Guidelines for GT/Pre-AP and Enriched English 6
Mrs. Smith
Welcome to sixth grade English! I am looking forward to getting to know each of you as writers and thinkers. The tasks ahead will be challenging, but I hope that you will find them enjoyable as well. I have high expectations for your progress and am eager to start with you on the road to achievement and success. You are unique and have special talents that will add to our class in a positive way.
Curriculum Overview: The goal of this class is to develop an awareness of language and to sharpen skills in critical reading and effective writing. In literature, we will focus our study on essays, dramas, poetry, and short stories. In composition, we will concentrate on writing a variety of essays, analyzing literary style, and recognizing the role of “voice”.
Correspondence: I feel that it is extremely important to keep the lines of communication open between home and school. I am available to consult with you via email (stacys@ahisd.net). Weekly lesson plans will be posted on my web page. Any changes in assignments and/or due dates should be noted by students in their agendas. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a question or concern. Conferences may be scheduled by contacting the counselors’ office at 824-3231.
Discipline: Students are expected to abide by all campus rules. I encourage students to appropriately resolve problems encountered in my class by looking to themselves first. This allows them the opportunity to act responsibly and enact a positive change on their own. If a problem is not resolved satisfactorily, I will follow up with correspondence with you. I expect my students to:
exercise self-control and accept responsibility for their behavior.
come to class with books, necessary materials, agenda, and binder.
be seated and prepared to learn when the bell rings.
follow instructions and stay on assigned tasks.
respect the rights, feelings, and property of others.
Quality of Work: Students should show pride in their work. It should be neat and legible. All writing should be done in blue or black ink. Only wide-ruled notebook paper may be used, although certain assignments may be typed at home.
Classwork/Homework: The knowledge and skills needed in this class will be complex and challenging. Assignments will be demanding, and late work, if accepted at all, will be penalized. Assigned homework is due at the beginning of class on the following day, unless otherwise instructed.
Grades: Grades are a reflection of what a student “knows and shows” over a period of time. Application of skills is the primary objective, not just a memorization of facts. Tests, major writing assignments, and projects will count 40% when grades are averaged. Homework, class work, and quizzes will count for 60% of the six-week average. I feel certain that any student willing to make the commitment to the time and work necessary to meet the requirements of the course will be successful and well-prepared for the educational challenges that lie ahead. Please be reminded that the placement process specifies that students maintain a minimum semester
average of 80 to remain in Enriched, Pre-AP, and GT classes.
Supplies: A binder with the agenda is brought daily to class. Each day students will write their homework assignment in their agendas. It is important for the parent to review the agenda nightly for any assignments and/or notes from me.
Guidelines for GT/Pre-AP and Enriched English 6
Mrs. Smith
Student’s Name ______________________________ Date _____________
We have received, read, and understood the guidelines to be used by Mrs. Smith in GT/Pre-AP and Enriched English 6 for the 2008 - 2009 school year.
Parent signature ______________________________
Student signature ______________________________
Parent’s email address ______________________________
Home phone number ______________________________
Work phone number ______________________________
Mobile phone number ______________________________
Daily Procedures and Expectations
GT/Pre-AP and Enriched English 6
Mrs. Smith
Discipline Procedures: Anything that you do during class that disrupts the learning of students or my teaching is misbehavior. You will first receive a formal warning. Then if the misbehavior continues, you will call your parents and inform them of your misbehavior. Finally, if your misbehavior persists, you will visit the principal’s office.
Absence: As soon as you come into the classroom following the day of your absence, present your admit slip for my signature and retrieve your assignments. It is your responsibility to come and see me if you need any extra help with your makeup assignments.
Leaving Class: You will have only three opportunities per semester to leave during class to use the restroom, to go to your locker, etc. You must have your agenda in order to leave class.
Supplies: Always come to class prepared. You must always have the following items: your binder (with agenda), any necessary books, paper, pen, pencil, and any homework that is due.
Late Work: Late work is not accepted. Late assignments will result in no credit. You will receive one late work pass that you may use once during the six weeks to turn in an assignment one day late for a maximum grade of 89 or two days late for a maximum grade of 79.