Classroom Policies

 

Overview

     Welcome and thank you for your interest in technology and its current and future impact on learning.  At the conclusion of this course, students will have a solid foundation of basic computing concepts, develop keyboarding skills, learn practical tools that will assist in productivity and aid in academic success, and will engage in a multitude of creative, engaging activities that will allow you to apply this knowledge in a variety of settings.  In addition, students will become familiar with Murrieta Valley Unified School District’s Haiku Learning Management System (LMS), a powerful platform that allows students to do their school work entirely online.

 

Behavior Expectations
    Although I do not expect to encounter any problems in the coming year, it is important you understand how I will respond if they should arise.  Here are my expectations for student behavior while in the computer lab or classroom:

1.    Be in your seat when the bell rings; remain seated until dismissed by me (bell does not dismiss you)
2.    Come to class prepared (i.e. paper, pencil or pen, homework, etc.)
3.    Turn in all work on time
4.    Raise your hand if you have a comment or question
5.    Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise
6.    Keep your hands and feet to yourself
7.    Respect your classmates, teacher, and substitutes
8.    Follow school rules (especially no food, drink, or gum near computers or mobile devices)
9.    Do not disrupt the learning environment (pass notes, throw objects, etc.)
10.  Do not use the work of others as your own—be honest

 

General Procedures/Routines
    Typically, students are expected to be ready to learn once the bell rings.  Restroom breaks are allowed only in emergencies or for medical reasons.  Water breaks are as needed.  Home work or class work should be submitted online according to due date (this should not be an issue as internet access and the Haiku Learning Management System are easily accessed at any time!) 

 

Discipline Interventions
    I have discovered that I am an extremely fair teacher—be honest with me, and you will more than likely get the benefit of the doubt.  When dealing with behavior problems that disrupt the lab/classroom and the learning environment, I will usually do one or more of the following:

1.    Warning (either verbal or gesture)
2.    Temporary removal from classroom—quick discussion                                                                                   

3.    Temporary removal from classroom—time out with buddy teacher (Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Farmer-Hajduk)
4.    Detention assigned/Parent Contact
5.    Parent Conference or administrative referral

Please understand that the discipline I use is entirely dependent upon the situation.  In other words, I will use my best judgment to determine which intervention is in the best interest of the class and/or the offender.  For example: one of the biggest problems I have encountered involves tardiness, and my approaches to rectify this problem have ranged from holding a student in class for a minute past the bell (usually after the third tardy) to parent contact and/or detentions (for chronic tardiness.)

 

Absences
    Although this is an elective course, students will still receive a final grade based on assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects.  As such, students who are absent are expected to complete any missed coursework within a reasonable time frame (typically, students are allowed as many days as they are absent to make up assignments missed.)  If a student is to miss class for any reason, please contact me via email so that I am aware of any medical or emergent situations.

 

Grading
    Project-based assignments will be graded with a scoring rubric, so students will always know what is expected before the assignment is given.  Various in-class assignments, tests, and homework will be given point values according to the following scale:

100-97 A+
96-93 A
92-90 A-
89-87 B+
86-83 B
82-80 B-
79-77 C+
76-73 C
72-70 C-
69-67 D+
66-63 D
62-60 D-
Below 60 F

 

Grades will be posted according to Student Identification Number in the classroom/lab several times each month, so students will be able to monitor their progress year-round.  In addition, I will be e-mailing progress reports to you (provided you have given the school a valid e-mail address) every other week to keep you informed.  Finally, grades can be checked on the Aeries website: https://aeriesnet.murrieta.k12.ca.us/parent/LoginParent.aspx.

 

Assignment/Test Breakdown

   Throughout the year, students will complete several unit tests, several quizzes to check for understanding, and classroom activities and projects designed to enhance or reinforce learning.  Student progress will be measured by the following weighted categories:

 

Tests   30%

Quizzes 10%

Unit Assignments 30%

Projects 30%

 

For this course, tests will be completed entirely online, and re-takes may be taken up to one week after the initial test.  The Haiku Learning Management will be used, and students will find it both convenient and challenging as they complete exams.  Please note that only one re-take will be allowed, students may use their notes and resources on the re-take, and the two test scores will be averaged.  I would recommend, then, that students diligently study for the initial test to ensure a higher average score.

Parent Acknowledgement
    Please click here to acknowledge that you and your parents have read, understood, and agreed to the policies of this course.