7th Grade English
Home
About
MRS. NELSON≠S
TOTALLY IMPORTANT,
DON≠T WANT TO MISS THIS,
READ ME IMMEDIATELY,
HOW TO SUCCEED,
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE,
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS CLASS
GUIDE
7th Grade Literature
OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES:
Refer to the Boone Central Website<o:p></o:p>
SUPPLIES:
*loose leaf paper
v Put this in your 3-ring binder
v You will use this for all writing assignments that are final drafts (unless you type the final draft)
*pens- black, red, blue
v NO GEL PENS or Other colors than blue, black, or red. You may be docked points if you use unapproved writing utensils because they are often very difficult to read.
*pencils
v If you need these sharpened, please do so BEFORE class begins. This will help to not distract others.
*2 - 3 pocket folders
v One will need to be labeled clearly in permanent marker with your name on the outside. This one will be kept in the back of the room in the bright green crate. Please put this folder back there immediately when you come to class the next day. If you have it done by tomorrow, you≠ll receive a ticket (you can save tickets to spend at the Nelson store √see info on Nelson store for additional information). You absolutely need it by one week from today. If you can not purchase one by then for whatever reason, then please see me for one that I can loan you.
v The other pocket folder should be used for all handouts provided and for homework that is given back.
*1 spiral notebook
v This will be for your notes.
RULES:
*PIPSS (school wide policy √ Performance Improving
Problem Solving System). If you violate any of the
following rules, a PIPSS will be filled out during an after or
before school meeting with the teacher and student.
(Essentially, this is a way for the student and the teacher to try to figure out a solution to the problem that is occurring.) On the first offense, the student will not have to stay very long after or before school to have the problem solving meeting. On subsequent problem solvings, students will have to stay longer. Consequences will increase and parents will be contacted. On the third meeting, a parent will need to be present at the meeting. See Student/Parent Handbook for more detailed information on this.
v Be Respectful (to self, others, & property)
o Do
§ Treat others and yourself kindly with your words AND your actions
§ Adhere to the Golden Rule (Treat others as you would like to be treated)
§ Be kind
§ Celebrate differences √ It would be a boring world if we were all exactly the same
§ Treat Substitute Teachers with the highest level of respect
o Don≠t
§ Touch items in my room without permission including: the couch and chairs, a/c, my desk, windows, overhead, etc.
§ Throw things across the room. This happens a lot if someone asks to borrow a pen or something else. The problem is that someone could get hurt in the process. I will usually make you stay after class to pick up the floor if I catch you throwing anything. You may receive a problem solving for this if it is a chronic problem or a vengeful act.
v Arrive to Class Prepared
o Have ALL of your materials with you when the bell rings
§ If you have to go to your locker to retrieve something, that WILL be a problem solving. When a teacher has to interrupt class to sign an agenda and wait for a student to return with the required materials, it disrupts the learning environment.
o Borrow Closet
§ I do have items in the Southwest cupboard of my room that you may borrow if you forget such small items as paper, pencil, or a pen.
v Complete Assigned Tasks on Time
o If you have an assignment that has 10 problems, and you only finished 9, then it is incomplete. Most of the time you will get a problem solving for this. Some teachers may collect your assignment and give you partial credit in this case, but I will usually not accept an assignment that is incomplete.
o Assignments in my class are due at the very beginning of class. You can≠t finish them after the bell rings and still count that as complete.
o If you say, ≥I have it done, but it is at home,≈ you will still receive a problem solving. Though you may be completely sincere, anyone could in fact say that. You could use an Oops Coupon to avoid a problem solving (see oops coupons section), but if you don≠t have one, you will receive the PIPSS.
o If your assignment is complete, but in your locker, you could use an Oops Coupon to go get it without penalty.
<o:p> </o:p>
v Respond Appropriately to Staff Directives
o If you are asked by a teacher or staff member to do something or to stop doing something, it is expected that you will comply in a respectful manner.
<o:p> </o:p>
v Use Your Work Time Appropriately
o If I give you work time, I will expect you to work on the assignment I have given you. You will not be permitted to work on work from another class during this time, unless you have completed my assignments and have permission to do so. Usually, there is also a book report or reading to be done even if you finish the given assignment, so it would be a good idea to ask first if you can work on something else. If you are caught doing this, I will confiscate whatever else you are working on.
