Chimacum Middle School

Teacher Syllabi

Ms. Joni Langston
Chimacum Middle School
Leadership Class

2009-2010
Class Purpose: The purpose of this leadership class is to provide you with an opportunity to develop your leadership skills. These skills include: responsibility, respect, honesty, integrity, citizenship, positive self-esteem, time management, goal setting, problem solving, communication skills and more. You will develop these skills by participating in many fun and innovative activities. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements support the content of this class.

Class “Ground Rules”: In addition to other CMS classroom behavior expectations… we will develop a FVC (Full Value Contract) that we will discuss and agree upon as a class.

Grading Policy: Your final grade will consist of the total points earned from the following:
+5-0 points per day for participation in various class discussions/activities
-Absences count as a zero unless student makes special arrangements with instructor
+Assorted other assignments/ tasks/initiatives
Also…
*Leadership project (100 points) Choose one:
– Community service project
– “Make a Difference” project with support teacher.
– Serve on an ASB committee
– Motivational poster
– Write and word process a 2-3-page paper on a “leader”
Feel free to contact me at school 360-732-4219, ext. 2

Email: joni_langston@csd49.org

Participant responses…

1. What does Leadership mean to you?

2. What are some examples of leadership skills?

3. Name some people you consider to be leaders.

4. Is it possible for 7th and 8th graders to be leaders? Why or why not?

Name Parent Signature

Ms. Joni Langston
Grade Six 2009/2010 Course Description
Room 603

Welcome to the sixth grade! I anticipate that our year together will be productive, exciting and fun and hope that you, as a student, will set high standards for yourself and aim for QUALITY in all of your projects and assignments. Our mutual goal will be to develop, practice, master and apply language skills and concepts in all core academic subjects. Therefore we will include writing in all subjects in order to help you meet Washington State’s Learning Goals and our CMS goal of improving students’ writing.
Please refer to the accompanying document entitled Your Child’s Progress Grade 6 from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Washington State Learning Goals for Grade 6 as well as the new Performance Expectations in Math will be the foundation for our learning this year. To learn more about Washington State Grade Level Expectations you can go to http://www.k12.wa.us/standards.

LANGUAGE ARTS: Heath Communication Practice Book, Heath Middle Level Literature and Scott Foresman Spelling
The sixth grade language arts program is literature based. It integrates literature, reading, grammar, communication and writing skills using the above textbook as well as other materials. As a sixth grade student you will focus on the following concepts:

A “process oriented” approach to writing using these three steps:

1. Prewriting – using clustering, brainstorming, concept mapping and research
2. Writing – forming ideas into paragraphs with clear topic sentences
3. Post writing – revising, editing, proofing and publishing

To help you meet Washington State’s writing goals our lessons will emphasize paragraph development, writing in different modes for various audiences and purposes including persuasive writing and writing explanations and directions. You will format and write letters as well as research and write compositions and essays including a Classroom Based Assessment in Social Studies. In this paper students will be expected to take a position on a topic and support that position with relevant research. We use the “Six Trait” approach to writing. At the sixth grade level we focus primarily on content, ideas and conventions. Papers may be graded on all three areas or occasionally just one or two areas at a time. In addition we will analyze ideas, select manageable topics, and include relevant details to support those ideas. Grammar skills will involve identifying the parts of speech and writing clearly using correct spelling, appropriate word usage, mechanics and vocabulary.

Testing will include two Accelerated Reader Tests. These tests can be taken on a computer in the library or the classroom. Two AR test scores of 80% or higher are required each trimester. Reading in preparation for these tests will occur primarily at home but will be supplemented by some reading time scheduled in class. When you finish reading your AR book you will let me know you are ready to test and I will help schedule time in the library. Other formative and unit assessments will also be included in our curriculum.

SPELLING will not be taught as a separate subject but will be incorporated as part of the whole language arts experience this year.

POETRY will be explored through reading and writing various types of poetry and through the creation of personal poetry booklets that will be shared at Eagle Night.

In our classroom reading for enjoyment is encouraged; we will focus on a variety of READING strategies and work on vocabulary, decoding, comprehension and reading for personal pleasure. Research shows that time spent reading improves reading performance. For that reason, reading at home for 30 minutes daily is encouraged. You may choose whatever you wish to read. You will need to document your reading time and obtain a parent/ guardian signature weekly. This form will be turned in for credit at the beginning of the following week. There will be opportunities for you to put together various types of book reports as well as to deliver classroom presentations. Some class time will be set aside for silent reading. I will read often to our class from a variety of literature selections and genres. We will also read at least two novels that relate to our social studies units.

