Come to class with the proper supplies everyday.  Do not forget!

Grading Scale:

93-100 = A
90-92 = A-
87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-
77-79= C+
73-76= C
70-72=C-
67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D-
0-59 = F

Grades will be based on tests, quizzes, homework, projects, and class participation.  Extra credit will be used at the teacher’s discretion but will not be able to raise a grade more than 1/3 (i.e. From B to B+, or C+ to B-).

All homework is to be done neatly or it must be typed.  Assignments that consist of more than one paper must be stapled.  All written essays must be handed in with ALL previous pre-writing activities, drafts, peer editing sheets, and self-evaluation forms attached.  Late work will be accepted, but only for partial credit and must be turned in before the unit test or final essay is given for whichever unit the work applies.  If sick only on the day of a due assignment, students should if possible FAX in due work at (805) 289-0029 or e-mail it to me at rgeib@vtusd.k12.ca.us.

Students are responsible for knowing and following the rules and procedures stated in the school handbook.  Cheating or plagiarism violate the school code and will not be tolerated.  Any such violations of the school code may result in loss of credit for the assignment or be referred to the administration for further action.  If you are unsure about how to avoid possible plagiarism in your work, please ask Mr. Geib for help.

EXPECTATIONS:

Students should come to class and be ready to pay attention, work hard, and learn to read, write, and think critically.  Students should arrive prepared, obey the class rules, complete their homework, and perform well on tests, writing assignments, and long-term projects.  Students are responsible for bringing books, materials, and planners to school every day.  Students must arrive to class on time and be ready to learn.  Failure to do so will be reflected in a lowering of student’s grade.  

Students should listen attentively, and participate in class discussions and activities.  These expectations can be summed up as follows:

• Come to class
• Pay attention
• Do your work
• Behave

Although they require commitment, discipline, and hard work, these goals are simple.  Your final grades will reflect your ability to fulfill these goals which are important not only in school but in life generally. Mr. Geib wishes all his students good luck this school year!

Mr. Geib does not expect perfection from his students; nevertheless, he does expect that all students honesty strive to do their best to fulfill their potential.  Above all Mr. Geib endeavors never to waste his student’s time; in return, he hopes you will not waste his.  Do your best in class and both teacher and student can rest content with the results.  If both put forth their best effort honestly and patiently, teacher and student can feel in their exhaustion at the end of the year a deep satisfaction and sense of accomplishment – knowing the time together was well spent and that significant learning and growth had taken place.  This is the goal.  

BEHAVIOR:

Students need to obey class rules, be honest, and treat their peers with respect.  Students are in school to study and learn and not to fight or fool around.  If a student does not heed warnings as to violations of class rules, the situation will bring the involvement of parents and school administrators.  Much of the work in English 9 will be done in groups; students must treat their peers with respect and conscientiousness.  You do not have to best friends with your fellow students in English 9 class, but you need to be able to collaborate successfully with them. Do your best to keep interaction with your peers positive.  Strive to work successfully and amicably with other students in class.

Class rules apply when a substitute teacher is present.  Again, to succeed in school everyday you need to following: come to class, pay attention, do your work, and behave.   If not easy, it is at least simple.

Students should treat the computers with respect and not violate any of the acceptable use policies with regards to their use.  

WORK HABITS:

Work habits consist of effort in class, completion of homework, neatness in all work, and coming to class with supplies.  Students must pay attention in class to lectures and keep up with the various assignments and group activities; work habits often directly correspond to a student’s grade, and so this is most important!  Mr. Geib does not ask for perfection from students, but he does expect consistency and the best possible effort.

Students should arrive to class on-time.  Students should finish any food or drinks before entering class.  Eating and drinking is not permitted during class session.  

Unusual incidents such as illness in the family or other unforeseen emergencies will of course be taken into account with respect to student work.  Students should speak with Mr.Geib and inform him of any situations which might interfere with student’s ability to do his/her work.

Mr. Geib is available to meet with students almost everyday during lunch or break to discuss student concerns.  Please come talk to him if you have any worries, problems, or questions.

ABSENCES:

 Students have as many days as they were absent to make-up work.  For example, if a student misses two days of class they have two days to make-up the work.  Mr. Geib will hold relevant materials for students.  However, he will not hold the material for extended periods of time.  It is the student’s responsibility to make-up all work; upon your return from being absent, please come see Mr. Geib to get make-up materials.  Absence is not a valid excuse for a failure to complete class assignments in the allotted make-up time.

A student with EIGHT (8) tardies or EIGHT (8) uncleared absences in one semester in any class will be removed from that class upon the 8^th absence/tardy, and given an “F” grade at the end of the semester.  Special circumstances must be cleared with the Principal.