Mariners 2013-2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONE RULE

Be respectful, safe, and responsible. This simple “One Rule” covers nearly every possible appropriate behavior. All specific rules and regulations in the school handbook are also observed.

 

 

ENGAGEMENT

The classroom environment invites multi-tasking; listening skills, class discussion, taking notes when needed, following along in the textbook or material being covered, among others.  

This does not include texting under the desk, completing unfinished homework for your next class, …and the list goes on. Students are expected to be present while in class. Simply warming the desk is insufficient. Remember our rules about where you cell phone should be. Reminder--Face down, top left corner of desk.

 

 

PREPAREDNESS

Work readiness is a valuable life skill. For this reason, you are expected to have all materials when you arrive and may not retrieve materials once class begins, unless you have a pass.

 

 

TARDINESS

Students are expected to arrive on time. Daily agendas/instructions are given usually within the first five minutes of class, those who arrive late will lose this valuable instructional time. Four tardies result in a trip to Mr. Johnson.

 

 

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES

Each quarter, students who consistently follow the “One Rule” are rewarded with a “Homework Extension Pass.” This pass allows students one additional day to complete assignments (excluding those marked time-sensitive). Misplaced or lost passes will not be replaced. Late assignments turned in without a pass are considered late and graded according to school homework policy.

 

 

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES

Students are responsible for their own behavior. Breaking the “One Rule” results in a progression of consequences. Any severe disruption results in a Behavioral Referral and immediate classroom removal to the Administration Office.

 

 

FOOD CONSUMPTION

Food and drinks are both a privilege and a treat. Students wishing to consume food or drinks must bring them to class; they may not visit vending machines once class has begun. Distracting foods (crinkly wrappers, strong smells) are not permitted. Once food interferes with instruction or litters the classroom, food privileges will be revoked for all. Sunflower seeds are strictly prohibited.

 

 

RESTROOM USE

All those needing to use the restroom must request permission during appropriate times. Students may not request to use the restroom before class begins or during the first and last ten minutes of class. Those who repeatedly take unusually long restroom breaks or use their restroom time to visit vending machines will lose all restroom privileges.

 

 

WHEELDON’S BOOK LAND

The Book Land is a classroom library filled with books I’ve personally acquired for student benefit. Students are free to sign-out books to their heart’s content, whether for pleasure or required reading. All books must be handled with care and returned after use. Lost or damaged books are handled on a case-by-case basis. Students may donate books at any time.

 

 

MATERIALS 

Loose Leaf Paper

Notebook-Left in classroom

Post-it Notes-Provided by Mrs. Wheeldon unless you want your own

Multi-colored Highlighters-Provided by Mrs. Wheeldon unless you want your own

Writing utensil

 

Recommended Materials: 

Flash Drive

 

 

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Students are encouraged to use personal electronics in the classroom to support learning opportunities. This means that students listen to music and search the Internet at appropriate times. However, once the electronics become learning distractions, they are taken away. Students are never permitted to play electronic games or text their friends during school hours.

 

 

PRACTICING PROFESSIONALISM 

Junior High is a valuable stepping stone for students no matter what their plans and adventures once they reach high school and beyond; college, trade school, work force, military service, missionary work, etc. Whichever path, this course offers students practice in developing professional skills and behaviors.

 

 

ASSESSMENT

Grades are determined by both process-based and product-based assessments in combination with timeliness. Assignments may be assigned a week or more in advance. Students are expected to keep track of due dates as they continue developing their time management skills. “Real Life” requires you to think and plan Mariners! Sports, show choir, and other extrra-curricular activities are exciting, but not an excuse to skip your homework assignments. 

 

 

LATE WORK

Students are expected to turn in assignments on time. Because the 21st Century requires reliable, timely citizens, students who fail to turn in assignments are required to go through the Homework Recovery Process.The grading process follows the PJH guidelines for late work. Exceptions to credit reduction are handled on a case-by-case basis considering special circumstances.

 

 

REVISING FINAL COMPOSITIONS

As part of the writing process, students have the opportunity to revise returned compositions for increased credit. Compositions may be revised for full credit within one week of receiving the returned assignment.

 

 

MAKE-UP WORK

Absences happen. Students are expected to make an appointment with me or check with a classmate regarding missed work. Students need to complete missed tests and quizzes within an appropriate amount of time. Be a self-advocate!

 

 

TWENTY FIRST CENTURY LEARNING

“The partnership for twenty first century skills is a national organization that advocates for twenty first century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation. Twenty first century skills fuse the four C’s; critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity/innovation.”

(Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2011).

 

Due to our ever-changing world, students are required to constantly synthesize and evaluate information as they adapt to rapid informational changes, especially by way of technology. In response to the demanding 21st Century environment, the coursework specifically incorporates the following to ensure future student success:

 

Individual Student Choice and Differentiation

Multiple Learning Style Activities

Whole Group, Small Group, and Individual Instructional Activities

Work Readiness and Accountability