Boles-Gateway Letter

Boles Jr. High

Student name: ________________________________ Period # _______

What is this course, Gateway to Technology, all about?

You are taking a newly designed course that is growing in popularity throughout the United States. It is designed for you to get a glimpse of what engineering is all about. This course is broken down into four units of study following an introduction, and, to be successful, you are to use all the subjects you learn throughout the school day, from English to history, from math to science. You will learn the theory behind the projects, and then be involved by participating in the practical applications in the lab.

What are the four units?

In addition to the beginning Introduction unit, the remaining units are Magic of Electrons, Design and Modeling, The Science of Technology, and Automation and Robotics. Each unit will last approximately six to eight weeks.

How will students be graded?

The Gateway class is on par with honors classes. Most of the grades will come from projects done in the lab. These projects may take a number of days to complete. Therefore the students may not have a like number of grades compared to other classes. If a student receives a poor grade, he/she will be allowed to bring that grade up. For the most part, student evaluation on projects will be done by the use of rubrics. These will inform the student how he/she will be evaluated and how to earn a good grade. The rubrics will be given out prior to a given assignment. In order to be successful, students must do all labs, do well on tests, keep a Technology Portfolio, and show respect and responsibility to all.

Please note that while many of the projects are group assignments, students who are absent will still have to come in either before or after school to make up the missed work. Because many of these projects are a series of process-based learning, the student must experience the entire process to understand future learning experiences. The student cannot simply copy down the group’s answers to the assigned work. The actual hands-on experience is essential to the learning process.

What are the students’ responsibilities?

This class will be challenging, and students will be expected to have good attendance. There are no textbooks to follow. Oral lessons, demonstrations, Internet explorations, and hands-on activities will be the primary methods of learning. Students will be expected to take notes when a lesson/demonstration is given, are asked to participate in all lessons, and are to ask questions for better understanding.

In addition, each student will have approximately 350 handouts by the end of all five units. As a means to organize this information, students will be required to obtain a 3-ring binder, 2” or 3” wide with 5 dividers by the end of the first week of class. This binder will become the student’s Technology Portfolio, which will be inspected and graded for neatness and completion. Students will keep their portfolios in the lab. However they may bring them home anytime parents would like to see their work, but they must bring them back to class.

Please be aware that students may be using power tools during the Science of Technology unit. A separate information sheet will be sent home at the start of the unit. In addition, as stated earlier, students will be conducting a significant amount of Internet research. Any inappropriate use of the Internet will ban the student from Internet use during class.

Because of the special environment in the Technology lab, in addition to School and Team rules, the following expectations will be enforced:

A. Follow all directions, policies, and lab procedures at all times.
B. Be on time to class, with your Portfolio and pencil.
C. No loud or unnecessary talking.
D. Keep hands, feet and objects to oneself.
E. Use your time wisely.
F. Always respect yourself and others.
G. Use all lab equipment safely and properly, and return to the appropriate location at the end of class. Horseplay in the lab will not be permitted!
H. No gum, candy or drinks in the lab at any time.

Disciplinary Consequences

A. First Offense: warning and teacher will sign discipline form.
B. Second Offense: teacher will sign discipline form and conference with student.
C. Third Offense: teacher will sign discipline form; 20 minute d-hall assigned; parent will be notified.
D. Fourth Offense: teacher signs discipline form; 30 minute d-hall; parent notified.
E. Fifth Offense: office referral

(The discipline form should be kept in the portfolio at all times.)

NOTE: Gateway is a class on par with honors classes. Students are specifically selected for this class, and there are a limited number of spaces available. Discipline should not be a problem in this class. Due to the advanced level of this class, behavior which interferes with the learning environment will not be tolerated. Any student who continually causes disruptions may be removed and placed in an available elective to be determined by administration.

Tardies
A. Tardies will be determined by the bell.
B. Students should be in their seats ready to begin class when the bell starts to ring.

Consequences:
1^st Tardy - Warning
2^nd Tardy – 10 Minute d-hall with the teacher.
3^rd Tardy – 20 Minute d-hall with the teacher.
4^th Tardy – Referral to the office.

Tests and Quizzes

A. Most tests will be announced a few days in advance.
B. These evaluation tools will be based on class lectures/ demonstrations/ activities/ homework. Make-up tests for absences or disciplinary actions will be administered before or after school or during Advisory.
C. Any student with a failing test or quiz grade may take the test again. Final score will be determined by averaging the original test score with any improved test score.

Homework

A. Very little homework is assigned for this class. Most work will be done in class, using the equipment, or computers. However, occasionally a student may not finish an assignment in the allotted time. In that case, the assignment becomes homework, and must be finished either at home, or in the lab on the students’ time (before school, after school, or during Advisory.)
B. School policy is 50% credit for work turned in one day late.
C. Make-up work for excused absences may have to be completed at school because of technology needs. Students will need to arrange to come in before or after school as soon as possible to make up the missed work and to keep from falling further behind.

Technology Portfolio

A. Students are to keep the notebook neat and organized. Dividers for each unit and the Introduction are required (five total).
B. A few sheets of white lined paper should be included in your notebook
C. Technology Portfolios are to contain technology papers only and must be able to pass the shake proof test.
D. The Portfolios will be kept in the Tech lab, but may also be taken home if necessary. However, remember that you must have your Portfolio in class every day.
E. Portfolios may be graded at the end of each unit for neatness and completion.
F. Parents may ask their child to bring their portfolio home to be checked at any time, but the portfolio must be returned to school the next day.

Parents: Please sign and have your student return this packet to class as acknowledgement of your receipt of this information. Thank you.

Parent Signature___________________________________

If you wish to have correspondence such as grades, behavior, etc. concerning your child e-mailed, be sure and supply your e-mail address below giving me permission, or e-mail me permission at dstice@aisd.net

Boles Jr. High

Discipline Form

A. First Offense: warning and teacher will sign portfolio

Date: ___________ Offense: ____________________________________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________