Welcome back to a new school year. I hope you had a wonderful
relaxing summer and are ready to begin again.
The two key elements that are vital to your success as a 7th grader are
ATTENDANCE in class and COMPLETION of homework. In-class instruction,
group work, and teacher assistance can only take place if you are in school.
Plan your time well to include homework and "down" time, along with getting the
proper amount of rest. Putting work off until the last minute usually
proves to be disastrous!
You will be recording daily and long term assignments in your monthly planner
on a daily basis when you first enter the room. These are always written
on the front board every day. I write assignments for my 3/4 block
in red. My 5/6 assignments are written in blue. I will also record daily and long term
assignments in my own BLMS planner that I will keep on the bookshelf along
with the makeup work file. So, when you do need to miss class, you need to check
my planner and also look in the daily file for any handouts
you missed. This is of extreme importance since no late work is
accepted in 7th grade! You have one day for each day you are
absent to get your work turned in. If you miss a test, I will have a
reminder in the daily file for you to schedule your makeup test with me.
If special circumstances arise and you need extra time to make up your work, you
need to talk with me directly. Also, do not forget to properly head your
papers as well. Nameless papers will receive NO CREDIT.
Grading categories for Language Arts:
30% Literature/
Reading/Vocabulary
20% Writing
15% Grammar/Spelling
15% Outside Reading Projects - one per
trimester
10% Speaking - one per trimester
10% Participation *
Grading categories for Social Studies:
40% Daily/Homework
25% Projects
25% Tests
10% Participation *
Ways you are graded in my classes:
There are two ways in which you are graded in both of my classes. Some
of the time I will issue a turn in grade for completing the
assignment. Most other times will be a traditional grade based on
accuracy. All BLMS teachers use the same grading scale listed on page 22 in the Student Handbook section of your planner.
*Participation grade:
Being in the right place and the right time doing the right thing is the
basis of your Participation grade. This includes:
* coming to class on time in a quiet calm manner
* bringing ALL necessary supplies
* following teacher directions
* talking when it is appropriate and being a
respectful listener
* putting your best effort in all you do
* being a participant in your own educational experience
Consequences:
All of you as students deserve a learning environment that is safe and
effective. If you make the decision to step outside the boundaries of what
you know to be unacceptable, the steps I will take to redirect your behavior in
a positive way are as follows:
1- talk with you in private
2- 101and/ or parent contact
3- referral to the office
Supplies:
All students were mailed a school supply list last spring. There may be
extra supplies I would like you to have during the school year. I will
alert you to these supplies in plenty of time for you to take care of getting
them. I highly recommend you have a dictionary, atlas, and a thesaurus at
home as reference materials. However, I do have these materials that may be
checked out on an as needed basis. Having all supplies is part of your
Participation grade, so stay well stocked!
I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you and helping you
have a successful year. If problems arise, come in and talk to me.
Remember to have your parents read over this as well and bring the tear off
portion of the letter you received on September 5th. You will earn 10
points in Participation if it is returned by September 10th! I also look
forward to meeting your parents on Curriculum Night which will be held on
September 11th at 6:30 pm.
Welcome!
Mrs. Pritchett