to help each student accomplish to the best of his or her capabilities in both academic achievement and in personal and social growth.
to establish and develop a structured and enjoyable learning environment as a model for the reality of their future professional work and social environments.
to cultivate a passion for our faith, learning, and collaboration that will last a lifetime.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONThe 7th grade religion program focuses on three major units of study: Unit 1- Who is God? (focuses on Creed and Divine Revelation)Unit 2- Who is Jesus? (focuses on Jesus in the Gospels and through Church teaching)Unit 3- How is Jesus Alive in the Church Today? (focuses on the sacraments and liturgy)Below is a list of classroom policies to be followed by the student and the parent. Please read all information and sign and return the Agreement Form on the last page by Friday, August 27th. academic Policies and Procedures Homework: Each week, students are expected to read, write, and study the unit’s vocabulary words and highlighted material, including written notes. Adequate time is given in class to complete all other tasks, including writing assignments and projects. However, students who are absent or who have not made good use of their class time may need to use homework time to complete such assignments. *** Homework is intended to be an additional tool to learning in the classroom and should be done by the student independently in order to accurately prepare for testing. It is a good idea to assist with homework on a daily basis with your child and to help him or her budget their time (see Agenda section). Try to plan other activities around scheduled homework time; do not over-schedule after-school activities. *** Although I am an advocate for the wonders technology brings to education, there are various opportunities that enable students to copy each others’ work, cutting and pasting ideas found on the internet, or being dishonest in matters regarding homework and major written assignments. Parents need to be observant when their child is doing homework on a computer. Any assignment assumed to have been plagiarized in any way will receive a score(s) of a zero and the student may receive disciplinary action.
Outside of the Box: Creativity will be fostered as students are engaged in project-based/ hands- on activities that reflect learning and real-life applications. Video production, podcasts, art, music, public speaking, drama, and web work will all be incorporated into creative expression either individually or in small, collaborative groups.
Academic Grades: Students receive an academic grade for religion. The following areas are combined to make up a student’s academic grade for a possible 100%. Homework/ Classwork/ Quizzes: 40% Tests: 40% Trimester Exam: 20% ***Please note that not all assignments are given the same grading weight. Passes, Late, and Incomplete Work Policy: 99% of the time, late work is not accepted. Accepting late work means more work for me, and since answers have already been discussed in class, the deadline has passed. Incomplete work will receive a grade of 0%.Homework passes can only be purchased with Beadel Bucks (see the B-Buck section) and only two can be used per trimester. Passes can only be used if the student has no missing work. Assignments attached to a pass will not receive a score, will not be averaged into the trimester grade, and will receive a code of “P” for “Pass Used”. Passes cannot be used for any projects or assignments related to writing.**Work should never be submitted the last week of the trimester to boost a grade. Assignments will be returned to the student without a score and without credit given.Only projects and other major papers may be turned in one day late at a penalty of 15 points deducted from the original grade. For example, if a student received an 85%, the grade becomes 70%. Papers after one day of lateness will not be accepted without serious cause (computer issues are not serious causes. See Turning in Major Papers).
Absences: When students are absent, it is their responsibility to go to the “Make-Up Work” box located in the back of the classroom to retrieve handouts. Classwork and homework assignments will be posted on the class website. Absent students are expected to find out about assignments on their own by using the website and asking other students. Asking me after class is not suggested because I am supervising outgoing and incoming students. Students with excused absences are given one day for each day of absence to make up missed work or the student will lose the opportunity to redeem that grade. Tests must be made upon the day of arrival. Students should mark the days they are absent in their agendas for future reference. Work will not be provided in advance for students missing school due to vacations.Agenda: Students have been issued a planner from the school. This is the best tool for parents to check whether or not a child has homework due the next day. Students are expected to record all of their homework, test dates, and long-term assignments in this planner each day. If there is no written homework due the next day, students should write “Review bible readings and notes”. Additionally, students should mark “absent” in their agendas on the days they are absent or missed class for a school- related activity.
Turning in Major Papers: All major writing assignments must be typed and assigned at least one week in advance. Since there is ample time to complete these assignments, there should be no excuses for handwritten work. Here are some options to guarantee a typed paper is handed in:1.Always have extra ink cartridges at home should the current one run out.2.Email the assignment to a friend and have him or her print for you.3.Print out the paper at school one day prior to the due date.4.Print out assignment at Kinko’s (open 24 hours).5.Never wait until the night before a due date to print an assignment.When typing any formal work, the only acceptable fonts are Times New Roman or Arial. The font must be no larger than size 12, using black ink only. One inch margins should be set around the paper. Follow the proper heading below. Different fonts and colors may be used for creative assignments.
Proper Heading: Below are examples of the official heading for all of my class assignments. There will be a 5-10 point deduction for an incorrect heading or missing name on any assignment or test. All assignments (typed or written) must include the following information:
Assignment Heading Criteria: Extra Credit: Extra credit is extra work and is not meant to replace work not completed on time. It is usually not offered unless a special movie, play, or event exists that is appropriate to our class. To be eligible for extra credit, students must have no missing assignments. I will announce if there is upcoming extra credit. It is not granted every trimester, and it cannot be used to increase grades already posted to a progress report or report card. Students should not ask for extra credit.
Beadel Bucks: B-Bucks are class cash paid to students when they properly complete classroom jobs or who do something extra that makes our learning experience better. Students should never ask to get paid. B-Bucks can be redeemed for homework passes, late work passes, candy, and much more. Keep your bucks handy as you can also get fined for leaving items behind, not working your class shift, improper uniform, and breaking rules.
