1. Palm Middle School
Social Studies
Mr. Carignan

2. CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK
Homework is not assigned regularly, although it is your child’s responsibility to review notes taken in class and read the text on a consistent basis to be prepared for any quiz or test. During the year several projects will require your child to complete work at home.
Evaluation of course grades include: tests, homework, class assignments, special projects, class participation, and group work. The grading scale is as follows:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
59% and below = F

3. CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK
After an EXCUSED absence, work will be due within the number of days equal to the days absent (ex. 3 days absent, 3 days to make up the assignments).
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST WORK/TESTS MISSED FOLLOWING AN ABSENCE.

4. CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK
All students will be required to use Edmodo. Please check Edmodo on a daily basis, as communication between school and home is a vital component of student success.

5. CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK
Tutoring is available every morning from 8:15- 8:30 AM and during second lunch. All students who need to make up tests or work from absences should attend. All students with low grades should attend.

6. DISCIPLINE PLAN
To create the best learning environment, all students are expected to adhere to the following rules:
Be in assigned seat when the tardy bell rings. (Remember that the teacher, not the bell, dismisses students at the end of class.)
Have all required materials ready to use in class.
Follow directions the first time given.
Respect yourself, respect others, and respect your school.
Follow policies outlined in Palm Middle School’s Handbook and your teachers’ classroom rules and procedures (including NO GUM CHEWING OR EATING IN CLASS).

7. DISCIPLINE PLAN
Consequences for students who do not comply with these rules can include:
Verbal warnings
Time out or writing standard
Contact with parents (letter/phone)
Inability to participate in reward activities
Detentions/ Campus Beautification
Parent/Teacher Conference
Office referral

8. DISCIPLINE PLAN Positive Attitudes Will Succeed
Students who show appropriate behavior will be recognized and rewarded with praise, positive notes, special activities and being nominated for Student of the Month.
School Phone number:
address
Positive Attitudes Will Succeed

9. Tips for Improving Your Social Studies Grade
Be at school. It’s impossible to make-up all class work and assignments. Many students don’t check the weekly agenda, when they miss a day. It is their responsibility to make-up the missing work. Do make-up work and turn it in. I repeat to insure a better grade do your to make up work for any lost points.

10. Tips for Improving Your Social Studies Grade
Bring spiral and pen or pencil to class everyday. Supplies are essential.
Follow classroom procedures. A paper listing our classroom procedures was given to each student and should be in the notebook.
Write class and homework assignments in an daily planner. If you don’t finish something in class, finish it for homework. If you don’t have the proper books to finish the assignment, see me after school to borrow one.

11. Tips for Improving Your Social Studies Grade
Be organized. One of the biggest problems is the fact that the students are disorganized. Parents may want to check their backpacks and spirals for neatness and completion.
Be sure you have a social studies book at home. Any assignments not finished in class will be easy to complete at home.

12. Tips for Improving Your Social Studies Grade
Stay on task and behave in class. Many students don’t hear the directions or waste time in class. Note writing, toys, and pictures of friends are enjoyable, but distracts students from doing their work.
Encourage your child to do the BEST work they can do. Quality work is not important to many, it’s more important to get it done. I want their best work.

13. Tips for Improving Your Social Studies Grade
Encourage your child to talk to me if they need help. Most students who received a D or F did nothing to improve their grade after progress reports went home. Those who did extra credit, asked for help, and were responsible for turning in work did much better.

14. Improved Students Give Advice on Raising Grades
We surveyed our students and asked what they did to improve their grades or to maintain their A/B average. The following is a list of their responses:

15. Improved Students Give Advice on Raising Grades
What did teachers do to help?
Talked to me, encouraged me, offered help
Repeated instructions and explained a second time when I needed it.
Posted grades or told me my grades, so I knew how I was doing
Signed homework assignment sheet/green sheet
Tutoring at lunch and after school
Gives extra time for assignments in class
Reminds me to write down assignments
Gave extra credit
Gave more projects to help grades
Moved my seat away from friends

16. Improved Students Give Advice on Raising Grades
What did my parents do to help?
Checked my homework to be sure it was finished
Helps me with homework
Made me do my homework
Checked my green sheet every night
Encouraged me, pushed me, nagged me, bugged me
Grounded me- took away television, video games, etc.
Bought me supplies
Made me get a weekly report from my teachers
Made me attend Saturday school
Gave me money for good grades

17. Improved Students Give Advice on Raising Grades
What did the students do to improve grades?
Did all my work
Turned in work on time
Went to tutoring at lunch or after school
Wrote down my homework
Tried harder, studied more, changed my attitude “I cared”
Paid attention in class
Talked to my teachers about my grades and assignments
Asked questions in class when I didn’t understand
Didn’t miss school very much and made up absent work
Stayed on task and didn’t talk in class