1. Mrs. Black 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 10 th 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 students in my classroom. Please take time to read this letter with your child so there will be no surprises as the year progresses. I am asking that both you and your child 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 have included my contact information for you to keep handy… communication is so important. Now, onto the Black classroom rules and expectations! Materials – Two binders, both 1½ inch or less! One to keep in the classroom. One to bring to class EVERYDAY! Two packages 12 count colored pencils. (Crayola is the best!) 1 subject spiral notebook with 3 holes or a composition notebook. Zippered pouch to hold colored pencils. Tissues Hand Sanitizer Homework - Students 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(usually the next day). It is important that homework is completed and brought to class! Many times I give homework quizzes and students will need homework /map to complete quiz. If homework is not done, quiz grade suffers. Copying of other students homework is cheating! I will give a zero to both students if this is observed; I will contact parents and notify administration. I encourage students to ask me if they have any questions about the assignment. Homework received more than a day late will be recorded as a zero. Mrs. Black’s Website - http://www.cityschools.com/pblack/ - Subscribe using yourhttp://www.cityschools.com/pblack/ Email to stay current on what is going on in class! Grading System – Grades will be weighted as follows: Grading Scale(New!) 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.

2. Attendance: World Geography is a High School credit course; therefore we follow James Monroe’s attendance policy. Students 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 students make every effort to attend every class. However, if a student is absent, it is THE STUDENT’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 student one day for every day of absence to make up work. Class Rules – 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! This is a huge deal… students should show respect toward one another and the teacher. We need to maintain a positive atmosphere. Not showing proper respect for classmates or teachers 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 students 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 students choose to use their cell phone in class(this includes checking the time), the phone will be turned over to an administrator. Consequences – If a student chooses not to follow these expectations, the following consequences will apply. 1.Verbal warning 2.Student Support Intervention Program violation form completed. 3.Severe offenses-Discipline Referral Parents are strongly encouraged to contact me with any questions or concerns. You can contact me by email at pblack@cityschools.com, or youpblack@cityschools.com 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 Thursday, September 4 th. Thanks!

3. Student Name ___________________________ Class Period _________________ I have read and understand the rules and expectations for the 2014/2015 school year for Mrs. Black’s World Geography class. Student’s signature: ______________________________ Parent’s signature: _______________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Student Information Sheet To be completed by the STUDENT: Please print your full name. ___________________________ What name would you like to go by? ____________________ What is your favorite subject in school? __________________ In which clubs do you participate? ______________________ In which sports do you participate? _____________________ Do you have any brothers or sisters? ___________________ If so, what are their names and ages ____________________ To be completed by the PARENT/GUARDIAN: Please complete the following so that I may contact you if needed. Thank you. Parent/Guardian Name ______________________________ Address __________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Home phone number ________________________________ Work phone number ________________________________ Cell/Other number __________________________________ E-mail address _____________________________________ 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!