<o:p> </o:p>
PROCEDURES:
<o:p> </o:p>
 Entering the Room:
o You will be counted as tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings.<o:p></o:p>
o While you are waiting for the bell to ring or for me to begin class once the bell has rung, you should ALWAYS be doing one of the following:
§ Getting your homework out and the things you will need for class out & ready
§ Reading a free reading book or your book report book
§ Studying your vocabulary words (current words & past words)
§ Working on your book report (if we have one at the time)
§ Studying your vocabulary words (this week≠s and previous lists as well) during Literature
§ Doing the proofreading sentence (Language class)
o You should not be sitting there waiting for me to tell you what to do. I will usually be taking attendance right away.
<o:p> </o:p>
Dismissal
o Wait for me to dismiss you, not the bell.
o Make sure you take everything with you and you leave your area clean.
<o:p> </o:p>
Paper Heading √ You should have the following information on your paper. It should be aligned to the right side of every paper. If you do not, you may be docked points.
Your number Circled here with no # in front of it
§ Your Name √ First & Last
§ Period number
§ Date
§ Brief Title or Description
of Assignment
<o:p> </o:p>
ü If you forget to put your name on your paper, it will be placed in a no name folder. Two points will be deducted for not having your name on your paper. I will not hunt you down to give you credit for your paper. You must come to the no name folder, see if you recognize your paper, put your name on the paper, and turn it back in, in order to actually receive credit. If you neglect to do so within one week of the assignment due date, it will become a zero. This is a skill that is very important and thus it is penalized accordingly. If you forget to fill out your check completely, there could be dire consequences. If you neglect to sign your loan papers, you may not get the money you need. Consider this preparation!<o:p></o:p>
ü In the grade book if I suspect that you turned in a no name paper, you may see an ≥m≈ recorded. This means the paper is missing and could possibly be in the no name folder. It is a zero until the paper is turned in and must be taken care of right away. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Restroom Breaks:
o If you need to use the facilities, you may do so doing work time. Please do not ask to go while I am teaching (unless of course it is an emergency).
o If it is work time and you need to go, simply fill out a pass in your agenda and bring it up to me to sign. While I am signing your pass, you will fill out the clipboard on my desk.
o Make sure you fill out ALL of the required information on your agenda AND on the clipboard.
o There can only be ONE student out at the restroom at a time. Before you fill out your agenda, you may want to look around and see if anyone else has gone. Even if someone is gone, you could still bring it up for me to sign, but you will have to wait to go until that person returns to the room.
o If there is a dire emergency for the restroom or if you feel sick, you may just want to get my attention quick and go. We can fill the pass in when you return in this case.
<o:p> </o:p>
Blowing Your Nose
o Tissues are usually on my back window sill. If you ever need one, please help yourself. You do not generally need permission for this, but try not to make a production either.
<o:p> </o:p>
Pencil Sharpening
o Please sharpen your pencils before the bell rings.
o If your pencil breaks, then that is an exception, but otherwise, you should NOT be sharpening your pencil during a class.
<o:p> </o:p>
Handing In Papers
o MOST of the time, I will collect your papers directly, so DO NOT hand in papers to the basket unless I tell you to. Make-up work is an exception to this. As soon as make-up work is completed, please hand it in to the black wire basket making sure you have the proper paper heading on it.
o There are two types of papers that may be handed in without me directly collecting them. These are Book Reports and Weekly Vocabulary Sentences. These may be handed in as soon as you complete them. They need to be put in the black wire basket (at the back of the room usually). I will then try and get them back to you as soon as possible. There may be a few other assignments that I allow you to hand in like this, but I will let you know.
o On the day that a paper is due, have it out on your desk and ready to turn in. When I ask for them, I will come around the room and collect them from you directly.
<o:p> </o:p>
Handing Back Papers
o There are stacked baskets next to the hand-in basket. These are labeled with numbers for each period. I put graded papers in there. Anyone can hand out papers right away when you get to class before the bell rings. JUST ONE PERSON doing this is enough, so if you see someone doing it, you don≠t need to get up and volunteer. If you are still handing these out when the bell rings, just put them back in the basket and they will be there for someone to pass back the next day.
o If you are anxiously awaiting a paper to see what you got, you can check the basket for your own paper, but it is preferred that you also hand them all out if there is time to do so.
<o:p> </o:p>
OOPS COUPONS:
<o:p> </o:p>
Purpose √
o If you forget your homework or leave materials in your locker or at home, this coupon will save you from getting a problem solving.
! You will still have to turn in your assignment the next day or you will receive a problem solving.
! Your grade in the grade book will be recorded with an ≥oc≈. This counts as a zero until the assignment is handed in of course.
