Policies

WEBSITE POLICIES:

* For privacy and safety:   (1) No student work will be posted without permission, and   (2) No full names will be posted on this page.

* This page is meant to be a SUPPLEMENT to, NOT a replacement for, paying close attention and taking good notes in class.

* If you have a class-related question for me that you want to address privately (ex: something about your grade), PLEASE do not post it on this site. Email it directly to me at mneville@independence.k12.oh.us . This will ensure a more confidential response.

* If you would like to post a comment on this site, please feel welcome to do so.  Keep in mind, however, that anything which violates the IHS Code of Conduct or otherwise jeopardizes the  integrity of this site will be removed promptly.

GENERAL POLICIES (grading, attendance, etc.) FOR ALL CLASSES:

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WHAT TO BRING EVERY DAY:

• Pen or pencil (I prefer turned-in assignments to be completed in pen)

• Your notebook/binder, divided into 3 sections:
  • Writing/Grammar
  • Literature
  • Vocabulary

• Any reading that was assigned for homework (this could be your textbook or the novel we are currently reading, or sometimes an article or handout).

HOW YOU WILL BE GRADED:

• Grades are made up of the following:

• Homework – sometimes just checked for completion, sometimes collected and graded… be prepared!)

• Quizzes – sometimes they are scheduled, sometimes they are surprises. Again, be prepared at all times. Study a little each night, and ALWAYS complete reading assignments!

• Tests – will be announced well in advance. Always check the board!

• In-class work – I occasionally collect what we’ve worked on together in class and give you points for it. This helps me make see how each of you is doing.

• Writing – You will have several graded written assignments throughout the year.

• AR – please refer to the AR packet you’ve been given.

• Study Island – Five points for each assignment; see handout.

• Group Work – Any time you have a collaborative assignment, you will receive both a group and an individual grade.

• (Possible) Notebook Checks – If a particular class seems to be having organization issues, I will start doing regular notebook checks to encourage students to keeping up with things. I will check for:
  • vocabulary lists and notes
  • dated and complete notes
  • organized into sections as directed
  • neatness and consistency

GRADING SCALE:

93-100  A                  80-82  B-                  67-69  D+

90-92  A-                  77-79  C+                  63-66  D

87-89  B+                  73-76  C                  60-62  D-

86-86  B                  70-72  C-                   59 & below  F

NOTE:  I will grade your assessments fairly and honestly. For major assignments, you will be provided with a rubric prior to the due date so you more fully understand how you will be evaluated.

LATE WORK POLICY:

• Please understand that I do not assign “busy work” – all work I assign is meant to be meaningful, engaging, and reasonable.

• Homework can be turned in one day late for up to ½ credit; after that, no more than one point will be given (this signifies in Progress Book that you DID make it up).

• Essays, Projects, and Presentations will be docked one full letter grade for each day they are late.

• AR Quizzes taken late will not earn credit; however, if you complete a quiz after its due date I WILL take your effort into consideration when calculating your quarter grade.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

• If you are tardy to my class, please place your pass in the pass box (Hello Kitty tin) by the door. If your pass is written in your agenda, show it to me AFTER class. Three tardies in any quarter will result in a 10-minute detention in my room; any after that will result in an official IHS detention.

• ANY STUDENT WHO MISSES FIFTEEN (15) CLASS SESSIONS OF ANY QUARTER WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THAT QUARTER.

MAKEUP WORK POLICY:

IF YOU ARE ABSENT…	YOUR WORK IS DUE…
On a day previously-assigned homework is due	The day you return from your absence.
On a day homework is assigned	The amount of days you were absent after the original due date (ex: You are absent on Monday and homework is assigned that’s due Wednesday; you will turn it in Thursday.).
On a day an AR quiz is due	The day you return from your absence.
On a day a quiz or test was scheduled	The day you return from your absence.
On MULTIPLE days that tests and/or quizzes are assigned	A conference will be held with you and/or a parent; alternative tests/quizzes may be substituted for original.
UNEXCUSED on a scheduled test or quiz day, or a day when a project or presentation is due	You will not be permitted to make up the quiz, test, project, or presentation for full credit.
On a day a pop quiz is given	You will be given an alternative quiz when you return from your absence.
For a field trip, college visit, or family vacation	(see me before going on the field trip/vacation/college visit, and we’ll set a due date)
Due to an extended illness or other long-term/personal extenuating circumstances	(keep in touch via email or voicemail, and due dates will be established as appropriate)

* Please see addendum regarding my policy about signing out/in.

EXPECTATIONS:

You will come to class prepared, on time, and ready to learn.

• You will respect yourself and others (even those who are not present in the room) in both speech and action.

• You will use personal electronics in class ONLY when instructed to do so.

• You will recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, and work to become a better person all around.

• You will contribute to the class community in a constructive way.

• You will accept failures as a way to start over with more knowledge.

• You will understand that a hall pass is a contract of trust between you and your teacher, and not abuse that trust.

• You will ask questions/seek extra help when you need it, and do your best to assist others in need of help.

• You will take care of yourself physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually when outside of school.

• You will follow all rules and regulations published in the IHS Code of Conduct, and accept the consequences if you do not.

*** If you have trouble meeting one or more of these expectations, I will “invite” you to have a conference with me to discuss the situation and develop a plan for improvement.  If the problem(s) persist, other school faculty and/or your parent/guardian will also be notified.