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Instructor: Mrs. Gloria Kuykendall
Room 320, Prattville High School, 365-8804
website: www.speakwrite.net
e-mail: teacher@speakwrite.net
Dear Parent,
Please
read the class policy that follows and sign the handout given to your child.
Please include your name, work/home phone number, and your e-mail address, so we
can keep in touch. Thank you for your help.
I am
looking forward to working with your teenager this year. We have a busy semester
planned in Speech, with goals to improve each student's abilities in speaking
and listening.
Many
parents like to know what they can expect their son or daughter to be doing for
speech class. There are several indications you can be looking for:
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Occasional
homework, mostly planning and practicing speech assignments. |
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Tests
each chapter--students should review materials in book and notebook as we
complete each chapter. Tests are announced at least two class days in advance. |
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Speech
notebook, containing vocabulary work and classwork/homework assignments. |
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Textbook:
books will not be issued but are available for students to check out on a
daily basis. Encourage your child to take care of this resource. |
If your
son or daughter does not have these things regularly at home, you need to
contact me. Communication between home and school is very important. Please call
the school and request a conference by telephone or in person whenever you have
any questions about this course and your child's progress. Another way to
contact me is to e-mail me at teacher@speakwrite.net. If you would like more
information about the class, return to this website.
Stress
to your child the importance of keeping up with all of his or her assignments
and taking responsibility for making up work missed due to excused absences.
Students will be expected to make up missed tests within ten class days of their
return to class. Students are not allowed to make up work missed because of
unexcused absences, so please try to discourage unnecessary absences.
Policy for Electronic Devices
According to state and Autauga country schools policy, students are not allowed
to have any electronic devices (cell phones, IPODs, handheld video games)
visible or in use during school hours (7:50 A.M. - 3:10
P.M.). If a student has such an item in his or her possession,
they should be turned off or silenced and kept out of sight. If a teacher
becomes aware of a cell phone or similar unauthorized device in the classroom,
it will confiscated immediately and turned over to an assistant principal.
Parents, please counsel your child on how to silence such devices; also, do not
text or call your child during regular school hours. The ringing of a cell
phone in class can be extremely disruptive, and immediate action will be taken.
Special
note about technology: Consider getting a computer system and access to the
Internet if you do not have it already, and periodically update your computer
system if you do. Please encourage your child to use a word processing program
such as Word to do written assignments as much as possible. Also, it is
beneficial for all students to have access to the Internet and have an Alabama
Virtual Library card to access those databases. Everyone in your family can get
an AVL card (free!) at the public library, and I would encourage you to do so.
Finally, please monitor your child’s use of the Internet. Although I make
assignments that will involve use of the Internet, I do not mean to suggest that
children should be given unrestricted, unsupervised access. Using the Alabama
Virtual Library will alleviate some of these problems because databases in the
AVL are carefully screened, allow no advertisements, and do not ask for users to
give out personal information.
Donations
Each student will be required to bring a classroom supply item, but there are
items that are not on the classroom supply list because their cost would be
prohibitive for any one student, items that help the classroom run more smoothly and
effectively
for my students. Teachers will receive no funds this year to make purchases
such as dictionaries,
printer cartridges, projector bulbs, testing scantrons, teaching materials, and
class sets of books.
I would greatly appreciate any monetary donations you could send with
your child during the semester. If sending a
check,
please make it out to Prattville High School. You
will be informed as to how the money was spent.
Dear Student:
Read the following information carefully to be sure you
understand the requirements of the course. Use this information as a point of
reference throughout the semester.
Materials
for Class
You are
required to bring these materials (except posters and flash drive) to class every
day.
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Textbook,
pens, pencils, and loose leaf paper. Do not use paper torn out of spiral
notebooks for any assignments. |
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Three
ring binder with index dividers--This is necessary to keep work neat and in
order. It is not necessary to have a binder just for speech as long as you use
a divider to keep materials from other classes separate. It will also be
helpful if you have a three-hole punch in your binder. Handouts should be
placed in the binder as you receive them. Label divider: Speech |
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Posters--You
will need about two to three full size posters to use as visual aids in
giving speeches. |
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USB
flash drive (at least two GB) to be used exclusively for this class. |
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Choice of one classroom supply item: pack of 4" x 6" index cards, roll of paper towels, hand sanitizer,
or economy size box of tissues (sign up in class) |
Grades
Your
grade will be a combination of class activities, test scores, speech
assignments, and notebook. To determine your grade for the course at any time,
simply ask for a progress report. Usually I can get a progress report to you by
the next day.
1st
Nine Weeks
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Class
Activities & Homework 25% |
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Test, speech, and notebook grades 75% (each grade about 6% of
total)
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Midterm Exam counts as a double test grade (about 12% of total) |
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2nd Nine Weeks
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Class Activities & Homework
30% |
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Test, speech, and notebook grades 70% (each grade about 7% each) |
Semester
grades: both nine week grades (40 % each) and semester exam 20%; if a student is
exempt from semester exam, both nine week grades will be averaged equally (50%
each).
