Greetings Everyone,

We had a great turnout for parent/teacher conferences Friday.  Thank you to all who were able to attend.  It was great to talk to so many parents.

Our pop can drive is still going on this week to raise money for our athletics department.  Bring in those pop cans!  The SSR class with the most cans will win a pizza party.

MEAP testing starts this week.  The students will be testing on Tuesday and Thursday this week and next.  I encourage all students to do their very, very best on these test.

Still looking for Kleenex donations.  It’s crazy how many colds are going around, including myself!  We so prefer to blow our noses with soft Kleenex rather than the scratchy school Kleenex!

Have a great week everyone!

Hello everyone,

What a fast paced couple of weeks.  Hopefully everyone is settled into the routine of school and are comfortable getting from class to class.

Just a reminder that picture day is Thursday, September 24.  Your student was given the order form last week, so if you would like to order any school pictures, be sure to get your money and order form in by Thursday at the latest.  Also, thank you to those who have donated Kleenex.  We could still use some more as the colds have begun already, including myself.  It doesn’t take long when you get everone in the same room again!

If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give me a call, 231-777-4972, ext. 109.

Mrs. Tulgestke

Wecome Back

Chris Tulgestke, Teacher Room 9

ctulgestke@4waypoint.com 

Waypoint Academy

2900 E. Apple Ave.Muskegon, MI 49442(231) 777-4972 Ext.109(616) 842-8025 – Home 

Dear Parents, 

            Welcome to another exciting year at Waypoint Academy.  I will be your child’s sixth grade teacher for English Language Arts and Social Studies, as well as seventh grade Social Studies.  It will be a very busy, packed year, which will undoubtedly go very fast.  The school year has a way of doing that! 

            Waypoint prides itself on regular parent communication.  I try to make at least three phone calls a week to offer kudos for a job well done, or assistance with a concern.  I keep the students grade book up-to-date on a daily basis, so you can check your child’s progress at the end of everyday, and also see if he/she is missing any assignments.  You can access that information online through the parent Internet viewer by going to www.4waypoint.com  and scroll down to Parent Internet Viewer.  You can also call me at (231) 777-4972 ext.109, between 7:15-8:15, 10:16-11:40, or 3:10-3:30, or try me at home at (616) 842-8025.  I would appreciate any home calls be made before 9:00 p.m., as I go to bed very early!  If you get my voice mail or answering machine, I will get back to you as quickly as I can.  If your child is absent, call the school and I can send homework home with a sibling, or leave it in the office for you to pick up.  You can also call the Homework Hotline at (231) 777-4972 ext. 209 to find out what work was done for the day.  Don’t hesitate to ever contact me with any concerns you have or drop by for a chat.  I enjoy the opportunity to meet all the parents. 

            I’m looking forward to a great year, and I hope your child is as well! 

Sincerely, 

Chris Tulgestke

Sixth and Seventh Grade Classroom Expectations

Chris Tulgestke, Teacher

ctulgestke@4waypoint.com 

Classroom Rules:

• Always follow the Waypoint Way
  • Challenge myself
  • Observe Academy rules
  • Be ready and Prepared
  • Respect self and others
  • Act responsibly and safely

®        Challenge myself – At Waypoint Academy and in my classroom, everyone is expected to work hard and challenge him or herself.  “I can’t” is not allowed in my room.  “I need help” is strongly encouraged.  That is what I am here for.  Some of the work will be challenging, but with my help and help from classmates, we can all succeed.  

®        Observe academy rules – Be sure to read the handbook and follow all the rules.  If the rules are followed, there will be no reason for consequences. 

®        Be ready and prepared – Come to each and every class with a pencil.  This is a must.  Also, have the appropriate textbook and materials that go with that class.  You have four minutes in between classes to use the restroom and get your required materials.  Failure to come to class prepared will result in being sent to ISS for a tardy pass.  Four unexcused tardy passes will result in a Saturday school.  Since no one wants to go to school on a Saturday, be ready and prepared! 

®        Respect self and others – This is huge in my classroom.  I expect teamwork and respect from all students towards your classmates and myself.  You do not have to like everyone in your class, but you do need to be respectful of your peers. 

®        Act responsibly and safely – This ties in with all the above policies.  Think before you act, make appropriate choices and always behave safely. 

Homework Policy:          I very rarely assign outside homework.  If I do, it is to be returned the next day.  Generally, homework only happens if you do not finish your assignment in class.  At that point, the homework needs to be finished at home and returned the next day.             Late homework policy:

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  •  
    • Two days late minus 20%
    • Three days late minus 30%
    • Four days late minus 40%
    • Five days late – no credit for the assignment

It is very important to get all homework in right away so you can stay caught up with the current lessons. 

Restroom Policy:            You are expected to have a Waypoint planner at all times.  You may fill out your planner for a restroom break when I am finished giving directions and if we are not in the middle of doing an assignment as a whole class.  If going to the restroom becomes excessive, I will take away the privilege for two weeks (except in emergencies).  Restroom breaks should be done in between classes to ensure you are not missing valuable learning time. 

Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)          Waypoint Academy participates in SSR everyday from 12:41-1:11.  During those 30 minutes, all students and staff will be silent reading a book of their choice.  I have a large number of books you can choose from to read, or if you have a favorite at home, please bring it in as well.  I also encourage silent reading if you get through with your assignment before everyone else.  This time period is not an option and is not social hour with your friends, so please try to find some titles that may interest you for the year. 

Teacher Wish List:            You are required to have pencils with you at all times.  I will give you a new pencil once a month.  However you are responsible for a backup supply.  The school does furnish Kleenex, but it is the hard, scratchy Kleenex.  Not real nose friendly when you have a cold.  If everyone could donate a box of Kleenex at the beginning of the year and after Christmas break, that usually helps us have soft Kleenex throughout the year.  Any and all Kleenex you can bring would be greatly appreciated.  You may also want a large binder to keep different folders in to help you stay organized.  Pretty much the rest of your supplies will be furnished as needed. 

Grading and Rework:            Academy rules state you must achieve at least 70% in your classes in order to pass.  I apply that rule to all assignments.  If you do not achieve 70%, you may do the assignment over, with no penalty, to improve your grade.  If you achieve at least 70% in all your assignments, passing my class will not be an issue.  I do not offer extra credit to improve grades.  I feel if you give me 110% in all your work, you will have no problem. 

©  We will go over all the little details the first couple days of school, and there will be friendly reminders the first month.  Feel free to ask any questions or “what-if” questions to put you at ease.  With lots of teamwork and plenty of respect, we will have a fun year!