GOALS: READ & WRITE
               -grammar and  sentence diagramming
               -rhetoric
               -oral interpretation, pronunciation and vocal intonation

I ALSO REQUIRE:

• A DAILY JOURNAL

1/2 page-1 page per day (Occasionally, I will give journal assignments at the start of class). I require 25 pages each term.  The journal counts as a test grade.

• 1000 PAGES OF OUTSIDE READING EACH TERM

The books can be on any topic the student chooses, with the exception of comic books, newspapers, picture books, and magazines.  Each student will be asked to write a short description of every book he reads, and turn in a list of these books at the end of the term signed by his parents.  Some books count for double credit, such as Dante’s Divine Comedy or Homer’s Odyssey

GRADING SCALE:

• Tests:  %40
• Quizzes: %25
• Homework: %15
• Class Participation:  %20

NOTE: A student who makes an "A" in Class Participation will always act in a way that is:  appropriate, obedient, enthusiastic, alert, and well-prepared.

• Appropriate behavior:     25%
• Obedient:                        25%
• Alert:                               25%
• Well-prepared:                25%
• Total Score:                    100%

DISCIPLINE: In my opinion, demerits take up time and energy that might better be spent teaching.  Therefore, I only use them in extreme cases.  Instead, I assign “Loser Points” which I record on my Palm Pilot, and which cost a student five points of their Class Participation Grade.  There really is no way to make these points up. However, occasionally, when I'm in a good mood, I might make “Anti-Loser Point Assignments." Likewise, “Deep Thought Awards” sometimes count against them as well. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Saint Benedict says that a good abbot should “temper everything that the strong may still have something to desire and the weak may not draw back.” (RB, LXIV)  Thus, it may be that my teaching style or method of discipline does not seem to fit the needs of your son. If you think this is the case, please tell me, and I will do my best to adjust.

If you need to reach me, you can do so over phone by calling (314) 434-2557 ext. 213.  Or you can email me at fraugustine@priory.org .  Email is far the better way of reaching me, since I don’t have my own telephone.