Syllabus
Vision
As the Waterloo 8th grade teachers, we will:
§ Monitor the progress of each student in our class keeping in mind each student’s individual needs.
§ Ensure a safe and caring environment.
§ Maintain an open and ongoing communication between school, parents, and community.
§ Provide opportunity for increasing independence in preparation for high school.
Middle School Goals
By the end of 8th grade, all students will:
§ Communicate effectively through reading, writing, and listening, think critically and problem solve successfully.
§ Improve their level of respectful behaviors and appreciation for individuals and cultures.
§ Increase their depth of technological knowledge and application skills.
§ Demonstrate developmental growth and accountability for increasing independence in preparation for high school.
Behavior
1) Be respectful.
2) Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
3) Raise your hand to speak.
4) Bring expected materials (if a student must return to his/her locker for supplies including homework and agenda, he/she will be marked tardy).
5) Be on task at all times.
Consequences
Please refer to student agenda/handbook for consequences.
Tardy
A student is considered tardy if he/she is not seated and ready to work when the bell rings. “Ready for work” means to be in their seats with the proper materials for that particular class.
Agenda
Each student should carry his/her agenda at all times except during PE and lunch. The loss or destruction of an agenda requires the purchase of a new one. The following information is found in the agenda:
1) Students should respect the agenda by only recording appropriate information and notes. Agendas are to be left in tact (pages not removed or defaced).
2) Identification data should be complete.
3) Passes in the back of the agenda are for going to lockers, restrooms, nurses, and other classrooms. Student names should be neatly printed in ink at the top of each page.
4) The district and school rules are listed in the front of the agenda.
5) A place for writing daily assignments for all subjects in calendar order. Please note that parents and teachers may sign the entries.
6) Front pockets are to be used only for written communication between faculty, students, and parents.
Homework
Only homework assignments that are handed in on time will be accepted for credit. “On time” means that the assignment is handed in when it is due IN CLASS. Projects may be turned in late for 25% off the earned grade. An additional 25% off the earned grade will be deducted each day thereafter.
Color Coding
In order to keep classroom procedures simple, each core subject has been color-coded. Students are to purchase the teacher assigned notebooks or folders in the following colors:
History PURPLE
Language Arts RED
Reading WHITE
Science GREEN
Math BLUE
Elective BLACK
PE/Health WHITE
Grading Scale
The 8th grade follows the district grade scale as follows:
A = 92 – 100
B = 85 – 91
C = 73 – 84
D = 65 – 72
F = 64 – 0
Tips for Success
§ Keep a positive attitude.
§ Write down all assignments in agenda.
§ Get a good night’s sleep.
§ Eat breakfast in the morning.
§ Exercise your body as well as your mind.
§ Seek assistance when needed.
§ Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
§ Be involved in school activities.
§ Participate in class.
§ Do your homework and take pride in your work.