Dear Student/Parent:

 

I will be your child’s Vocal Music/Drama Teacher at Linden Middle School.  In order to guarantee your child and all students in my classroom the rights they have and deserve to learn, I have developed a Classroom Discipline Plan that will be in effect at all times.

 

When in my classroom, students must follow the following rules:

 

                1.             Follow directions the first time given.

 

                2.             Keep hands, feet and all other objects to yourself.

 

                3.             Rehearse within the “Guidelines of Proper Rehearsal.”

                                                (This is listed in the classroom and listed on the reverse side of this letter.)

 

                4.             Participate at all times.

 

                5.             Be seated with folder and pencil when bell rings.

 

If a student breaks a rule, the Responsible Integrity Concept according to the school policies (see handbook) will be enforced.

 

If a student is severely disruptive (ex. fighting, defying authority), he/she will be immediately referred to the principal.

 

Included in my Classroom Discipline Plan are ways to positively reinforce students who behave appropriately.  These include verbal praise, free time and special classroom privileges.  Attached you will find a copy of my classroom expectations and grading system.  These should help to answer any other questions you may have concerning my class.

 

In order for this plan to have its greatest effect, I need your support.  Please discuss this letter with your child.  Thank you for your time and cooperation.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Miss Gates

Vocal Music/Drama Teacher

 

 

GUIDELINES FOR PROPER REHEARSAL

 

 

 

1.             Attention immediately when Director is standing in front of the room.  This means class begins.

 

 

2.             Listen and observe when Director is speaking or singing to the class.

 

 

3.             Raise your hand.

 

 

4.             DO NOT interrupt or be disruptive when Director is working with another section of the choir or      drama group.

 

 

5.             NO gum, candy, food of any kind or beverages allowed in the room.

 

 

6.             Maintain good posture while singing or acting.

 

 

7.             Socialize before or after class.

LINDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

6TH - 7TH - 8TH GRADE VOCAL MUSIC/DRAMA

 

STUDENT EXPECTIONS

 

 

As a member of a Middle School Vocal Music/Drama Class, you will be graded and evaluated on the following:

 

                                1.             Class participation, attitude, behavior, and attentiveness during class.

                                2.             Having materials everyday for class.  (This includes a folder for notes, any homework assigned, and a writing utensil.)

                                3.             Attendance at all scheduled performances.

                                4.             Compliance with the “Classroom Discipline Plan.”

 

GRADE DETERMINATION

 

You will be graded on a point system.  The scale for grading is listed below.  The list for the addition and subtraction of points is attached.  Please discuss these with your parents and contact me if you have any questions.  I am available at school from 7:35 a.m. - 2:56 p.m.

 

 

                                                                95 - 100                                 A

                                                                90 - 94                                   A-

                                                                85 - 89                                   B+

                                                                80 - 84                                   B

                                                                75 - 79                                   C+

                                                                70 - 74                                   C

                                                                65 - 69                                   D+

                                                                60 - 64                                   D

                                                                  0 - 59                                    E

 

 

If any materials or supplies are requested for participation in an event and a student is unable to provide materials or supplies, please notify me so arrangements can be made to provide for the event.

 

 

When students are absent from a class, concert or a dinner theatre performance, excused or unexcused, they are responsible for making up any work and points lost.  This includes daily points for participation, tardiness,  assignments, or missed performances.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!  Remember everyday two points are earned for daily participation in class and seated when the bell rings.  When the bell rings and you are NOT in your seat that means you are tardy.  NOT EXCEPTIONS!!!!!!!!!

 

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL VOCAL MUSIC/DRAMA POINT VALUE CHART

 

 

Daily Points

 

1.             Seated with folder and pencil when bell rings.                                               1 pt.

               

2.             Daily Participation                                                                                              1 pt.

 

Make-up points for a missed choir performance

 

Write a minimum of a full three or more page paper on a composer.                      40 pts.

                (Teacher will assign the composer.)

 

 

Make-up points for a missed drama performance

 

Write a minimum of a full three or more page paper.                                                  40 pts.

                (Drama topic will be assigned by the teacher.)

 

Daily Make-up Points

 

The following assignments may be used for daily make-up points depending on the students situation.  Students may choose from the list below the assignments needed to make-up daily points for their situation.

 

               

                1.             Attendance at a NO cost event that are cultural.                          10 pts.

                                (Ex. LHS events, LMS events, elementary orff performances, etc.

                                Must have program and a one page written critique.)

 

                2.             Helper at another performing group’s performance.                    5 pts.

                                (Must have proof of involvement.)

 

                3.             Decorations, publicity, or stage set-up for performance.             5 pts.

                                (Must have proof of involvement.)

 

                4.             Schedule a class performance.                                                         10 pts.

 

 

Subtraction of Points

 

                1.             Absence from a scheduled choir/drama performance.                                40 pts.

                                (See make-up points for appropriate class.)

 

               

                2.             Inappropriate classroom behavior                                                   1pt.

                                (After students have three points subtracted in a card marking, parents will be contacted.)

 

All choir students are to arrive by 6:30 PM for attendance & preparation for the choir concerts.

                                               

                                                           

The attire for choir concerts are; Black Bottom, White Top for the Fall & Spring Concerts.  The Christmas Concert students may dress casual or formal.  “NO BLUE JEANS” for any performances.  We are representing Linden & we are proud to do so.  Representing our great town of Linden is a huge responsibility & we would like for all of Linden to be proud to have us represent them.  Please “NO BLUE JEANS” for any performances. 

 

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Miss Gates at 591-0724.