Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): I will be teaching your son/daughter in Freshman Seminar here at South Robeson High School. Freshman Seminar will follow the Career Choices curriculum. This curriculum is academically based with career guidance and a self-discovery experience. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to discover the answers to three important questions: Who am I? What do I want? How do I get it? Students explore their own unique abilities, ambitions, and dreams. They learn that knowledge can help them plan for the future and enjoy a successful life. The materials used in Freshman Seminar are based on the idea that everyone has strengths and should be given a chance to use them to succeed. These materials encourage group input and hands-on learning and foster relationships within the class. The curriculum promotes a high level of self-reflection, which is critical to the successful transition from child to adult, student to worker. During the process of self-discovery, students develop a vision for their future and begin developing realistic life plans. Current social and economic conditions force young people to make important life decisions at an earlier age. This class will benefit all students when making these decisions. The Career Choices curriculum offers an effective and creative way to promote authentic learning. It offers students a fresh perspective on literature and comfort when using computers and navigating the internet for information useful in daily life. Career Choices allows the teacher to integrate a variety of subjects to support learning in other classes, such as math. Freshman Seminar benefits not only the student, but also, the community. It offers students a chance to see how various subjects relate to them and to their place in the world. Students will understand the personal benefits of staying in school and putting forth their best effort. This will provide Robeson County with a better prepared workforce. Career Choices Curriculum: * is classroom based * is integrated with academics * has scope and sequence * helps students develop self-awareness * exposes students to the skills of personal success * exposes students to the realities and responsibilities of the adult world * helps students learn to project themselves into the future and understand the consequences of their actions today I am looking forward to great semester. Thank you, Mr. James Locklear Classroom Behavior: The South Robeson High School Assertive Discipline Plan will be followed in the class. Refer to your Student Handbook for details of expectations for behavior. Students are expected to run errands, use the restroom, sharpen pencils, etc. between classes. My classroom rules are posted in the classroom and are as follows: 1. Follow instructions the first time they are given. 2. Be seated and ready to work before the tardy bell rings. 3. Be prepared for class daily. (Notebook, Homework, Pencils, etc). 4. Raise your hand, gain recognition, and get permission before speaking or leaving assigned seat. 5. Be courteous and respect the rights of others. 6. No food or drinks in classroom, dispose before entering class. 7. No passes out of class the first or last 15 minutes of class. You will be given ONLY 3 bathroom passes out of class, per class, per 9 weeks. When they are gone, they are gone. If a student has a medical excuse this policy will be adjusted. 8. Do not begin packing up your materials until the teacher says to do so. The bell does not dismiss you, the teacher dismisses you. 9. NO cell phones, I-pods, MP3 players or other electronic devices are allowed in class or should BE SEEN in class. 10. Follow all school rules and policies. 11. Show Respect for yourself, school property, and especially others. If a student chooses to break one of my rules or a school rule, the following steps will be taken: 1st time: Verbal Warning, Assign Seating 2nd time: Teacher/student Conference and Parental contact rd 3 time: Parent/Teacher Conference 4th time: Referral to the SRHS administration Severe disruption: Referral to the SRHS administration Class Attendance, Tardies, and Leaving Class: Students are expected to attend class every day. One day missed from this course can leave a student significantly behind. Students will not be allowed to leave class, except for emergencies. Missed Work: All work missed due to absence must be made up within five (5) days of the student’s return to class. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange a time in which they can complete the missed work. After five days have passed, the missed work becomes an automatic zero. Progress Reports: Progress reports will be sent home every 2 weeks. It is required for students to get progress reports signed. Upon return of a signed progress report, students will receive an extra credit grade of a “100. If progress reports are not returned signed, parents will be notified. Students and Parents: Please feel free to contact us when you have questions, concerns, or suggestions and comments. We are dedicated to the success of all of our students and are committed to the highest standards and expectations. Please know we need everyone to be involved and dedicated so our students can achieve their goals. Messages may be left with our staff at (910) 422-3987 or I can be emailed at the following addresses: Mr. James Locklear – james.locklear2@robeson.k12.nc.us Grading Criteria: Test Quizzes Classwork Homework Projects Total 35% 10% 25% 10% 20% 100% Each student will be required to have the following materials: A three-ring notebook, 1 ½ to 2 inches One pack -Five (5) subject dividers Loose-leaf paper # 2 pencils Black or blue ink pen Optional materials: 4 AAA batteries, Kleenex Tissue Saturday Academy will be assigned for those with incomplete or low-grade test scores, homework, and attendance. Attendance is required to pass the class. (Maximum of 5 absences per semester). Return This Page To Teacher I have read the Freshman Seminar syllabus, Parent letter, and discipline plan. 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