Expectations
Summit IB Academy
“Whoever does the work does the learning.” – Dr. Robert Greenleaf
International Baccalaureate
The Summit Academy 7/8 campus, part of
the Mesa Public Schools system, has
received official authorization to offer the IB
Middle Years Program (MYP) to support our
motto, "Serious about Success."
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
program prepares students for life in the
21st century and promotes life-long learners
who understand how to successfully
navigate through an ever-changing and
increasingly interrelated world.
Curriculum and Academic Rigor
Common Core State Standards are taught
through IB pedagogy to prepare students for
college and career. With this rigorous
curriculum, students have an opportunity for
in-depth learning during a structured
learning day. IB Academy students achieve
superior levels of knowledge and
understanding through principles of inquiry
and real-world applied instruction.
Academic rigor means allowing students to
think for themselves. The MYP emphasizes
inquiry, critical thinking, analysis, reflection,
and the development of independent
research skills. In-depth study of a select
group of topics is emphasized over surface
exploration of a broad variety of topics.
Students write extensively in all disciplines.
Open-ended learning experiences such as
problem solving activities, investigations,
organized debates, hands-on
experimentation, portfolios, and studentdriven projects are common.
Expectation
To meet the expectations of this
academically rigorous IB program, students
are expected to come to class prepared both mentally and physically. This includes
having required materials, homework,
following dress code policies and being
actively engaged in the learning process
every day.
Grading Scale
Letter grades are based on the districtapproved grading scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 59%-0%
Homework
Students should expect meaningful
homework each night from each class.
Homework is an essential part of IB studies
because it reserves class time for
instruction, discussion, and inquiry. In
turn, homework is a time of quiet
concentration in which the student truly
makes the subject his or her own by
preparing for the next day’s lesson. Study
habits vary by student, so it is difficult to
estimate the amount of homework time for
any one individual. Often, success with
homework is a condition of the student’s
self-regulation. Skillful self-regulators have
an arsenal of strategies that enable them to
achieve efficiently and effectively: helpseeking, planning, goal-setting, timemanagement, self-monitoring, reducing
distractions, questioning, comprehension
monitoring, and using feedback.
Junior High is an appropriate place for
young people to develop and strengthen
their work skills; in essence, through the
rigors of school, students learn how to work.
As a general guideline, however, students
should be prepared for two to three hours of
homework a night. Teachers work carefully
in measuring out a proper amount of work
and will coordinate when possible with other
teachers in scheduling major tests and
projects.
Late Work
Any work not turned in on time is late. Late
work will only be accepted for two days
after the due date for ½ of the credit offered.
Absences
Students are expected to make up work
missed while they were absent. They will be
given full credit for work done that satisfies
the conditions for make-up work policy. A
zero will be given for work that has been
required by the teacher and has not met
guidelines for make-up work.
After the student has been absent for three
days, the parent/guardian may request
make-up work by calling the Attendance
Office at 480-472-3301 (before 9 a.m.).
When an absence occurs, it is the student’s
responsibility to inquire about, complete,
and return assignments. Students should
expect to do more paperwork than those
who were in attendance because it is
necessary to make up for classroom
experiences missed. The following is
offered as a timeline for make-up work.
1 day absent
2 day absent
3 day absent
4 day absent
5 day absent
day following return to school
2 days after return to school
3 days after return to school
4 days after return to school
5 days after return to school
An absence on the due date of a major
assignment (essay, lab report, project, etc.)
or exam may not extend the due date of that
assignment. The student should expect to
submit the work and/or make-up the
exam on the day of his/her return.
Likewise, absences during the preparation
time of a major assignment may not extend
the due date.
Grades
Parents and students should track grades
on-line at least weekly through the
parent/student portal. Questions about work
and effort need to be raised immediately.
Students need to be proactive and take the
initiative to contact teacher to work through
any concerns. Consistent effort throughout
the quarter is expected. Last minute efforts
to “raise” a grade are inconsistent with the
IB learner profile and IB Team expectations.
Communication Roles
Student: Students are responsible for
tracking assignments, understanding stated
course requirements, and meeting
deadlines. We strongly encourage students
to be proactive, ask questions, and attend
tutoring, if they are having difficulty
understanding specific concepts or material.
It is also the job of the students to
communicate honestly to their parents
about their day-to-day performance and
academic standing.
Teacher: Teachers are responsible for
clearly communicating to the student what is
expected of him or her. Teachers will
challenge students to think critically and to
creatively problem solve. Teachers are also
responsible for creating a positive and safe
learning environment. It is also the job of the
teacher to update grade book weekly and to
post assignments to the class calendar.
Parent: The primary means by which
parents can assist their children are:
1. Encouraging children in their
development in IB Academy goals –
namely, the growth of becoming a life-long
learner and developing skills of selfadvocacy.
2. Providing a distraction-free study
environment.
3. Check the parent portal regularly.
4. Ensure student comes to school daily
with required materials.
Serious About Success
We are dedicated to each student and to
the success of the IB Program. Students
who fail to meet benchmark goals for effort
and behavior will find more success in the
traditional program offered at Summit
Academy and will be transferred.