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American Studies Parent Introduction
Letter
WINSTON
CHURCHILL HIGH SCHOOL Dear Parents, It is a pleasure to have your son/daughter assigned to my class for the new school semester. The intent of this letter is to familiarize you with my approach and to begin communication so that you will feel at ease about contacting me during the semester. Please feel free to call (687-3421) regarding any concerns or questions you might have during the school year. In addition, please be encouraged to make initial contacts through e-mail (conway@4j.lane.edu): I check messages regularly and strive to reply as quickly as possible. Be assured that I will work hard to provide every student with the opportunity to grow both intellectually and socially. I believe that active participation and positive feedback are the keys to creating a classroom environment that fosters student growth. My teaching approach also stresses critical thinking: debates, simulations, instructional games, student presentations, and class discussions will be common occurrences. It is my intention that these activities develop confidence and experience in areas that are vital for success in our world today. As another part of my efforts to engage students, I use numerous instructional materials in addition to traditional text books. Examples include relevant film clips, music, and educational web sites on the internet: Instructional Films films to help visually reinforce material presented in class. While most clips come from historical documentaries, some do come from edited PG & R rated movies. I am very careful to select clips without nudity, and with little violence or blatantly offensive language. Students have the luxury of viewing important themes without viewing the smut that sometimes accompanies today's films. I do not believe in showing entire films during class time. I value every minute of class and feel that it is not necessary to spend 2 hours to receive the educational benefits that films offer. However, if I do decide to make an exception, I will send home a permission slip for anything that is rated R. Educational web sites can enrich students exploration of social studies. Typically, we will be examining these web sites in the computer lab at school. Occasionally, students will be asked to investigate web sites during non-class time as well. I recognize that some students will not have access to this information at home. I will work with each individual (via school resources, etc.) to solve any hurdles that might develop in this regard.
Please be encouraged to glance through the five guiding principles found in my philosophy of education. I will try very hard to emphasize these values. If you are interested in a more detailed introduction to our class, please see the classroom procedures sections containing in-depth descriptions of items ranging from content to behavior to assessment. We will carefully discuss this information during the first weeks of school. Thank you for your interest and support of our class. I look forward to a great year!
Grades are determined based on total points accumulated during the semester (typically about 750 total). Each assignment is given a specific point value. Exams, research papers, & big projects are given the highest point values. Quizzes, daily work, etc. are worth fewer points. At the end of the semester, grades are determined as follows: 92-100% = A 90-91% = A- The "keys to your academic success" include good attendance, participating in class, and doing quality work on all major assignments. NOTE: Grade updates are posted frequently . Student names are NOT posted (numbers are used instead) to assure privacy.
MATERIALS/PARTICIPATION/COOPERATION (M.P.C.) POINTS: Students will begin the semester with 100 points in the M.P.C. category. Full points will be maintained by students who show responsibility in the areas described below. Point deductions will occur for students who struggle in these areas...
Materials: Each individual student is expected to bring his own pen, pencil, journal notebook, current study guide (for U.S. History), homework, and text book to class every day. Participation: Extra credit "participation" points are provided to all students in the M.P.C. category as an incentive to remain/participate in class at all times. Individual students who wish to leave the room during class (to go to their locker, bathroom etc.) may sign out of class without asking the teacher. No more than one student is allowed out of class at any given time. Please note at students who FREQUENTLY sign out will lose these privileges. Students who only sign out occasionally will simply lose incentive points via deductions for each departure. Furthermore, students who are frequently tardy to class or who wander outside the class door prior to dismissal may also have points deducted from this category.
Cooperation: Students who eat/drink in class, sleep/put head down on their desk, do work for other classes during our class time, or get sent outside for inappropriate behavior are not cooperating with the class guidelines. Students who choose not to participate in these ways will also receive M.P.C. deductions.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL WORK THAT IS DESCRIBED BELOW WILL RECEIVE
CREDIT IN THE MAKE UP Make-up for absence - You are responsible for everything
that occurs in class (content/assignments/due dates, etc.) * Students absent on due dates turn in work the 1st day
they return to school. Student is eligible for full credit on |
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