Syllabus Quest Activity
Mr. Rodriguez's Class
SYLLABUS QUEST
"Anchored in Christ" — Hebrews 6:19
Middle School History & Religion
Name: ___________________________
Date: __________________
Grade/Period: ___________
Mission: Read the 16 scrambled syllabus excerpts below. Each card is marked with a Paragraph Letter. On the next pages, answer the 16 questions. To "win" and unlock the secret message, you must write down the correct multiple-choice letter AND cite the exact Paragraph Letter where you found the answer.
E
LATE HOMEWORK POLICY Homework must be complete and turned in before class starts on the due date. Unless you have an excused absence, late homework is not accepted, receives zero credit (0%), and results in after-school homework completion.
N
8TH RELIGION TEXTBOOK Eighth graders will explore the history, mission, and living tradition of the Catholic Church. The primary textbook for this class is "Christ Our Life" published by Loyola Press (2024).
C
CLASSROOM EXPECTATION #5 Use appropriate language at all times. To foster a positive, structured environment, there are absolutely no put-downs, teasing, or other inappropriate words allowed in our middle school community.
T
EARLY FINISHERS Once classwork is complete and checked for accuracy, you have exactly two silent options: (1) Sit silently at your desk, or (2) Silently take out your Accelerated Reader (AR) book and read in silence.
O
UNIFORM INFRACTIONS Our classroom uses a transparent behavior tracking system based on reduction of merit points. Any minor uniform infractions result in a reduction of 2 merit points (-2 points) logged on the tracker.
I
ENTERING THE CLASSROOM Students must enter the classroom completely silently—whispering is not allowed. Walk straight to the front table, pick up "one of each" daily handout, sit, and start your silent launch immediately.
A
GRADE CATEGORY WEIGHTS Parents and students will have regular access to grades via FACTS. Weighted categories are: Summative (Quizzes, Tests, Projects) is 60%; Formative (Classwork, Homework, Participation) is 40%.
R
TEACHER CONTACT INFO The primary contact method for Mr. Rodriguez is via email at drodriguez@stangelabrea.org. Please allow 24 hours for a response. The school phone is 714-529-6372.
H
CLASS BINDER MANDATE Every student must have a 1.5-inch binder with a three-hole pencil pouch and 5 mandatory divider tabs labeled: (1) Study Guides, (2) Tools, (3) Quizzes, (4) Tests, and (5) Rubrics.
D
4 TICKET AMAZON REWARD Positive behavior earns merits and BHAG tickets. If you save exactly 4 tickets, you may choose any book you want to read, and Mr. Rodriguez will order a hard copy off Amazon using his teacher budget.
S
O.G. LIBRARIAN JOB Maintains classroom library order and charges devices. Boldly tracks down classmates who forget to return class property and says: "Hey, give me my book back!" or "Hey, give me my Chromebook back!"
N
CONSEQUENCE TIER 2 If you chooose not to follow classroom expectations, Tier 2 is "Check 1 / Talk". A checkmark is placed next to your name on the tracker. You must stay for a brief talk with Mr. Rodriguez after class.
C
7TH HISTORY CURRICULUM Focuses on world history, medieval and early modern societies, and global geography. Students build critical thinking and reading skills. The Google Classroom access code for 7th grade is vfjntmbu.
H
TISSUE PROCEDURE All tissue blowing must be done silently inside the classroom. To ask to use a tissue, touch your nose with your finger and raise your hand. Wait for direct permission before moving.
R
LOCKER ACCESS RULES To ensure lessons run smoothly and without distraction, school lockers are never to be accessed during class instructional time. Use them before/after school, at recess, or during lunch.
I
CLASS DISMISSAL Pack your backpack silently and stand next to your chair when the clean-up call is given. Once standing straight and silently, you will be dismissed. Remember: the teacher—not the bell—dismisses class.
