Classroom+Policies

Welcome! This page explains some classroom policies and procedures for Mrs. Paysen's 8th Grade Language Arts class. Being On Time To be on time to class, students must be in their seats with all materials before the bell rings. I also ask that they are in the process of taking out their materials for the day (listed on the board) prior to the start of class. This ensures that students are able to maximize their learning time by getting started right away. The tardy policy is as follows: First and second tardies are warnings, the third-tenth tardy results in a lunch detention, and the eleventh tardy or more results in a 2-hour after school detention.

Absences It is important for students to understand that an absence does not exempt them from the learning/work that takes place while they are gone. If a student knows ahead of time that s/he will be absent for all or part of class, for a field trip, a TAG activity, an athletic activity, a band lesson, etc., I ask that they see me before the absence to find out what they need to make up. For these types of absences, makeup work is due before class begins the following day. If a student is unexpectedly absent, I ask that they check my website before class the next day to read through the daily agenda and get their make-up work. If they have questions about anything listed on the website they are welcome to ask me for clarification before or after school. For an unexpected absences, makeup work is due no later than two days for each day absent.

Late/Missing Work

 To help students become college and career ready and to allow for collaboration to take place in the classroom, I emphasize the importance of completing all work in a timely manner. I strongly encourage students to regularly check my website for upcoming assignments, as well as Power School, where I keep my grade book updated. I would like to work with you to make sure your child completes all of his/her work. On my website I will upload the detailed daily agenda, assignments, and electronic materials. I will clearly indicate any homework at the bottom of each day’s agenda. I will clearly explain all assignments both verbally and in writing. If your child falls behind, I will intervene and allow additional opportunities for them to complete their work and be successful. Late work is deducted 10%.

Quality Work Above all, I want my students to be as successful as possible. Students are always welcome to revise or retake an assignment, project, quiz, etc. (unless otherwise noted), and I strongly encourage them to do so. Not only will correcting their work raise their grade, more importantly it allows them to learn from their mistakes and achieve at a higher level. Work may be redone for up to 90% credit. I encourage students to check Power School regularly.

Daily Log Expectations

Library The Junior High library is open every night until 5:00. Students are welcome to stay and work on assignments. The library provides a quiet work environment as well as computer/internet access. Students who stay until 5:00 will be able to ride the activity bus home, and will receive a bus pass from the adult who has been supervising the library.

Teacher Interventions at North Scott Junior High Many student interventions are implemented here at NSJH, some of which a parent might not be aware of unless the student shares this information with them! I want parents to be aware of the supports that are in place for your child here. I encourage parents to check Power School on a regular basis. For my class, if a student has a late assignment, that is indicated on the screen. If a student has frequent late assignments, be assured that teachers are using interventions with them to get their worked turned in. Here are some of the interventions used at NSJH: Throughout the course of each unit, students will be taking standards/skills-based assessments. Some of these assessments are tests while others are written pieces or assignments. Results of these assessments are used to establish which skills need to be remediated, and for which students. Remediation takes place in the teacher's classroom during 9th period Mondays-Thursdays, and switch once remediation for each particular selected skill has been completed. Remediation groups are comprised of ten or fewer students whose assessment results indicate are the most in-need. If a student is also in need of remediation in math, standardized test scores will be used to determine which interventions will take place that cycle. If a student is also in need of remediation in math and is already receiving reading support services or special education services in reading or writing, math interventions will take precedence. Homework Help takes place three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) from 3-5 p.m.. It is a more intensive and extended work session designed for students who are missing work but, for the most part, understand the specific concepts or skills necessary to complete it. In order for a student to stay for Homework Help, Sarah Riley, the At-Risk counselor, must call home and receive permission from a parent, at which time transportation home will be arranged (activity bus, parent pick-up, etc.). For each student attending Homework Help, teachers fill out an online document listing all missing work (or work in need of revision). Teachers may also include special instructions and resources on students' Homework Help documents. Students attending Homework Help work will be with a supervisor at all times, with the opportunity to see any teachers for clarification on missing work prior to 3:30. This is a highly structured study environment designed to give students the opportunity to get caught up so their grades reflect their ability.
 * MTSS 9th Period (Standards/Skills-Based Interventions)
 * Homework Help