Mrs. Melinda Melia
Teacher
mmelia
@sttimothymesa.org

 I believe each of us has useful potential meant for his or her good and for the common good of humanity; that should be realized given guidance, nuturing and time.  It’s with this belief in mind, we will follow these principles in our classroom: We will come prepared for each school day…properly dressed, with the materials we need and assignments completed.  We will listen carefully and follow directions as given the first time.  We will work with courtesy and quiet so we don’t disturb or disrupt teaching or learning.  We will show each other respect by being kind and thoughtful with our words and actions.  We will work and play with the comfort and safety of each other in mind.  

Mrs. Melia’s Classroom Policies

Class Homework

Expect some kind of homework every evening in Religion, Language Arts/Grammar or both. All regular assignments are due the next day.  Each class session begins with a quick homework check-in.  It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of assignments and when they are due in the student agenda.  Students who are absent will be given one day to make up for each day they missed school.  Any missed assignments during an absence in Religion or Language Arts/Grammar will be collected, attached to a STUDENT ABSENCE form and placed in the Student Mailbox.  Incomplete assignments are graded as is, with points taken off for missing work.  A redo may be allowed with prior parent/teacher communication. The two grades are then averaged.  Missed assignments will be graded as a “zero” unless permission is given to turn in an assignment late.  A late assignment is automatically reduced by 5% for each day late.

Religion Homework

Your child will have a homework assignment at least three nights a week.  Homework is assigned after the lesson has been taught, your child has had the chance to begin the assignment, and to ask questions.  This will require your child to make good use of class time.  All regular assignments are due the next school day.  Each class session begins with a homework check.  It is the responsibility of the student to keep his/her agenda up-to-date and be aware of all homework assigned during the day. Incomplete assignments will be turned in and graded during class time. Dependent on the situation and with prior parent communication, a redo may be allowed at the teacher’s discretion.  Missed assignments will be completed by the student at the next recess, or the next day (with teacher permission only).  Students who are absent will be given one day to make up for each day they missed school.  Any missed assignements will be attached to a Student Absence form.

Helpful Homework Hints

~Plan ahead a time to do your homework.  Sometimes it helps to set up a daily homework time and routine.

~Find a comfortable place in your home to work quietly.  You don’t always have to sit at a desk.  If you are comfortable, you’ll learn better!

~Once you are ready to study, concentrate on what you’re doing….don’t rush through it. People who concentrate also learn better!

~Eat a healthy snack if you are hungry.  Food helps the brain work wonderfully.

Discipline

Please refer to the Discipline With Purpose section of this website.  

Step 1:  A personal verbal and/or non-verbal warning will be directed at the student.

Step 2:  I will meet privately with the student to discuss appropriate student behavior and the consequences of continued misbehavior and/or use of the “Golden Rule Card”.  Possible loss of a privilege.

Step 3:  If the misbehavior continues, the student meets the conditions of the STOP, THINK and PLAN (STP) described in the handbook.  If this situation does occur, both parents and administration (Principal) may be brought in to help resolve the issue.

Restroom / Drink / Phone

Please take care of these things before school, during lunch recess, or during break periods. During class time, permission for these things is on an emergency-only basis.  Forgetting your homework or lunch is not an emergency.

Sudden Illness in Class

Get my attention!  Don’t wait if you feel very sick to your stomach, have a bad headache, feel an asthma attack coming on, etc.  Get your health card from the holder on the Student Cubbies and bring it to me so prompt attention can be given to you.

Procedures

Because our time schedule is very tight, I am asking for your BEST cooperation and efficiency to get our tasks done.  This is a general overview of the Religion/Language Arts/Grammar block.  When you quietly enter class, pick up (or bring in) any texts we are using, and place your agenda, supplies and homework in front of you.  Open your agenda to the current day, write in what we are doing from the agenda board, place your homework on top of the agenda and complete any warm-up work.  We will typically cover both subjects during each day, so plan to have materials ready for both classes.  The best way to stay current is to keep a complete and detailed agenda, and use your dedicated notebook for each class.

Attention Signals

To gain student attention, I hold up my hand and say, “Count down from 3-2-1.”  I will pause until everyone is ready, quickly give the needed instructions, and then ask “Do you know what to do?”  When I feel certain all students are ready to work, I will tell you to “Get Busy” or “Go On.”  Another signal is turn the lights off/on.

~If a student needs to get my attention, please raise your hand and wait patiently until I call on you.

~If the classroom noise level becomes too loud, I will say “VOLUME”.  Please lower your voices as you continue to work.

~If the class is working on a quiet assignment such as finishing notes, taking a quiz or a writing project and you start to hear music…it means to wrap up what you are doing. Please be finished by the time the music stops.

Organization

Organization is an important skill to master in middle school.  It carries directly into high school.  The student is responsible for having materials and assignments available and ready when class begins.  I require a dedicated subject notebook or spiral, one for Religion and one for Language Arts-Writing/Grammar.  Other supplies needed on a daily basis would be pencils and a grading/corrections pen.