August 27, 2018
Dear Student and Parent/Guardian,
Welcome back to another exciting 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 2018 – 2019 academic school year will be filled with many learning experiences, special events and performance opportunities.
For your convenience I have provided my information and policies online. Simply click the link, Important Classroom Information which is located in the left-hand column of my website to 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, Band)
3 – Additional Resources
*Please take the time to read the above listed information thoroughly, so you may know what your child is responsible for.
What do I expect from my students?
My classes are heavily participation- based. Therefore, regular attendance and class participation is 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 unless there are special circumstances which have been approved by me in advance.
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, Proficient and Advanced level students (and some Intermediate level students) will have extensive performance requirements and outside-of-class related activities. Beginners (and some Intermediate level students) are still learning fundamentals and aren’t quite ready for formal performance. Beginning Theater does not have a required performance. Beginning/Intermediate Dance has one performance at the end of the semester, our 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 when they are absent.
Why do I have to submit a course contract?
A signed course contract is my way of knowing my students and their 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 zero, failing quiz grade.
How can I contact you?
If you have any questions or concerns about my class, you may contact me at SCHS (910 – 653 – 4073), by email (amj@columbus.k12.nc.us), or through the Band APP.
When and where can we see students perform?
I have a calendar including performance dates and events for my classes 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 people who always surprise me with their accomplishments. The parents and family members of students in the Arts department have faithfully supported our student’s work and performances. This means so much to them, the only thing better than performing, is performing for a full house! It takes a great deal of courage to stand onstage and share something you are passionate about, especially when it is personal to the individual person. Thank you in advance for encouraging and praising our students for their exceptional efforts.
Let’s have another great semester!
Sincerely,
Amy Jones