Students will practice COMMUNICATION skills of listening and speaking through participation in formal presentations as well as through informal discussions. This will help to enhance observation skills and strategies as well as critical listening skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES: History Alive
We will explore ancient cultures and civilizations including the first people and early cities and cultures. Areas of study include Economics, Geography and History and Current Events. Ancient cultures include Mesopotamia, India, China, Japan, Egypt, Greece and Rome. You will acquire skill in working with maps as well as engage in a variety of simulations and projects including inquiry-based research.

Latin American cultural studies will include the Mayans, the Aztecs and the Incas. Learning about the ancient cultures of Latin America will include writing an essay on Dias de los Muertos and participating in a simulation.

**My students study science with Mr. Gonzalez who will introduce them to rocks, minerals, geologic formations and volcanism. At some point during the year the school nurse will facilitate a discussion on AIDS and our school counselor will guide the students through some exercises in refusal skills through a program called Second Step. A health professional will teach our drug education program which is called Project Alert.

MATH: Prentice Hall, CMP
Not all students are at the same level in their mathematical understanding. CMP math is based on the model where students of varied abilities practice problem solving in multi-age groups. There will be homework in math most nights. Students will also participate in problem solving and teamwork during two Market Days when they will have the opportunity to spend previously earned classroom money. Math may include doing problems of the week, math work on the computer, practicing math vocabulary and practice for standardized tests. Students will keep math journals that can be used on tests as well as homework journals.
Content will include multiplication and division of fractions and decimals, algebraic equations and expressions, ratios, rates and percents, two and three dimensional figures, learning about positive and negative numbers and practice using numbers, symbols, words and pictures to represent a given math problem.

Assessment AND GRADING SCALE:
This year your student will receive a letter grade in all subjects. I will have updated grades available to you on the CMS website halfway through each trimester to help you and your family see what work has been completed and what work is missing. Grades will be updated approximately every three weeks and also near the end of each trimester as well. In addition a progress report will be mailed home for students whose grade is a C- or below at the mid point of the trimester. You can check your grade on the CMS website csd49.org. Next click on staff and my name. Then type in your last name and your Skyward family password.

Percentage Grade

93 – 100 % A
90 – 92.9% A-
87 – 89.9% B+
83 – 86.9% B
80 – 82.9% B-
77 – 79.9% C+
73 – 76.9% C

70 – 72.9% C-
67 – 69.9% D+
60 – 66.9% D

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS AND LATE WORK POLICY:
Make-up assignments, class notes and makeup tests are the student’s responsibility. Students are responsible to ask for make-up work following an absence. Please email me or phone the office and ask me to send work up to the office for you and then arrange for someone to pick it up for you if you will be gone for more than a day or so. If you do this I will have the work ready for you on the following day. Late assignments that are over one week late and are not late due to illness or an excused absence will not be accepted without a parent or guardian/student and teacher conference. In cases of illness or other excused absences you have an extra day for each day you were absent. If you should fall behind and need extra copies of missing/late work you will need to make a list of any needed copies and give that list to me. I will recopy any worksheets within one week of receipt of the student-created list. Seven school days before each midterm and end of each trimester will be the cut-off dates for late work to be accepted unless there are extraordinary circumstances. If this should occur please email or phone so we can schedule a time to discuss this together in order for the late work to be accepted.
Parents/guardians please encourage your student to turn work in by the designed due dates as turning in a large stack of late homework after a test has already been given is of little practical value to your child. By checking your student’s planner on a regular basis and signing it each week on Thursday or Friday, you will be able to help your student be successful and learn time management skills. If your student stays current on assignments having many things due will not be overwhelming.

EXTRA CREDIT:
Extra credit will only be available to students with no missing assignments in the subject that extra credit is desired. Students will receive a list of opportunities or can submit their own ideas for extra credit if they are current in all of their work in that subject. The only exception is that students can earn extra credit by reading at home in addition to the suggested two and a half hours per week and documenting this work on their reading log or by getting their planner signed weekly by an adult.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1. Treat me, as your teacher, with the same respect with which I treat you.
2. Your actions may not cause a problem for anyone else.
3. If you cause a problem you will be asked to solve it.
4. If you cannot solve the problem or choose not to I will do something about it. What I do depends upon the situation and the person involved.
5. If I do something that appears to be unfair you may come talk to me in private and we will discuss it.

