Welcome to Open House Mrs. Libby Rease

Contact Information Mrs. Rease U.S. History Voic Ext to leave me a message – Prep Period – 1st Period Homework - will be posted on Canvas

Textbooks All students will be using the online Techbook Log in for your child is zcs(firstname, last name) Password should be eagles(lunchcode) All students will have access to Log in should be stumail account and I suggested the same password as above when they signed up in class. All students will have Upfront magazine this year

Canvas Canvas is the primary mode of communication about classwork between the teacher, a student, and parents. Please regularly access it to find classroom expectations for entire year (including this document), daily and weekly activities in the calendar and/or as announcements, and outside class resources linked from the course (i.e. link to online course textbook). Nearly every resource needed for this course – including many assessment activities themselves – will be accessed through Canvas.

What is the purpose of SSR? Sustained Silent Reading Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays Improve literacy at Z’West Build unity Common forum for discussion Provide a culture of reading Tuesdays and Thursdays silent reading or study day Allow students to check in with teachers Allow students to finish tests or quizzes so they do not miss instructional time

Grading Best Practices Grades will be weighted. Tests/major projects and writing assignments will count 50%, quizzes, mini projects, short writing assignments will be 30%, and in class assignments 20%. Starting this school year grades will reflect mastery of content and skills therefore, the following will be followed: Students will have the opportunity to turn in missing work up until 5 days before the end of the nine weeks without a reduced score. Extra support will be given to students who have missing work. Students will not be given extra credit or bonus points. If academic dishonesty occurs, the student will be given an opportunity to show what they have learned without a reduction in grade. Extra support will be given to students who are dishonest in his or her school work. Attendance will not be a factor in determining a student’s grade. Grades will not be based on a student’s achievement compared to others. (bell curve) Zeroes will not be used as a punishment.

ASSESSMENT RETAKES Assessments are the most important way to know how your child has mastered the skills and knowledge presented in this course. Students are encouraged to seek out retake opportunities to demonstrate increased mastery. It is important to realize that this is a learning activity, not an “improve my grade” activity. In order to sit for a retake, students must set up a time before or after school to discuss their efforts in preparing for the test. Student and parent must realize this may take priority over sports, clubs, and other activity. Transportation will be the responsibility of the parent. Due to the practicality of grade posting deadlines, no retakes are allowed within 5 days before the end of a nine-weeks grading period. Miss-using this retake process by failing to put forth effort either on the initial assessments or the re teaching appointment may be grounds for denying a retake opportunity.

Student Help Sessions Any morning beginning at 7:00 a.m. except when there are Staff meetings I also have bus duty Thursday and Friday mornings Any afternoon until 4:30 p.m. upon request

Class Rules Respect for self Respect for others Responsibility for all your actions 1. If you are absent, check absent folder for missed work. 2.Please be in your seat when the bell rings and ready for class. 3.Please bring all books and materials to class. 4.Follow all the handbook rules. 5.On Canvas in my syllabus is a discipline plan if I need it.

Choosing to Break a Rule First time: Student/Teacher discussion Second time: Phone call to parent by student Third time: Phone call home by teacher resulting in detention Fourth time: Parent/Teacher/Student/Team Teachers or Administration conference Fifth time: Administration, which could result in lunch detention, after-school detention or suspension Severe disruption: Student sent immediately to the office

Please Communicate I believe that open communication between teacher, parent, and child is very important to the success of your child. Please do not hesitate to call or me with questions or concerns Ext

New York City Art, Music, and History Interdisciplinary Field Trip April 6 – April10, 2016 Parent Information Night Wednesday, September 9, in West 6:30 p.m. Enter at door #4