Class Info and Grading

Grading Scale for Homeroom, Math & Science, & Seminar:
Grading and show of progress/learning with Math, Science, & Seminar will be accomplished through our schoolwide focus on Points-Based Grading System to complement Standards Based Instructional approach here at SGMS.

Grading in Math & Science & Seminar is categorized in the following way:

A- score/points earned between 90-100

B- score/points earned between 80-89

C- score/points earned between 70-79

D- score/points earned between 60-69

F- score/points earned 59 points and below

** Homeroom:

Homeroom- overall grade for Homeroom will be based on Pass/Fail in our Points-Based Grading System.

65% and higher will earn students a Passing Grade for Homeroom

64% and below will earn students a Failing Grade for Homeroom

Grades: Updated grades will be posted online through the Aeries grade portal weekly for parents to check. Aeries features both parent AND student log-in access, which allows parental access to your child's attendance, grades, and other valuable resources. Even though Aeries is a valuable resource, once in a while this has some "bugs" and does not update as accurate or timely as say a teacher's access.

I'm very consistent with providing notes/grade updates in Aeries, to help parents and students understand their current grade and if a student wants to have their retake opportunity on a particular assessment or want some additional tutoring centering on specific skills being taught- these details are provided in a student's Aeries grade portal. Students will be guided in the start of the school year on how to access these details and if parents need help, this guidance can also be explained to anyone needing support.

Grading opportunities Class formal and informal Assignments-- will count 30% towards a student's overall grade and also a work habits grade); and Formal Assessments & Projects will count 70% towards a student's overall grade.

Progress reports will be generated and available to students/parents at a designated time within each semester. Aeries online student/parent portal for grades, teacher-parent communications, and progress reports will help parents stay informed about their child's progress and subject areas that may need extra student attention to allow students opportunity for academic growth and success.

Retake Policy: details for retake opp are provided within Aeries once grades are input into system; I frequently explain this guidance to students and families, so they can be aware when and where to find these details in Aeries;

Once a retake date is provided in Aeries (I type teacher notes for students to read as updates, in case they need to know retake and tutoring opp's available) along with my MANY REMINDERS during typical class days, students will need to pay attention to deadlines and show up during tutoring time to take a current retake;

Once the retake date passes then the retake is no longer available and the student will earn a 0 in the gradebook UNLESS student was absent from school during retake date; then I will present another retake date opportunity to the student to take their retake; if student doesn't show up for that retake, then they will earn a 0 for missing the retake.

Tutoring: normally 2 times per week during lunchtime TBD once school year starts; all these details are provided in Aeries, ALSO POSTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF MY CLASSROOM, for tutoring opps and also retake opp date timeframe; for tutoring and not retake opp, tutoring is available during the 2 times per week when my lunch tutoring happens on weekly basis;

RETAKE OPPORTUNITY WILL BE PROVIDED DURING LUNCHTIME (MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS NORMALLY) AND SPECIFIC DATE FOR RETAKE WILL BE DETAILED FOR EACH SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT GIVEN

Student Responsibilities: Please remind your child that it is a student's responsibility to be an active participant in their learning. This is always a challenge for most 6th graders, coming into a new learning environment (with challenging learning expectations). This includes scheduling time to come in at specified lunch times during the week for tutoring/questions, when needed, properly using technology for educational purposes, and using class time appropriately to better learn and understand the specific content.

Parent-Teacher Communication/Behavior Management: In addition to Aeries (resource for Grades and more) and my webpage, found under the "Staff" tab at the school website, you are welcome to reach out with any questions for me regarding your child's experience and current grade in my class. I will be proactive and do the same if I recognize that a student is starting to have some struggles in class.

I will periodically text class-related needs or student progress/challenges that may arise throughout the year, through our school's Parent Square app. From time to time, I will also make phone calls/texts for parents to understand that their child is doing a great job and those calls home for students that may be making some poor choices with their behaviors. I believe open communication about these issues is important so parents can stay informed with their child's progress at school.

Homework: At specific and appropriate times within our learning, Homework can and most likely will be assigned for additional practice of skills being taught/learned; in many instances during class, some time will be provided to progress on in-class work and then for whatever is not completed during that time, then the expectation for completion becomes work to be done while at home; some assignments are assigned digitally (Google Classroom or through other online-class resources) with a possible deadline/due date for that evening (example due at 9pm on same night); other assigned tasks/homework/research assignments will be given more time for completion, but a due date and time will be assigned.

Work Habits/Practice Grades: Work habits overall grade officially provided at quarter/semester timeframe BUT this progress is tracked by me for the HW assigned and graded, and these details can be provided to families any time they need these details

Late Policy for Homework/Assigned Practice: FOR 1ST QUARTER:

HW policy for students present in class, if not turned in when expected, HERE'S MY POLICY:

Turned in 1 day late- 10% off grade for that assignment

Turned in 2 days late- 20% off grade for that assignment

Turned in 3 days late- 30% off grade for that assignment

Turned in 4 days late- 40% off grade for that assignment

Turned in 5 days late- 50% off grade for that assignment

*** TURNED IN BEYOND 5 DAYS LATE- GRADE FOR THAT ASSIGNMENT WILL BE RECORDED AS A 0%

*** If a student does not submit (through technology like Google Classroom or workbook assignments through Math or Science) an assignment on a specific due date, it is considered late, BUT it is expected that a student understands that there is still value to the assignment and needs to be turned in completed as soon as possible.

*** IF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE PRESENT for a student's absence, then timeframe will be adjusted depending on the specific situation (TBD as a situation arises)

*** FOR 2ND QUARTER AND BEYOND, THIS POLICY WILL ADJUST AND TIGHTEN UP; TBD AS 2ND QUARTER APPROACHES

MISSED ASSESSMENT DUE TO SCHOOL ABSENCE

For missing assessments, details/guidance verbally given as well as given in Aeries info description, to take assessment missed (unless student/family extended absence situation arises where additional time will be provided)

Absences--are often unavoidable but it is the student's responsibility to check for any work missed. Assignments are given clear due dates and students are reminded of them continuously. It is the student's job to obtain, complete, and submit the missed assignment(s) by the extended due date. Missed tests will be made up at an appropriate and convenient time for both the student and myself. For extended absences related to illness or leave from school, there is an appropriate plan to follow and I will follow those guidelines as expected to help the student with additional time needed for make-up work.

** I remind my students on a regular basis about these rules and also provide numerous opportunities for support/help/guidance that students will need to take advantage of within my classroom for extra help on questions.