Contact Information:
Email: lord@visd.net

Online Office Hours: 
Monday – Friday 12:45-2:45 p.m.
Dear parents and students, 
Welcome to Resource English! I am excited to work with you throughout this challenging time, and look forward to collaborating in new and exciting ways! I know that things may feel uncertain for you right now, but I strongly believe that we will come through it together as a stronger classroom and community. I will be here with you every step of the way! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

There are several ways in which you can communicate with me throughout this time, including through your school email and Microsoft Teams. My school email is lord@visd.net. I will also be available for office hours and tutoring on Microsoft Teams from 12:45-2:45 p.m. Monday-Friday in order to work with you and answer any questions you may have. I look forward to working with you and your child!

 SYLLABUS:
Course Outline: 
Resource English I, II, III, and IV

Below are the schedules for both 100% virtual instruction and when we return to school face to face on September 8th (date subject to change).

100% Virtual Instruction (August 18th – September 4th) (Dates subject to change)

Virtual Instruction Expectations:

1. Students are expected to log in and attend class live during their class time every single day. If students are absent from class, it is their responsibility to attend virtual office hours and tutoring to complete any missed assignments. Attendance will be taken for class every day.

2. I am available for conference hours Monday through Friday from 12:45-2:45 p.m. During this time, I will be available online on Microsoft Teams if you have questions or need me to show you how to do anything. If you need help outside of office hours, you can send me an email or chat in Teams and I will respond the next school day.

3. You are not allowed to video conference one-on-one with me or any teacher. There must be at least a third person (parent, another student, another teacher, etc.) present at all times.

4. This is a learning process for all of us. Please be patient with yourself and with me! We will figure out how to learn online together and take it one day at a time. Please do not feel overwhelmed, but contact me if you have any questions or concerns and we will work through it together.

What are the professional student expectations for remote learning at East?
Workspace

• Please dress appropriately. Casual dress is acceptable. Clothing that is overly revealing or inconsistent with the dress code policy of VISD is not allowed.

• Please ensure an appropriate backdrop. Make sure that everything in your camera’s view is appropriate for our East students and teachers to see. Ensure that images, items, and conduct in camera view is consistent with the code of conduct of VISD.

• When you are not speaking, please go on mute. Background noise can be very distracting during video lessons and calls. Please mute when you are not speaking to minimize background noise.

• Make sure that you have a plan during active meetings or lessons for other children in the home and pets.

• Please have your camera on when you are participating in a virtual meeting or in a live lesson. In this time of social distancing, it is so important that we continue to connect in community as a Team & Family. Seeing each other in our virtual classrooms and work spaces helps us connect with one another.

Logistics

• If you set up an online meeting with a teacher/class, please be on time to virtual meetings. Come prepared with your materials and questions. Be specific in any concerns—not just “I don’t understand.” What specifically do you not understand?

• Allow time to log on before a lesson as technology can be inconsistent.

• Please reach out to the meeting facilitator if you are running late or experience another barrier.

• Make sure you schedule in video chats with your teachers during their office hours of 12:45 – 2:45 pm. Please do not interrupt your teacher while they are teaching another class.

• We know you will need teacher support during this difficult time. We are here for you! Please request from your teacher to set up a meeting with your administrator or counselor if you have a more serious issue.

• Use professional language during all interactions. (Teams is a school/work setting—not a social media setting).

Discussion Boards, Email, and Videos

• Stay on topic – Don’t post irrelevant links, comments, thoughts, or pictures.

• Don’t type in ALL CAPS! If you do, it will look like you’re screaming. Also, watch multiple exclamation points.

• Don’t write anything that sounds angry or sarcastic, even as a joke, because without hearing your tone of voice, your peers might not realize you’re joking.

• Always remember to say “Please” and “Thank you” when soliciting help from your classmates.

• Respect the views and opinions of your classmates. If you feel the need to disagree, do so respectfully and acknowledge the valid points in your classmate’s argument. Acknowledge that others are entitled to have their own perspective on the issue. This is a professional setting. If disagreeing, stick to the subject respectfully, not personal. Don’t badmouth others or call them names. You may disagree with their ideas, but don’t mock the person.

• If you reply to a question from a classmate, make sure your answer is accurate! If you’re not 100% sure when the paper is due, do not guess. Otherwise, you could really mess things up for your classmates and they will not appreciate it.

• Be brief. If you write a long dissertation in response to a simple question, it’s unlikely that anyone will spend the time to read through it all.

• If you refer to something your classmate said earlier in the discussion, quote just a few key lines from their post so that others won’t have to go back and figure out which post you’re referring to.

• Before asking a question, make sure the answer is not already posted somewhere or in class materials.

• Be forgiving. If your classmate makes a mistake, don’t badger him or her for it. Just let it go – it happens to the best of us.

• Run a spelling and grammar check before posting anything to the discussion board. It only takes a minute. This is professional communication. Try to use complete sentences. This is practice for college and your career.

• Make sure to cite sources if using ideas or words that are not your own.

• Don’t post or share (even privately) inappropriate material. Enough said there. Nothing is truly private online. All communication in VISD platforms falls under a school activity and the open records act. Any words, images, video, content can be disciplined subject to the code of conduct.

