It is my expectation that all students are learning every music class and held accountable for their learning each week. Students will be assessed on materials they should know and new materials that they are learning each week. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at: [email protected] .
All Grades:
If there is a written music test, all students will have 3 opportunities to show mastery in the element being tested. The day of the test during class, is the first. If a student does not pass or would like to improve the grade, they will need to get the test from Mrs. Backstrom and have it signed by a parent/guardian. Once the student brings the test back to Mrs. Backstrom signed, we will schedule a time to complete the 1st retake and the student will be given additional studying material if he or she chooses. Again, if the student needs to improve upon their grade, they may take the retake home to have it signed and schedule a second retake with Mrs. Backstrom.
The student's last attempt on the test will be the final grade given for the exam. I also need for all 1st retakes to occur within a week of the original test.
Tutoring/help sessions:
I am at school from approximately 8:15am-4:15pm everyday. If a student needs help with any musical concepts, please have them come by for additional help before or after school. I prefer to schedule these with students, just in case I am not able to stay one afternoon or be here as early one morning. I do have morning and after school duties once a month. This is another reason why it is important for students to schedule time for me to work with them.
I also have morning Elementary choral rehearsal on Mondays - Thursdays, from 8:00-8:30am. Please do not come for additional help during this time.
These are not the only expectation that I have for my students. Others include: class participation and completion of daily activities. All students are graded on a rubric scale. This rubric is designed to identify and clarify how students are completing the musical activities based on the Arizona State Standards for Music Education (Arts Standards for Arizona).
Character Counts Six Pillars of Character T R R F C C
Students can use this acronym to help them remember that people with good character are terrific:
TRUSTWORTHINESS- HOW TO BE TRUSTWORTHY
BE HONEST... Don't lie, cheat, or steal
BE RELIABLE... Keep your promises and follow through on your commitments
HAVE COURAGE... to do what is right, even when it is difficult
BE A GOOD FRIEND. . . and don't betray a trust
RESPECT - HOW TO BE RESPECTFUL
Treat other people the way you want to be treated
Be courteous and polite
Listen to what other people have to say
Don't insult people, or make fun of them, or call them names
Don't bully or pick on others
Don't judge people if you know nothing about them
RESPONSIBILITY - HOW TO BE RESPONSIBLE
Be reliable and dependable; when you agree to do something, do it
Take care of your own business. Don't make others do what you are supposed to do
Take responsibility for your actions; don't make excuses or blame others
Use your head; think before you act; imagine the consequences
FAIRNESS- HOW TO BE FAIR
Treat people the way you want to be treated
Take Turns
Play by the rules
Think about how your actions will affect others
Listen to people with an open mind
Don't blame others for your mistakes
Don't take advantage of other people
Tell the truth
CARING - HOW TO BE CARING
Treat people with kindness and generosity
Help people in need
Be sensitive to people's feelings
Never be mean or hurtful
Think about how your actions will affect others
Always remember - we become caring people by doing caring things
CITIZENSHIP - HOW TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN
Do your share to make your school, your community, and the world a better place
Participate in community service
Help take care of the environment
Be a good neighbor
Treat other people with respect
Follow the rules of your family and school
Participate in community service
Help take care of the environment
Be a good neighbor
Treat other people with respect
Follow the rules of your family and school
These are not the only expectation that I have for my students. Others include: class participation and completion of daily activities. All students are graded on a rubric scale. This rubric is designed to identify and clarify how students are completing the musical activities based on the Arizona State Standards for Music Education (Arts Standards for Arizona).