August 20,
2015
Dear Student
and Parent/Guardian,
Welcome back
to another exciting new year at South
Columbus High
School
I have a website!
For your
convenience I have provided my information and policies online. Simply click on
the link titled, Important Classroom
Information in the left-hand column on my site and you will access links
for:
1 – The Common
Core Curriculum for Dance and Theater
2 – Classroom
Procedures and Grading (Parent Portal, BYOT Policy, Course Contracts, NC
Essential Standards Pacing Guides for Dance and Theater, Make-Up Work Policy,
Remind, Student Blogs (Online Portfolios)
3 – Additional
Resources
*Please take the time to read the above
listed information thoroughly, so you may know what you/your child is
responsible for.
What do I expect from my students?
My classes are
heavily participation- based. Therefore, regular attendance and class participation
are necessary to insure success. If a student is absent from class they should
consult the Make-Up Work Policy on my
website. * Please note that all make-up
work must be completed and submitted within five days of the student’s return
to school.
Do I have to perform?
Of course, you
are enrolled in a performing arts course! We perform in class every day! As far
as formal performances are concerned, Intermediate, Proficient and Advanced
classes will have extensive performance requirements and outside-of-class
related activities. Beginning students are learning fundamentals and aren’t
quite ready for formal performances. Beginning Theater does not have a required
performance. Beginning Dance has one performance at the end of the semester (the annual spring concert).
Please note, students who miss performances/events/rehearsals,
etc… are required to complete an
alternate assignment to replace the missed grade. Students who fail to complete
and submit an alternate assignment will not receive credit for the missed
grade.
How will I
be graded in your class?
As mentioned
before, my class is largely participation-based. For this reason students will
receive a weekly participation grade. This grade is an average of their daily
participation in my class. When
students are absent they do not receive points for the day. It is imperative that students are familiar with my make-up work
policy and complete make-up assignments.
Why do I have to submit a course
contract?
A signed
course contract is my way knowing parents/guardians have been informed of my
classroom procedures and expectations. For this reason, I treat the contract as
a graded assignment. *Students who turn
in a signed contract will receive a one-hundred percent, quiz grade. Students
who do not will receive a failing quiz grade.
Can I contact you?
Please know
that if you ever have any questions or concerns about my class you may contact
me at SCHS (910 – 653 – 4073) or by email (amj@columbus.k12.nc.us).
When and where can we see students
perform?
I have a
Google Calendar including performance dates and events for the Arts Department
on my website!
I am excited
to see how much each of my students will learn and grow in class, day by day. They
are hard-working, creative and intelligent. They always amaze me and make me
very proud. I hope the parents and family members of students in the Arts department will continue
their support at our performances. Every year the seats in the
auditorium fill up quickly. This means so much to our kids! The only thing better
than performing, is performing for a full house! Additionally, please remember, it
takes a great deal of courage to stand onstage and share something you are
passionate about. I ask you to be encouraging and praise them for their exceptional efforts each time they step onstage.
Thanks so much
for your time and attention. Let’s have another great semester!
Sincerely,
Amy Jones