Consequences for failing to meet expectations

1st offense- verbal warning
2nd offense- Think Time with partner teacher
3rd offense- Office Referral (pink slip) or detention + phone call home by student to inform family of the problem
*In case of a serious disruption, steps one and two may be by-passed and the student will receive an immediate office referral.

NOTE: Unless an offense is quite serious, prior to an office referral, CMS policy is to give students who are disruptive a 30-minute time out “Think Time” with a partner teacher. During this time the student will need to identify the unacceptable behavior and decide upon an appropriate plan for changing it in order to avoid a pink slip referral to the principal or a detention. In the unlikely event that a student should earn three think times in one trimester a family/teacher conference will need to occur.

My email is joni_langston@csd49.org. I can also be reached at the middle school at 360.732.4219 – extension 2. Messages can be left with the school secretaries if I am in class when you call. I will return your call as soon as I am able to do so. Communication between school and home is vitally important so please feel free to email, call or set up a visit.

I am always appreciative of volunteers and would love to have family members help out here at school.

Thank you reading and discussing this information with your family.

Student’s name ___________________________________

My family and I have read and discussed this entire document. I understand the expectations of being a student in this classroom and will check with my teacher before signing it if I need any clarification. You will receive this document back after it has been checked in at school so you can keep it and refer back to it as needed.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________ Date _____

Student Signature _________________ Date ______

Laurie Olafson
Chimacum Middle School
laurie_olafson@csd49.org
6th grade
Course syllabi

Math 1
Traditional sixth grade Math skills and knowledge.
Texts are Connected Mathematics, various titles such as “Prime Time”, our first book. and “Data About Us”.
Support materials and practice pages from Glenco and Addison-Wesley texts that were used in previous years. Lots of work with fractions and decimals, some Geometry, a little easy Algebra.

Language (Reading, Writing, Spelling,Literature).
Adopted text is a variety of anthology titles from Heath Middle Level Literature. Our first title will be “Try, Try Again”. Other stories and articles will be read from anthologies such as Beginnings in Literature from Scott, Foresman publishers.
Emphasis in reading will be variety, so we will read lots of poems, nonfiction articles, biographies, stories, humor.
Writing will be taught in Language but there will also be writing instruction and practice in Social Studies and even Math (Special Number Report).
Persuasive and Expository writing will be covered along with lots of creative writing, especially poetry.

Social Studies
Our text includes History Alive!, The Ancient World hard bound text and a student workbook. There will be a large variety of supplemental materials including high-interest books and videos on life in ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome and many others.

Exploratory
The Exploratory class traditionally has areas of Health and Art. Other topics include extra P.E., thinking skills, cooperation games, crafts, listening skills, penmanship. Second Step lessons and Project Alert will have grades included in Exploratory.

Band or Fine Arts:
Students will be in either Band or Fine Arts. Both groups will be given PE each week. The students that are in Fine Arts will do lots of drawing and art, including art history and appreciation. There will also be a variety of theater skills and public speaking opportunities. We do readers’ theater, improvisation, word games, and other chances to be before an audience. We will cover some music history and we will also study aspects of humor.

Grades
There will be tests in Language, Social Studies and Math that will require independent effort. No one test will be so important that it can ruin an overall trimester grade. Many daily assignments will be graded but there will also be papers done for practice that are not graded. Students will receive papers back once or twice a week and they can ask questions and improve grades by correcting errors and showing their improved work to the teacher. Progress reports, showing all the assignments and tests plus the overall percentage, are handed to students about every 2 to 3 weeks. Grades can be seen on Skyward Family Access.

Parents are encouraged to e-mail, phone, send notes, or drop in a visit if there are questions or suggestions for the teacher.

