Team T-Birds Contract

Bellevue West High School

2016-2017
Welcome to Bellevue West! The team teachers are excited to share this new school
year with you. This packet is designed to introduce and explain the team concept to
students and their parents/guardians, as well as answer questions on policy and
procedure.
The last page of this packet is a student contact sheet. It needs to be completed by
student and parents/guardians and returned to Mr. Litz (History) by Friday,
August 19, 2016.
What is the team concept?
All freshmen at Bellevue West are part of a team, meaning they share the same four
teachers of the core curriculum subjects: English, History, Math, Science. This
concept produces a communicative environment between student, parent/guardian
and teacher. Each day, the team teachers meet during second period (8:42-9:29) to
discuss student related issues, such as student progression and necessary
interventions to promote success. Listed below are the core teachers along with each
subject matter that they teach.
Miss. Mariah Fuchs: English
Mr. Brent Litz: History
Mr. Matthew Lauritsen: Math
Mr. Jim Kros: Science
Throughout the school year, the team teachers will be working and communicating
with the school administration. Those administrators directly involved with the 9th
grade are as follows:
Dr. Fran Pokorski: 9th Grade Principal
Ms. Lynne Henkel: 9th Grade Counselor
How do I contact the team teachers?
To communicate with the four team teachers at once, parents may contact them
during their team time (1:05-1:52). The direct line to the team conference room is
(402)327-3247. You can also email the team at their team email address:

west.tbirds@bpsne.net
If you are unavailable during the team time, you can call the main office at 293-4040
and leave a message with the secretary. If you would like to address a concern with a
particular teacher, their school email is listed below.
Miss. Mariah Fuchs (English): mariah.fuchs@bpsne.net
Mr. Brent Litz (History): brent.litz@bpsne.net
Mr. Matthew Lauritsen (Math): matthew.lauritsen@bpsne.net
Mr. Jim Kros (Science): james.kros@bpsne.net

Another great way to keep up with homework assignments is to bookmark the team
website. Team teachers update this site daily with assignments and upcoming tests.

teamtbirds.weebly.com
What are the team rules?
Each team teacher will have specific rules and classroom expectations listed in their
syllabus. Coinciding with these individual teacher rules are team expectations that
apply in every classroom. Every student will be expected to abide by the following
rules in each of their classes:
1. Follow teachers instructions at all times.
2. Be prepared for class by bringing required materials every day.
3. No talking without permission.
4. Stay on task.
5. Respect others property and space.
6. No student is allowed to leave class without a pass (planner) OR
without permission from the office.
What is the discipline policy?
All team teachers will be following the schools handbook.
If a student chooses to break a classroom rule, they will be given a warning. At that
time, the student will need to recognize what they did wrong and develop a plan with
the teacher so that the behavior does not repeat itself. If the student continues to
break classroom rules the student will be issued a referral to the deans office. Please
note that some behaviors may be severe enough that a dean referral will be issued
without a warning.
It is expected that each student will exhibit strong self-discipline and make the most of
their educational opportunity.
How can I check student grades?
Powerschool is the 24/7 online grading system for parents/guardians to monitor
their students grade and progress. Your students grade can be monitored any day
any time at http://bpspsweb.org/public/home.html. If you have any questions or
problems on Powerschool, please contact Kathie Britten at (402) 827-5990. Please
let us know immediately if you do not have access to a computer to monitor your
students grade so that together we may decide on a another means of communicating
grades.
What supplies does the student need for class?
Each team teacher will list class specific supplies in their syllabus. However, students
should come to every class with necessary items such as a blue/black pen, a pencil, a
red pen, loose leaf paper, a school and age appropriate book for SSR (explained in the
next section) and the school planner. Planners will be used as an organizational and
communicative tool-students should write down homework assignments, upcoming
tests and projects and other important class announcements. Additionally, planners

