Clovis East High School

Reagan Educational Center

A Welcome from Mr. Reis

 

Dear Parents and Guardians:

                I will be your child's science teacher this year, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and acquaint you with some of my classroom expectations and policies.

 

BACKGROUND

                I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree at California State University, Fresno with a Biology (Zoology) major.  I have a  Single Subject Biology credential, as well as a Multiple Subject credential with a Life Sciences supplementary.  This will be my thirteenth year teaching.  Science has long been a favorite of mine, and I very much look forward to spending this year with your child as my student.

 

HOMEWORK

                Homework affects achievement in school and, among other things, teaches your children responsibility.  It is the key link between home and school.  Your child can expect homework 1-2 times a week.  Assignments to be handed in are due when class begins.  All assignments must be neat and have the proper heading (as shown above).  Points will be deducted for improperly prepared papers.  All paper assignments must be done on white, lined, 8 1/2" x 11"  three-hole paper.  Torn, crumpled, “decorated”, or otherwise sloppy papers will not be accepted.  Writing must be neat and legible.   Typed or printed out is even better.  Some assignments will be turned in electronically… details in class.  Only 1/2 credit will be given for late work.  Late assignments are to be given directly to Mr. Reis.  They will be expected to keep a written record of homework assignments in their planner/notebook.  Homework counts towards their grade!

 

COMMUNICATION

                To reach me, call the school office (327-4000 CEHS) and leave a message.  I will return your call as soon as I am able.  Your child can e-mail me at mrreis@lycos.com , and parents can use  trevorreis@cusd.com.   Feel free to visit my home page on the World Wide Web at http://geocities.datacellar.net/treis for more information and cool science links.  You will find the class calendar with assignments and due dates, as well as a way to request your child's GRADES.

 

DISCIPLINE

                I expect that no student will stop me from teaching, nor will any student stop another from learning.  This is to guarantee that your child, along with my other students, will receive the educational atmosphere they are entitled to.  In my classroom, I will be using the following discipline plan:

 

                RULES                   1.             Follow directions the first time they are given.

                                                2.             Be in your seat when the bell rings, begin work.

                                                3.             Bring all books and materials to class.

                                                4.             Sit in your assigned seat daily.

                                                5.             No personal grooming during class time.

                                                6.             Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.

                                                7.             No cursing or teasing.

                                                8.             Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.

 

                NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES (for choosing to behave inappropriately)

                                1st offense                            verbal warning, lose extra credit points

                                2nd offense                           teacher/student conference, parent contact

                                3rd offense                            administrative referral

                                Severe disruption                 immediate referral

 

GRADING POLICIES

                Academic grades will be given as a percentage of total points earned

                (90% - 100% = A,    80% - 89.9%   = B,    70% - 79.9%   = C,    60% - 69.9%   = D,    0% - 59.9%   = F)

                I will not give any assignment a grade lower than 40%, provided that the student honestly attempted and completed the work and turned it in, even if all the answers are wrong.  Zeros will be reserved for work not turned in.  This allows for a more equitable average of high and low grades.  ( For example: 100% (A) + 0% (F) average out to 50% (F).  But 100% (A) + 40% (F) average out to 70% (C), which is a better average grade.)  

 

 

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD WITH SCHOOL THIS YEAR?

 

                1.  Take an interest in your child's schoolwork.  Check the papers, and ask your child to show you that they are familiar with what was taught.  Ask your child what they learned in class. Talk to them about their day, and ask what they are doing in school.  Ask what our daily prompt was about today.  Ask how I grossed them out today.

                2.  When concerned about their grades, feel free to contact teachers.  Require your child to pick up a weekly progress report from the office and get all his/her teachers to fill it out, usually done on Fridays.

                3.  Don't do their homework for them, but encourage and assist them when possible and necessary.

                4.  Help them organize and plan for regular study time at home.  Help them find a quiet area where they can work with no distractions, with the necessary supplies on hand.

                5.  Teach your child responsibility for their own schoolwork.  Despite the numerous excuses for not having their homework (dog ate it, baby colored on it, baby ate it, Mom threw it away, left it in the car, left it at Dad's house, etc...), it is your child's responsibility to do and keep track of his/her own homework.

 

I sincerely thank you for your cooperation and support, and I look forward to an exciting semester.

 

P.S.         I have many class pets in my classroom.  I have several snakes, a few fish, two turtles, a number of rats, and who knows what else as the year goes on.  I know that some people are a bit uncomfortable about snakes (and/or rats), so I thought I would take a few moments to assuage any fears you might have.

                My ball python's name is "Regina".  Her scientific name is Python regius, meaning "royal python".  She is commonly known as a ball python because of her habit of rolling up into a tight little ball when afraid.  She will not get big enough to be a problem or cause a threat to humans.  Ball pythons can reach a length of five feet, but Regina is now only 36 inches long.  Ball pythons are very reluctant to bite and easily become tame and easy to handle.  Regina already is.

                I recently acquired a Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor named Leopold.  He’s about 5 ½ feet long, and handles well.

                My glossy snake's name is "Indy", scientific name Arizona elegans.  He is about 30 inches long and has been held by hundreds of students of all ages.  He was given to me by a former student who was moving out of state and could no longer keep him.  The gopher snake, "Napoleon", (Pituophis melanoleucus) is four years old, and is still getting used to people, so he stays in his cage.  "Cleopatra", the king snake (Lampropeltis getulis getulis) is already used to being held.  She's the prettiest one.  I also have a Mexican Black king snake, and an albino corn snake.

 

                I also have several rats housed in an environmental chamber, constantly producing baby rats.  They are all quite friendly, and are sometimes handled by students who wish to do so.  I am also a slave to three guinea pigs.

                They will all be housed in the classroom full time.  They have sturdy cages with secure tops.  I realize that some students are wary of certain animals, and I can understand this.  I will never force any student to hold, touch, or even come near them.  I will eventually let those who want to do so handle them, but only after they are trained and comfortable doing so.  If you have any questions at all concerning our fascinating class pets, feel free to give me a call or drop me a note.

                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                ......Mr. Reis

(please return the bottom portion of this letter to Mr. Reis.)

 

 

	Notes for Mr. Reis:

 

My child, __________________________________, and I have read this letter.

                                                student name (printed)

 

___________________________________                              ____________________________________

parent/guardian signature                                                  home phone

 

___________________________________                              ____________________________________

student signature                                                                 work phone

 

___________________________________                              ____________________________________

date                                                                                        student’s e-mail    (please print clearly)

 

__1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8___                                ____________________________________

class period  (circle one)                                                     parent’s e-mail    (please print clearly)