Syllabus - Geography

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Two basic rights and responsibilities exist in this classroom. They are (1) everyone has a right to be respected and (2) everyone has the right to learn. The following set of behavioral expectations are derived from these two basic rights and responsibilities:

1. Bring all Needed Materials to Class
• notebooks with paper
• at least two pencils
• textbooks
• planners
• as needed materials, such as calculators or jump drives
• colored pencils
• blue or black pen

2. Be in Your Seat and Begin “Daily Work” as Soon as the Bell Rings.
• pencils to be sharpened prior to class
• silence
• concentrate on “Daily Work”

3. Be Respectful and be Polite
• listen attentively when teacher or others are talking

4. Respect Other People’s Property
• keep room clean and neat
• return borrowed property

5. Follow all School Rules
• as listed in planner
 

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

1. Upon Entering Classroom
• sharpen pencils
• open notebook to prepare for “Daily Activity”.
• gather a World Atlas and United State Atlas books

2. Once the Bell Rings
• Begin “Daily Activity” - This activity will be graded daily, five points each.

3. Absences
• A monthly calendar is posted on side board. On this calendar every class activity and assignment will be posted.
• A nearby file will contain handouts, worksheets, and graded work.
• If you are absent, it is your responsibility to:
a. check calendar for information
b. gather materials from file folder
c. see another student (or teacher) to copy notes
d. take quizzes, tests & complete Interactive Notebook as needed.
• See your planner for complete policies and deadlines.

4. Seatwork and Instruction Procedures
• During presentations, raise bands if you have any questions or comments. This
procedure gives all students an opportunity to participate.
• Work quietly and efficiently, this is an excellent time to check learning and ask
for help
• When you are finished, you may read a book or do an extra-credit worksheet. Be
always busy, always learning.

5. Leaving the Room
• All students remain in classroom during presentations and instructions. This time is crucial to learning!
• During activity time, only in emergencies may someone leave for restrooms or nurse.

6. End of Period
• Teacher, not the clock, will tell students when top and prepare to leave
• Teacher, not the bell, will dismiss the students.
 

CONSEQUENCES

1. Following these policies will provide you the foundation for a highly effective learning environment. It is essential for you to have the type of environment where you can concentrate on learning, feel encouraged to participate, and be motivated to explore. When followed, these policies will not only enable you to have a productive middle school experience, but will also enable others to experience the same. Remember, your actions do affect others.

2. Not following these policies will result in you having a less than effective learning opportunity. In order to assist you in developing good habits, the Conduct Point System will be enforced. See your planner for further details.
 

NOTEBOOK
 

1. Students will be responsible for keeping a notebook. This semester we will be using the Interactive Notebook. This type of notebook will help you learn and remember important concepts. I know that taking notes is not fun and does not guarantee that you will remember the information. Using the Interactive Notebook will not only help you recall details easier, but will also be fun! You will:
• use colored pencils, topic headings and different note styles
• be able to be creative with your notes by drawing pictures, concept maps, cartoons/doodles, pictography, Venn Diagrams, mnemonic devices.. .all using lots of COLOR!
• more information to come soon!

2. Sections and their order are as follows:
• Daily Work
• Vocabulary
• Notes
• Homework
• Extra Credit
• Quizzes/ Tests
• Skills

3. A sample notebook is always available if you need assistance.

4. Every two weeks your notebook will be graded.
 

GRADES
 

Geography and Science:
Your grade, as established by Mrs. Roberts, will be made up of the following:
Tests/Major Assignments: 30%, Quizzes: 20%; Classwork/Homework: 20%, Projects:
15%, and Notebook: 15%

Math:
Tests 35%, Quizzes 25%, Homework: 20%, Notebook 20%
As soon as the class web site and My Gradebook is established, I will let you know.
 

STUDENTS
 

I am available to offer extra help after school. DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK!
 

PARENTS
 

Also, please do not hesitate to make an appointment to meet with me for a conference. To make an appointment, feel free to call me at 439-8226 (middle school office) or email me at pamcrommie@comcast.net. If you do email me, be sure to put your child’s name in the subject line so I don’t confuse it with other business mail. I do look forward to meeting you and working with you to offer the best middle school experience as possible.