Mr. DiPrete – Math and Science

2009/2010; Math 2 and 7/8 Science Syllabi
Big Ideas in Earth Science
Students will develop a working familiarity with Scientific Method through applying the Inquiry Board format to classroom activities/labs. This process includes being able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make reasonable predictions. Further, students will be able to design ways to test ideas about science.
Students will be able to apply knowledge gained in the class microcosm to the world macrocosm. As they learn about the rock cycle, water cycle, erosion, heat transfer, density, buoyancy, and earth’s composition, students will gain an understanding about earth’s features past and present. Their abilities to clearly express their knowledge will have evolved and be evident to the observer.
Grading will be based upon classroom participation in labs, projects, discussions, and assessments as well as performance in maintaining a science notebook. There will be quizzes following each unit. There will not be homework on a regular basis, but there will be occasions when reports, research, projects, and re-doing assignments will need to be completed at home in a timely fashion. Work missed due to all absences must be made up within a week of returning to school in order for full credit to be awarded.

Math 2
This year’s math curriculum will focus on solving problems using mathematical reasoning and math skills. Students will be able to analyze a problem to determine what information is given, what is needed, what operation(s) to perform, solve the problem, and then explain the mathematical processes involved in the solution.
Content areas include fractions, decimals, percent, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and negative numbers.
There will be daily homework Monday through Thursday. The homework will be reviewed in class the next day and credit will be awarded to all those who completed it as a grade for good classroom/student protocol. The greatest portion of a student’s grade will be based on weekly quizzes which will consist of a composite of class work, homework, openers, and previous material. Normally quizzes will consist of 5 to 15 problems for students to solve. Quizzes may be retaken within one week of its original administration.

Mr. DiPrete uses Easy Grade Pro software for tracking his class grades and will post grades into Skyward prior to Progress Reports. Parents and students may request printed progress reports at any time. Please allow one day for Mr. DiPrete to run reports.

8th Grade Pacific Northwest History and Language Arts
Ms. Lowrie Ms. Waring
Course Description

Welcome to the 8th grade!
Language Arts and Pacific Northwest History is an integrated, blocked class for the 2009-2010 school year.
Course Content for Pacific Northwest History (PNWH):
1. Geographic Overview
2. Early Native American Culture
3. European Land and Sea Exploration
4. Trappers, Traders, and Missionaries
5. Early Settlers and Pioneers
6. Boundary Disputes and Early Statehood
7. Natural Resources and Economy
8. Recreation and Tourism
9. State and Local Governments/Current Issues
10. Ghost Canoe by Will Hobbs and Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

Using Pacific Northwest History content as a foundation for writing and reading instruction, students will engage in a variety of classroom activities. These will include gathering and processing information from videos, text reading, and Internet research. Additionally, students will read two novels of Northwest fiction for young people. Because our middle school is committed to developing writing skills across the curriculum, this course will be writing intensive. Students will practice and develop independent and group skills in report writing, note taking, essay project work, as well as refining map skills. Traditional Language Arts instruction is included in this course to support the development of reading and writing skills. This includes grammar, spelling, writing conventions, sentence and paragraph construction, and presentation skills. Additionally, students will engage in personal reading projects based on a variety of literature such as biographies, realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and poetry. Finally, structured reading strategies will be presented and practiced to accommodate a variety of learning styles.

Course Objectives (WA State Essential Learning Requirements/ Grade Level Expectations)
Reading
1. The student will understand and use different skills and strategies to read.
2. The student will understand the meaning of what is read.
3. The student will read different materials for a variety of purposes.
Writing
1. The student will write clearly and effectively.
2. The student will write in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes.
3. The student will understand and use the steps of the writing process.
4. The student will analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of written work.
Social Studies Standards: BIG IDEAS
The geographical regions of Washington State
Early land use and culture landscape
Treaties and Tribal Sovereignty
Washington statehood
Immigration in Washington
Industry and environmentalism in Washington State
State government through its constitution

Grading Scale:
Grades will be based on points earned according to the following percentage breakdown:
90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, and 0-59%=F.
Approximately 60% of the total points possible may be earned through daily class work and homework assignments. 40% of the points earned will be for unit tests and quizzes. Any special projects or assignments will be explained in an outline which students are encouraged to share with their parents.

Assessment and Late Work Policy:
Students will receive two grades for each assignment and project that is turned in. The first grade will be a study skills grade based on timeliness and completion. Please keep this in mind as student’s budget time for individual and group assignments; using the school required planner will be essential in this process. The second grade will be an evaluation of the accuracy of content and assignment criteria. In order to avoid having students leave make up work until the end of grading periods, any assignments turned in later than 15 days from the original due date will not be accepted for credit.
Please encourage students to do all assignments so that they are prepared for culminating assessments.

