Course Title: Contemporary Voices Mira Mesa High School 2014-2015 Course Syllabus

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  Binder or separate binder section for Contemporary Voices
  
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  Highlighters
  
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  Lined paper
  
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  Black/blue ink pens/No. 2 pencils/mechanical pencils
  
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  Calendar/planner
  
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  Composition Book or spiral notebook (50 pages minimum for journal writing)
  
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  ID Card (to check out library books)
  
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  Access to computer and internet
  

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  Drive to save and back up work
  
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  Earphones for class laptops
  
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  Pencil pouch
  
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  Colored pencils
  
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  Sticky notes or tabbed highlighters for study purposes
  
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  Note cards
  

The California Constitution mandates that public education be provided to students free of charge, unless a charge is specifically authorized by law for a particular program or activity. The following are specific exceptions to the prohibition on fees, charges and deposits at the kindergarten through 12th grade level (some legal provisions related to child care programs and adult education are not listed here). These fees, charges and deposits are legally permissible because they are specifically permitted by law. (Note: This list is based on legal authorizations, but the inclusion of a permissible fee, charge or deposit on this list does not necessarily mean that District schools currently assess the fee, charge or deposit). 

Please visit the SDUSD Student Fees section for the completed list and additional resources by clicking here: SDUSD Student Fees or go to: www.sandi.net/parents/ then click on Student Fees in the menu on the left side.

Academic Honesty Policy:

All students are expected to abide by the Mira Mesa High School Academic Honesty Policy which is clearly outlined in the Student & Parent Handbook as well as posted online with school registration forms for students and parents to review.

Come to class on time. Come prepared. Work hard. Do your own work!

Students are expected to follow school/classroom rules and procedures. As a consequence of breaking the rules, the citizenship grade may be lowered and/or other penalties may apply. Possible outcomes may include: a verbal warning, a referral, parent/guardian contact/conference, and/or detention. The administration may determine that more consequences may apply such as Saturday School or suspension.
Academic Grading Policy:

Academic grades are cumulative throughout the semester and are based on points received for quality and punctual completion. All work must be submitted on time.

30% Homework/Classwork/Participation/Reports

Assignments used to build, practice and master skills, foster academic discussion

30% Assessments

Quizzes, Tests/Unit Tests/ Exams/Final Projects/Presentations

40% Formal, Academic and/or Processed Writing

Personal Statements, Essays, Autobiographical Pieces, Expository Papers, Research

Grades are given based on a total points system that allows assignments to be weighted within grade categories.

Grades will be awarded on the percent of points possible using the following traditional scale:

A= 100%-89.5%, B= 89%-79.5%, C= 79%-69.5 %, D= 69%- 59.5%. F= 59.4%-0%

No late work accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to attend class punctually and regularly.

It is best for students/parents/guardians to notify the school, counselor and teacher in the case of extended illness.
Support Policy:

Students may communicate directly with the teacher whenever they may need extra help. The teacher is available M-F in Room B-32 from 7:00 am. - 7:25am. If necessary the student may arrange to meet at an alternate time.

Parents may review student progress through the Parent Portal at Powerschool.

The teacher will update important information as soon as possible. (The goal is within every ten school days.)


Citizenship Rubric: Citizenship will be evaluated using the Mira Mesa High School Citizenship rubric.

MIRA MESA HIGH SCHOOL CITIZENSHIP RUBRIC FOR 2013-2014

	Attendance (Absences must be excused within 72 hours)	Behavior
E = Excellent	1 or fewer uncleared tardies and No unexcused absences	The student almost always: Participates in learning. Follows classroom rules. Displays on-task behaviors. Is respectful to others.
G = Good	2 or fewer uncleared tardies and/or No unexcused absences	The student usually: Participates in learning. Follows classroom rules. Displays on-task behaviors. Is respectful to others.
S = Satisfactory	3 or fewer uncleared tardies and/or 1 unexcused absence	The student sometimes: Participates in learning. Follows classroom rules. Displays on-task behaviors. Is respectful to others.
N = Needs Improvement	4 or fewer uncleared tardies and/or 2 unexcused absence	The student rarely: Participates in learning. Follows classroom rules. Displays on-task behaviors. Is respectful to others.
U = Unsatisfactory	5 or more uncleared tardies and/or 3 or more unexcused absences	The student almost never: Participates in learning. Follows classroom rules. Displays on-task behaviors. Is respectful to others.

Participation in learning means:

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  Attending on time, ready to work.
  
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  Being prepared. Students are expected to arrive with appropriate materials and assignments.
  

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  Participate positively. Pay attention to teacher and classmates, when appropriate. Remain respectful of self and others. Communicate with the teacher. If you need further explanation, request a meeting or clarification session.
  

Follows classroom rules means:

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  All school rules apply. The Honesty Policy applies to ALL student work.
  
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  Electronics may be confiscated and returned only to a parent.
  
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  No chewing gum, eating, or drinking (except for water) is allowed in the classroom.
  

Displays on task behavior means:

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  Stay focused. Avoid distractions.
  
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  Actively contribute to the learning process. Listen to teacher and classmates, take notes, ask appropriate questions, note deadlines, if possible or appropriate help others.
  
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  Lost? Need more time? Communicate with the teacher/s.
  

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  Be patient and respectful to teacher, classmates. Raise your hand for best results. Wait your turn.
  
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  Be professional. Use appropriate language/expressions for the educational setting.
  
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  Treat classroom, equipment, supplies with respect. When possible, help keep classroom neat and clean,
  

My signature below indicates I have read and understand the policies and rules of this class and will do my best to fulfill the requirements and expectations.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Parent/Guardian Name (PRINT): ____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _________________

I prefer to be contacted by:
 Phone: _________________________________________________________________

Preferred Contact Number(s)

Preferred Email Address