Welcome to Mrs. Black’s World Geography Room 119 Course Overview: World Geography is an exploration of the world’s people, places, and environments. This course concentrates on the study of the world’s countries and regions, landforms, climates, natural resources, cultures, and political/economic systems. Welcome to World Geography! I look forward to an exciting and challenging year. This is my 14th year here at Walker-Grant. Every year I try to bring fresh and new ideas into the classroom. I want to outline the rules and expectations I have for scholars in my classroom. Please take time to read this letter with your scholar so there will be no surprises as the year progresses. I am asking that both you and your scholar sign and date the last page of this letter so that I know both have an understanding of these rules and expectations. I am a HUGE advocate of e-mail as it is the quickest form of communication. I encourage both parents and scholars to e-mail me with ANY questions you may have. Now, onto Mrs. Black’s classroom rules and expectations! Homework - Scholars will be assigned reading, map worksheets, and various other activities throughout the week. Homework should be completed prior to the beginning of class on the due date. It is important that homework is completed and brought to class! Many times I give homework quizzes and scholars will need homework /map to complete quiz. If homework is not done, quiz grade suffers. Copying of other scholar’s homework is cheating! I will give a zero to both scholars if this is observed; I will contact parents and notify administration. I encourage scholars to ask me if they have any questions about the assignment. Homework received more than a day late will be recorded as a zero. Projects – Due to the length of time allotted no late projects will be accepted unless the parent calls or emails me to explain any unusual circumstances- by the due date. Make up work – Make up work for excused absences will be accepted according to school policy. Scholars absent on the day of a pre-arranged quiz or exam will be expected to make it up on the day they return to class. Mrs. Black’s Website - http://www.cityschools.com/pblack/ - Subscribe using your e-mail to stay current on what is going on in class! Grading System – Grades will be weighted as follows: Grading Scale 10% - Homework 90-100 - A 25% - Quizzes 80-89 - B 30% - Classwork 70-79 - C 35% - Tests 60-69 - D 59 below - F Refer to the Student Handbook for the complete breakdown. Semester Grades – 40% - 1st 9 Weeks, 40% 2nd 9 Weeks, 20% Exam/SOL

Please complete and sign the next page and return to Attendance: World Geography is a High School credit course; therefore we follow James Monroe’s attendance policy. Scholars may fail the class if they exceed 4 or more absences in a Nine Weeks. Excused Absences may be made up by attending Saturday School. It is important that scholars make every effort to attend every class. However, if a scholar is absent, it is THE SCHOLAR’S responsibility to get and turn in their make-up work. As I cannot take class instructional time to talk with individuals about missed work, please see me before school, come to class early, or arrange to stay after school so that I can assist you properly. Do not wait until class starts to ask “What did I miss?” Find a responsible classmate who will let you copy his/her notes when you have been absent. I will follow the school’s make-up work policy. This policy gives a scholar one day for every day of absence to make up work. I highly recommend each scholar familiarize themselves with my website. Most times I have a link to the HW assignment. Class Rules/Expectations– Be on time! Be prepared. Everyday bring pencil/pen, binder, and textbook!(no class set!) Always try your best and participate in class. RESPECT EVERYONE and EVERYTHING! This is a huge deal… scholars should show respect toward one another and the practitioner. We need to maintain a positive atmosphere. Not showing proper respect for classmates or practitioners WILL result in disciplinary action. Focus on Geography. This means keep other class assignments and personal notes in your locker. Raise hand to speak. Listen while others speak. I will dismiss the class. No phone calls or texting! Parents – This is includes messages from you! Leave a message in the front office if you need to get a message to your student! It WILL get to them! Food/Drinks in Classroom – NO food, or drinks in the classroom, unless there is a medical excuse presented. I WILL allow WATER ONLY(no flavor packets or Gatorade). Make sure it is filled prior to class. I will allow gum as long as I do not hear or see it. I will ask scholars to dispose of gum if it becomes a distraction in my classroom. Cell Phones - Cell phones should be turned off and out of view. If scholars choose to use their cell phone in class(this includes checking the time), the phone will be turned over to an administrator. Restroom Use - Scholars are expected to use restrooms between classes and at lunch. Exceptions are for emergencies only! Parents are strongly encouraged to contact me with any questions or concerns. You can contact me by email at pblack@cityschools.com, or you may call the school at 372-1145 x2268 and leave a message. I look forward to a great year! Please complete and sign the next page and return to Mrs. Black by Friday, Sept. 7th. Thanks!

Return this form only to Mrs. Black! Student Name ___________________________ Class Period _________________ I have read and understand the rules and expectations for the 2018/2019school year for Mrs. Black’s World Geography class. Scholar’s signature: ______________________________ Parent’s signature: _______________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scholar Information Sheet To be completed by the PARENT/GUARDIAN: Parent/Guardian Name ______________________________ Address __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Email address _____________________________________ Home phone number ________________________________ Work phone number ________________________________ Cell/Other number __________________________________ How is the best way to contact you? ____________________ When is the best time to call you? _____________________ Please note below anything that would be helpful for me to know about your child. Return this form only to Mrs. Black!