The Eagle’s Nest

PAYNTER ACADEMIC POLICY AND PROCEDURES

HISTORY

I have never had a student fail my class who did all the work.  NEVER.  My class is structured to give every student an opportunity to learn and pass.  However, if a student refuses to do the work – I can’t grade nothin’!

To this end:

• I grade almost everything the students do, either with a number or completion grade.
• I announce all projects, papers, and reports well in advance of the due date.
• I post material on my school website or Edublog for students and parents to view, and I post weekly calendars in the room and on the class door.  I even have a nightly update on my Edublog!  If parents or students do not know what is going on – they don’t want to know.   I am only one-third of this equation.  Students and parents are the rest.
• I display the work due on the whiteboard, including a long-term section.
• I offer free late passes (through the Paynter Points) for most work.
• I offer “points off” (usually 25% a day) for late work without a pass (Paynter or absent sheet).  All late work requires some sort of pass or there will be deductions.
• I offer bonus points for early turn-in (at times), and extra credit work (announced).
• I post my school and home email on my school website, so all can contact me.
• I check my phone messages daily and both emails twice a day.
• I am available most days for student consult and make-up work before school, at lunch, and after school.   Parent appointments can also be made by prior arrangement.   Make-up work is the student’s responsibility and on the student’s time.
• I send out a full or summary progress report at least two times a quarter (in addition to the mid-quarter and final grade).  These are to be viewed and signed for by parent and student.  Individual printouts will be provided upon written request.
• I post on my Edublog two posts especially for parents. One is a message post and one is a list of those things parents should have seen and at times signed off on (also posted on school site).  This way even non-custodial parents are kept in the loop.
• I use handouts when needed and they are available (on the back wall) for those who missed them due to an absence.  Most are also available online.
• Those with special accommodations may request to take tests at lunch or afterschool on the day of the test, instead of in class.   Also, if they do not finish a test in class, extra time will be arranged.  Other accommodations are available per IEP – see me.
• I have posted helpful links and PowerPoints on both websites.  Use them!

Things to know:

• ATTEND CLASS EVERYDAY.  Students missing more than 20 days a year statistically suffer substantial academic achievement loss.  That is only 5 days a quarter!
• There is ALWAYS homework.  Daily assignment, QRA reading, or long-term project work.
• Take advantage of ALL extra credit. It really helps!
• If a student has less than 70 on any of the progress reports they will be assigned an hour a week of required tutoring until the grade reaches a 70.   Note – parents will have to provide transportation for any afterschool make-up work, academic tutoring, or behavioral detention.