I expect that you are here to learn and I am here to help you do that, as well as learn from you.  In order to insure that we are successful, I have certain expectations.  In order to avoid confusion later, I ask you to carefully read the Classroom Standards for U.S. History as well as this Assessment Policy and the course description. You are expected to keep all of these in your notebook.

Students will be expected to work independently and in groups on assignments and long-term projects. Unless otherwise noted, homework assignments are to be completed independently. Students are also expected to assume responsibility for their learning.  To do this effectively, it means you should do your own assigned work and seek help from me if you are having difficulty.  It does not mean copying your friend's homework, or lifting information from the Internet.

Students having questions or difficulty are encouraged to see me in the library.  I am available throughout the school day and after school, except when I teach U.S. History. If you or your parents have any questions regarding class work after school hours, please call me at home (775-2784) before 10:00. I would much rather be called at home than have you come to class unprepared. You can e-mail me at madeline.sherman@rcsu.org.  I also have a web page on Proctor High School web site (www.rcsu.org); follow the link to Proctor High School;  you can access assignment sheets and other information there.   The American Republic textbook also has a helpful web site (www.tarvol2.glencoe.com).

Finally, I will try to be flexible to meet your needs and hope that you will do the same.  I am looking forward to a productive school year.  With your cooperation, I am sure we will succeed.

ASSESSMENT: Unless you are told otherwise, all work will be number graded, and no unannounced quiz or homework assignment that is turned in on time will receive a grade less than 50; no project or paper that is turned in on time will receive a grade less than 30; announced tests and quizzes will be graded 1-100.  Your grade each quarter is composed of many factors.  I will use the following formula to determine your quarterly grade:

                Homework/Class work                 25%  (Honors 20%)

                Quizzes                                           15% 

                Tests and Papers                          25%  (Honors 30%)

                Projects                                          15%

                Notebook                                       10%                          

                Class Participation                       10%  (considers attendance as well as actual participation; after 3 excused absences, attendance grade is reduced 1 point for each

absence;  students lose 1/2 point for each tardy; you cannot participate if you aren't in class)

PLAGIARISM: All work should be your own, or else properly cited to give credit to the source; students found cheating or plagiarizing will receive a zero.  If you are having trouble, please see me; do not copy from a friend.

HOMEWORK:  The standards for homework require you to stay after school to complete homework that is not turned in when due. You will still receive a zero for not completing the work on time, so please make the effort. Repeated incidents will require a parent conference as described in "Classroom Standards".  If you are in school and leave for a field trip, appointment, illness, or any other reason, please turn in work before you leave so that you do not risk a zero.

EXTRA CREDIT:  Students have an opportunity to earn extra-credit points by completing additional work on current material or by attending exhibits, lectures, museums or political events. Extra credit requires advance approval and is included in the homework factor.