Autauga
County School Exam Exemption Policy
Mid-Semester Exams
and Final
Exams are required in all subjects. The exam exemption policy is as follows:
All
students in grades 7 – 12 will be exempt from final course examinations
provided they meet criterion number 1 and fit into either criterion number 2, 3,
or 4:
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Be
in attendance and have good behavior. Students assigned to either
in-school suspension or alternative school during the semester will not be
exempted from semester exams.
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An
"A" average in the course and not more than three (3) absences
in that particular block for the semester
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A
"B" average in the course and not more than two (2) absences
in that particular block for the semester
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A
"C" average in the course and not more than one (1) absence in that particular block for the semester
REMINDER:
3 unexcused tardies constitute 1 absence.
There
will be no exemptions for Mid-Semester exams, with one exception: Seniors whose
mid-semester exams serve as the course final exam will be exempt if they
qualify. NOTE: Students who are exempt may elect to take their exam with no risk
of penalty.
Absences
and Makeup Work
Keep in
mind that with the block schedule, we will be moving quickly so try not to be
absent! But if you are, only work missed due to excused absences can be made up.
Makeup work will be identical or similar to assignments done by students who
were present.
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Making
up daily work: When you return from an absence, come before 7:50 or during
first break to find out what you have missed or look up Classwork
and Homework under "Speech" on www.speakwrite.net. Remember to ask for any material on that
was on a transparency, handout, or the board. For notes on new material, get
help from a reliable student or see the teacher at a convenient time (not
the beginning of class). Remember
to have your written make-up work graded or checked as soon as possible, no
later than ten class days of your return to class. This is your responsibility! |
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Making
up tests: All tests can be made up during class or by appointment before
school. If you miss a test because of an excused absence, you should try to take
that test as soon as possible, no later than ten class days of your return to
class. All tests are announced at least two days in advance; you must take a
test if you were present when the test was announced. It is your responsibility
to remind the teacher that you need to take a make-up test. Check Homework
and Classwork on the website to make sure. |
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Making
up speech assignments: Most major speech assignments are assigned at least
one week in advance. Speeches are penalized 10% each day late if the absence is
unexcused or if you are unprepared when called on unless you have a late speech
coupon. If you are called on to do a speech and you are not ready, you may
postpone it once (with or without a late speech coupon), but only once. |
Field
Trips
Let
teachers know ahead of time what date(s) you will be on a field trip or involved
in a school activity that will cause you to miss class. Make arrangements at
least two days before going on the trip; turn in homework or major assignments
early, reschedule speeches, and determine a time to take any tests you may miss.
Field trips verified with a blue slip are not considered absences.
Incentives
In
order to encourage students to remain in class on a regular basis, the following
incentives will be offered:
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Those
with no pass requests, no tardies, and no absences at the end of each week
will receive a late homework coupon that allows them to turn in a homework
assignment one day late with no penalty. |
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Those
with no pass requests, no tardies, and no absences at the end of each month
will have receive a late speech coupon to be used on any upcoming speech: you
will be allowed to postpone a speech one day with no penalty. |
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Any
student may receive bonus points at the end of each nine weeks: 5 points added
to midterm or semester exam for no pass requests, 5 points added to midterm or
semester exam for no tardies, and 5 points added to midterm or semester exam
for no absences, for a total possible 15 bonus points. |
Homework
passes and late speech coupons will be denied any student who is assigned to
in-school suspension, alternative school, or out-of-school suspension for that
time period. Also, failure to attend assigned detention or any problem for which
parents have to be called or principals have to be notified will result in a
loss of a homework pass for that week and late speech coupon for the month.
Hall
Passes
Passes are given out only for emergencies or
at teacher discretion for school business, such as carrying notes to the
office. Each student is allowed three “emergency” passes per 9 Weeks--use these
passes wisely. If you have a medical condition that requires leaving class on
more than one occasion, your parents need to contact me by phone. Repeated
pleas for a pass will be considered a class disruption.
General
Guidelines for Classroom Behavior
With
your cooperation, we can make the classroom a positive learning environment. All
school rules and policies as described in the Autauga County and PHS handbooks
will be enforced. When necessary, I will follow these steps:
(1)
Verbal or written warning;
(2)
Before- or after-school detention;
(3)
Phone or person-to-person conference with parent/guardian;
(4)
Discipline referral to assistant principal
(5)
In-school conference with parents and assistant principal
All
intermediate or major offenses will result in an immediate office referral.
