Welcome Letter

Welcome Back!

Seventh Grade Social Studies and Language Arts

My name is Kevin McPhillips and I am excited to be teaching Junior High at Rio Seco this year. As we begin the new school year, I look forward to the many adventures that lie ahead as we travel down the path of Social Studies and Language Arts to learn new concepts and ideas about our world's past and present and the world of language.


Rules for Class

The class will be working in groups much of the time as I believe that true collaboration and project-based learning are key to understanding the many different facets of social studies. There is a proper etiquette that is to take place during the group phase of classroom instruction. These are and not limited to the following;

  1. Respect classmates, teachers, and property

  2. When the bell rings, students should be seated with the proper materials and ready to learn

  3. Be sure to follow the directions that are given and participate within your group and in class

  4. Be respectful to one another by valuing all ideas as we are all here to learn


Required Supplies

Pencils, Pens, Colored pencils and crayons, Notebook (college ruled), Glue stick, Erasable Markers


Grading

Tests/Projects  75%

Quizzes/Notebook  25%

Grades will be determined in three areas:

* Scholarship (listed above)

* Effort (completing assignments and having needed materials)

* Citizenship (behavior in the classroom and on the campus).


Homework

Homework will be given sporadically throughout the course of the year. There will usually be opportunities to work on assignments in class. One thing I really stress is I am looking into the effort that students put into their assignments and completeness. This is where the majority of their effort grade will be based upon.

Planner

Each student will receive a planner in which they are to write the posted homework assignment(s) in their planner. This is done daily to ensure open communication between teacher and parent and what is to be completed. The planner is to be brought to school everyday and filled out on a daily basis.

Late Work/Make-ups

Any missed quizzes/tests or must be made-up within one week of the day the quiz/test was assigned. I will provide an assigned day before and/or after school to make it up. In the case of a redo quiz/test, the same policy applies. As for homework, in order to receive full credit, it must be turned in on the day it is due. Students will have one week from the date it is assigned to turn in late work for partial credit. After a week from the date the assignment is due, the work will no longer be accepted.

Absence Policy

In my class, each student is expected to get a homework buddy in which they can inquire about what we did that day in class (test, quiz, homework, etc.) in case they are absent for any reason. Also, I keep my homework calendar on the website updated as well that will contain that night's assignments. The weekly homework calendar is fluid, meaning that the weeks assignments may be posted, but these may change throughout the course of the week. It is your child's responsibility to get this information.

Discipline System

The Junior High uses the district recommended 5 Step Discipline Plan. There is a step card that is issued to the student that they will be responsible for. A step will be given to a student for breaking school rules including but not limited to: gum, dress code violations, disruption to learning environment and disrespect.

The 5 steps are:

  1. Verbal warning

  2. Counsel about Behavior Expectations (with teacher)

  3. Parent/Teacher Conference (telephone, email or in person)

  4. Refer to VP/Principal

  5. Refer to VP/Principal (in-school or out-of-school suspension)

Steps may be escalated if the behavior is continual or the offense is serious. STEPS can be cleared after five (5) consecutive school days with no further behaviors.

Communication

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me. My email is [email protected] and the number I can be reached at is 619-956-5572. I check messages daily and will get back to you as soon as I can. If you would like to donate any supplies to my classroom, I could use dry erase markers, index cards, paper towels, Kleenex, and/or lined paper. Thank you and I really do look forward to an exciting year of learning moments and being a part of your child learning new concepts and ideas in Social Studies. I got into the teaching profession as a means of making a difference in children's lives and really do look forward to helping your child succeed in the seventh grade. 

Thank you,

Mr. McPhillips


Please fill out and return this portion to class)


Student Name: ________________________________________ Period ______

I have read this information sheet and understand the requirements for the Math 7 and Life Science class.

_________________________

______________________________

Student's signature

 

Parent's signature

Parent Contact information:

I would like to communicate through email and text. Please include the following information if you are willing to communicate in this manner.


Name: ____________________________________ Email _______________________________________ Phone (Cell/Home)________________________________


Best way to contact you. __ email __ phone Best time to contact you. _______ am/pm