Friday, March 03, 2006

Class Rules, Standards, and Grading Scale

Students follow classroom, academic and behavioral standards so that instruction proceeds in an organized manner to create a classroom learning environment conducive for all learners. These standards include, but are not limited to, obeying rules set by the school as well as by the classroom teacher. Student progress is demonstrated on periodic reports to parents with marks of excellent, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory in academics, cooperation, and work habits.


Classroom Standards

1. No student sound-emitting devices or cell phones of any type are to be displayed or used during any portion of classroom instruction including homeroom. Headwear policy is stated in the school’s memorandum.
2. School tardy policy requires students who are tardy to be marked so when arriving late to any class. A student is considered tardy when not seated before the bell rings at beginning of classes.
3. Profane language and ethnic slurs are not permitted in classes since both respect and tolerance is expected of students and teachers.
4. Defiance of authority and failure to follow rules will result in a warning to student and subsequently, calls to parents, referrals to counselors, track coordinator, and track administrator.
5. Students are encouraged to enthusiastically participate in class work, including discussions and assignments, and to bring required textbooks to class daily, unless otherwise noted by teacher. Textbooks are loaned to you and must be returned in the same condition as they were issued; if they are lost or damaged, you will be financially responsible.
6. Sleeping in class and inattentiveness is discouraged.


Academic and Behavior Standards

1. Bring notebook, pen, completed assignments,
book, and any other necessary materials to class.
2. Hand in class work and homework on time.
3. Start assignment promptly; work diligently without disturbing others.
4. Follow instructions and be courteous at all times. Name-calling is not permitted.
5. Enjoy food or drinks during nutrition or lunch, not in class.
6. Leave the class only after the teacher dismisses students. The bell does not necessarily signify the dismissal of students.

Assignment and Composition Format

1. Use notebook paper with holes on the left. Torn and/or ragged-edged papers from spiral notebooks are not accepted.
2. The three-line heading written in the upper right hand corner (above the lines) must include first and last name, class and/or period identification (e.g. Period 2, English 10), and the date. No abbreviations are to be used in the heading.
3. Choose an appropriate title for all assigned work. Center and correctly capitalize it on the top line.
4. Skip one line between the title and the body.
5. Most assignments may be typed or completed in neat, legible manuscript or cursive. Avoid work in pencil; use blue or black non-smear ink. Students must run spell and grammar check on typed documents before submission.
6. Use paragraph form. Indent, and observe left and right paper margins.

Grades, Points, and Marks

1. Use the following points/percentages for interpreting scores and marks earned on your assignments. Most will carry a weight of either 10, 25, or 50 points.
A+=100; A>=97.5; A->=92.5; B+>=88.5; B>=86; B->=82.5; C+>=78.5; C>=76; C->=72.5; D+>=68.5; D>=66; D->=62.5; FAIL>=0
2. Assignments and grades include, but are not limited to, homework, tests, quizzes, projects, journals, dispatches, compositions, summaries, listening and speaking activities, research reports, and portfolio entries. Late or missing assignments will adversely affect your overall grade.
3. Work Habits and Cooperation Marks. E-Excellent; S-Satisfactory; U-Unsatisfactory. For a complete explanation of these marks, ask for the Criteria For Marks handout.
4. Ask Three, Then Me. Handouts and class notes missed due to absences should be obtained from fellow classmates the day following the absence. You are responsible for making up any assignments that are due.

Students are enrolled in Hollywood High’s “School for Advanced Studies,” an instructional program designed to meet the needs of gifted/talented students and highly enabled learners who require advanced instruction beyond the traditional core curriculum. Classroom office hours are by appointment Mondays during Period Three. Additionally students may contact me by:

• Voice Mail Phone 323-461-3891, Extension 419
• E-mail jcarmicl@lausd.k12.ca.us

Welcome to Spring Term, 2005-2006. I wish you success as you begin your endeavor to complete the coursework necessary to earn a high school diploma and satisfy post-secondary educational goals and requirements.