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I. General Attendance
In all sections of Music & Computers, attendance in every class is essential. Since students work individually, in groups, and as a class, absenteeism is sure to set all students back a great deal. While a single absence will not necessarily impact an individual student's progress or the class's progress much, multiple absences definitely will. When a student misses a Music & Computers class, he/she misses a lot of information that is provided in class. The student also misses out on oppurtunities to interact with his/her classmates during group work. And, similar to a normal school session, the student will also be behind in his/her work. In light of these facts, frequent absenteeism in Music & Computers classes will not be tolerated. Attendance on Project Days is MANDATORY!!! Any student missing more than 3 class meetings during the course of the semester will not be permitted to move on to the next course, and his/her final semester evaluation will reflect poor attendance. Any student having 6 or more cumulative absences in Music & Computers will be asked to not take the course again. If the student or his/her parent/guardian thinks or knows that for some reason the student will have more than 3 absences during the semester, then it is encouraged to drop the course immediately and take it during another semester. Students who do this will suffer no punitive action. II. Excused Absences There are certain situations which warrant an absence from class, and thus the absence is excused and does not count. These situations include:
1. In these instances, I must be informed (preferably in writing) prior to the start of the 3rd class meeting. Without notification, I cannot excuse an absence of this type. 2. In the case of an emergency, I must be notified within 48 hours. Without notification, I cannot excuse an absence of this type. There are, of course, circumstances that require an excused absence which are beyond the scope of the list I have provided. I am always available and very approachable, so please do not hesitate to speak with me if you have an extenuating circumstance that you feel deserves an excused absence. I will not, however, excuse an absence that stems from a recreational or scholastic sporting event. III. Lateness It is understood that many students have schedules that require them to depart one class and arrive at another at the same time. However, it is well-known that it does not take 15 minutes to walk from class to class, or even from building to building. Therefore, students are allowed five (5) minutes to arrive after the "official" starting time of the class. If the students do not arrive within that time, they will be considered late. Arriving to class late 3 times counts as one (1) absence. IV. Participation in Class It is expected that a student will not only arrive to class consistently and in a timely manner, but will also participate regularly. This means making an effort to answer questions, take notes when necessary, and to contribute to the overall progress of the class through group and individual work. A student who misses every class and a student who is at every class but does not participate are one and the same. Part of participating in class is being prepared for class. This includes having a ready supply of pens or pencils, staff paper, regular lined paper, and any other materials that are required in class on a weekly basis. In addition to having the required materials, students must also come to class with a good attitude and be ready to work! Laziness, whining, and negativity have no place in the classroom, and will not be tolerated in any measure. V. Contact Information Students and Parents who have any questions, comments, or other miscellaneous feedback about my class or its policies are encouraged to contact me personally. I can be reached via e-mail through this site, or I can be reached via telephone or postal service. Both are included below: Telephone Home: (973) 893-1018 Work: (973) 655-5142 Pager: (973) 655-7111, pager number 007 Postal Address 384 Broughton Avenue 1st Floor Bloomfield, NJ 07003 The best time to reach me, if calling my home, is on weeknights after 10 PM or on Sundays after 6 PM. Please do not call me at work unless it is an emergency that requires my immediate attention. Nonetheless, I can be reached at work on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM. |