The things you want to know about my class and how it works.

My webpage:
I keep my webpage very updated and any information that you need can be found there. Due dates for all assignments can be found and if there is a test or quiz coming up I have that posted on my web page in advance.

Homework:
Students will be given time to work on most assignments during class time. If they are making good use of their time, there will not be a huge amount of homework. Any assignment not finished in class will become homework.

Late Work:
All work is expected to be turned in on time. Work is due when the class begins on the due date. Most assignments we grade in class when the students walk in the door. Any time after that there is a 30 point deduction for up to 1 day late. The second day late is a 50 point deduction and this is the last opportunity to turn the assignment in for credit. The zero assigned to any late assignment will become permanent on the third day. When the 6 weeks ends, no grades will be accepted after the 6 week end date. Your student will come home with a note that they write every time they do not turn a paper in on the day it is due. I will be requesting that they get your signature so I know they have informed you of their late assignment.

Tests and Quizzes:
Per district policy, district created assessments will not leave the classroom. All others will be released to the student to take home. I will refer to the district created assessments as “CSCOPE Tests” in my agenda. Test rework will be available in tutorials following a test for any student who makes below a 75. If problems are reworked correctly an adjustment to the test grade will be made. No test will be adjusted past the grade of 80. Quiz grades are all final. The tutorial times allowed for test rework will be posted on the days tests are returned. Attending the tutorials to do test rework is not mandatory, but it will always be available.

Detentions:
Detentions if needed will be after school at my convenience. The tutorial bus will be available to bring them home or you can pick them up at 4:30 on any day they have a detention. The 2 main reasons I give detentions are a pattern of zeros – or not getting parent signatures for late work, or any other signature I request. If after school detentions do not work for your student, they can be avoided completely by turning all work in on time, or making sure they return any signature requested to me. If one is assigned they will be expected to attend.

Communication:
For the most part I also try to have your child involved as much as possible in any communication that we have. This keeps the responsibility on them. First communication from me will be a note requesting a signature. Second attempt will be an email from me. I prefer to communicate with you directly using email since it is the most efficient use of time. If a phone call to you is necessary it will be made. Please make sure that the school records have your current email address and phone number where you can be reached. You can check this information through family access. If you do not have a log on, I strongly suggest you get one through the front office.

I look forward to a successful year. You will find that I am fair, but that I do have high expectations for your child’s efforts. If they do the things I ask, and participate when we work together, they will learn what they need to learn. I teach to make a difference and I appreciate you sharing your child with me for the time I have them.

Mrs. Lumsden – 8th Grade Math