Course expectations and requirements

Attendance

Lates, cuts, and absences will be dealt with in accordance with Niskayuna High School’s policies. 

If you are 20 MINUTES (OR MORE) LATE for a class, whatever the reason, it is considered a class absence. 

If you CUT a class, the appropriate paperwork will be sent to your assistant principal.  You should receive 3 after school detentions from your administrator.  In addition, YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO (0) for any work that took place during the block or that was due that block. 

PLEASE NOTE:  if you cut class for a section of your final exam, the same penalties will apply.

Calculating your final course grades

Your final course grade will be calculated numerically.  Because this is a semester course, the marking period grades are doubled and the final exam will count once: 2+2+1=5/5= final course grade.

Late work due to absences

If you have an excused absence, you have as many days as you were out to make up the work for that absence.  I will not remind you to make up your work.  THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.   If your work is not completed in the allotted time, a 0 will be recorded for that assignment.  If you cut a class, a 0 will be recorded for that assignment and that assignment cannot be made up.

Cell phone use

Cell phones are not to be used in the classroom for personal use.  If you are using a cell phone for personal use during class, I reserve the right to take the phone AND assign a 0 for the activity that day.

               

Tests and quizzes must be made up within one week of the absence. 

A grace period of three days is provided for FINAL DRAFTS of most essay assignments with a deduction of one letter grade per day.  Major papers, such as research papers, will not be accepted after their final due dates unless a verified written excuse is provided.  The late paper will be still be downgraded, however, at my discretion.  

I do not accept late homework. 

Academic integrity

The academic integrity policy is located in Niskayuna High School’s Code of Conduct booklet.  Please read it with your parents, and come in with any questions you might have.   I may refer you to this section from time to time.  I take ALL instances of academic integrity seriously and will deal with them in concert with the administration.  This includes copying homework:  UNLESS OTHERWISE STIPULATED, HOMEWORK (including any worksheets) IS AN INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY.  Each party involved in copying homework is culpable and will meet with their administrator.  

If you have any academic integrity issues with your final exam, you will receive a 0 for the exam and will be reported immediately to the building principal.

Extra help

If you do not speak to me about a problem, I will not know you have it and, consequently, will not be able to help you.  Let me know ahead of time that you plan to stop in for help. 

Classroom behavior

Think before you speak, listen to what classmates have to say, help others when the occasion calls for it, act honestly.  Success in life is determined by more than a transcript.  Successful people are capable of building meaningful relationships with other people.