August 2015
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
We are delighted that your child is enrolled in Communication Studies, at Wheaton North
High School, this semester. Communication Studies provides students with an important
opportunity to develop essential skills to communicate effectively. Throughout the
semester, students will participate in a variety of activities to extend their speaking and
listening skills in preparation for college and career.
A communication course is required for all students as part of a balanced high school
education. Because this course is not an elective, it is important clarify the expectations of
the department. In order to create a positive class climate, in which all students feel
comfortable and valued, the department has outlined the following policies:
Attendance and Participation
Excessive absences and tardiness are disruptive and may affect the success of students.
Preparation
Preparation needs to be completed before students perform their speeches; if the
preparation is not completed the student can’t give the speech. It is expected that students
follow the due dates for outlines, forms and research; late work will result in a loss of
points.
Speech Performance Day
Honoring commitments is an important life skill. This is particularly important for
Communication Studies. In order for everyone to speak, a tight schedule needs to be
followed. When students are absent, the schedule is disrupted. This can be very
problematic.
School policy states that students who are excused from class can make up missed work for
full credit. Students who are unexcused do not receive full credit for missed work. This
does not excuse the student from delivering the speech to an audience when he/she
returns to school.
Students who are not prepared on their speech performance day should be prepared to
deliver their speech on the next school day for half credit. Students who are not prepared
on their make-up speech day must deliver their speech but will receive no credit.
In summary, in order to pass this course, students are required to deliver all speeches to an
audience. If they cannot attend class on their assigned delivery day, they are expected to
deliver the speech to an audience on the day they return to school.
Students enrolled in this course must complete all core
speeches/presentation/assignments in order to pass the course.
Dress Code
As part of their experience in this course, students are expected to wear appropriate
speech attire to class on their assigned day. Time will not be given for students to change
clothes before class.
Appropriate speech attire includes the following: dress slacks, khakis, dress, skirt, sweater,
blouse, shirt and tie, polo tucked in, and other clothing that would be worn to a
professional interview. All clothing should be clean, and, if necessary, pressed.
The following clothing is inappropriate on speech performance days: jeans, shorts, short
skirts, flip flops, midriff tops, tank tops, sweat clothes and outerwear (coats, jackets, fleeces,
etc.). Visible undergarments, logos, writing on clothing and large items of jewelry can be
distracting.
Appropriate attire is a grading factor for each speech and improper attire will be scored
accordingly.
We look forward to a successful semester. If you have any further questions, please contact
your child’s teacher.
Please sign and return to your child’s Communication Studies teacher by Monday, August
24th
I have read and understand the policies for Communication Studies at Wheaton North High School.
Legibly print Student Name __________________________________________
Student Signature ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Print Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name(s) _______________________________________________
Signature ___________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Parent, please list your preferred method of contact: ________________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone number (s): _________________________________________________________