Course Expectations for Mr. Clarke’s English 8 Class
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year at Landstown Middle School!
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Students will follow all rules and guidelines set forth by the City of Virginia Beach Public Schools and Landstown Middle School. Students who follow the rules, and participate in class activities, as well as complete homework assignments, will meet with success. Please refer to the Code of Student Conduct booklet.
WHAT STUDENTSSHOULD BRING TO CLASS
- Binder and loose-leaf paper or spiral notebook with 3 designated sections
- Composition notebook
- Blue and/or black ink pens
- Pencils and Pencil sharpener
- Color pencils, markers or crayons
- Planner
- Highlighter
- Pocket folder
- Optional– USB 2.0 flash drive
- Optional–electronic device w/ internet access (cell phone, tablet, laptop, etc.)
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS
- Students are expected to enter the classroom quietly, sit down, copy the homework assignment, and begin their Writing Energizers.
- Students are only permitted to go to their lockers at assigned times.
- Bring materials to class daily.
- Planners must be signed before students leave the classroom during instruction.
- Binders or spiral notebooks should be maintained and kept in order for use on some quizzes/tests.
- Quizzes will be given periodically throughout each unit and are sometimes unannounced. Students will receive at least one week’s notice prior to a test.
- At least one major project and an essay will be assigned during each grading period.
MAKE-UP WORK/HOMEWORK POLICY
Reading and writing assignments/homework are posted in the classroom and are accessible onlineviaSchoolNet Parent Portal (you can visit my teacher website @ English8Clarke2015.weebly.com).Assignments and homework will be graded periodically.In the event of any absence/tardiness, I will work with students and make every effort to ensure thatthey complete all missing work; however, if after several attempts to obtain the assignment it remains undone or incomplete, an Academic Detention (held after school) may be assigned.
CLASSROOM EVALUATION
Students' grades are based on the following categories:
- Knowledge and Language
- Reading
- Writing
Total points will be used for grading. Grades are determined based solely upon a body of evidence that demonstrates student mastery toward pre-determined standards of learning. Student behaviors (effort, participation, adherence to class rules, etc.) do not factor into grades. Nor does work submitted late and/or attendance issues result in reduced marks for students. Please use SchoolNet toverify grades.
VIRGINIA BEACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ GRADING SCALE
A 93– 100C +77 - 79
A - 90– 92C 73 - 76
B + 87 – 89C - 70 - 72
B83 – 86D + 67 - 69
B – 80 – 82D64 - 66
E Below 64
MAKING CONTACT
Please contact meby email, . I generally respond to all email inquiries within the same day.
Thank you in advance for working with meto ensure your success in the classroom, andI look forward to working with you all as well this year.