"If you work hard and play by the rules, this country is truly open to you. You can achieve anything."  (Arnold Schwarzenegger)

Demeanor: Students are to be respectful toward the teacher and other students at all times.  In addition, students should always be honest in their dealings with both the teacher and other students.
 

Preparedness: Students are to arrive in class prepared. Being prepared for class means that the student has:

• her textbook and/or novel with which the class is working (Yes, this means you need to carry the big textbook with you to class.)

• a 3-subject notebook dedicated solely to English (This notebook may be collected periodically.)

• her laptop computer in working order (It should be charged and you should not be banned from the network.)

• homework or other assignments that are due, which will be collected at the start of class

• a pocket folder

• at least one pen and #2 pencil

The Start of Class: Upon arriving in class, students are to take their assigned seats immediately and begin working on the Notebook Question posted on the board in their notebooks.  Please note the following:

• One section of the 3-subject notebook should be devoted to the notebook questions.

• Students should date each entry and copy the question in their notebooks.

• The response should be thorough and thoughtful.  One sentence responses or simple summaries are not enough.
   

Grading Policy: Quarter grades will be calculated using the following breakdown:

Homework and Quizzes:                     35%
Tests:                                                        25%
Writing Assignments and Projects:    25%
Class Participation and Demeanor:    15%

If the weighting systems changes, students will be informed.

Class Participation Scoring: The class participation score reflects the student's engagement in the class.  Ways of increasing this score include, but are not limited to:

• making significant contributions to class discussion (NOT merely summarizing or repeating what others have said)

• thoroughly completing each day's Notebook Question

• being attentive during class

• taking notes

• participating in group work

By the same token, class participation points can be lost by the lack of engagement.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• lying

• being disrespectful to either the teacher or other students

• being late to class

• not having the items listed under the "Preparedness" section of this document

• failure to complete the Notebook Question in an acceptable manner or at all

• not paying attention during class discussion and activities

• not taking notes

• talking at inappropriate times

• using laptop computers for non-academic purposes 

Lateness: Students who arrive in class more than five minutes past the designated start time will be considered late.

Assignment Format: Homework, projects, and writing assignments are due on the assigned date at the beginning of class. There are certain requirements for written assignments.  Failure to follow these requirements will result in a loss of points or refusal of admission.  All written assignments:

• be submitted in print unless otherwise noted. (Students will not be allowed to print the document from class and pick it up at the printer.)

• utilize the MLA header and margins.

• must be submitted in Times New Roman font, 12 point size.

• must be double-spaced.

Late Assignments:

• Late homework will not be accepted and may not be made up.

• Late essays and projects will be docked 5 points per calendar day they are late.  After one week, late work will not be accepted for credit.

Quizzes: Unannounced quizzes may be administered at any time.  Students should be prepared for reading check quizzes on all readings.

Absences:  Please note the following regarding absences:

• Readings - Students should remain caught up on all readings by consulting the homework section of the instructor's website.

• Tests and Quizzes - Students who are absent on the day of a test or quiz are expected to make it up as soon as they return to school.

• Essays and Homework - Students absent on days when an essay or homework assignment is due must submit the assignment on her first day back to class.  Work submitted late due to absence does not incur a late penalty, provided it is submitted immediately upon the student's return to class.

• Group Projects - Students who are absent on they day of a group presentation must find some way of providing their group mates with their contribution.  Presentations will not be rescheduled due to absences.

• Planned Absences - Students who know in advance that they are going to be absent should see the instructor as soon as possible.  Ideally, most of the make up work should be completed prior to the absence.

Extra Help: Extra help is available to any student who desires it. Extra help is generally available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 2:00 and 2:30 P.M. Quick questions can be answered in the morning between 7:30 and 7:45 in Room 210. Other arrangements can be made with the instructor in advance.

Personal Business: Problems, issues, or concerns that a student may have should be addressed before the start of class. This can be done via email or by seeing the teacher before homeroom begins in the morning.  The instructor reserves the right to request proof for any issue described.

E-Mail: All emails should be directed to mmathews@ihahs.com .  Any email to the teacher must contain the student's full name and class section.  Email without such information in the subject line will be deleted.  Regarding e-mail:

• Email is generally checked once or twice daily.

• All emails receive replies.  If a student does not receive a reply, she should assume that the email was not received.

Students should e-mail the instructor if:

• they have questions about coursework or assignments.

• they are going to be absent and know in advance.

• they are going to be absent for an extended period of time.

• they have problems, issues, or concerns that need to be addressed prior to class.

• they need to arrange extra help or a time to make up work.

Plagiarism and Cheating: All instances of plagiarism or other academic dishonesty will be referred to Mrs. Hals, the Dean of Students. Ignorance is not an acceptable excuse for plagiarism.  If a student is unsure whether or not something would be considered plagiarism, she should ask.  There are no exceptions to this policy.

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Last Updated: 02 September 2010 07:28 AM