Make-Up Assignments:
Make up assignments, class notes, and planner entries are the student’s responsibility. Students are responsible for asking the teacher for their make-up work following an absence. Parents are encouraged to contact the school to pick up assignments or have them e-mailed when their son or daughter misses school even for one day. Absent work must be turned in within the next two days upon returning to school. Arrangements can be made for extended absences, if needed.

Homework Responsibilities:
Homework will be assigned on Mondays and will be due on the following Thursday. Most assignments will be started in class with teacher direction and modeling. Reading assignments will often be given as homework. Each student will be assigned a PNWH textbook to keep at home and a classroom copy of the text will be provided during class time. Students are encouraged to read with the idea of answering key questions, acquiring essential vocabulary, and taking reading notes in short form. Most homework assignments can be completed within a half hour if time is used wisely. In addition to weekly homework assignments, there will be trimester projects that will have extended due dates. Using the required student planner will help you keep track of project timelines.

Classroom Expectations:
1. Treat us, as your teachers, with the same respect with which we treat you.
2. Your actions may not cause a problem for anyone else.
3. If you cause a problem, you will be asked to solve it.
4. If you cannot solve the problem or choose not to, we will do something. What we do will depend upon the situation and the person involved.
5. If we do something that appears to be unfair, you may come talk to us in private and we will discuss it.

Extra Credit
Extra credit is available to students without any missing assignments because extra does not mean ‘instead of.’ Be sure to check in with us if you have an area of interest that you would like to pursue for extra credit. Be prepared to present what your extra effort and learning will be.
Thank you for taking the time to read and discuss this document with your family. We look forward to working with you and your student. Please feel free to call, e-mail, or schedule a time to come by and share your concerns, questions, ideas, or suggestions. We can be reached at school between 7:10- 7:45 AM and after 2:20 PM at 732 – 4219. Our e-mail addresses are shannon_lowrie@csd49.org
and anne_waring@csd49.org

PLEASE RETURN THE LOWER PORTION OF THIS PAGE AS CONFIRMATION OF YOU AND YOUR STUDENT’S REVIEWING OF THIS INFORMATION.
THANK YOU!

                   

Student’s name:_______________________________________

My parents/guardians and I have read and discussed this entire document.
I understand the expectations of being a student in this classroom. I will ask questions if there is anything in this document that I don’t understand.

Student Signature__________________________________Date___________

Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________Date__________

Parent E-MAIL_______________________________________ (please print clearly)

7th Grade Computers
Keyboarding and Word Processing
Mr. White
SYLLABUS
Classroom Rules
Listen and follow directions the first time they are given
Work quietly and do your best work
NO food or beverages allowed in computer lab
Treat everyone and everything with RESPECT!
Only the teacher can move mice and keyboards.

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES

Students will be allowed to listen to head phones
Students can wear hats
Students can earn free time.
We can have a positive and fun classroom

Negative Consequences
Students don’t get positive privileges listed above
Time out in a buddy classroom
Teacher will contact or email parent or guardian
You can receive an after school detention
If all of these consequences fail, you will receive a referral to the office

Individual Assignments and Projects

All assignments will be graded. You must follow all directions given for each assignment
Be sure to proofread and spell check before you print your work.
I will record your best score typing every Friday. This is how you earn your keyboarding grade.
(Final Note: You are here to learn how to use word processing programs and to type quickly, correctly and accurately. These are very valuable skills that you will need to be a successful student. I look forward to helping you learn these skills, as well as getting to know you!)

Class Structure
The Class is split into 2 sections
1. Keyboarding Practice (25 minutes)
2. Microsoft Word Projects (25 minutes)

Daily Routines
1. Enter classroom and go straight to your assigned seat.
2. Open up Microsoft Word and start conditioning, warm-up drills
3. Maintain correct posture, keep hands on home row and focus on improving speed and accuracy.
4. When class ends, quietly close down your computer
5. Make sure all assignments are proofread and spelled check before handing in.
6. Be sure to leave your computer, keyboard and mouse clean and tidy. Pick up all garbage and materials. Place keyboarding books back on cart.
7. You will not be excused until you follow these directions.

