Welcome to Mr. Kafka's 8th Grade Computer Applications Web Page for Forest Park Middle School.  This page contains all the goals, policies, grading information and other miscellaneous information about the course.  Please use the buttons above to navigate to the classroom calendar, notes and links pages.

WELCOME to 8^th Grade Computer Applications!  I am very excited to work with you through this coming school year.  This welcome memo and contract help to explain how this class will work.   

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Today’s world revolves around computers.  The overall goal for this class is to help students become more familiar with computer applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  This course will be broken down into 3 units:

• UNIT 1:  Beyond Classroom Basics

• UNIT 2:  Reflections

• UNIT 3:  Tech Writing Legos

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Lab Rules

1. Stay in your assigned seat at your computer station.

2. Do not deface or damage computer equipment.

3. Do not touch another person’s computer.

4. Print only with prior permission.

5. Clean up your lab area and put away your disk.

6. Follow the Internet Code of Conduct found in handbook.

General Classroom Rules

1. Arrive to class on time and be seated quietly.

2. Treat peers and staff with respect.

3. Keep hands and feet to yourself.

4. Follow directions the first time given.

5. Raise your hand before speaking.

6. Bring all materials to class.

Consequences

1. Warning.

2. Infraction issued under Honor Level Discipline.

3. Telephone call home.

4. Written report to office.

LATE WORK

It is critical for students to realize that tampering with computer hardware, software or another student’s work is a form of vandalism and will be dealt with accordingly.  With your student, please read the contract attached, sign the attached sheet, fill in the appropriate telephone numbers, and return it to me. 

GRADING

Students will keep track of their grades on grade summary sheets that accompany each unit.  When a unit is completed, students will bring home their portfolio of work with the grade summary sheet for your signature. In addition, all students will receive a mid-quarter progress report that must to be signed and returned.  Be aware that the progress report includes approximately half the grades for the quarter.  If students fail to complete projects or assignments near the end of the quarter their grade could drop significantly.  Additional progress reports will not be given because assignments are accepted until the last day of class and a final grade cannot be determined until that time.  Please check with your student to make sure all assignments are completed during the second half of the quarter.

CLASSROOM POLICIES

• We will follow the Franklin District Student Instructional Handbook for all policies and procedures

• Classroom policies will be discussed in class the first few days of class
• If you are absent from class, you are responsible for coming to see me the next day!
• Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  Any assignment found violating this rule will receive an automatic zero.

• Respect each other!
• No INTERNET usage unless you ask first and get permission from the teacher.
  • If this offense is repeated, your grade may suffer.

   

MATERIALS

• Lab Book:  Each unit will have a lab book that will be kept in the classroom. Worksheets will be provided that go along with these lab books.
• Folder or Binder:  Please have a folder or binder that you bring with you each day to class
• Highlighter & Pen or Pencil

ASSIGNMENTS / DEADLINES

·         Each assignment is given a deadline.  The assignment is worth full credit at the time it is due.

o        Late Assignments can be turned in the next class hour for a 20% deduction

o        Assignments handed in two class periods late worth 50% of the original point value

·         It is your responsibility to find out what was missed the day/days you were not in class.  This can be done before school, during a study hall, lunch time, or after school.  Missing assignments must be made up outside of class time.  Open Computer Lab hours will be posted in the classroom.  Missing tests must be completed in school at an agreed upon time.  Note:  Mr. Kafka’s online website will have an up to the date calendar where you can find out what was missed! J 

CLOSING REMARKS

I am very excited for my new year and new classes here at Forest Park.  I look forward to working with you during the year and my door is always open.  My guidelines are in place to help you become more organized as you get ready to enter high school and beyond.  My door is always open should you want to discuss anything.