Freshmen Academy
Freshmen Academy Course Expectation
Printable Freshmen Academy Course Expectations
Overview:
This is a freshmen seminar course where students will learn the basic study, social, organizational and life skills that are essential in order to be successful both in and after high school.
This course is designed to be a positive, hands-on collaborative environment where students will work together to foster professional communication (both verbal and written) skills that will be applied in the classroom, at home, and later in the workplace.
Course Objectives:
Students will be able to:
- Learn and apply successful study skills that will equip them for academics and high school in general.
- Practice and apply successful public speaking and life skills in order to communicate better with their peers, parents, and teachers.
- Develop and use basic grammar and punctuation skills in both written and verbal tasks for better understanding and comprehension.
- Utilize technology for positive and educational purposes.
- Develop, practice, and apply common-core critical thinking skills to impact higher level thinking and creativity.
Supplies needed:
school assigned chromebook and charger, a notebook for journaling (may be done digitally though), folder, pen, post-it notes, earbuds
Late Work and Make-Up Work:
One day late (up to one week): minus 10% per school day
One week late: minus 50%
After one week: a grade of zero and no longer accepted
If a student is absent from school, it is his or her responsibility to find out what was missed in class. Homework and classwork will be posted on google classroom and should be checked for daily work. Homework that is posted on google classroom is expected to be completed by the student and turned in using google classroom.
Ethics:
Plagiarism in this class is unacceptable. Accidental, or willful use of someone else's words, ideas or evidence without attribution will be penalized with a failing grade on the paper. Parent(s) and administrators will be notified and further disciplinary action will be taken. To be clear: do not cheat.
Teacher Availability:
I am available to meet with students during any mutually agreed upon time. Please see me in advance to schedule a good time to meet. I will make every effort to be available to both students and their families with any questions or concerns that they may have.
Email is my preferred mode of communication for initial parental correspondence. My email address is listed at the top of this course expectation sheet. Also, I am available to take parent calls at 992-3600. If you call during the school day, please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. I can also take calls after 2:15 if I am not at a meeting. I try my best to return all messages within 24 hours.
Parent Portal Grades:
Freshmen Academy is a half-credit elective. The grading format is as follows:
Daily class activities- 20%
Homework- 30%
Projects- 50%
Grades will be posted to the Parent Portal as the school year’s quarters dictate.
Student Behavioral Expectations:
A classroom environment for maximum academic achievement will be maintained at all times. Students are expected to:
- Be aware of and follow the classroom rules and all of the rules in the student handbook.
- Be on time and come prepared for class. Students must have their agenda books. These will be used to keep track of assignments and for passes. Students will not be allowed into class late nor will they be allowed to leave without the agenda book.
- Demonstrate a desire to succeed. Be an active learner.
- Demonstrate self-discipline and a respectful attitude toward all others. Please take responsibility for your own actions.
- Cell phones will not be displayed, used, or activated during academic instruction unless given permission by the instructor.
Classroom Procedures:
- Sit only in your assigned seat in the classroom.
- Follow all CDC guidelines that are in place for schools.
- Stay in your seat unless instructed otherwise. If movement throughout the classroom is required, get permission from the teacher beforehand.
- Demonstrate a desire to succeed. Be an active learner.
- Demonstrate self-discipline and a respectful attitude toward all others. Please take responsibility for your own actions.
- There is no food allowed during class.
- Cell phones will not be displayed, used, or activated during academic instruction unless given permission by the instructor.
Virtual Procedures: (if necessary)
- If instruction is delivered virtually, you are responsible for the content of the lesson.
- You are responsible for communicating your concerns or questions regarding virtual instruction to your teacher in a timely manner.
- Your virtual conduct must mirror your in-class conduct at all times.
- When meeting virtually using Zoom or Google Meet, please use proper etiquette to help foster a professional environment: