Mass Communications 2016-2017Mrs. Kristin

Welcome!

I am excited to teach this Connections class called Mass Communications! Each grade level will have a different focus. Sixth graders will have some basic keyboarding instruction and learn about Digital Photography, which is communication through pictures. Seventh grade will learn about Video to communicate information on the morning announcements and commercials. Eighth graders will learn about Graphic Design and communicate about our school year through the creation of the school yearbook!

Supply Needs:

One three-prong folder with pockets (or a one-subject spiral notebook), notebook paper, and pen/pencil are required for class every day. Other minor supply needs may arise depending on the projects to be completed. TISSUES, HAND SANITIZER, and ROLLS OF PAPER TOWELS are very much needed and appreciated as well. 

THERE ARE NO CELL PHONES/KINDLES/TABLETS/ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALLOWED IN MY CLASSROOM! We use computers and laptops provided by the school, so there is no need for personal technology. However, if your device does come into my room, it must stay in the device box on my desk until the end of class. No exceptions!

Class Procedures:

As you come in the door, check the board, projector screen, and/or front table for daily instructions.
Go directly to your assigned seat and get your materials ready for class. This includes sharpening pencils, gathering materials for the daily work, projects, etc.
No food or drinks allowed near the computers or video equipment. Keep those items at the round tables.
Remain in your assigned seat until other directions are given.
Stay out of the unauthorized areas located behind the blue tape lines. Those are specialized work areas, and you will be invited by the teacher into those areas for projects and lessons.

Student Expectations:

Be at your assigned seat, with all class materials, including class notebook, when class is scheduled to begin.
Follow directions the first time.
Respect others and their property.
Keep your voice at the appropriate volume at all times.
Know and follow the rules in the Henry County Schools Handbook.

Assignment Grading/Grade Weights and Percentages:

A majority of our quizzes and tests come from our online computer modules. Each quiz or test allows for two attempts. That is all you get. Make sure you are prepared and use these attempts wisely. Other grades will come from projects and other assessments. Grades are calculated based upon the following percentages: Classwork/Homework/Quizzes: 20%

Assessments/Projects:65%

End of Semester Exams:15%

Accountability:
When you get to your computer or project station, check to make sure that everything is in working order. If anything is missing or broken, notify the teacher immediately. Otherwise, you may be blamed for missing or damaged materials! Do your part to keep everything in good, working order. If the equipment and materials are damaged or destroyed, we may not be able to replace them.

Attendance:

Most of the work in this class must be completed in class. In the event of illness or field trip, you should ask for a pass to come to class before school or during IF to make up the missed assignment. If you are absent due to OSS, you will nothave an opportunity to make up the missingwork since we work in class to complete work.

Tardy:

The clock in the hall will be used as the official time for class, and I try to make sure my classroom clocks are set with the hall clock. My door will be closed and locked when it is time for class to begin. If you come to class late without a pass from another teacher, you will receive a citation. If a teacher holds you back to talk to you, make sure that teacher writes you a pass to be admitted in to the next class. You will not be allowed to go back to that teacher later for a pass.

Restrooms:

You are expected to remain in the classroom during the entire class period, especially since the class period is only 45 minutes long. You should use the restroom while you are on your academic team at lunch, BEFORE you come to class, or AFTER you leave class. Please note that using the restroom is not an excuse to arrive to class late. If you have a medical condition that would require more frequent restroom breaks, you need to provide a note from a parent, guardian, or physician.

Appropriate Technology Usage:

When you go to the computer workstation, you are responsible for logging yourself on the computer each time. DO NOT SHARE YOUR USERNAME OR PASSWORD WITH ANOTHER STUDENT! If you do share your login information, that is a direct violation of the Student Acceptable Use Policy, and you will be in danger of losing your computer privileges. Also, when using the computers, only go to websites and use programs that you have been given specific permission to use. Do not “Google” topics that are not authorized by Mrs. Fitzgerald.

Once you have obtained all your needed equipment, tools, and materials, you are expected to stay in your seat and keep working until you hear the “clean-up” announcement. Additionally, make sure your books, notebooks, pencils, etc., are not placed near the computers or other equipment. Keep your belongings as far away from all the equipment as you can will help keep the computers working their best and damage-free!

End of class procedures: “Clean-up” time should happen immediately after it is announced!

Save your work on the computer.
Log off the computer and return it to the log on screen. (NOTE: Students in the last period of the day will actually shut down the computers.
Return any supplies and materials to the appropriate storage locations.
Clean up work area, throw away trash, etc.
Return to your seat and wait to be dismissed by your teacher.

As always with any class, procedures and rules may have to be changed at any time. We will all have to be flexible as we maneuver through this class together. Please sign below indicating your understanding of the currentpolicies and procedures outlined in this document.

Date: ______Class Period: _____Grade Level: _____

Student Name: ______Student Signature: ______

(Please print clearly.)

Parent Name: ______Parent Signature: ______

(Please print clearly.)

Please keep this document in the front of your Mass Communications folder for future reference.