will be the required method of passes for students to leave and return to class. No
other method of passes will be accepted. Cost for lost planners is $3.00.
What is SSR?
SSR stands for Silent Sustained Reading. During this time students are expected to be
reading. It is necessary for all students to bring accepted reading materials to each
class every day.
When are the team teachers available for extra help on classroom work?
All teachers will be available for help the last hour of the day during Guided
Personalized Study (GPS). Other times of availability will be listed in each teachers
syllabus.
What is the policy on make up (absent) and late work?
It is the students responsibility to communicate with all teachers either at the
beginning or end of class absent assignments and make up times for quizzes and
tests. If the student missed the day of an assessment, the student should be prepared
to make it up on the day of their return by scheduling a time with the teacher and
making any necessary transportation arrangements. Each student will have two
school days for each day absent to turn in missed work (absent Wednesday,
everything must be turned in on Friday). No class time will be used to make up
missed work. Make up work must be completed either before or after school, during a
study hall or during GPS. Ten absences per semester is the maximum number
allowed by Nebraska State Statute 79-209.
Late work will be handled through the BPS grading protocol. Team teachers will
explain their specific policy on late work in their class syllabus.
What is the tardy policy?
At the accumulation of 5 tardies in one class, the student will be issued a dean
referral.
What is policy for electronic devices?
Electronic devices if used inappropriately, devices will be confiscated and given to the
deans office where consequences may be issued. Parents/Guardians will be notified
and the student can then pick up the device at the end of the day. If
parents/guardians need to contact a student in the event of an emergency, they can
call the main office at 402-293-4040 and the student will be notified immediately.
How do I learn about all school policies?
All school policies are listed in the Bellevue West handbook. Students and
parents/guardians are expected to read, understand and comply with the rules and
regulations listed in the handbook.

Teaming at the high school will be a little different. You will have the same
four core teachers, but you wont be isolated in one part of the school. Our goal
as a team is to help you transition into high school. We will be watching your
grades, behavior, and work ethic. Remember you have to earn credits by
passing classes to move to your sophomore year and ultimately to graduation.
It will be hard work (with some fun mixed in) so get ready!
To help you prepare, here is a list of suggested supplies to have with you on the
first day of school:
English (Miss Fuchs)
English Journal/Spiral notebook* (3 subject recommended)
3-ring binder OR 2 pocket folder
Pen/Pencil
Math (Mr. Lauritsen)
Notebook and folder
Pencil
TI 30 XIIS Calculator
American History (Mr. Litz)
Paper (spiral notebook or loose leaf)
Pen/Pencil
Colored Pencils
Biology (Mr. Kros)
Pen/Pencil
Colored Pencils
*Spiral notebook and/or binder listed should be subject specific (do not put
multiple subjects in one notebook). You should also be prepared to cover your
textbooks.

Contact Sheet
Student Information
__________________________________________________________________________________
Last Name
First Name
Middle Initial
Preferred Name
__________________________________________________________________________________
Address
City
Zip Code
__________________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone #
Birthday
Parent/Guardian Information
***If English is not spoken in the home, please specify language : _____________
Student lives with (check one)
_____both parents
_____father

_____mother

Fathers Name ______________________

Mothers Name _______________________

Occupation _________________________

Occupation __________________________

*Preferred Phone # ___________________

*Preferred Phone # ____________________

Email Address ______________________

Email Address _______________________

_____other (specify)

*Contact will occur between 7:35 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Other Information
Please list below any medical or non-medical areas of concern that teachers should be
aware of in order to best provide for your student.
Team Contract
STUDENT: I have read the information in the team packet as well as the Bellevue
West Handbook and understand it. I will honor it throughout the school year.
****Signature ______________________________

Date ___________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN: I (we) have read and discussed the information in the team
packet as well as the Bellevue West Handbook with my (our) student. I (we)
understand it and will support it throughout the school year.
****Signature ____________________________

Date ___________________

****Signature ____________________________
Date ___________________
TEACHERS: We will be fair and consistent in administering the policies listed in the
team packet as well as the Bellevue West Handbook for the 9th Grade Team.
Signatures: Mariah Fuchs

Matthew Lauritsen

Jim Kros

Brent Litz