Page 1 of 3 • Syllabus Quest Activity Packet • St. Angela Merici Parish School
Syllabus Quest: The Clues (Part 1)
Questions 1–8
1. What percentage of your grade do Summative assessments (quizzes, tests, projects) count toward?
[ ] A) 40%
[ ] B) 50%
[ ] C) 60%
[ ] D) 70%
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
2. Which primary textbook is used for the 8th Grade Religion course?
[ ] A) Light of the Nations
[ ] B) Christ Our Life
[ ] C) Al Ye Lands
[ ] D) Bible History
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
3. Under Classroom Expectation #5, what is strictly prohibited in our class community?
[ ] A) Uncharged devices
[ ] B) Food or chewing gum
[ ] C) Put-downs and teasing
[ ] D) Whispering at lockers
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
4. What is the mandatory label for the 3rd divider tab inside your 1.5-inch binder?
[ ] A) Study Guides
[ ] B) Tools
[ ] C) Quizzes
[ ] D) Rubrics
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
5. How many points are deducted from your behavior tracker for uniform infractions?
[ ] A) -1 point
[ ] B) -2 points
[ ] C) -3 points
[ ] D) -5 points
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
6. What is the primary contact method to reach your teacher, Mr. Rodriguez?
[ ] A) Google Classroom
[ ] B) School Telephone
[ ] C) Email (drodriguez@...)
[ ] D) Smore.com message
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
7. If you submit homework late without an excused absence, what is the consequence?
[ ] A) -10% grade penalty
[ ] B) No credit & after-school
[ ] C) A visual warning check
[ ] D) Merit point recovery task
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
8. What is the reward for saving up exactly 4 BHAG tickets in Mr. Rodriguez's class?
[ ] A) Positive Call Home
[ ] B) Scholar Prize Bin item
[ ] C) A Glitter Pound
[ ] D) Any Book on Amazon
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
Page 2 of 3 • Syllabus Quest Activity Packet • St. Angela Merici Parish School
Syllabus Quest: The Clues (Part 2)
Questions 9–16
9. What is the absolute noise rule when entering the classroom for your silent launch?
[ ] A) Quiet whispering okay
[ ] B) Silent—no whispering
[ ] C) Normal speech levels
[ ] D) Quiet study music okay
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
10. What is the required outcome for Consequence Tier 2 (Check 1 / Talk)?
[ ] A) Verbal warning only
[ ] B) After-school stay/parent call
[ ] C) Stay for brief post-class talk
[ ] D) Office referral/Principal meet
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
11. What is the official Google Classroom access code for 7th Grade History?
[ ] A) wxk5yqjo
[ ] B) kigdo2my
[ ] C) vfjntmbu
[ ] D) sam2026
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
12. What specific gesture must you use to ask for permission to use a tissue?
[ ] A) Raise crossed fingers
[ ] B) Touch nose & raise hand
[ ] C) Show your dull pencil
[ ] D) Point straight to bathroom
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
13. When are middle school students strictly permitted to access their school lockers?
[ ] A) During class transitions
[ ] B) Before/after school, lunch/recess
[ ] C) Only during religion class
[ ] D) Whenever teacher is talking
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
14. What must students do regarding physical school bells and class dismissal?
[ ] A) Pack up when bell rings
[ ] B) Leave immediately at the bell
[ ] C) Ignore bell; teacher dismisses
[ ] D) Wait for the intercom announcement
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
15. Which classroom job is responsible for tracking down unreturned library books and devices?
[ ] A) Errand Manager
[ ] B) Ambassador
[ ] C) Spot Checker
[ ] D) O.G. Librarian
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
16. What is the second silent option for early finishers in Mr. Rodriguez's classroom?
[ ] A) Quiet sketch/draw time
[ ] B) Read Accelerated Reader book
[ ] C) Clean up desk early
[ ] D) Stand silently in the back
Citation Link: I found this answer in Syllabus Paragraph Letter: ______
Mystery Message Decoder Board
Write down the Syllabus Paragraph Letter you cited for each question (1 to 16) in order below to reveal our classroom spiritual anchor!
