Dear Parent or Guardian,

 

 

 

 
           GENERAL POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS

 

Final grades are assigned at the end of the first and second semester. All students will receive a progress report at each quarter.  However, current and in-progress grades can be observed on-line through access to Infinite Campus available from the Newton web page http://newton.littletonpublicschools.com. I encourage parents to check their student’s grades frequently in order to take care of any questions regarding assignments or grading/recording errors quickly.  

 

10% Homework (Practice and Review):   Homework is designed to review and reinforce concepts discussed in class, but may include work not completed in class.

 
 Parents should expect 10-20 minutes of homework each block period. The homework is designed to reinforce concepts developed in class through review and practice. Occasionally, students may need to spend extra time at home on a classroom assignment that was not finished in class. Most homework assignments are an informal check of the student’s understanding of the daily concepts and are checked for accuracy in class the next day by the student. At this time, students are given the opportunity to ask questions about the homework and correct any errors. Therefore, it is important that students attempt to answer all the questions and problems before they come to class. They are not penalized for incorrect answers.

 

 

At Newton, all teachers expect your student to use a daily planner (one is provided by the school) to keep track of homework assignments, tests, and projects. Assignments are clearly announced and posted in class. It is a major focus in seventh grade that the student be responsible for writing down the assignments in their planner. Although homework assignments may be posted on teacher web pages, it is intended for the use of parents to verify their child’s planner NOT to replace the use of the planner.

 

 ABSENCES/MAKE UP WORK

 Being in class everyday is one of the best ways to become a successful student. However, if a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to get all missed assignments and/or to schedule a time for any missed tests or instruction upon returning to school. Per district policy, students have one more day than the number of days absent to complete make-up work. For absences numbering more than one day, a student is given a homework contract that lists the assignments, instructions and due dates of the make-up work.  If you know in advance that your student must be out of school, please contact me. In some cases work can be pre-arranged, but it can be very difficult in others (such as labs and quizzes). Students should expect to meet with the teacher and set an appointment for make- up work when they return from their absence.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

 I would appreciate your child having the supplies suggested on the school list at all times. Listed below are items that are a must in the classroom. Please check with your student on a regular basis to see if they continue to have the supplies they need in class. 

 

·         One of the biggest challenges for middle school students is staying organized. Most students prefer to carry all of their core subjects in a single binder. I recommend a binder with accordion file folders rather than a three ring binder.  (Few students take the time to hole-punch papers and open the rings.)

·         Our class does many hands-on projects in the classroom.  Students will need colored pencils, scissors, and glue sticks.

·         A single subject spiral will be used for daily journals.

·         A basic calculator

·         Graph paper (I will collect)

 

In an effort to keep our classroom clean and free of germs, I am asking for donations of the following:

 

Hand sanitizers

Clorox wipes