Core Beliefs of Remote Learning at VEHS

• Core Belief #1 of Remote Learning at VEHS: We prioritize preserving relationships between staff, students, and families during what is likely to be stressful time for many involved by maintaining regular and ongoing contact between members of our community.

• Core Belief #2 of Remote Learning at VEHS: We will provide opportunities for students to engage in learning activities, such that students maintain current mastery and make progress in essential (not all) knowledge and skills.

• Core Belief #3 of Remote Learning at VEHS: We believe this is an opportunity for teachers to think outside the box, engage students, make connections, and grow as a professional through the use of new platforms and communication tools.

• Core Belief #4 of Remote Learning at VEHS: We believe this is an opportunity for students to develop online/professional communication and collaboration needed for college and the work place. This is an opportunity for students to develop problem solving skills and resiliency through this process. The teacher will take opportunities to highlight and develop these in students.

• Core Belief #5 of Remote Learning at VEHS: We believe we must remain flexible and adaptable to these uncertain times. Be compassionate (to yourself and others). Be human. We are doing the best we can…We are in this together. Assume the BEST in all people.

Face to Face Instruction (Remote Instruction Optional)
VISD will determine safety measures and guidelines for face to face instruction based on local, state, and CDC health authority policies
Beginning September 8th (or when 100% virtual ends) students choosing the virtual option will follow the same schedule as Face to Face below.  

Victoria East, West and Liberty Bell Schedule

Supplies:

• Notebook paper

• Pencil

• Black/blue pen

• Folder to remain in classroom

These items are for classroom use, and therefore not required: however, they would be greatly appreciated.

• 1 Box of Kleenex

• 1 Box of pencils

• 1 Package of notebook paper

• 1 Bottle of hand sanitizer

*Cell Phone Policy:

• Students may use cellphones before and after school, during lunch, and during passing periods.

• Students may not use cellphones during classroom instructional time.

• Students may not use earbuds during classroom instructional time.

• Students will receive a detention and be required to turn in their phone to the teacher to be picked up at the end of class each time they are found using a cellphone or earbuds during classroom instructional time. On the third offense, the student will receive a referral and the phone will be given to the front office where a parent/guardian will have to pick up the device.

Classroom Policies
Expectations: 

1. Be polite and respectful to the teacher and classmates at all times

2. Be responsible (take notes, turn in your homework, etc…)

3. Come to class on time and prepared

4. Always do your own work to the BEST of your ability.

Rules:

1. Do not talk when the teacher is talking and when other students respond to questions.

2. No getting up out of your seat while the teacher is teaching or giving instructions.

3. No vulgar or inappropriate language.

4. No food or drinks other than bottled water in the classroom.

5. Have pencils sharpened and have materials you need for the lesson on your desk before the bells rings. (Ex. pencil/pen, paper, calculator, etc…)

    

Titan Tune-Up/Teacher Detentions will be issued for not meeting behavioral expectations. If students do not attend the teacher detention, the Titan Tune-Up will be turned in to the Assistant Principal to administer a more significant consequence.

Major or repeated issues will be documented in an Office Referral.

 *Grading Policy:

• Summative grades = 50% (tests/projects)

• Formative/Quiz grades = 50% (daily/homework grades)

 *Late Work:
The student will have the opportunity to submit work up to three days after the due date with a penalty of 10 points per day.

*Failed Assignments or Tests:
The student must redo and assignment or retake a test within five school days of receiving the failing grade.

The student will be allowed to redo an assignment or retake a test for which they received a failing grade in order to receive a maximum grade of 70 points.  The teacher will record the higher of the two grades; maximum of a 70.

*Tardy Policy:  Class starts when the bell rings. Classroom doors will be locked. Students must get a tardy slip to enter a classroom after the tardy bell rings.

1st -3rd offense:  (1-3 Demerits)

• Report to closest AP suite

• Offense documented

• Student will return to class with ticket

• NO CONSEQUENCE

4th offense and all other offenses:  (4 demerits +)

• Report to closest AP suite

• Offense documented

• Student will return to class with ticket

• LUNCH DETENTION ASSIGNED for every 4 tardies

• 16th offense- 1 Day of ISS (16 demerits +)

Assistant Principal will continue to administer appropriate consequences for subsequent tardies.

Each tardy = 1 Demerit
Demerits will be used for tardies, dress code violations, and other school rule violations.

“CHEATING / PLAGIARISM / ACADEMIC DISHONESTY 
Copying another person’s work, such as homework, class work, or a test, is a form of cheating. The use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, in the classroom and in testing situations may cause suspicion of cheating. (See Electronic Devices and Technology Resources) Plagiarism, which is the use of another person’s original ideas or writing as one’s own without giving credit to the true author, will also be considered cheating and the student will be subject to academic disciplinary action that may include loss of credit for the work in question. Teachers who have reason to believe that a student has engaged in cheating or other academic dishonesty will assess the academic penalty to be imposed. Students found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary consequences as well, according to the Student Code of Conduct. [For more information, see Honor Code Regulation EIA found at www.visd.net.]”    VISD Student Handbook

LOIS LORD

Lois Lord, M.Ed.
lois.lord@visd.net
(361) 788-2820 Ext. 38104
Resource English I, II, III, and IV