Computer Information Systems

Classroom Policies & Expectations –Mrs. Laguardia

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! Affectionately known as CIS, this business course is a computer class through which students develop proficiency in creating Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Projects using standard application software to complete projects & design a portfolio. After reading this sheet, complete the attachment as your first assignment! 

Attendance: Homework assignments are kept to a minimum in this course. In order to maintain this practice, it is vital that students are present and on time to class. Every minute of class time is valuable, and my expectation is that it will be used wisely. Therefore, it is important for you to follow the school policy pertaining to class tardies (refer to student handbook).

School policy will also be enforced in regard to absences from class. Excused absences include: personal illness, death in the family, medical appointments, court appearances, or principal-approved emergencies. Students must provide documentation (to the main office) for any and all excused absences. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up work. Students have the opportunity to use their Flex period to make up work (see me before school for a pass). A student with an excused absence will be allowed the same number of days to make up work as the number of days excused. Without proper documentation, an absence will be considered unexcused.

Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. In the event of an unexcused absence, the student is still responsible for the content.

Behavior: The purpose of high school business courses is to prepare students for higher education and/or transition to the workplace. College and work environments are built on an understanding of mutualrespect. Students should conduct themselves according to the belief that everyone has value, including themselves. Furthermore, students should respect the school property and my personal property that is made available for their use in the classroom. I have high expectations for respect in my classroom, and I discuss these expectations with all students on the first day of class. As long as we respect each other, we will have a fun and exciting year!

Computer Use: At the beginning of the year, each student signs a computer/technology agreement issued by the school. In addition to school policies, I expect that students will NOT use the computers or Internet without permission, will not play computer games, will not view inappropriate material or include inappropriate material in their work. Misuse of the computer or the Internet in ANY way will result in the loss of computer / Internet privileges. Alternate assignments that do not require the use of a computer will be given to students who cannot conduct themselves appropriately. We are fortunate to have consistent computer access – pleaserespect the privilege to use them.

Grading: A points system will be used in this class. Assignments and activities vary in the amount of points possible. Students earn points based upon the quality of their work. Grades are not given; they are earned. Typically, class work assignments are between 5 and 30 points and projects between 50 and 200 points. Grades are based on the Loudoun County Public Schools grading scale:

A+ 98 – 100 / B+ 87 – 89 / C+ 77 – 79 / D+ 67 – 69
A 93 – 97 / B 83 – 86 / C 73 – 76 / D 63 – 66
A- 90 – 92 / B- 80 – 82 / C- 70 – 72 / D- 60 – 62

Assignments: The ability to complete and submit assignments by the established due date is critical to success in the workplace. The same principle applies to this course. It is my expectation that all students will use their time wisely in order to complete and submit assignments on time.

Any work not submitted by the due date will be penalized 10 points for the first day and 5 points each day after for a total of 5 days (one week). Beyond one week, students will only be able to earn ½ credit. All work must be submitted by the end of the nine-week grading period to receive credit. Please communicate with me early and often if you are having any challenges completing your assignments on time.

My website is updated weekly with assignments, due dates, and so forth. Students that are absent or that are missing work should check the website first.

HallPasses: Please come to class ready to work each day. Hall passes will not be issued during the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of class. This policy is to ensure that students are present for critical announcements and directions. Students must have their agenda at all times in order to be issued hall passes. Because entrances/exits are disruptive to the class as a whole, please be as considerate as possible.

Classroom: In order to keep Potomac Falls High School and the business classrooms clean for all of our students, I expect students to clean up after themselves at the conclusion of each class period. Students that do not return their workplace to its original condition will lose points from their daily Workplace ReadinessSkills grade. Because we have computers in the classroom, food and drink are not permitted around computers. Water bottles are acceptable as long as they are fully closed containers.

Cell phones and other personal handheld devices are not permitted in class. These items are distractions to the student using them as well as to the other students in class. Please be respectful of your classmates and of me – keepyour personal items put away during class. In the event that a student is found using his or her cell phone or iPod, it will be confiscated and held in the main office for the rest of the day (refer to your student handbook).

Additional Information:

Any students that are experiencing any difficulties in class are strongly encouraged to meet with me as soon as possible. I am always available to discuss class work, assignments, grades, or general concerns. If you communicate with me and work with me, we can find a solution to any problem!

Parents are also welcome to contact me at any time. I can be reached by emailing or by calling the school at 571-434-3200. I will make every effort possible to answer emails within 24 hours.

I am very excited about this school year, and I am here to help in any way that I can! Please let me know how I can be of extra assistance. Go Panthers!

This is your first assignment of the school year! Once you have read the class syllabus in its entirety, complete and return the form below no later than Tuesday, September 2, 2016.

Student Name (print):______

I have read the class syllabus for the course listed above. I understand the class policies and procedures as well as the instructor’s expectations of the students. I understand that I will need to earn my grade and to be accountable for my work and my behavior.

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

PARENTS & GUARDIANS – please mark the appropriate selections below:

Yes / No
My student has access to a computer at home.
My student has access to Microsoft Office 2016 at home.
My student has Internet access at home.
My student has my permission to obtain and/or access an email account for the purposes of this course.
My student has my permission to receive text alerts regarding test or other important information.

My student and I have reviewed the class syllabus for the course listed above. We understand the class policies, procedures, and expectations as they are described.

Parent / Guardian Name (print): ______

Parent / Guardian Signature: ______ Date: ______

Please list an address that is checked frequently.

Student Email Address: ______

If you prefer to be contacted via telephone for individual praises/concerns, please include the best phone number or email at which to reach you.

Parent Email Address/Phone: ______

 Contact by Email or  Contact by Phone