Honors World Geography Students (and Parents):
I am thrilled to welcome you to my class! Freshman year is an important milestone in your academic experience, and I look forward to helping you navigate the new challenges and expectations of high school.
My classroom is highly-structured and designed to create a safe learning environment where each instructional minute is maximized to facilitate student success. Students will be engaged in the learning process bell-to-bell. This course is designed to prepare students for either AP World History or dual credit social studies courses that are offered sophomore year. Students will write frequently, engage in challenging project based learning, and will be expected to complete homework weekly.
Classroom procedures and expectations are in place to ensure your success in Honors World Geography. Please read below for more information regarding student expectations.
Cell Phone Guidelines
Cell phones are the by far the largest distraction in classrooms. According to this academic study of cell phone use in classrooms published by Rutgers University, cell phone use during instruction has a negative impact on both learning retention and student test scores.
Student learning retention is critical for success in high school; therefore, students are expected to place their cell phones in their backpacks upon entering the classroom. Students using phones in class will be required to place them in the cell phone hotel for the remainder of the period. Please note that AirPods/headphones/earbuds are also prohibited. Smart watches should be placed on theatre mode/airplane mode/silent. This is a non-negotiable.
Parents: Please know that if you need to contact your student during my class, my classroom phone is always answered. The number is 817-598-2847 x3731. Also, if there is a special circumstance in which your student needs to contact you, including an emergency situation at school, I will provide that opportunity. I understand the importance of having the ability to immediately contact your student in these circumstances.
Restroom Procedures
Students are expected to use the restroom during passing period and will not be permitted to leave class during direct instruction. Students may use the restroom once independent practice begins, but please understand that most classroom activities are timed. If a student does not complete the independent activities during the provided time, work must be completed during advisory or at home.
Parents: If your student has an extenuating circumstance which requires frequent restroom visits, please communicate this to the appropriate counselor/administrator and nurse.
Grading Guidelines
Per district policy, grades are calculated as follows:
Minor Grades (daily work, quizzes ) 40%
Major Grades (tests, projects, essays) 60%
Late work will receive a 10 point deduction for each day late and will not be accepted past the three-week/six-week grading period.
Students will receive two days for each day absent to complete missed work. It is the responsibility of the student to reach out to me for make-up work.
I understand that each student is unique and may have circumstances beyond their control that interfere with their learning. It is important for you to advocate for yourself. Please see me so that we can create a plan together to ensure your success in my class.
Parents: You will receive frequent communications from me via email and/or phone, especially if your student is struggling. I am always available to visit about your concerns. Please never hesitate to reach out to me. Through an effective partnership, we can help your student achieve success in Honors World Geography.
Consequence Ladder
In order to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for each student, off-vision behaviors will be addressed through the consequence ladder. The consequence ladder ensures that each student is held to the same level of accountability for any off-vision behaviors that affect their own learning or the learning of their classmates. Off-vision behaviors include arriving tardy, talking at inappropriate times or engaging in unaccountable talk, distracting others, sleeping, being disrespectful to teachers or classmates, being out of the seat during instructional time, or engaging in any behavior that interrupts the learning process.
If quick reminds or private conversations with the student do not stop the behavior, the student will be asked to complete a reflection sheet. A reflection sheet provides the student an opportunity to reflect on their behavior and the consequences for their learning and the learning of their peers. I will conference with each student after completion of the reflection sheet. It is my experience that very few students reach this level of consequence.
There are some behaviors that warrant an automatic referral and phone call home. These include bullying, insubordination, vandalism, theft, or fighting.
Parents: Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about the consequence ladder.
A little bit about me...
This is my 27th year in education and my 17th year at Weatherford High School/Ninth Grade Center. I am certified in Social Studies, English, Reading, Speech Communications, English as a Second Language, Special Education, and Family and Consumer Science, and I am committed to quality instruction with engaging activities that promote critical thinking. I have taught all levels of English in both the traditional classroom setting and in at-risk programs, and I have recently added Honors World Geography to my teaching assignment.
My husband, Mr. Sweeney, retired from Weatherford High School two years ago after 24 years in education. He taught engineering, robotics, and architecture courses. We have an incredibly active and creative son named Finnegan who is in third grade and a goofy standard poodle named Waffles.
In our free time, we enjoy camping, boating, and fishing. We also enjoy traveling and have spent several summers in Ireland since our son was born. Additionally, we love attending musical theatre, and my son has performed in several local productions. I look forward to getting to know each of you this year and learning about your interests.
