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Rewards/Incentives
Just as it is important that the students know the expectations in the junior high, they also need to be rewarded for their efforts. Besides earning a good grade several incentives are in place to do just that.
1. Tickets are often given in classes for various positive actions. These tickets are put into a container in each homeroom and a drawing takes place on Wednesdays. Students whose tickets are drawn, may choose a prize.
2. The homerooms also compete for box tops of the month. Each month students in the homeroom with the highest number receive a “free assignment” slip, and the person who brought in the most box tops receives another “free assignment” slip. If that homeroom also has the most box tops in the school, the students receive yet another “free assignment” slip.
3. “Locker pass” slips are also available, either as a reward or part of the drawing on Wednesdays.
4. The study period on Friday has built in rewards. Those students who complete all work, make a good effort, and have displayed appropriate behavior can choose to not be in study and go to the gym or the game room.
5. At the end of each quarter, “free assignment” slips are given to those who have had at least 5 weeks with no late work. Those who have had 7 weeks of no late work also receive a “drop-a-grade” slip.
Positive reinforcement is an integral part of motivation and incentive, and the teachers are always looking for ways to recognize the efforts of students. It is important for students to learn that they need to earn these rewards and incentives.
General Guidelines
Students need to know what is expected of them. Therefore, on the first days of school the following guidelines are discussed with the students. It makes for a smoother school year and a structure in which the students can operate comfortably. The junior high teachers will support students in their efforts to achieve their best. These guidelines are intended to help them have a successful school year.
1. Be respectful of others and property
Be quiet on the stairs and in the hallways.
Ask permission to use others' things.
Take care of books, desks, chairs and building facilities.
Listen to one another.
Exhibit good manners.
Have a positive attitude when interacting with others.
2. Dress appropriately
Read and follow the dress code in the handbook.
Dress appropriately for weather.
Have a change of shoes or boots in the wintertime.
3. Be in the appropriate place at the appropriate time
Come in before 8:00 (not before 7:45) if previous arrangements have been made with the teacher or if help is needed with an assignment.
During inclement weather (rain of extreme frigid temperatures), students will go to the Friary.
Be in homeroom by 8:05 and 12:35 or be considered tardy. Consequences may be imposed for chronic tardiness.
Get all materials for classes in the AM and then again in the PM (only with a locker pass may they go to locker for forgotten materials during or between classes).
Have a gym bag with shirt, shorts, shoes and deodorant.
Enter and exit school using the Hollister Street entrance.
If being picked up for appointment, wait in the office for parent.
Stay on the school grounds.
4. Use lavatory with permission
Use bathroom pass.
If anything is wrong in the lavatory, report it immediately to a teacher.
5. Achieve individual academic excellence
Homework papers to be handed in should be done on loose leaf (unless a worksheet).
Homework papers should be neat with the proper heading.
Keep all papers in designated place in binder/expanda-file.
All assignments (unless specified) are to be done in ink and written legibly.
All assignments should be completed on time (See Assignments under Homework Guidelines).
Toys, gum, or candy are not allowed unless specified by the teacher or 15 minutes of community service will be served after school for noncompliance.
They should work independently and do their very best.
They should ask for help when encountering difficulty.
Students are issued a computer license, which must accompany them whenever they are using a computer (exception – Technology class).
Homework Guidelines
Class work and homework are necessary components of our curriculum. Classroom instruction is so valuable in a child’s education, and homework assignments cannot replace, but only reinforce, classroom instruction.
1. At home
Spend approximately 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours per night. (study time is given in school each day. See #2)
Designate a time and place.
Work on time management and focus.
Week-ends -- a good time to work on projects.
If it seems like your child is spending more time than necessary, he/she may not be using time wisely at school or may be having difficulty. Please speak to the teacher.
2. At school
Teachers work together so students aren’t overloaded. However, this is not possible if units end at the same time.
Study halls during the week -- 3 minimum.
Class time often given to work on assignments.
3. Assignments
Assignments are to be completed on time
Late assignments will affect the overall grade in a subject.
Late work needs to be turned in by Friday of the week it is due (Friday work may be turned in the following Monday) to receive credit. The exceptions include projects and long-term assignments, which must be handed in.
Assignments are written down in each room and accessible to all students.
4. Medical absences
Homework buddies are chosen at the beginning of the year. This buddy is responsible for writing down assignments missed.
All make up work must be completed within an allotted time (one extra day for each day absent). Exceptions may be made upon receipt of written medical excuse.
It is the responsibility of the student to arrange all make-up work and seek time with the teacher if understanding of concepts is needed.
5. Vacations
Students should only go on vacation during those times of the year that the school has scheduled vacations.
Students will not be given homework prior to an unscheduled school vacation.
If assignments have been given before a student departs, it is his or her responsibility to have them completed and turn them in immediately upon return or the student may receive a zero for those assignments (see exceptions above --Assignments).
Grading Guidelines
The students are assessed with the ABCDF grading system used in middle and high schools throughout the area. A student’s grade is both objective (subject matter homework, performance on quizzes, tests, etc.) and subjective (effort and ability). Report cards, conferences, and “TeacherEase” all reflect the student’s academic progress. Teachers may contact parents through a note, e-mail, or a phone call.
One wonderful aspect of “TeacherEase”is that parents have access to their child’s (children’s) progress. The child’s assignments, due dates, and grades are available to the parent(s). Teachers will try to post grades for daily assignments by Wed. of the week following due dates. There may be circumstances where this posting could be delayed. Also tests, projects, and other lengthy assignments may take longer to post; however, the teacher will indicate whether or not they were completed.
Grading Scale Report Card Dates:
100 - 98 = A+ November 10
97 - 93 = A January 26
92 - 90 = A- March 30
89 - 87 = B+ June 1
86 - 83 = B
82 - 80 = B-
79 - 77 = C+
76 - 73 = C
72 - 70 = C-
69 - 67 = D+
66 - 63 = D
62 - 60 = D-
59 - 0 = F
Conference Dates:
Monday, November 14 and Thursday, November 17 (mandatory with student present)
Monday, February 6 and Thursday, February 9 (optional)
If parents have any concerns regarding their children, they should feel free to contact the school to make an appointment with a teacher. Teachers, parents, and students must work as a team to promote positive learning experiences.
Here’s to a positive and successful school year! |
Junior High
