a long essay where there may not be many smaller assignments.
****Special Note: Cheating is absolutely unacceptable in any form. ZERO tolerance. Keep your eyes on your own paper. Do not communicate in any way with other students during tests/quizzes. Cheating, to name only a few instances, includes: copying homework/tests/essays/etc., cheat sheets, plagiarism, forgery, etc. All efforts should be a reflection of your own individual work. Cheating will result in a zero on the assignment, a phone call home and/or an administrative referral. If you have an electronic device out during a quiz, test, or essay I will assume you are cheating and you will receive a zero on the assignment as well as a referral for academic dishonesty. Electronic devices aren’t supposed to be out during class anyhow.
Grades are cumulative for the semester, using the 90%-100% = A Scale
Please note that grades are not automatically rounded up
Homework policy:I do not accept late work. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, then you must turn it in the day you come back.
School Supplies :This is a list of materials that are required in order to be prepared for success in my class.
q Pencils and pens (pens must be either blue or black for assignments). I will not accept assignments in other colors.
q Red or green pens (for proofreading and checking work)
q 3-hole, loose leaf , college ruled notebook paper (Please do not use spiral notebook paper.)
q A 3-ring binder (If you have a large one you use for all classes, you may use it for English as well; however, if you do not have one at all, then you will need one that is at least 1.5 inches thick.) You will be getting a wide variety of handouts this year which you will be responsible for keeping in an organized manner.
q Please bring a box of Kleenex. If everyone brings one box, then no one will be reduced to using his or her sleeves by the end of the year. J OR a bottle of hand sanitizer would also be really helpful as we fight cold and flu seasons. We’re set on this for the beginning of the year, but please be aware that throughout the year, I may ask you to bring some in. Thank you!
