Policies and Procedures

Claire Dickey, Room number A-212
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Hello! So this is it. You're almost out of here. Let's make sure. The following steps must be mastered in order to do well in English 12 and, consequently, to GRADUATE!

1. Attendance is crucial to your success.

" Be in class every day; students who attend do well.

2. Stay tuned in.

" Check the board and/or overhead each day for the day's objectives, items due, and pending due dates.

3. Keep a 3-ring binder with the following sections (everything in each section should have a date when received written at the top and should be kept in that order):

" Warm-ups

" Class Handouts/Assignment Sheets

" Returned assignments, quizzes and tests

4. Grade Breakdown:

" Grades are all on an A, B, C, D and E basis (not points). The breakdown for grades is as follows:

o 1st Marking Period:

" 45%: Common Tasks (major papers and projects)

" 20%: Tests

" 15%: Quizzes

" 15%: Classwork/Homework

" 5%: Summer Reading

o 2nd Marking Period:

" 50%: Common Tasks (major papers and projects)

" 20% Tests

" 15%: Quizzes

" 15%: Classwork/Homework

5. Do every assignment on time.

" I have never had a student fail who followed this rule!

" My late work policy is as follows: One day late is the absolute deadline and = one letter grade down; Two days late = E. The reason for this policy is as follows: 1) The assignments build on each other, and 2) It keeps you on your toes.

" Computer problems ARE NOT valid excuses for not having your assignment. You will have plenty of time to get your assignments done, so if you wait until the last minute and have disc, printer, hard drive, etc., problems, you will have to turn in your assignment late and receive a late grade.

(over ')

" The late policy for Common Task Final Drafts is as follows: You will have three days to turn in the assignment for one letter grade down; that third day is the absolute deadline. After that, your grade will be an E. If you get your assignment in by the due date (not the deadline) and earn a C or below, you will have five days from the time the papers are returned to re-write the assignment. The first and second grades will be averaged for a final grade on the assignment (eg. D, B = C). This is, of course, optional, but I would encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity made available. Keep in mind that if you turn in your paper late, you will not be afforded this opportunity.

6. If you are absent:

" Read the Class Agenda Binder (yours is the blue one located on the ledge in front of the windows). It's all there, so there are no excuses that you didn't know.

" Get handouts (as indicated on the agenda sheet) from me.

" Makeup time varies depending on the assignment. See me.

" Any assignments DUE on the day of your absence are expected upon your return to class. You will not receive any additional time.

" Tests/quizzes must be made up within three school days after your return.

" Call me at school; the English Office phone number is: (301) 879-1351; or e-mail me: Claire_dickey@fc.mcps.k12.md.us to touch base.

" Check my teacher webpage for any assignment due date additions/changes. You, of course, can access it from Blake's home page.

7. Come in for extra help.

" To ensure your seeing me, please set up an appointment. My office hours are posted outside my classroom door. If you don't understand an assignment, DO NOT wait until the last minute to get help, then say, "I couldn't find you Mrs. Dickey! May I have an extension?" The answer will most definitely be "No." Just try that next year! Your professor will laugh you right out of his/her office!

8. Read the assignment!

" I spend quite a bit of time making sure all assignment requirements are firmly established in writing, and I take quite a bit of time reviewing those requirements in class.

9. Use your Agenda Book!

" You're kidding yourself if you think you can remember deadlines.

10. See Direct Classroom Violations handout for specific behavioral expectations.

Finally, I am truly looking forward to working with you. It's going to be a great semester, and if you follow all of the above guidelines, you will do exceptionally well in English 12A. Own your success!