Attendance

 

You must be present to win! Absences affect everybody...so it is NOT just about you missing class.

 

It is essential that you are present in class 100% of the time. I realize there are many things pulling at you for your attention, but I need you to make a commitment to being here, in this classroom, everyday.

 

And I will do the same. I have only missed 1.5 days total, other than for school activities, in 13+ years...and I expect the same of you.

 

Absences due to extra curricular activity, illness, or SAC are all about the same as far as missing work in this class. We only do a little of work outside of class, but we do a lot of work in class every day . You can count on missing something on any day you are absent.

 

If you are an in a school activity that is going to take you out of class, like your group leaves at 12:30, it is expected (and usually understood by the other teacher) that you get to this class during another of my classes while you are on campus.

 

Stay out of trouble. SAC is a complete waste of time as the activity I will give you to do in sac will count toward your grade, but you will still fall behind on the class projects that will still be required. They have a computer in the SAC room, but it will not get on the internet, which you would need to access my website. And, you can't take the darkroom with you to SAC...so, stay out of trouble!!

 

Schedule Doctors appointments after school. Seriously...I changed doctors because they wouldn't see me after 2:30. They didn't understand that I wasn't going to skip school and wouldn't see me later, so I switched. I know that may not be possible if you have to see a specialist, and that it might take an extra effort on you or your parents part to not miss school, but I think it is worth it. And if you have to go to the doctor during the day, go during a class that is easier to make up. With this class being 90% activity based IN the class, it is very difficult to make up missed time.

 

If you know you are going to be absent ahead of time, check the website BEFORE you are absent...it is usually close to being accurate even before the day of class.

 

If you are absent due to an emergency, check the website the day you are absent. Get to a computer if you don't have one at home...or borrow somebody's iPhone/Smart Phone. My site is 99% iOS/Android friendly... http://westbrookphoto.org . Once again, if you are absent...you MUST check the focus before returning to class.

 

I wish I had a proper incentive to reward those that do come to class every day. All I can offer is that the rewards that await those who establish good discipline now are much greater than any certificate or token award now.

 

So, be here!

 

And, when you are here...be here to participate.