GRADES

1. Attitude and Effort = 20 %
2. Assignments = 40%
3. Keyboarding drills = 40%

Your overall grade is based on your effort. If you have a good attitude, try hard, stay on task, and show progress, you will do well in this class.

***Your grade will be available on “Skyward” each Friday

Syllabus
6th Grade Band
Chimacum Middle School
2nd Period
2009-2010

Instructor: Mr. Garth Gourley
Contact: (360) 732-4090, x253
garth_gourley@csd49.org
Music Website: www.csd49.org/music

Course Description:
6th Grade Band is designed for students with at least 1 year of playing experience. Students work to develop musical ability on their instrument through experiences in the classroom, and performing in our community.

Grading:
60% Classroom Participation
40% Home Practice/Music Preparation

Classroom Participation includes being prepared for class, having all materials, being on time, being in attendance, maintaining a positive attitude, and participating in classroom activities.

Home Practice is based on a weekly practice journal. Journal sheets are handed out on Tuesday of every week, and are due the next Tuesday. Late sheets may not receive full credit.

Music Preparation means preparing our concert and study music to the best of our abilities so that we can contribute to the band and be a leader!

Required Materials:
Essential Elements 2000, Book 2 (Red Cover) on your instrument.
Pencil
Instrument in good working order
Extra reeds (woodwind players)/Extra sticks (percussion)/Extra valve oil (brass)

Open Band Room:
Mr. Gourley stays late most Thursdays and Fridays to allow students to practice in the band room (he even signs their practice sheets when they bring them to him). Bus passes are given to take the elementary bus.

Absences:
As per school policy, it is the student’s responsibility to get any make-up assignments after an absence. Attendance at all rehearsals is essential to both individual and ensemble success.

Playing Quizzes:
Any student may choose to retake a playing quiz as many times as they wish until the next playing quiz is given. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a retake. Retakes do not happen during class, and must happen during lunch or after school.

Think Time:
When a classroom norm has been violated a student may be sent to “Think Time”. After the third “Think Time” a student receives an automatic “Pink Slip”. “Think Time” does not necessarily mean disciplinary action may occur. Students violating norms pertaining to classroom safety or harassment will automatically receive a “Pink Slip.”

Band Equipment:
We are very fortunate to have classroom equipment available for certain uses. Students damaging equipment will be responsible for its replacement costs.

Performances:
MISSING A PERFORMANCE RESULTS IN AUTOMATIC COURSE FAILURE.

Concert Attire:
Men: Black slacks, shoes and socks (NO JEANS), and a plain white collared shirt

Ladies: Same as men, OR a black skirt, 6 inches beyond knee length when seated.

*Improper concert attire counts as missing a concert.

7th & 8th Grade Band
Chimacum Middle School
1st Period
2009-2010

Instructor: Mr. Garth Gourley
Contact: (360) 732-4090, x253
garth_gourley@csd49.org
Music Website: www.csd49.org/music

Course Description:
7th & 8th Grade Band is designed for students with at least 2 years of playing experience. Students work to develop musical ability on their instrument through experiences in the classroom, and performing in our community.

Grading:
60% Classroom Participation
40% Home Practice/Music Preparation

Classroom Participation includes being prepared for class, having all materials, being on time, being in attendance, maintaining a positive attitude, and participating in classroom activities.

Home Practice is based on a weekly practice journal. Journal sheets are handed out on Tuesday of every week, and are due the next Tuesday. Late sheets may not receive full credit.

Music Preparation means preparing our concert and study music to the best of our abilities so that we can contribute to the band and be a leader!

Required Materials:
Essential Elements 2000, Book 3 (Teal Cover) on your instrument.
Pencil
Instrument in good working order
Extra reeds (woodwind players)/Extra sticks (percussion)/Extra valve oil (brass)

Absences:
As per school policy, it is the student’s responsibility to get any make-up assignments after an absence. Attendance at all rehearsals is essential both to student learning and to the success of the band as a whole.

Band Equipment:
We are very fortunate to have classroom equipment available for certain uses. Students damaging equipment will be responsible for its replacement costs.

Performances:
MISSING A PERFORMANCE RESULTS IN AUTOMATIC COURSE FAILURE.

