http://www.queenanne.org/protected/announcements/qasnewlogo%20SMALL.jpg9th Grade – FRESHMEN SEMINAR – FALL 2008

kwalker@queenanne.org and econn@queenanne.org

http://paws.queenanne.org/walker/

QUEEN ANNE SCHOOL – SCIENCE BUILDING – AMPHITHEATRE

 

 

Overview

This course will allow students to begin learning and exploring life as an Upper School student at Queen Anne School.  This one semester course provides students with a strong foundation that will help them succeed in numerous areas from time management to various Microsoft programs.  Since the expectations of teachers change dramatically from Middle School to Upper School, this course ensures each 9th grader at QAS will feel confident to tackle the challenges and assignments given at the Upper School level. 

 

Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

-          Organize a planner to help keep track of short and long term assignments

-          Set aside time to complete assignments as well as meet any extra curricular obligations

-          Maintain an organized backpack and locker to ensure items can be found easily, quickly, and efficiently

-          Ensure all of the necessary materials for each class and teacher are gathered and ready to go

-          Assemble binders to a teacher’s specifications

-          Distinguish what is and isn’t plagiarism and how to write with integrity

-          Set both long and short term academic and personal goals

-          Take effective notes both during class as well as during a reading assignment

-          Prepare for a variety of tests

-          Utilize Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher

-          Understand the benefits and dangers of various aspects of the World Wide Web

-          Practice public speaking skills while using knowledge gained about writing with integrity

 

Guidelines

*   come to class prepared with the necessary supplies to work including an open mind

*   responsible for everything discussed in class as well as all work given (check website for clarifications)

*   hand in work on-time

*   ask questions when unsure of anything or when clarification is needed

*   type all homework assignments unless otherwise specified – follow MLA format

                        Times New Roman                 1” margins on each side of the page

                        Size 12 font                            double-space the entire document

*   participate actively every day in class

*   think and complete every assignment independently unless otherwise specified

*   use the resources given in class to enhance the high school experience on a daily basis

 

 

Format of the Class

                Daily Assignments

Students will submit assignments typically at the end of a class period.  The nature of these assignments will cover a wide variety of topics.  Students will earn grades on a check system.  Students will receive an ample amount of class time to complete these assignments.  If the student does not complete the assignment by the due date then he/she must complete the assignments at home.  In order to keep up with the pace of the class assignments will not be accepted late.  If it is submitted late, we will provide feedback only; students need to be aware he/she will not receive credit in the daily assignment area.  If a student has a doctor’s note to document being out of school for an entire day, he/she will have a day for each day being out to make up the work.  PLEASE NOTE – If a student is at home and able to do work, submitting assignments electronically will allow he/she to keep up with the class work and in turn have less to make up upon returning to school.  Please make sure to submit assignments in the format and manner requested.  Failure to do so will result in a loss of points.  KEEP THE ASSIGNMENT SHEETS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR PORTFOLIO. 

 

                Participation

Positive participation and involvement is essential for this class.  If a student is a distraction to others and/or inhibits a student or students from working then he or she will not receive a high participation score.  This is a great area to earn credit.  If we have to address a student on numerous occasions, interims will go home to address the negative participation.  Students need to take this area of the grade seriously because this is to help students understand what positive participation means, so they can succeed in every high school class and contribute in a positive way. 

 

                Portfolio, Significant Assignments, and Tests

Every student will create a portfolio that demonstrates the growth and tasks completed.  This is a significant project, but the student should not worry about it if he or she keeps up with each assignment.  The student will basically submit his or her binder at the end of the quarter to demonstrate a successful completion of the class.  If a student does not submit a daily assignment, he or she can complete the assignment for feedback and include it in the portfolio.  We do not want to penalize the students twice for a missed assignment.  This also encourages students to go ahead and complete the work and achieve the objectives of the lesson while earning credit in the portfolio.  If you have questions about this, please see us.  The portfolio will be due at the end of the 1st quarter.  A student can only submit the portfolio one day late.  After that the student will earn a 0% on the assignment.  Other significant assignments will include application of the Writing with Integrity portion of the class as well as the Public Speaking portion of the class.  Students will also write brief essays based on the knowledge acquired during the course.      

Cyber Days

Since Code C Cyber Days are counted as school days, submitting work is a priority in order to maintain the speed of the class.  If there are any questions regarding the procedures, please ask Ms. Walker and Mr. Conn PRIOR to a Cyber Day.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  If inclement weather is in the forecast, take the appropriate precautions and bring home the material you need to conduct class from home. 

 

 

Absences

Upon being absent and able to work, please contact us when/if able by email, and we can keep the student up-to-date with assignments to ease the transition upon returning to school.  Please keep in mind that if a student knows he/she will be absent for an extended period of time he/she becomes is still responsible for all assignments, and the student MUST fill out a green sheet from the Front Desk or Dean’s Office AND meet with one of us prior to leaving to get a complete list of assignments.  If there are any long-term assignments given prior to the extended absence, prior arrangements must be made regarding a due date.  This is to ensure the student experiences a smooth transition back into school and doesn’t feel overwhelmed by needing to complete back work along with the current assignments.

 

 

Weekly Agendas

Every two weeks we will distribute weekly agendas.  This will serve as an outline for the week/weeks.  It will contain things we will do in class as well as where class will take place since we will sometimes use the computer lab.  Please keep this with you in your Freshmen Seminar binder because it is a working document.  Circumstances often arise that can change the course of a week’s scheduled assignments.  As dates for class may change due to inclement weather or special school events, please remember to change dates on your agenda OR ask us if you have questions.  What is said in class regarding dates is what we will follow.  When in doubt about an assignment ASK/EMAIL us.  (Available by email until 9pm)         

 

 

Required Texts

                9th Grade Planner – ONLY SOLD AT THE QAS BOOKSTORE

 

 

Grading Policy

Please use this as a guideline for determining the quarter grade.  Students will receive a grade chart to maintain their daily assignment average throughout the quarter.  If you have any questions please see me. 

               

Portfolio, Significant Assignments, and Tests                                    weighted three times                           

                Participation                                                                                           weighted two times

                Daily Assignments                                                                                                weighted one time

 

Guidance for Determining Your Grade – There are two ways to calculate your grade, but each will give the same result.

 

Portfolio + Portfolio + Portfolio + Participation + Participation + Daily Assignment Average = Total  ---> Total/6= Your Grade

 

3(Portfolio) + 2(Participation) + Daily Assignment Average = Total  ---> Total/6= Your Grade

 

 

Interims

We will post interims on the QAS Family Exchange when needed for various reasons.  If the average slips below a C-, we will write and post an interim.  This simply serves as a motivating tool to push students to keep working hard or to realize what they can achieve by putting forth a little more effort.  If a parent or guardian would like an update, please send Ms. Walker and Mr. Conn an email, and we will reply when we post an interim. 

 

 
Honor Code

Students are reminded of the Honor Code in every class.  Students often seek out the “easy” way by utilizing various sites or their peers to complete assignments.  If students do plagiarize or work together, we will find out and be obligated to bring the student(s) to the Honor Council.  So, trust your abilities and do everything with integrity!

 

 

Materials

1 ½” Binder with clear window on the front to slide in papers

Dividers for the following (General Info, Organization, Goals, Notes, Test Prep, Technology, Writing with Integrity, and Public Speaking)

Notebook Paper – college ruled

Pens and pencils – ink on submitted items needs to be blue/black

Working computer with email capabilities

Working printer with ink  

Flashdrive, Pindrive, etc…  (this is to transport documents or files to and from school – students should NOT share – at least 1GB – this can be the

same one students use for Introduction to Literature and other classes)