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3
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5
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Page 3 of 3 • Syllabus Quest Activity Packet • St. Angela Merici Parish School
Syllabus Mastery Quiz
St. Angela Merici Parish School
SYLLABUS MASTERY MINIQUIZ
Score: ______ / 20 pts
Name: ___________________________
Date: __________________
Class Period: ________
Directions: Read each question carefully and select or write the best answer based on the Middle School History & Religion Handbook. No talking or whispering is allowed during this quiz!
Section A: Multiple Choice (2 pts each)
- What percentage of your overall history/religion grade is weighted for formative categories (classwork, homework, participation)?
[ ] A) 20%
[ ] B) 30%
[ ] C) 40%
[ ] D) 60%
- If you miss homework due to an unexcused absence, what is the policy?
[ ] A) You receive half credit (50%)
[ ] B) The work will not be accepted (0%)
[ ] C) You receive a 2-day grace period
[ ] D) You must pay 1 BHAG ticket to submit it
- What is the correct consequence progression for Tier 3 (Check 2)?
[ ] A) Name written on clipboard; gentle reminder
[ ] B) Second checkmark; stay after school, parent called, demerit issued
[ ] C) Checkmark; stay after class for a brief talk
[ ] D) Third checkmark; direct office referral to Principal
- How are minor uniform infractions tracked on the behavior board?
[ ] A) Verbal warning only
[ ] B) Demerit and parent meeting
[ ] C) Reduction of 2 merit points (-2)
[ ] D) Stay after class for a brief talk
Section B: Classroom Procedures (2 pts each)
Match each situation to its correct procedure by writing the matching letter in the blank space.
____ 5. Requesting to blow your nose / get a tissue
____ 6. Requesting to go to the bathroom / restroom
____ 7. Official dismissal from the classroom at class end
A. Hold up one of crossed fingers
B. Touch nose with finger & raise hand
C. Pack silently, stand straight; teacher dismisses
D. Walk straight to back of room silently
Section C: Rewards & Jobs (2 pts each)
8. True or False: If you do not want a classroom job, you do not have to fill out the Classroom Job Application Form. (Write T or F)
Answer: ______
Syllabus Reflection Letter
St. Angela Merici Parish School
SYLLABUS REFLECTION & PARTNERSHIP
"Anchored in Christ" — Hebrews 6:19
First Homework Assignment
Student Name: ________________________
Class/Period: _______________
Due Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Dear Middle School Parents & Guardians, Welcome to the 2026-2027 academic year! Our theme is "Anchored in Christ." Please sit down with your child to review our class expectations, late work policies, and grading guidelines. This assignment establishes our home-school partnership. — Mr. Rodriguez, Middle School History & Religion
Part 1: Student Academic & Spiritual Goal-Setting
1. One academic goal I have for History class this year is...
2. One way I can remain "Anchored in Christ" this year in Religion class is...
Part 2: Family Syllabus Discussion Prompts
Briefly discuss each policy together and check off the boxes when complete:
Expectations & Warning Tiers
Discussed classroom rules and clipboard consequences.
Late Homework Policy
Discussed the zero-credit rule and after-school help.
Classroom Routines
Discussed silent entry, tissue cues, and bell dismissal rules.
BHAG Tickets & Jobs
Discussed student jobs and merit ticket rewards.
Part 3: Formal Handbook Acknowledgment & Check-Off
We have thoroughly reviewed the Middle School History & Religion Handbook together.
We understand how grades are weighted in FACTS (60% Summative / 40% Formative).
We understand that the behavior consequence tiers are designed to support student personal success.
Part 4: Parents' Notes or Comments to Mr. Rodriguez
Student Signature: __________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Printed): __________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________
Date Signed: _________________
Best Phone Number: _________________
Page 1 of 1 • Syllabus Reflection & Partnership Letter • St. Angela Merici Parish School
