Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome back to school. I have composed this letter to better help you understand what is expected of each student this year. I have briefly included my grading and class policies. I have also included a summary of each of the core classes I teach in an effort to help you understand what we will be covering the next 10 months.

In Class Assignments and Homework

Students should expect to have homework on a regular basis. It is up to students to see me about any problems they are having regarding assignments. Students will receive a progress report every other Monday. This practice will begin during the second or third week of school. If you do not see a progress report periodically please call me.

Late and Makeup Work

If a student has an excused absence he or she will be given time to make up missed work with no penalty. It is the student's responsibility to arrange time when I can explain what they need to make up. I am available before school, during lunch and after school.

Late work is a common problem for middle school students. Late assignments will be accepted, but the grade will be penalized. If an assignment is turned in one day late, the highest grade possible will be a C. Students will have up to one week to turn the assignment in for 1/2 credit, after which they will be worth 1/4 of the original point value.

Homework assignments are posted daily, and students are required to write them down. This is something that I check. A computer copy of the grade book is posted once a week for students to check. It is their responsibility to check this periodically. Another option offered in my class is the Homework Hotline. Every night I will leave a voice recording of the days homework along with any other upcoming assignments on my voice mail (676-6470 ext.5677). 

Lunch Bunch

The lunch bunch is one of the programs offered in my class. If a student is failing, or falling behind in one of the core subjects they may be required to spend the lunch period working in class. They, while eating lunch in my room, will receive extra help. I also encourage students to voluntarily come in during this time for help.

Grading Scale

• 90%-100%= A

• 80%-89% = B

• 70%-79% = C

• 60%-69% = D

• Below 60% = Failure

Rules

My classroom operates on the AAA Formula for success.

Attend: Students arrive on time, are ready to learn, and Focus their attention to the task at hand.

Attempt: Students participate, are prepared, and complete work, without disturbing others.

Achieve: Attempt their personal best on all work.

Students will also be expected to follow all school rules. If a rule is abused the student's name will be placed on the board and they will make up the time during lunch or after school. I am a strong believer that parents should be contacted if there is a continuous problem that after school time does not solve.

Literature

Every four to five weeks a student is required to complete a book report. These book reports will fall under a specific category, which I choose. One month a student may be doing a report on a historical fiction book. The next month they may be required to do a report on a biography. This encourages students to experience different types of writing. During this class, students will also be reading numerous short stories dealing with such things as plot, theme, and character. Students will read two to three class novels throughout the year.

Social Studies

The seventh grade year will be divided into two halves. During the first part of the year, students will be studying Middle Eastern, European, and African medieval history. During the second half of the year students will be studying Washington State History. Students will complete individual and group activities throughout the year. They will also be given a test over each of the areas we study.

Language Arts

Language Arts includes spelling and working with the basics of grammar. Students will also spend a good deal of time working with the writing process. They will spend the majority of the year writing and editing. These pieces of writing will range from journal entries and small essays to research papers of varying length. Students will also be required to do in class "public speaking" throughout the year.

Calico Team

In an effort to improve each child's learning experience Whatcom Middle School has placed students into teams. Each Team will be comprised of four teachers (two Core, one Science and one Math).

This will allow teachers to integrate curriculum, and monitor academic, and behavior throughout the school day. Your child will be part of the Calico Team (See attached Handout).

I welcome your questions or concerns at any time. I can be reached at school in the mornings from 7:45-8:00 and in the afternoons after 3:10 at 676-6470 ext. 5677. I can also be reached by e-mail at mowens@bham.wednet.edu I look forward to meeting you at Open House. Your support and encouragement in your student's progress is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Michael Owens