Dear Students:   

I am posting my class rules, routines, and explanations of each so that you will know what to expect in my class.  If you are fully aware of what I expect from you, then you will know what to expect from me..... no surprises.  We will work together happily for success

     

Upon Arrival:

1.   Greet the teacher at the door.

This is a sign of courtesy and good manners.  A smile would be nice, too. Make sure you have no chewing gum, candy, food or drinks open or visible when you enter my room.

2.   Be seated immediately.

 
Do not wander around the room without a good reason or permission. My personal desk area is off limits!   If you are not in your seat and in the process of preparing for class when the bell rings, you are tardy and may lose participation points or have another consequence.

3.   Prepare your desk for class.

For safety reasons, nothing can be left in aisles or behind your seat.  Make sure you have pulled out all supplies such as pen/pencil, agenda, composition notebook, homework and any books that might be needed that day before you tuck everything neatly under your desk.  Anything to be collected should be passed down to the end of the row.  Make sure your name and period # are written in the top right corner of the paper before you turn it in.  If you are unprepared for class (missing book, homework, project or paperwork), you may lose participation points or have other consequences.

4.    Read Board and Copy Info. 

Read the entire front board.  You will see the homework and important reminders on the board.   The homework must be copied into your own agenda book completely and correctly.   If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to call a friend to get the day's missed assignments.  You may receive participation grades for keeping your agenda and comp. notebook up to date and accurate.

 

 

During Class:

1.    Remain seated, focused and silent when I am teaching.

This includes making noises, tapping, whispering, humming, passing notes, brushing hair, and other "attention seeking" behaviors.  I want to hear what each of you has to say, but raise your hand and use good manners. Please do not interrupt the flow of the lesson.  Use the restroom, water fountain between classes on YOUR own time. We have limited time to get through each day's lesson.  Your Reading Education is very important to your future career and money-earning potential.  Time = Money!!! There will be plenty of opportunities in my class for group discussion, use of computers, working on the floor, outside, etc.. but only if our normal direct instruction lessons are done on time. Please do not ruin the lessons I have worked so very hard to prepare for you and your classmates. It hurts me, you and your classmates.

2.     Active participation is expected.  
You will receive grades for participation.  This includes asking questions for clarification, making thoughtful comments, and giving complements to others for their input.  "Making fun" of others is not tolerated. When we are reading out of a book, you must have your eyes glued to the book.  Many times I will ask you to use your finger or a bookmark to follow along so that I can judge if you are on task or not.  If you are not on task, you risk earning a zero for participation or another consequence.

When Class Ends:

1.    Pack up and leave when directed. 

If you start packing or getting up before you are told to do so, it is considered rude, disrespectful and disruptive.  Don't do it in any of your classes.  You will have plenty of time to pack and leave before the next bell rings. The cafeteria will not run out of food.  The busses will not leave without you. The bathrooms and water fountains will still be there. You may NOT leave until your seat is spotless and straightened for the next person coming in.  That's using good manners.  In a true emergency, see me if you think you will need a late pass to your next class.

2.  Check Website and Email. 

Weekly updates on homework, projects and other important news and dates are emailed and posted.  If you have no internet access at home, you may use the computers at school. It is YOUR responsibility to keep informed and share class and school info with your family. I will post as much as I can in advance so there should be no excuses at all. Ask me EARLY if you have any questions about assignments.  Do not procrastinate!

3.  Return Homework, Projects and Signed Paperwork on time. 

Consequences:

I am not a big fan of detentions. I would much rather treat you with humor and dignity as I do with my own children at home.  If you are making a mistake or causing a disruption in my class, I will say something to you or give you "the look".  If you don't get the message, I will ask you to stay to see me at the end of class or step outside with me privately.  At that time, I will ask what's up with you.  Usually, that resolves the matter.  If not, I will call your parents (or have you call them for me) at work so that they can take matters into their own hands when they are home with you that night.  I doubt there will be any problems after that. 
          Beyond that, there are administrative consequences at school. Be aware that for serious infractions I am required to refer you to administration for reasons such as putting your hands on another student, lying to an adult employee, forgery, stealing, foul language, destruction of property, bullying, etc..

           If you are having ANY personal or academic problems, please feel free to come and speak to me privately or see the guidance counselor.  I will do whatever I can to help you PREVENT problems.  I care about you very much.