7th Grade Student Success

Mr. Thornton
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office Hours M-F 7:45-8:10am, 2:45-3:55pm (Fridays until 3:15)
Website: http://www.blackhawksuccess.com (Still Under construction, keep checking!)
dythornton@alpinedistrict.org (Email is the best form of contact. Avoid calls during class please
)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Succeeding in school requires a lot more than just learning information. Being
a good student requires a variety of skills, such as organization, time
management, note-taking strategies, and how to study. In this course you will
establish good habits which you will use throughout your educational
experience.
REQUIRED MATERIALS

pen or pencil EVERYDAY

Two pocket folder (to take papers to/from school so they dont get wrinkled)
Highlighter and sticky notes for planner
Pack of Pencils (#2) to leave in classroom
Pack of colored pencils to leave in classroom
Box of Kleenex or Hand Sanitizer for the classroom

If you wish to donate:

(appreciated but not required--send these items to class with your student)

additional manila folders

pack of colored pencils or markers
pack of lined notebook paper
hand sanitizer
treats for classroom rewards
$$$ to Mr. Thorntons Alpine Foundation (form on next page)

A planner will be provided by the school that you will be required to use.

Classroom Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Be
Be
Be
Be

respectful.
prompt.
actively engaged.
positive.

Consequences:
1. Warning.
2. Loss of Respect Points.

3. Contact home.
4. Advocates/Administration.

GRADE BREAKDOWN:
Daily Communication Log (5 points each day/25 points total):
We will begin each day with a Warm-up activity, which will be recorded on a student
log. You will turn in this paper every two weeks.
In-Class Assignments/Homework (10-30 points each):
You will receive a grade for the activities and assignments done during class time. If
you are absent, there will always be a way to make-up what youve missed. Most
activities will be completed in class, so it is important that you attend regularly. On
occasion there will be homework assignments. These assignments are important to
help you build upon the knowledge learned in class.
Planner Check(s) (10 points):
You will be required to use the planner provided by the school. You must bring this
planner to class with you every day. I will be randomly checking your planner and you
will receive points by demonstrating that you are using your planner effectively.
Final Presentation (100 points):
At the end of the course you will work in groups to develop and share a presentation
in-class. You will receive further instruction later in the semester.
Extra Credit:
Extra credit will be available periodically during the semester.
Grading Scale:
Your term grade is based on the total points you earn. Grades will be assigned
according to the following percentages:
100
92
89
86
82

92=A
90=A87=B+
83=B
80=B-

79 77=C+
76 73=C
72 70=C69 67=D+
66 63=D

62 60=D59 0=F

Late Work:

I expect you to complete your assignments by the due date. I will accept them up
until the last week of the term. You can make up any work that you want with the
exception of Participation Points.

When you are absent:

Often, it isnt possible to recreate class discussions and activities if you are absent.
There will always be an alternate assignment for you to make-up what youve missed.
When absences are necessary, it is the students responsibility to get the
assignments theyve missed. Absent work is due the following class period. I am more
than happy to assist you at the appropriate time! Please come and get help.

Make-up Work:

I will do my best to help you stay caught up in class. The appropriate time to ask what
youve missed, or get make-up work is during TEAL time, before or after school.
Please do not ask during class time. You have the option to improve your work for a
better grade.

Return this bottom portion ASAP. You will receive 10 points. Student Success Mr.
Thornton
Your signature indicates that you the students and your parent/guardian have read this
disclosure document, understand it, and are willing to comply.
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________ (please
print)
Student Signature: __________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________________________ (please
print)
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number: ____________________________________________
How do you prefer to be contacted?

Phone

Email

Please let me know if there is anything I should know in order to better help your student
learn and enjoy this upcoming school year. Feel free to use the back if you need more
room.
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