Reading and Study Skills Taught by Mr. Sowers

Contact Telephone: (913) Web Page:

Reading Conventions Comprehension Context Interpretation Synthesis Evaluation

Study Skills Becoming an active learner Discovering and using learning styles Learning how to take notes Time management Preparing for tests

Mr. Sowers’ Classroom Guidelines

Assignments Daily assignments are posted on my website at If you do not have internet access, arrange with someone else in the class (preferable someone you think is dependable!) to exchange phone numbers and find out what you missed.

GRADING POLICIES

Quarter Grades 40% Major Tests and Projects 40% Classwork, Quizzes, and Homework 20% Individualized Reading

Semester Grade 42.5 % First Quarter 42.5% Second Quarter 15% Semester Exam

Assignments about which the student knew in advance must be turned in on time to receive full credit. No credit will be given for any assignment after the grading period ends.

Work done in pencil or on the wrong kind of paper (see MATERIALS) will receive no credit. You are permitted to borrow paper and pen from classmates for in-class assignments should you need to do so. I keep extra pens in the room, which you may borrow in case your pen runs out of ink.

Bonus credit can be earned at teacher’s option, but only after regularly assigned work has been completed appropriately and on time. Extra credit does not and cannot replace missed assignments!

Completed assignments and tests will remain in the classroom, either in teacher files or in the student writing folders. It is up to each student to keep a current account of major grades. Student may come in before or after school to check on grades. The five-minute passing period before or after class in not sufficient time for this purpose.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

We are here to learn, and you are expected to be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Anyone not in the right seat will be counted tardy. You are allowed one “free” tardy per quarter. Detentions or discipline reports may result if there are further tardies.

Hall passes are issued only for emergencies during class. You are expected to make normal stops at restrooms, drinking fountains, lockers, telephones, etc., between classes or before and after school. Coupons will be issued as restroom passes, and unused coupons earn bonus points at the end of each quarter.

In accordance with district regulations, cheating of any kind will result in loss of credit for the assignment or test, and may also require parental and/or administrative notification. This policy includes plagiarism.

As a learning community, we will maintain a classroom that is conducive to learning. Talking during class, inattentiveness, walking around, or sitting in a seat other than your own without specific permission are disruptive and unacceptable conduct.

Electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, CD players, and MP3’s are not allowed in Shawnee Mission Schools.