August 29, 2007

 

Dear Junior High Students and Parents,

 

            We would like to welcome you to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade at St. Thomas.  We are very excited about having a successful, fun-filled year, and hope that you are eager to begin a new year in Junior High.

            In an effort to make this a smooth transition for both students and parents, we have put together a set of classroom policies and guidelines.  Students, we hope you find these guidelines helpful in understanding what is expected of you in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.  Parents, we hope to promote an open line of communication between the teachers, the students and you.

          Our ultimate goal is your student’s success!

 

Classroom Guidelines

Our classroom guidelines are divided into three main areas:  general classroom rules, morning routine, and afternoon routine.  We have found that if students follow these guidelines we have a more productive and pleasant classroom environment.

 

            Classroom Rules:

1)      Respect your teachers and your classmates.

2)     Respect all personal and school property.

3)     Carry out your basic student responsibilities.

 

Morning Routine:

1)      Students must put coats, bags, and books in locker and be in their seat before morning announcements begin.  If the student is not in his or her seat they will be expected to enter their homeroom with a tardy slip.

2)     Students should remain silent during morning announcements.

3)     No books, bags, or clothing should be left in the classroom.  Everything must be put in lockers or inside desks.  Other students will be sitting in the desk throughout the day, so nothing should be left out.

4)     Before leaving a classroom all garbage must be picked up and chairs pushed in.

5)     Students need to be on time to all classes. If a student is tardy they will be expected to sign the tardy book in the appropriate classroom.

6)     Students are expected to have all books and supplies for each class.  They will not be allowed to return to homerooms or lockers once a class has started.

7)     Students should not be in the halls during class time without a pass.  When going to the bathroom, students need a bathroom pass and must sign in/out.

8)     Church rules are very important and must always be followed:

*Students must line up in the classroom and walk quietly to church.

*There should be absolutely NO talking/whispering in church.

*Any reprimand by any teacher in church results in a detention.

 

Afternoon Routine:

1)      After lunch students must be in their seat with all necessary materials by 11:40 /12:20.  This includes the art room and other specials.

2)     Students will be dismissed to go to lockers at 2:05.  Desks should be completely cleared.

3)     All trash should be picked up before students are dismissed.

4)     No talking during afternoon announcements.

5)     Nothing should be left on top of lockers or on the hallway floor.

 

 

 

Uniforms

Uniform guidelines will be strictly enforced in Junior High.  If a student or parent has a question about the uniform, you may consult your Student Handbook or ask a teacher.  Uniform sweaters must be worn from October 15 to April 15.

 

Any violation of the uniform code will result in a written warning being sent home notifying the parent.  This warning must be signed and returned the following day, along with the violation being corrected, or a detention will result.  A second violation within the same quarter, for the same thing (i.e. no belt) will result in an automatic detention.

 

We appreciate parents help to ensure that students are dressed appropriately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homework

Homework assignments are given for a variety of reasons, such as when more practice is needed or to reinforce skills.  Please keep in mind that when class time is not used efficiently by a student, more homework time will be needed.  With the exception of long-term projects or reading assignments, minimal homework, if any, will be given over the weekends. ** This, however, does not pertain to accelerated classes.

 

It is in the student’s best interest to complete all homework assignments on time.  If a student does not complete a homework assignment on time, a homework notice requiring a parent signature will be given on the day the assignment was due.  Only one homework notice will be given per assignment.

 

Late homework

Late homework will result in a lowering of the grade that would have been received.  The first day that an assignment is late, its grade will be lowered one letter grade.  The second day late, this grade will be lowered an additional letter grade.  For example:  If a homework assignment grade is 90% (B), the first day that it is late, its grade will be an 83% (C).  The second day that it is late; the grade will be 73% (D).  On the third day, its grade will be 0% (F).  Homework will not be accepted after the second day late.   We feel that it is important for parents to be aware of late or missing homework assignments while there is still time to correct the behavior.  We appreciate parental support in making sure assignments are completed on time.

 

Vacations

When a student is absent due to a vacation, all homework is expected one school day after he or she returns.  Please realize that daily homework is posted on the website and can be checked during the absence.

 

Report Card Guidelines for Homily Reports

1. Students who turn in all homily reports and answer all 3 questions will   

    receive an asterisk (commendable) on their report card under “participates in  

    liturgy.”

2. Students who are missing 3 or more homily reports will receive a check mark

    under “participates in liturgy.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detentions