Mrs. Burega's Classroom

Policies & Grading

Grading Policies

Quarter grades are comprised of:

Tests/Writing/Projects (50%)
Classwork/Quizzes (25%)
Homework (25%)

Students will be evaluated on quizzes, writing assignments, vocabulary work and tests, literature tests, group activities, oral presentations, and other worthy assignments.

All students will be working towards success on the English Regents Exam, given in January of their 11th grade year. As a result, English 10 and English 11 are very literature and writing intensive courses. Writing assignments will be scored by NYS Regents-based rubric to help students identify skill areas where improvement is most needed.

A unit test and/or project will be given at the end of each learning unit. No missed quizzes may be made up after the final assessment is given.

At all times, the grade a student EARNS is the grade that is entered into the grade book.

 

Make Up Work Policies

Absences are a student responsibility and this is the work missed while a student was out. Make-up work from ANY absence (including tests) must be arranged by the student, on the day of return to school. This also applies to time spent outside of the classroom such as being in the nurse's office or guidance office etc. It is the student’s responsibility to speak to me regarding missed work and arrange to stay after school if necessary. Failure to arrange make-up tests/work will result in a zero.
Work may be made-up after school during 10th period, not during class, as we will be learning new material.

Furthermore, if I have provided an extended outline detailing the assignments for several days, students will be responsible for all assignments according to the schedule, as the assignment and date due were previously provided. If there are extenuating circumstances of any kind that I need to be aware of to adjust this policy when it is fair to do so, the student should speak to me as soon as possible.

Homework and Essays
No Late Homework. Homework assignments are an extension of our class work and nearly always directly related to the work of the following day. Completing homework is a student’s first demonstration that they are willing to be part of their own success. Failure to take part in that opportunity will result in a grade of zero.

Late work in this class is anything turned in after I've collected an assignment—even if work is turned in later that day, it is still late. Late writing assignments will receive a 10 point deduction in the grade.  Late projects will be subject to a minimum of 10 points off; possibly more given increased lateness.  As a rule, all make-up work should be placed in my hands to eliminate problems.

As per Mohonasen High School policy, handing in someone else’s work as your own is never the answer. CHEATING and/or PLAGIARISM is a serious situation and will be addressed with both disciplinary response as well as academic consequences. When in doubt, be honest and do better the next time.

Behavior and Class Procedures
Respect is Key. I am firm but fair, and I expect good behavior from each student. This includes treating me, other students, and our classroom with respect. Do not talk when someone else has the floor, but feel free to courteously share your ideas with the class. We learn from each other. Lewd and insensitive remarks are not acceptable, and everyone is responsible for their own “self-edit mechanism”.

 

Please attend to personal needs before you come to class (during passing time). This includes restroom visits, locker stops, and drinks of water etc. Emergencies to leave class are one thing, but a pattern of leaving class is not acceptable, as it ends in a lot of missed class time and besides, I’d miss you!

 

Class begins with the bell that ends passing time and students are responsible for coming to class on time and prepared. Have your folder, notebook, and pens ready when that bell rings. Most days begin with an activity as soon as class starts—you don’t want to miss it!

 

Lastly, English class time is not available for homework completion or studying of other subjects. Each class we will have a P.O.A. (Plan of Action) on the board and a goal for success that day. Never get distracted from being successful!

What does it take to pass?
It’s pretty simple, really. Follow three simple rules:

A    Attend
B    Behave
C   Complete the Work

 

And if you have any questions, ASK ME!

Will you help me?
Extra help is always available! I post my 10th period days that I’m available in the classroom each week. Also, arrangements can be made with me during, and after school to meet with me for assistance. There is no excuse for failing grades if a student makes effort to complete missed assignments, get writing help, and/or clarify any questions about class work.
Come see me!

Let's Work Together
Communication is the KEY! I welcome the opportunity to speak with parents during the school year. Parents, please feel free to contact me at school via phone or e-mail.