Mrs. Pera’s Classroom Expectations and Policies
1. Follow directions quickly. Don't waste time! Be quick about getting out your books and supplies or doing something that I have asked you to do.
2. Raise your hand for permission to speak or to leave your seat. Wait to be called upon and don't blurt out answers. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to get up.
3. Listen while others are talking. Listen to your teacher and other students when they are talking. You never know when you might miss something important.
4. Make smart choices. Complete all your work on time. Use your class time wisely. Don't cheat - do your own work. Get to class on time.
5. Respect everyone. Don't borrow things without asking. Don't talk about other students or teachers. Be polite and helpful to your teacher and your fellow students.
6. Keep your dear teacher happy! I am happy when all of my students are learning and enjoying class. I'm not happy when someone chooses not to cooperate or makes it difficult for other students to learn.
**Classroom Expectations adapted from T. Trimpe, "The Science Spot"
Consequences
1. First offense: Student will be given a verbal warning to correct the behavior
2. Repeated offenses: Discipline report in PowerSchool, possible office referral; possible detention; possible suspension; parent contact
3. Severe offenses: Student will report directly to the principal’s office
Note: This is a general policy. Specific infractions may have more specific consequences.
Assignments and Grading
1. Math: You can expect to have math assignments on a daily basis. Math assignments will be due the next day. We will go over the math assignments in class and you will have a chance to ask questions and correct mistakes. I will do a homework check at the beginning of class to check math homework for completion. Homework checks in math are worth 2 points per day.
NOTE: Our time in class is limited; so do not expect to be able to ask questions about every single homework problem. If you have many questions, you should make arrangements to see me outside of class. I will be happy to help you get back on track!
Science: Science assignments will either be due by the end of the hour or the next day. Sometimes I will do a homework check and look for completion and sometimes I will collect the assignment and grade it.
2. Put your first and last name on all assignments, tests, and quizzes. Papers without names may be recorded as zeros.
3. Late assignments may not be accepted once the assignment has been handed back to the rest of the class. Late assignments will also incur a penalty. Assignments cannot be turned in once the chapter test has been administered.
4. Grades are based on total points earned. Semester grades are determined by averaging both marking period grades (weighted 40% each) with the exam grade (weighted 20%). You can view your grade in PowerSchool at any time.
The grading scale used in PowerSchool is as follows:
91.5-100 A
89.5-91.4 A-
87.5-89.4 B+
81.5-87.4 B
79.5-81.4 B-
77.5-79.4 C+
71.5-77.4 C
69.5-71.4 C-
67.5-69.4 D+
61.5-67.4 D
59.5-61.4 D-
0-59.4 F
5. Answers for some of the homework problems are found in the back of the math book. These are provided so that you can monitor your progress as you work on problems. In order to receive credit for a problem, you must show a detailed solution rather than just an answer. Copying answers from the back of the book without trying to do the problem yourself is considered cheating. Also, it won’t help you learn :).
6. In the event that you experience frustration, you should seek extra help. If you are falling behind or are feeling overwhelmed, please speak to me immediately. It often only takes a few minutes of one-on-one tutoring to get you back on track :)
7. Test Correction Policy Math students may complete test corrections to earn back up to half of the points missed. Corrections may only be done for tests, not for quizzes. Click here for a copy of the test correction procedure.
Cheating
Cheating is a serious offense and will have a negative impact on your grade. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to: looking at someone’s paper during a test or quiz, talking during a test or quiz, letting someone copy your homework, doing someone's homework for him/her, or copying answers out of the back of the textbook without trying to do the problem yourself.
Per the student handbook, a first offense may result in failure for the marking period. A second offense may result in failure for the semester and loss of credit.
Absences & Tardies
1. If you know you will be absent for an extended period of time (a family trip, for example), you may try get your assignments in advance. Plans often change from day to day, so it may not be possible for you to get all assignments in advance. If you do get your assignments in advance, you are expected to have them completed upon your return to class.
2. If your absence is unexpected, you will usually have one day for each day that you were absent to make up work that was assigned while you were absent. If you are unsure about when your make-up work is due, please ask me. You must ask for your missed work upon your return to class. Check the "While You Were Out" bulletin board for missing work.
3. Assignments that were collected while you were absent must be turned in the day you return to school. If you are only absent for part of the day, you are still expected to turn in any work due that day.
4. The absence policy in the student handbook will be followed. Please familiarize yourself with it.
5. If you are absent the day of a test, you will take it as soon as you can arrange to when you return to school.
6. If you are absent from class due to a school related event (i.e. sports, field trips, etc.), you need to get your assignment(s) before you leave. You must also turn in any assignments that are due the day that you will be gone.
7. Three unexcused tardies in one marking period equals a detention, as does every tardy thereafter until the end of the marking period.
Substitute Teachers
I will be out of the classroom at various times during the school year. This will require the presence of a substitute teacher. I expect students to be on their best behavior when a substitute is present. If a substitute teacher leaves a note mentioning a specific student’s name as being disruptive, unproductive or uncooperative, that student may be assigned a detention upon my return. Severe misbehavior may result in a suspension from class.
Technology
A scientific calculator is required for all courses. I recommend a Texas Instrument. It must be a scientific calculator. (I do not recommend the TI-25. It is missing some keys that you will find useful.) These calculators can be found at any local discount store for approximately ten to twenty dollars. It can be engraved at school with your name. If taken care of properly, this calculator can last through your high school career. Algebra I students may find it helpful to purchase a TI-84 graphing calculator, but it is not required.
Other Supplies
Transition Math students will be issued a plastic geometry template (with a ruler and protractor) that should be returned at the end of the year. If the template is not returned in good condition, the student will be charged a $3 replacement fee.
You should also have a notebook just for this class, a two-pocket folder to keep papers in, and a pencil or pen to write with. Book covers are also recommended for math textbooks.
Some students have found it helpful to have their own scissors and colored pencils.
Employability Skills
Good attendance, promptness, preparedness, positive attitude, and cooperation are skills that employers look for in an employee. As a result, part of your marking period grade may reflect these skills. Points may be deducted for the following:
Unexcused absence (not cleared within 24 hours)
Excessive absences (over five absences in a marking period)
Unexcused tardy
Removal from class for inappropriate behavior
Unauthorized use of electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, etc.)
Unprepared – missing supplies (book, pen/pencil, template, calculator, etc.)
Inappropriate language (that doesn’t warrant removal with a behavior sheet)
In addition, students may not be able to make up any work missed due to an unexcused absence.