Back to School
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Back to School
Sacred Heart School 8th Grade
Hello, and welcome to the 2016-2017 school year!
I look forward to an exciting, fulfilling year teaching math, science, and social studies in the Middle School. In anticipation of a spiritually and academically rewarding experience with and for each student, I am grateful for all of your support in helping your child reach his or her potential as a student and as a contributing member of society. I am always interested in any information or insight you have to offer relev to the class material. While I may not be able to use it right away, I always appreciate the input.
Mrs. Andrea L. Towner Smith
andrea.townersmith@sacredheart.us
Behavior
All of my expectations boil down to one. Respect each other, respect yourself, respect your teachers, principal, priest and community. Respect property, cover books and do not draw on them. Respect your time, study. Respect the gifts, abilities, and limitations of the people around you. All students are expected to be polite and mannerly at all times. In addition, more specific class rules were developed by the students which were signed and posted in the classroom. Disruptive behavior will result in a recess detention. Repeated disruptive behavior will result in an after school detention.
Rewards
We are using a “Harry Potter-esque” reward system. Students earn pompoms individualy and as a class for great behavior, including but not limited to being helpful, kind, quiet when appropriate, and other forms of awesome. When the jar is full the class will vote on a reward from a list we created together.
Privacy
Students are expected to respect the privacy of their classmates at all times. Students should also feel free to discuss any matter with me (or any teacher) with the confidence that any situation will be handled with as much delicacy as possible.
Grades- Report card grades will include but not be limited to a combination of tests, quizzes, projects, participation, effort, and reports.
- Students will receive a rubric along with a project description or shortly after the project has been assigned. Lateness will result in points off of the assignment, according to the rubric.
- The Effort Grade reflects homework completion and general preparedness.
Homework
Homework will be displayed on the white homework board and written in the students’ assignment books. Homework will also be posted on the school website, with the understanding that the website is to be used as a general guide and is not to be solely relied upon in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as tech problems, substitutes, etc. All students are responsible for knowing the assignment. All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Missed homework will result in recess detention. Three recess detentions result in an after school detention.
I believe that school should be challenging, but not stressful. To that end, if students are unable to complete a particular question and they have given it their best shot, they may write a specific question in place of the problem.
Tests and Quizzes
Test value is decided by the amount of information required for the test. Rarely if ever will a test actually value 100 points. Tests are given with at least three days’ notice and usually consist of a variety of questions, including multiple choice, short answer, and essay. Each student will be responsible for figuring out their percentage and therefore letter grade for the test. Quizzes are given fairly often and may be unannounced.
Projects and Reports
Students will be given plenty of time to complete all projects and reports. Students are expected to turn in all projects on time and be prepared for any presentation required for the project. Presentations may be graded separately from the actual project.
Absence
In the event that a student is absent, a note of explanation is required from a parent or guardian and must be turned in to the office. Students have two (2) days to make up missed assignments without penalty, including homework and tests. In the event of extended absence, teachers and parents will work together with Mr. Brunner to come to a consensus. If you would like work to be sent home, please send a note or call the office.
Parent Signatures
Parent signatures are required on various assignments, tests, and other documents which are to be returned to school. This is part of each student’s homework and is part of being prepared for class.
Dishonesty
Cheating and/or plagiarism will result in a zero for the test or assignment. All references must be cited when appropriate and to the best of the student’s ability. An incorrectly cited reference is not plagiarism, it is an error.
Volunteering
All volunteers need to have all of their clearances: Child Abuse, Criminal History, and if you haven’t lived in PA for at least ten years, your FBI fingerprint check. There is also a 2 hr Safe Environment – Protecting God’s Children class you also need to take. Links for all are on the school website under Information/Volunteering.
Your Expertise
I love to show students how they will use what they are learning. If you have a hobby or career that you’d like to present on, we’d love to have you. Send me an email with the subject PRESENTATION: _________ I won’t start scheduling until at least November, so you have some time to think about it.
Graduation
…will be here before we know it! This is a momentous occasion not just for the students themselves but for your families. I welcome your input in planning this special day. Please feel free to email me suggestions if you have thoughts on what has or has not worked in the past. In the subject line please put GRADUATION. I promise to read every one. I expect to be inundated, however, so when I respond it may be with a simple “thank you.” We will also be putting together meeting times in a few months. Together with Mr. Brunner and Father Lang we will try to accommodate to what will be in the best interests of everyone. Congratulations on your last year (sob) in elementary school and the beginning of a new adventure – and thank you for sharing your children with us.