Mrs. Rasco’s Syllabus
Willard Intermediate
2011-2012
Class Overview
In Mrs. Rasco’s homeroom class, students will have science and Intervention Time. Students will be working on the following units in science this year: scientific method; plate tectonics and the formation of Earth’s features; rocks, minerals, fossils and soil; weather and the atmosphere; and astronomy. The work for this course will be done using a variety of resources and methods, including but not limited to: textbook, interactive presentations, class notes, classwork, demonstrations, labs, projects, quizzes, and tests.
Intervention Time is reserved for more targeted one-on-one help. Students will have time with me or other teachers to catch up on work, remediate weak areas, organize classwork, notes, and assignments, and to enjoy self-selected reading time.
Objectives for all core subjects along with their units are based on the Willard Intermediate Curriculum Guide and Missouri State Grade Level Expectations (GLE’s).
Rules
The general rules in my classroom are to be respectful and responsible. I expect students to enter my room with an open mind and a pleasant attitude. I also expect students to follow my directions the first time they are given, and to work hard. Additional classroom policies are listed below. Discipline is handled on a case-by-case basis. Though I do my best to remain consistent, I treat each child as an individual, so not all situations may warrant the same actions on my part. I strive to keep all discipline matters as confidential as possible.
My Classroom Policies*
- Supplies listed on the board outside my door are needed PRIOR to entering the classroom each day. You will receive one mark in the book each time you come to class unprepared or for trips to locker outside of regularly scheduled locker breaks.
- Student agendas should be completely filled out each day. Students are strongly encouraged to share these agendas with parents nightly. If you become a “repeat offender” in the area of late work, you will be asked to get it signed each night.
- All work that is turned in to me should be correctly labeled using the “SAND” method discussed in class.
- Work should be turned in on time. If you have no Oops passes, you will serve a recess detention for late work, even if you complete it before recess.
- The student agenda is used as a hall pass. If the agenda is lost or stolen, a new one should be purchased from the office. You will not be permitted to leave the room without it.
- You should take care of restroom breaks while switching classes. Restroom breaks during class will not be permitted except in an emergency.
- Visits to nurses’ station are for illnesses and emergencies only. You will not be sent to the nurse for aching sides, sore knees, chapped lips, hangnails, pimples, etc. I do have a basic first aid kit at my desk should you need a band-aid or lip balm.
- Backpacks, bags, purses, and hats are not allowed in the classroom.
Violation of any of these policies will result in consequences.
*See the school handbook in the student agenda for additional policies that apply school-wide.
Behavior Book
A behavior book will be utilized daily to keep track of student behavior from class to class. When classroom rules or policies are violated, a mark is made in the book by the student’s name. An accumulation of marks will result in consequences that may include but are not limited to: loss of privileges, lunch detention, loss of recess time, phone call/email/note home, or office referral.
At the end of the week a report will be sent home to students with multiple marks or late work/missing work. It is to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned.
Late/Missing/Absent Work
It is the student’s responsibility to turn all assignments in ON TIME.. I will not track students down for their work. Students and parents are welcome to call or email anytime for a report of missing or late assignments. All late and missing work can be completed and turned in for partial credit before the end of the quarter.
Students are responsible for collecting absent work upon their return. Students have two days per absence to complete absent work.
*Be sure to read this policy in detail in the student handbook.
Grades
Grading is done with a total of points earned for assignments in classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, and projects. The standard grading scale will be used and can be found in the student handbook. Mid-term grade checks will be sent home each quarter and should be signed by a parent and returned. Report cards will be sent home at the end of each quarter.
Contact Information
Feel free to contact me by phone or email. Email is the most efficient way to reach me. I will also update my class blog weekly with class/school news, assignments and lesson plans, and important dates, so be sure to bookmark it on your computer.
Phone: 742-4242
Email: rrasco@willard.k12.mo.us
Blog: www.rrasco.wordpress.com
