Grade 8-Mrs. McGrath

Every member of the future Class of 2025 was accepted into the Catholic High School of their choice. They are all one step closer to graduation!  

All homework will be posted through Google Classroom. Assessment dates will also be posted to Google Classroom.

Please ask your child for their Google Classroom email and password so you can check their work.

Parents will be able to sign up for weekly update emails from Google Classroom in September.  Guardian summaries will only include weekly announcements and missed work assigned through Google Classroom.  It is imperative that you gain access to the full Google account using your student's account information.

Assessment Policy

Math:
Tests are given at the end of every major concept.  The frequency of tests will depend on the complexity of the topic. Two major tests will be given each quarter in each subject.
Review/practice will always be assigned and reviewed prior to a math test.

Quizzes will be given frequently, approximately every two weeks. Review sessions will take place in class.


Science:
Chapter tests will be given approximately every two weeks depending on the length and difficulty of the chapter concepts. Students will complete comprehension questions that become the main study guide. Study guides containing important topics and concepts are posted to Google Classroom two to three days before the test.

Quizzes will be given based on vocabulary and/or chapter sections. No study guide will be issued for quizzes.

Projects may be given. Instructions and/or rubrics will be handed out in advance.  
 

Miscellaneous Information regarding Graded Work and Assessments
Points will be deducted on all tests/quizzes/graded homework assignments for incomplete headings. Missing or incomplete names up to -10 points, Missing date -3 points, Missing class -2 points. Students will be expected to include their number on all submitted documents as part of their heading. Numbers will be issued once all students have been registered and inputted into the class. No exceptions!

Students will be expected to write in cursive!  Handwriting practice will take place weekly to assist students in mastering this skill.
 
 
As per the student handbook, the breakdown for grading is as follows:

Summative assessments 45%

Quizzes 25%

Classwork/Participation 20%

Homework 10%


Homework Policy
Written homework is given nightly except on Fridays. Homework is posted to Google Classroom.  The time it takes to complete nightly homework assignments will depend on the ability level of each student as well as the complexity of the topic. Math homework should generally take 45-60 minutes.
 
Homework will be reviewed daily. Missing homework will be notated by the teacher. Three missing homework assignments will result in a phone call home and/or lunch detention.
 
Lateness Policy used for Homework and Projects
Ten (10) points will be deducted from a graded assignment for each day of lateness.  After the third day of lateness, the student will receive a grade of 0.  

Students who are absent will not be penalized.  However, once the assignments have been given upon the student's return, failure to hand them in will result in point deductions.  IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO GATHER ALL MISSED WORK FROM THE VARIOUS TEACHERS WHEN HE/SHE RETURNS FROM AN ABSENCE.


POINTS MAY ALSO BE DEDUCTED WHEN A STUDENT FAILS TO WRITE THEIR NAME ON GRADED ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS. Students are expected to take care when completing all assignments.  Handwritten work must be neatly completed. Typed assignments should be free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Signed Paper Policy
Any graded papers, including classwork, homework, quizzes, tests, and projects, that receive a score lower than 80% must be signed and returned to the teacher the day after they are given back to the student. If the signed paper is not returned the next day, the student will receive recess detention. If the signed paper is not returned after two days, the student must call home during lunch to report the grade to a parent. Please do not hold on to these papers. Once the signed paper is noted by the teacher, it will be returned home for you to review.


Discipline Policy
The students are expected to follow class and school rules at all times.  Failure to do so will result in lunch detention and/or a referral to the administration. Parents will be contacted regarding behavioral issues. Students and/or teachers will call to report any incidents that occur. Emails may be sent requesting a conference. Please refer to the online student handbook for the school discipline policy.
 
Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

All information pertaining to Catholic high schools, NYC public high schools, and NYC specialized high schools can be found in Google Classroom. Information regarding the TACHS Exam can also be found on my Google Classroom.

Information will also be sent to parents via email. Please make sure you provide an email address in September that is active and checked regularly.

Attention Students and Parents:

Registration will open in August for the TACHS exam. The test will once again be given online. 

Visit tachsinfo.com to register your child for this test.