! As long as the assignment is handed in the next day, there will be no penalty.
o We all forget things now and then. That is what these are for. Be careful though. You ONLY get 6 for the entire year. If you find yourself using a lot right away, then you may need to get more organized or try to get on track because soon you≠ll be getting problem solvings instead.
How Many Do You Get?
§ You will be given 6 Oops Coupons to use throughout the year.
Ø That calculates to 1 coupon per quarter and 2 left over.
Ø You may use all 6 in one quarter or spread them out, but YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE MORE.
§ If you do not use your coupons, you will be able to do the following:
Ø Use one per quarter at the end of the quarter for extra credit.
Ø I will hold a special drawing just for oops coupons that will have special prizes.
How to use
§ Just let me know that you forgot your assignment or book in your locker or whatever and ASK me if it is okay to use the oops coupon.
§ You will then need to cut it out and fill it out completely.
§ Hand it to me when I collect the assignment or with your agenda filled out if you need to go to your locker to get something.
<o:p> </o:p>
NELSON BUCKS/TICKETS:
<o:p> </o:p>
Explanation
§ You can earn Nelson Bucks (tickets √ same thing) for various good deeds.
Ø These can be stored in the Nelson Bank to be used later on to purchase things from the Nelson Store (see the Nelson Store Catalog for a complete listing of what you can buy)
Ø or you can hold on your tickets to be put in the drawings I have periodically for prizes, or to save up yourself to buy things from the Nelson Store
Ø YOU MAY NOT GIVE AWAY YOUR NELSON BUCKS. If you get caught doing so, they will be taken away.
Ø Please label the tickets with your name on the back immediately when you receive one. Do this in marker or pen.
<o:p> </o:p>
How to earn them
§ Vocabulary tests that are 100%
§ Other big tests that are an A or B
§ Big improvements on a test grade or paper
ü You will know that you earned one a paper if the paper says NB at the top and it is circled (this stands for Nelson Buck of course).<o:p></o:p>
ü To claim the Nelson Buck (ticket), you just bring the paper up to me during an appropriate work time when I am at my desk. I will cross off the NB and give you the ticket. < Stumpers
Ø See Example on Bulletin Board & Ask Me to show you an example if I forget
§ Mistakes in the Media
Ø If you find a spelling or grammatical error in a book, newspaper, on a street sign, etc., simply bring it to me (or a picture of it) and explain to me what the problem is. You will receive a Nelson buck for that. You might even find one on a video tape or a song when people are speaking/singing and that will work too.
· If it is just a typo (transposed letters), then it won≠t count.
· The first person to call that particular mistake to my attention is the one who will earn a ticket.
§ Vocabulary in the Real World
Ø If you find one of our vocabulary words in a book, magazine, newspaper, song, video, commercial, or other places, then you can get a ticket for that.
· You must bring me the proof and be the FIRST one to do so.
§ In class many times I will give tickets for answering questions correctly and sometimes even just for trying.
§ Sometimes for heading your paper correctly you will earn them & sometimes when you would have earned a ticket, but you forgot the proper heading, you≠ll lose your Nelson buck.
§ Sometimes for using a vocabulary word when you talk (if it seems spontaneous and is correct)
§ Brain Booster
Ø If you have free time in class or sometime at the end of class, you may want to grab a ≥Brain Booster≈. The first person to correctly solve the Brain Booster and put it in the black wire hand in basket receives 5 Nelson Bucks. The answer will then be posted and a new one will be put up.
§ You may not turn in the Brain Booster though until the day after it is put out so that every class has an equal opportunity to come and grab the form. You may hand them in before first period the next day if you choose to.
§ Various other opportunities throughout the year
How to bank them
o If you want me to keep your tickets, then you just have to put them in the black wire hand in basket, and I will deposit them in the ≥bank≈.
o You can ask me (during an appropriate work time when I≠m at my desk) how many you have in the bank.
o When you are ready to purchase something, you just have to let me know that you are using your tickets from the bank.
o YOU MAY NOT, however, pull tickets out of the bank to use in the drawings. This is too much of a hassle for me; so once you put them in, they may only be withdrawn for purchases and not for lottery drawings.
How to spend them
o Once you have acquired enough Nelson Bucks and you think you≠re ready to spend them, then you can bring them up to me (at an appropriate work time when I≠m up at my desk, usually at the end of class) and let me know that you want to purchase something.
GRADING POLICY:
Points
o All assignments are given points. Daily assignments are not worth as many points as larger projects or tests. There are no weighted categories.
o To figure or double check your grade, simply add up the points you receive and divide that sum by the sum of the total points possible.
