I am looking forward to a GREAT academic year.
As I welcome you, I want to make sure that you understand clearly my expectations:
- Any class I teach is geared to get you ready for college. We will talk a lot about college. I set my expectations based on what you need to be prepared for your post high school studies.
- Show up to class. In college, most professors do not take attendance. We are required to in high school. Take this as an opportunity to develop good habits.
- Be on time. I will not waste your time. Please do not waste mine. Instruction time is crucial.
- Remember this is your job. Parents/guardians earn an income based on the jobs they hold. You need to consider the education you are earning your not only your job, but your income. School needs to be your top priority.
- Do your homework. I purposefully do not assign you busy work. Your homework is the bare-bones. You do not get homework on Fridays or during breaks (with the exception of processed papers.... more on that in class). Your homework often times includes answering deeper questions and reflecting. If you are an American Lit student, you will have a lot of reading. You must do your homework in able to survive. Your formal grade for homework is a small percentage. Do not let that deceive you. Homework is used to fuel discussion in class. Homework is used to complete your interactive notebook and writing assignments. If you do not do your homework do not expect to get anything above a C. I do not give grades in classes. You earn them.
- Do not plagiarize. If you have doubts that it's not your original work- cite your source!
- Take responsibility for your education. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get what you missed in class. If you are absent due to anything but a death in the family, I expect you to complete the homework assigned to you. You have a course calendar that outlines the homework. Plan ahead and come prepared. No excuses.
- Communicate with me. I cannot help you if you do not voice your concerns.
I grade on a traditional scale:
90-100% -A 80-89& -B
70-79% -C, 60-69 -D
59 or below is a F.
Of that traditional grading scale, the following is the percentage of what you will be graded on in the course:
10% homework/participation 40% interactive notebook
40 % writing 10% tests/quizzes
Extra credit is rare. Please do not ask for extra credit. If the opportunity presents itself, you will know. If you score a 71% or below on any major assignment (they will be labeled "Standards Proficiency"), you have the opportunity to make it up for a better grade. You may not make-up a "Standards Proficiency" assignment if you choose not to do it.
Should you need anything, please click here to send me an e-mail.
Mrs. Fisher
