NOVEMBER 5, 2008 - Grades for the first marking period are now closed. Students can calculate their grade by grouping five sets of (returned) homework assignments and the four major tests that were given, graded and returned to the students. 

Materials required for class.

• Students are to have a folder of some type in which to keep papers. These papers include class notes, textbook assignments, reading assignments, reviews sheets, etc.
• Students do not need a notebook.
• Students should have access to a good dictionary. I would prefer, but students/parents are not obligated, an actual dictionary (hard copy). Online dictionaries such as dictionary.com are sometimes hit or miss with regard to definitions.
• Students are asked to cover their textbook. I do not require students to bring their textbooks to class each day. Most of the time, textbooks can be left in lockers or at home. I will give students ample notice with regard to bringing textbooks to class. 

Homework and assignments.

• Written home work is given on a regular basis. Assignments will be announced in class and posted online.
• All written assignments have a total point value of 25 points. Four assignments will equal a major test grade. Points will be deducted for the following reasons;
  • Incorrect definitions.
  • Definitions that are not used in proper context with the assignment.
  • Incorrect/incomplete answers
  • Incorrect grammar/usage
  • Incorrect spelling
• Homework handed in after the due date.
  • Absence is the only acceptable reason for not handing in homewrok on time.
  • Points will be deducted for late assignments. 
• "Textbook Assignments". These are divided into two sections.
  • Definitions - Vocabulary and historical terms. Definitions are found in the glossary of the textbook or a dictionary. The word/term must be defined in correct context. That is, the definition reflects the meaning of the word/term as it is used in the textbook.
  • Students need to have access to a good dictionary.
  • Questions. Most of the answers will be found in the textbook. Some may require going on the internet to find the answer.
• "Reading Assignments". These assignments are primary or secondary readings. They contain the material related to the subject matter being covered in class. There are some definitions and questions based upon the information in the article/document. 
• Written answers are to be done in complete sentences.

Tests.

• Tests will be announced at least five days before the test date.
• There are usually two tests per chapter.
• Students receive a "Review Sheet(s)" at the beginning of each chapter. It is to be used as a guide for test preparation. The "Review Sheet" contains
  • information regarding the material on the test 
  • the type of questions that will be asked.
  • the "Review Sheet" is not handed in.
• Tests usually contain the following categories of questions;
  • Historical terms
  • People
  • Places
  • Multiple Choice
  • Short essay or questions based on a reading that the students have been given.
• There will be a minimum of three major test per marking period.
• There are no "retests" nor "extra credit".

Tests and absences. 

• If a student is absent a day or two prior to an announced test, he/she can postpone taking the test for a day or two when they are ready to take the test. Generally, I will ask a student if he/she needs an extra day to study. However, once in a while, I might forget to ask. Students can certainly ask to take the test on another day (based on absence).
• If a student is sick (cold, flu, malaria, etc.) on day that a test is scheduled, please do not have him/her come to school just to take my test. Their health is more important than a test.

Absence.

• Students are responsible to copy notes missed during absence.
• Students are responsible to hand in any/all assignments missed during absence.

Grade in Class.

• Grades are based on
  • Homeworks
  • Tests

January and June Examinations - Mr. Hetherington's policy regarding any dishonesty.

Examinations are proctored by teachers. If a teacher tells me that a student has been dishonest (i.e., cheated) on the examination,

• The student will receive a "0" as a grade on the exam. Examinations are 20% of the semerster grade. That "0" will be calculated as part of the semester grade and may resuly in a failure for the semester.
• The student will receive demerits and the reason for the demerits will be clearly stated on the demerit slip. That information becomes part of the student's permanent record.

 I will inform the students of this policy prior to the exam.