Late Work
o An assignment is considered late if it is not COMPLETE by the time the BELL RINGS.
o A problem solving will be filled out if an assignment is not completed.
o You may turn your late assignment in late for Π credit. You have up to one week to turn this assignment in for partial credit. After one week, it becomes a zero. You will have no chance of making it up after the one week after the due date has passed.
Make-up Work
o In accordance with Boone Central≠s policy, students will be given one day for every day they miss to complete make-up work.
o If you are sick for several days in a row and need extra time, this may be possible IF you talk to me about it.
o Make-up work will be considered late if you go beyond the one day for each day absent. It will then follow the Late Work policy described above.
o In the grade book it will show an ≥ab≈ for absent until the work is made up. This is recorded as a zero, but will be changed as soon as the make-up work is completed, handed in, and graded. If it is not made up, the grade will remain a zero.
o It is YOUR responsibility to get your make-up work when you are gone. I WILL NOT TRACK YOU DOWN TO GIVE YOU YOUR WORK. If you are gone, the next day you receive a make-up slip from the office (or sometimes before if it is a pre-excused absence). When you give me this slip, I will fill it out with what you need to do.
ª If there are worksheets or handouts that you need, check the absent baskets for your grade level that are located next to the hand-in basket.
Fix-its
o There are some occasions when I will not accept a paper. For example, if you misspell one of our vocabulary words, I will not accept the paper until the mistake is corrected. You will see an ≥SP≈ at the top of the paper. Another instance this might occur is when you don≠t use one of the words correctly. Then you will see a ≥Fix≈ at the top of the paper.<o:p></o:p>
o If you see either of these two notes on the top of your paper, then your grade is a zero until you correct the mistake. You will need to double check your paper and fix it. If you have questions, you can ask me for help. You have up to one week to correct the mistake even if it takes you multiple times to fix. You will receive full credit if you get it corrected. After one week, the grade will remain a zero if you have not corrected it.
Checking your Grade
o It is your responsibility to check your grades for accuracy. You will be given a grade sheet quite regularly. You need to check to see that everything is correct and let me know if something is incorrect. Sometimes a typing error can occur or a grade doesn≠t get recorded like it should. If you let me know, I will double check this as soon as possible and correct it if it is indeed a mistake.
o If I give you a grade sheet and you do not let me know about a problem, then your grade will remain that way. You have up to one week after receiving a grade sheet to let me know of any problems with your grade.
o You can check your grade anytime online if you have your parents get the password and directions from the superintendent≠s office.
Cheating
o Cheating will not be tolerated. You will receive a zero on any assignment you are caught cheating on.
o This includes plagiarism.
o If a student is caught cheating and is truly remorseful, it is suggested that he/she come and talk to me. On some occasions, alternative assignments are given to gain some points. It is possible in such a case, at the teacher≠s discretion, for a student to possibly earn up to 50% of the points.
o Parents will be contacted in most cases.
Extra Credit
o I do not generally offer extra credit. I feel it is important for you to do your best at your regular work. It is rare that a student who completes work on time and does their best even needs extra credit.
o On occasion I do have extra credit that I offer to the entire class. If so, it will be posted under the Extra Credit sign on my bulletin board.
o I do not offer individuals extra credit.
No name papers
o Two points automatically deducted
o A zero is recorded until the paper is claimed, the proper heading is recorded, and it is turned back in.
§ Only one week is given to do this. If you notice an ≥m≈ on your grade sheet, check the no name folder. After one week passes with no action taken, the grade remains a zero.
Technology Problems
o Sometimes students have had computer problems that have ≥prevented≈ them from turning in an assignment on time. Such examples are their printer ran out of ink or wouldn≠t print. I don≠t usually accept this excuse because there are alternatives. These alternatives are listed below.
§ All final drafts have to be typed OR they may be neatly written in pen on nice paper.
§ You could use an oops coupon and print it out at school or turn it in the next day.
§ You could save the assignment to a cd or flash drive. I prefer the hard copy, but would probably accept this in a pinch.
§ You could e-mail me the attachment. Again, I prefer a hard copy, but this would be better than not getting it in on time. My e-mail is dmnelson@esu7.org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please share the information above with your parents. Parents must read the grading policy portion of this and sign below. If you have any questions, don≠t hesitate to ask. Please tear the next page off and return it to me immediately with the necessary signatures. You need to keep the guide to refer to throughout the year. If you need a replacement, it will be on my webpage.
I have read, and I understand Mrs. Nelson≠s grading policy.
___________________ ________ ______________________ ________
Your Signature date Parent Signature date
|
