Teacher: Mrs. Carol Stowe
Room: 736
Conference time: 1st or 7th periods (8:35 or 2:19)
Email:
cstowe@ldisd.net
Website:
classroom.ldisd.net/webs/cstowe/
Welcome to 7th grade at LDMS and my math class. I want to let you know how our class will work, so you and your child will understand what is expected of them this year.
Absences: Your child is responsible for all assignments missed during an absence. They are given the number of days of absence + 1 to turn in work without penalty. Thereafter late work penalties apply. They need to come to tutorials if they cannot catch on through review. Tests will be given once students return with the same delay as above. Missing work sheets may be accessed through my teacher web page downloads.
Communication: The best way to reach me is through email. I have handed out my personal phone number in the past, but recent Texas legislation is now discouraging this, so I will no longer. I generally check my school email in the evening, so you may still email my school address, and I will likely pick it up before the following day. During the school day, I will return emails as soon as I have a break and time to do so.
Discipline: Please check the Unacceptable Behaviors download on my website. After reasonable warnings, your child will be assigned to write sentences about their offence that will be due the following day. You will also be emailed at that time. If the issue becomes persistent, we will schedule team meetings with all of your child’s teachers and/or with you. We will come up with a plan for correction of the issue which may include school detentions, office referrals, etc. Hopefully this will not reach this point.
Grades: The Math Department has designated that homework will count 50% of the 6 weeks grade and quizzes and tests count the other 50%. This makes homework completion very important. Only a few zeros for missing work will destroy your child’s average. Homework grades are completion grades, so as long as your child genuinely attempts every problem, their daily grade will be a 100. However, if they missed a great deal, they need to make sure to get all questions answered during our review and Q & A time or come to tutorials. If your child makes below 76 on a test, he/she may correct missed problems for additional points only in math tutorials. As long as your child does all of his or her work, they should have no problem passing my class. And if they will take responsibility for coming in for help and ASKING QUESTIONS in class, they should all be prepared for TAKS next April 26. Our new curriculum is copyrighted, so tests and quizzes may not come home. You will be able to see your child’s grade promptly after the assignment is graded (generally the same day) on Family Access. If you desire to see the actual test/quiz, you may schedule an appointment at school to see it. They may not leave the building.
Homework: Math is a subject that requires a lot of practice to master. Therefore, your child will have math homework almost every night. However, class time will generally be given, and many students can complete the entire assignment without having to take it home. Depending on your child, you may want to check it to be sure it is done and compare it to the assignment listed on my website. They must show work on every problem. A list of answers will not be accepted and will be given a zero. It may be re-done showing work for a grade of 70 the following day. If specific instructions are given as to format for the homework and are not followed, a zero will be given, and it may be correctly re-done for a 70 the following day. Math textbooks will not be coming home this year.
Late Work: School policy is that assignments will be accepted without penalty until 4:00 of the day due. One day late receives a maximum grade of 70. I will accept late and absence work until the grade cut-off day for progress reports or report cards. After that the zero is final. Please note that I post a zero the day work is due, but I will change it once it is turned in. This applies to absences as well, but no penalty will be applied if turned in within the time limit.
My webpage: I will keep our agenda posted on my website as well as downloads your child may need. The downloads will have to be password protected if they are copyrighted, so please note the PIN is cstowe and the password will be STOWE. Other pertinent reminders will also be noted on my web page. Please check this regularly, so you can keep up with what is going on at LDMS. Notes somehow don’t manage to get home very often!
“This is a safe place:” This sign in my room is my assurance that my class room is #1 free from physical harm. I will not tolerate any pushing, shoving, poking, or worse, even if it is in the name of fun. #2 Students will be free from emotional harm. I will not insult any student, and I will not tolerate this among students either. Bullying will be seriously addressed. #3 My room is a safe place to make mistakes. One cannot learn math without making mistakes, so no one will be put down for making mistakes, not understanding, or asking questions. I do not hear everything that goes on, but I ask students and parents alike to let me know if any of this behavior is happening to their child behind my back.
Tutorials: Students who did not pass the 2010 Math Taks Test or came dangerously close should come to tutorials either mornings or afternoons as soon as the tutorial busses begin running. Once their grades consistently reach about 80, they may quit. After a student makes a failing grade on any quiz or test, they should come to tutorials until the next test or quiz is at least 80. Anyone who feels the need of attending is also welcome at any time. Designated days will be forthcoming as soon as I know my duty schedule. Department math teachers will be teaming up for tutorials, so there will be many times available to meet all schedules. Athletics does NOT exempt students from tutorials in the mornings.
I hope this helps you and your child understand what I expect of them this year. I welcome any questions from either of you at any time. I will keep in touch with you and hope you will do the same thing, so we can have a great, successful year!
Mrs. Carol Stowe
