Thursday, August 20, 2015

Welcome Back!

August 20, 2015



Dear Student and Parent/Guardian,

Welcome back to another exciting new year at South Columbus High School. Perhaps this is your first year at South or maybe this year will lead to the conclusion of your high school career. In either case, as the dance and theater educator at SCHS, I assure you the 2015 – 2016 academic school year will be filled with much learning, special events and performance opportunities.

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