Tardy
policy
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Students
should be in their seats with all materials and books needed for class when the
tardy bell rings. We cannot begin class until everyone is seated and quiet, so
please sharpen pencils or get appropriate materials from lockers well before the
bell. |
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Each time you are tardy to class, you must sign the Student Accountability Roster by the door. Also, each unexcused tardy is the equivalent of one third of
an absence when I am considering exam exemptions. |
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Unexcused
Tardies: The
first week of the semester, students will receive warnings for unexcused
tardies. After the first week, you will receive a warning note for the
first unexcused tardy, detention for the second unexcused tardy, detention and
parent phone call for the third unexcused tardy and every tardy afterwards. |
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For each
unexcused tardy after the second one, the student’s parents will be called,
in addition to the student being assigned detentions. |
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Excused
Tardies: If a teacher or school official delays you, ask that person to write
you a pass or note. Verbal excuses are not accepted. You must bring the pass
with you when you enter my classroom late, or your tardy will be considered
unexcused. You must sign the Student Accountability Roster and turn in the pass for an excused
tardy. |
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Required
Attendance: You
are required to be in this class at the designated time unless absent. Do not
remain with another teacher or stay at some other location on campus without
my permission and knowledge of your whereabouts. I am legally responsible for
knowing where you are during this class time. |
Detention
Detentions
are assigned for various reasons, including misbehavior in class and unexcused
tardies. Once you have been assigned a detention, you must serve it the next
day; failure to attend detention will result in another detention assigned in
addition to the one already assigned. Detention can be served from 7:40 to 7:50 A.M.
any day except Wednesday OR 3:15 to
3:25
P.M. any
day except Monday. You may serve a detention during break if you have first
break. Sign the detention register as proof you attended and remain
seated for the entire ten minutes.
Classroom
rules and procedures
I.
Daily Routine
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Respectful
conduct is expected and required from each student at all times. Respectful
conduct means no loud talking/yelling, no profanity, no horseplay, and no
running. |
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Bring
paper, pens, pencils, notebook, and any other necessary materials to class
each day. If you fail to do so, I will assume you do not plan to participate
appropriately. I will not supply you with pens, pencils, or paper—that is
your responsibility. |
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One
way of showing respect is to keep your hands and belongings away from other
people and their belongings. Another way is to avoid verbally cutting down or
belittling others. |
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Do
not touch anything on the teacher’s desk or in/on cabinets without permission. |
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Computers
are for student use by permission of the instructor only. If you need to use
the computer to check the website, you will be given permission to use the
one on the back table. |
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Leave
television, DVD & tape players, projector, windows, blinds, and heating/air conditioning unit alone. I will
adjust these items as I consider necessary. |
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Each
student is responsible for keeping the room and desks clean. |
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Students
should not close their textbooks or put away materials until told to do so.
Also, stay seated while waiting for the dismissal bell to
ring. |
II.
Classwork Procedures
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Write
your name and block number legibly on all assignments. Classwork/homework with
no name will be penalized 50%; major assignments and tests with no name will be
penalized 10%. |
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You are
expected to do your own work for your own credit, unless instructed to work in a
group activity. Copying another’s work instead of doing your own is cheating;
you will be given a zero. Also, allowing another to copy your work is cheating
and will result in no credit for that assignment. |
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Refusal
to complete work in the manner and/or time instructed will be considered
disruptive behavior. |
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If you
finish work early, be considerate of those still working by not talking. Work on
another assignment or read something. If you can't find something appropriate to
do, I will be glad to provide you with meaningful work. |
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Avoid
working on assignments from other classes. I will take up materials from other
classes if you are working on them instead of Speech (such items will be
returned at the end of class). |
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Sleeping
in class or putting your head down prevents you from participating as you
should. Get proper rest at home. Keep your head up off the desk or make plans to
attend detention. |
III.
Undesirable Items/Behavior
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Leave
valuables at home, or at least out of sight of those with sticky fingers |
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No
playing cards, hats (including PHS team hats), magazines, CD's, tapes, or toys
are to be brought into my classroom unless you keep them completely out of sight
in your book bag. If visible, they will be confiscated and not returned except
at a parent's request by phone. |
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Possession
or use of electronic devices or tobacco products is an intermediate offense. I
will write an office referral and confiscate the items for release to a
principal or parent. |
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Food,
drinks, and gum are not allowed. It doesn't matter who sold it to you; keep it
in the designated snack area or put away in your book bag. The selling and/or
distribution of candy or food items will not be permitted during class time. |
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If you
are selling items for a school fundraiser, you may do so only between classes.
During class, all sales brochures and items must be kept out of sight as much as
possible. |
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Inappropriate
clothing as designated by the dress code will not be tolerated. |
IV.
Testing Procedures
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Cheating
will result in a zero, detention, and parent call. |
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No
talking or excessive movement during a test, even if you are finished. You risk
getting a zero for such behavior, even if your test has been turned in. At very
least, you will be assigned extra work to help you learn not to disrupt class
during a test. |
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If you
have a question, raise your hand and I will come to you. Do not speak out during
a test. |
Please
fill out this form below and submit it to show that you have read
and understood the class policy. If you have difficulty with the
form or if your ISP will not send the form, please send me a note through
e-mail.
Stu |
