If a student attends class, really tries and shows significant progress he/she should pass a course. Students who also do well on tests and major written work would earn the Cs, Bs and As.

    Everyone can learn something if they try even if they don't master a subject. There will be a net gain of knowledge. They will know what Algebra is about and what biology is about and that parts of history are interesting. The most important thing is doing the work.

     If a student hates school, takes drugs, is distracted by life outside of school, is so bored he/she must distract other students or the teacher, then coming to Wittenberg is pointless. That type of student will always be unmotivated to do the work. A student must see that school will help him in his life. He should come to Wittenberg to do the best he/she can and we will help with the learning process. 

     From time to time students will be given homework assignments. It is absolutely important for the students to complete homework on time. Students must learn to motivate themselves and work independently. We know this is extremely difficult for some students but we feel this is a defect in self disciple which must be faced especially for students interested in attending college. We will need the cooperation of the students and help from parents to make sure homework is done. Students with weak computer skills may need help from parents in looking up information on the internet. Some students with weak writing skills may need help from parents in organizing or editing written work. A reading assignment may need to be read more than once or aloud. Parents can ask the students questions about what they just read. Students must be willing to let parents help. Explaining an assignment to a parent can help the student understand the subject matter.

Class Requirements

Math

     Bring a graph paper spiral/bound notebook in which to do all of your work.  

     At the beginning of each day draw a solid double line and write the date and page number below it.  Then begin the day's assignment below.

     You will also need a folder in which to keep papers.

     Each problem should be numbered.

     All scratch work should be done in the notebook or on your worksheet.

     Grading is 30% tests, 40% assignments, 40% effort(stay on task in class)

English

     You will a folder and a vocabulary notebook(provided).

     You must keep all of your writing assignments in a portfolio. 

     One writing assignment is assigned per week.

     5 vocabulary words should be done each week, for a total of 180 for the year.

     We will also read books and have grammar assignments.

     Grading is 20% tests, 15% vocabulary, 30% writing assignments portfolio, 15% grammar, and 20% effort(stay on task in class)

History/Government and 21st Century Issues

     You will need a spiral notebook for your notes.

     You will need a subscription to Time Magazine.  You are to bring your copy to school each week as soon as you receive it.  Mr. Kieser will be giving out more homework assignments this year in history such as preparing short presentations like we did last Spring.  Students will receive credit for doing homework assignments and this will be reflected  in the grading system.  Homework and notes 20 %, Class participation 30 %,  Research paper 20 %, quizzes 10 % , tests 20 %. We will also give extra credit for special achievements like learning the names of all the Presidents or all the state capitals or knowing all 27 amendments to the Constitution, etc.

As for the 21st century issues class,  each student should watch at least the first 15 minutes of a network news broadcast on an agreed upon night each week. They will need to take notes. They or their parents can record the broadcast if the timing is inconvenient. The next day we will discuss what they saw and heard. Or they can choose to read the front page of the Washington Post or Washington Times. The TV and paper news will be different but that is ok. They will also be assigned to watch other specific programs, such as presidential debates.

Sign Language

     You will need a folder in which to keep papers.

     Grading is 30% tests, 40% assignments and class work, and 30% effort

Chemistry 

     You will need a folder(provided) in which to keep the papers for each  section.

     You will hand in a stapled packet of papers for each section with the assignment list on top.

     Homework will usually consist of bringing in household supplies for experiments.

     Grading is 30% tests, 30% assignments, 10% homework, and 30% effort.