Concert Attire:
Men: Black slacks, shoes and socks (NO JEANS), and a plain white collared shirt

Ladies: Same as men, OR a black skirt, 6 inches beyond knee length when seated.

*Improper concert attire counts as missing a concert.
*We are graded on appearance at adjudication in the spring.

Yearbook Exploratory
Ms. Gretchen Berg
Course Description:
In Yearbook this trimester, we are going to work hard to attempt to produce the best yearbook Chimacum Middle School has ever seen! We are going to learn a lot together. Teamwork is going to be the key word for the trimester. We will absolutely need to work together, or we will not be successful. It is going to be vital to pay attention to communication between staff, editors, and the advisor.
Editors may have several meetings with me (the advisor) during 1st period. We will try to keep these dates consistent and well planned, but as deadlines approach, we may need to meet more often. It will be very important for staff to follow the guidance of the editors as the editors will have more time with me.
Attending after-school functions will help you cover the information accurately. This will not be required, but is certainly encouraged. The yearbook and school spirit in general will both benefit from your attendance at these functions. I understand that not everyone will be able to attend after-school sports or other activities and I will not grade down for inability to attend, unless you sign up for an activity that requires your attendance and you miss it.

Grading: I will grade on class assignments, how well you participate, the quality of your work and whether or not you meet your deadlines. You can expect deadlines and participation to make up the bulk of your grade.

Late Work: I expect students to work under professional expectations. Therefore, all assignments are due on their due date. In the world of journalism and yearbook, these are called deadlines. Late class work will not be accepted unless a student has an excused absence from school. The policy is: Early is on-time, On-Time is late, and Late is not an option! Other people depend on your ability to meet your deadlines. Keep this in mind; plan ahead, use calendars/planners to help organize time, assignments, and other activities.

Communication: As previously stated, communication will be essential this trimester. I would like the yearbook staff to have the phone numbers or email address of each person they will be working with in case important questions come up. Please tell me right away if this will be a problem for you or your family. My home phone number is 437-1919. Please call and leave a message if necessary.

Parents: Please read this syllabus with your student. If you need clarification on any part of it, feel free to call the middle school for an appointment at 732-4219. Please sign and detach the portion below and return to me to keep on file. It is due: ____________________________. Thank you for your support!
Gretchen Berg

Signature of Parent or Guardian: ____________________________ Date _____________
Student Name ___________________________________

Journalism Exploratory – Newspaper Production
Ms. Gretchen Berg
Course Description:
In Journalism this trimester, you will receive an introduction to newspaper production. It is our goal to produce at least two school papers to be made available to the student population. You will learn about the types of news coverage available and apply that information to our newspaper. You will begin to gain an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of free speech in this country. You will learn to actively seek, gather, and evaluate information. You will also edit copy using established editing symbols. Additionally, you will be expected to complete at least 5 current events throughout the trimester.
We will use videos, professionally published newspapers and school newspaper samples to help attain these goals.
Attending after-school functions will help you cover the stories accurately. This will not be required, but is certainly encouraged. The paper and school spirit in general will both benefit from your attendance at these functions. I understand that not everyone will be able to attend after-school sports or other activities and will therefore not grade down for inability to attend.

Grading: I will grade on current events assignments, class assignments, how well you participate, the quality of the content of the stories you write and whether or not you meet your deadlines. Approximately 1/3 of your grade comes from your current events, 1/3 of your grade is your contribution to the issues of the paper, and 1/3 comes from various in-class assignments.

Late Work: As an introduction to a true profession, I expect students to work under professional expectations. Therefore, all assignments are expected to be turned in on their due date. In the world of journalism, these are called deadlines. In-class work and current events will be accepted for a reduced grade, dependent on lateness. Issue Contributions, however, are due on the specified date. Other people depend on your ability to meet your deadlines in regard to your issue contributions. Once the paper is printed, your score for your contribution to that issue is determined. It cannot be made up! Keep this in mind; plan ahead, use calendars/planners to help organize time, assignments, and other activities.

Parents: Please read this syllabus with your student. If you need clarification on any part of it, feel free to call the middle school for an appointment at 732-4219 or email me at: gretchen_berg@csd49.org. Please sign and detach the portion below and return to me to keep on file. It is due: ____________________________. Thank you for your support!
Gretchen Berg

Signature of Parent or Guardian: ____________________________ Date _____________

Student Name ____________________________________

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