Conduct: Conduct grades are given for each trimester. These grades are based on how well students follow Mrs. Beadel’s classroom rules. Discipline cards can be pulled for breaking the following:1. Be in your assigned seat, prepared, and on task by the time the bell rings. 2. Be in proper school uniform at all times (visible belt, socks above ankle, hair, etc.).3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on in order to address the teacher or class.4. Leave electronics, food, and gum at home. They are not allowed in my class.5. Be considerate of yourself, your teachers, others (including visitors), and your school.6. Be attentive to the class. Talking during lecture or individual work time is disruptive and not permitted. Vulgar or offensive language is unacceptable in my classroom, including using God’s name in vain.7. Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated (homework, testing, AR, plagiarism, etc.). Both the student who shares his or her work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies it will suffer the same consequences including receiving a grade of including receiving a grade of zero for the assignment. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy it. 8. Follow verbal and written directions at all times.Exception: Any student who fights, damages school property (including the property of the teacher and other students), or who exhibits major disrespect or defiance, will be sent to the office immediately. Due to my high tolerance, it takes a lot for me to pull a card. By the time one is pulled, numerous warnings have been given and the issue at hand turns into student defiance. Cheating/ Plagiarism: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will not be tolerated. Any student who is found to be cheating on classwork, homework, a writing assignment, project, quiz, or a test may receive a failing grade or zero on the assignment. The student cannot make-up the assignment and shall be dealt with by administration. Be aware that copying from another student or allowing another student to copy from you is not acceptable on any assignment or in any situation other than teacher-assigned group work. This behavior is called cheating, not helping, and will result in the procedures described above.
Uniform Infractions: Students wearing uniforms improperly or who are missing essential items will receive a uniform infraction form that will be submitted to the principal for review. If the incident is fixable at the moment, I will issue a warning (un-tucked shirt, collar unbuttoned, etc.). If the infraction is repeated, a form will be filled out immediately. After three uniform infractions, the student will serve a detention. Students may also be fined (see the B-Bucks section).
Parent Notification of Grades: All tests, classwork, homework, and quizzes are always passed back to the students to use for studying purposes. It is the responsibility of the student to keep all paperwork organized for notebook check grades and future reference. Trimester exams are handed back for student review and then returned to the teacher the same day. Writing portfolio pieces are kept in the classroom. School-wide progress notices are available on Edline and parents and students may view grades at any time. I update grades bi-weekly− sometimes more often than that. Please keep in mind that major projects and essays take much longer to assess and grades for those assignments will be posted upon completion of grading. Progress reports are sent via Edline six weeks into the trimester. Individual, written notification of failing grades or missing assignments will not be issued due to the availability of Edline.
Parent/Teacher Communication: The best and most effective way to communicate with me is through email at [email protected]. I try to respond within 24 hours of a weekday email− sometimes sooner. If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, please send a note with your child or to the office, as sometimes the internet is down and I do not receive emails. Some ways in which you may hear from me include email, notes sent home via your student, phone calls, or messages in the student’s agenda. I always welcome concerns you may have about your child and will make every effort to schedule conferences at a mutually convenient time, if necessary, and if the issue cannot be solved via email. Please assist me by emailing me first to make an appointment instead of attempting to have a meaningful discussion at arrival or dismissal time, as I need to be supervising my students.
Class Website: Our class web page is www.religionwithmrsbeadel.weebly.com. Students are expected to engage in appropriate online discussions on a weekly basis for a grade. They are given three days to respond to receive credit. There is no excuse for missed discussions as they are free to use the classroom computers located in the back of my room. Additionally, many quizzes and assignments need to be submitted to this site and the deadline must be followed. Students and parents should check the website at least once a week, if not daily, for important information, assignments, links, class pictures, and other resources. The Edline class site is used only for grades. ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS OF ALL MY STUDENTS:
Follow class procedures regarding bellwork, makeup work, etc.
Listen to class lecture and discussion respectfully - no sleeping, no work for another class, etc.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Take responsibility for your own education.
Ask for extra help if you need it.
Read all handouts and supplemental information.
Treat substitute teachers and other guests with respect.
Participate.
Try. Always.
Mrs. Beadel’s Classroom Policies Student and Parent Signature Page Below is a quick recap of important information pertaining to Mrs. Beadel’s policies stated in the syllabus. The student should initial each top line and the parent should initial each lower line. _____ I understand that not all policies and procedures are listed here in Mrs. Beadel’s class _____ syllabus and changes may be made throughout the year. These changes will be updated on the class website. _____ I acknowledge that should I, the student, need to speak with Mrs. Beadel after class, I must _____ write a note and leave it in her box so she can make arrangements outside of class time. As a parent, I understand that email is the best way to make an appointment since arrival and dismissal time interrupt the focus and supervision of students. _____ I acknowledge that since some assignments or projects require in depth assessment, it may _____ take longer than normal for these types of assignments to be graded.
_____ I understand that being in proper school uniform at all times means that I look good, and _____ when I look good, I feel good and I perform better in class and socially. Dressing as a professional student means that I will be treated seriously and I will know how to dress for the workforce in my future.
_____ I understand that there is a proper protocol for discussing academic or disciplinary issues _____ with Mrs. Beadel. I will communicate with her first to get all the necessary and correct information.
_____ I understand that if I did not put my name on an assignment, I will get a score of a 0% until I _____ inform Mrs. B that the work is mine. I expect to lose 10 points after that for forgetting my heading.
_____ I know that Mrs. Beadel is here to support me because she loves this school, she loves _____ me, and she loves teaching. I can talk to her at any time (except between classes, morning arrival, or dismissal) about anything and trust that she knows what’s best for me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my course syllabus! This will answer so many questions that may arise throughout the year! It’s going to be a phenomenal adventure! I have read and understand the class policies and will adhere to them this school year. Student Name (print): _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Student Signature: __________________________________________________________________________ Date:___________________ Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________ Date:___________________