LEAP English/Language Arts 6
Mrs. Clements
Welcome!
I firmly believe that education is as much about people as content. To that end, I encourage open, positive communication. Students should never be afraid to approach me with concerns or needs; likewise, I welcome constructive communication with parents. Together we function as a team to build successful students!
Policies
Late Work: Work must be turned in on the day it is due for full credit. Late work may be accepted for a point deduction. This is the school-wide late work policy. If you are absent on a test date or a project due date, you should expect to make up or turn in the test/quiz/project the day you return.
Missing Assignments: The quickest way to bring down your grade is to not turn in your work. On longer term projects, please begin with a plan for completion and then budget your time. If you need help drawing up a plan, come see me and I will assist you. For excessive missing assignments, I may assign a Thursday Night School to allow you to complete the work for a maximum grade of 70.
Test Retakes: A student who scores below a 70% on a major test may come in for test corrections or retesting. This must be done within one week. The highest grade possible on a retake is a 70. This is a school-wide policy.
Grading Policy: Major Grades = 40% Minor Grades = 35% Daily Grades = 25%
Grades can be accessed on Skyward Family Access
Expectations
- We will cover the district LEAP ELA curriculum, as well as additional texts targeted for LEAP. We also use many Pre-AP strategies and texts.
- You should expect some assignments to require a higher degree of complexity.
- Responses to literature require you to think critically, respond thoughtfully, and reflect honestly.
- We will be busy this year! We study literature, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. We will also practice speaking and listening.
- Expect to collaborate with others regularly!
Homework:
- You should expect some homework each week, although not every night.
- Many assignments will be longer-term projects. Do not procrastinate on these!
- Not all homework is graded; some assignments may be completed for the learning value alone. Large projects and tests will always be graded.
- Students should come to class on time and ready to learn. Bring all supplies each day.
- This class requires effort; you should expect to read, study, and produce high-quality, well-planned assignments that you turn in on time.
- During class, be on task. Wasted time = wasted opportunities to improve yourself.
- Come to class with all supplies: iPad, pen, SSR book.
- You should expect to access my web page on a regular basis. Assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests may all be done with the iPad.
Communication is Key!!!
Phone: Call the main office at 469.713.5962 and they will transfer the call to my voice mail. I will return your call as soon as possible.
Handwritten note: You can always bring in a note from home. If I need to respond directly to parents, I prefer to call or e-mail, so please include your contact information on the note.
Twitter: Keep up with what's going on by following my class on Twitter: @Downing6ELA
Edmodo and Schoolweb: I use both sites for posting lesson plans, assignments, quizzes, resources, etc. Please visit regularly!
Behavior Expectations
Be Prompt
Be Prepared
Be Polite
Be Patient
I expect students to show respect for others and property at all times. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Staying on task
- Cooperating with others
- Raising your hand to talk
- Following the Student Code of Conduct
- Treating technology (iPad, computers, etc.) responsibly
- Being considerate towards others in words and actions
Consequences:
- Verbal warning
- Private Conference with Student
- E-mail/phone call to parent/guardian
- Student Detention
- Office Referral *serious violations may result in immediate office referral