If you read the section in FAQ's about how the classroom works on a daily basis, you can see that it takes everyone doing their parts fully in order for it all to work and for students to get the most out of their class time. I run a very tight ship, but it needs to be so in order for all students to learn. My basic principle is, "Nobody has the right to interfere with another student's opportunity at learning." Therefore, off task and disruptive behaviors are not tolerated.
READ THROUGH this SLIDE SHOW for more inforation on the classroom set-up and expectations.
My basic Rules:
1. Be respectful of EVERYONE at ALL TIMES.
* When answering back to an adult, do not say, "Huh?" or "Yeah?" - use something simple, yet respectful
* Don't make fun or make unkind comments to anyone in class (We're all in this together)
* Do what you are instructed to do the first time requested.
* Be helpful to others around you.
2. Be ready & organized for class.
* Have all your supplies when you walk through the door (paper, journal, pencil, binder, etc.)
* Keep an organized binder (you will be much more successful!)
* Stay on Task - complete your work in the time given, continually working hard towards a better result.
* If you must borrow, please make sure to return items. You are borrowing, not taking.
* When you enter class, it's down to business - this is not the time to socialize.
* Enter SILENTLY
* Immediately to your spot in the shortest route possible
* Begin working on the "bell work" immediately
* Instructions are always on the board for you - read and follow them first thing.
* We have zero time to waste, so getting started immediately is crucial
3. Be Safe
* Keep items out of the walkway
* You may sit around the room where you like, just keep your stuff to yourself
* Hands & Feet to yourself
* No horseplay
General Expectations:
FLEXIBLE SEATING: I expect for you to sit in a space that will allow you to be at your best. Somewhere you will not be distracted, but where you are comfortable enough to work together and get your assignments completed. First come, first serve. I reserve the right to adjust your seating choice as needed.
Show respect to the items in the classroom. All you see that is not a standard school desk, cabinet or teacher desk, I have purchased with my own money. You would not want me to come to your house and misuse your things in your room, and tearing them up . . . I expect the same from you. Treat items with care - if something is on the floor that souldn't be, pick it up whether it is yours or not. Do not write on anything other than paper unless given permission. Do not destroy items - take care of them. This is a privilege.
When entering class, Read the board as you come in and follow those directions immediately and in silence. Any tasks can be graded, and you are under a time limit. Make sure you are finished when the timer rings, and I'm ready to move on.
When I'm talking, all movement comes to a stand still and you are facing me. (Basic respect). I will use a "clap attention getter."
Volume Level in class is at a whisper. Remember, I'm trying to teach a group of students in this very room & you are needing to speak with your group members, also. There are about 30 people in this room and when we are all talking together, it can easily get noisy. If your task does not involve discussion, then don't talk. If your task requires discussion, that's fine - discuss with your partner(s) at a whisper level - "Rule of Thumb": The only people who should be hearing you speak are your group members and anyone sitting close by.
When working in Zones, you may speak with your partner(s), but remain on topic (Math), and make sure you are completing your work in the time given. You have a time limit, and you have work to do that will be turned in. Help & Teach each other.
When switching Zones, the group leader will distribute items to your group. Nobody should be UP except those leaders. Once you have the items you need, it's down to work quickly and quietly.
If you take your work at Zones seriously, you will get a lot out of them and will understand / learn the concepts much better. If you blow them off and play around, your grade will easily reflect that. Make your Zone time work FOR you, and make yourself successful.
If I am working with a group & my "light" is OFF, do NOT disturb my group. Ask others, or circle that question and move on to another. When my "light" is OFF, you may approach my table for questions, emergency matters.
When packing up zones and moving on: Again, divide & conquer. Get all Zone materials put back up exactly like you saw them when I packed them up. Include all pieces and make sure they are returned to their place for the next group/class. Pack up your items quickly and quietly - the less you talk, the more you get done. Socializing can occur in the halls after you leave class. Leave the classroom neat - no trash on the floor, pencils picked up, chairs pushed in, etc.
Cell phones are not allowed during class. They should be kept safe and locked up in student lockers. If a student has one on his/her person, it must be out of sight. If a cell phone rings or a text is received (making a sound), one warning will be issued, and parents notified. If it happens again, the phone will be confiscated and placed in the office for parent pick-up with the Administrators. Phones will not be released to students.
Work Expectations:
ALL work should be written ONLY in pencil or blue/black ink. I will not accept papers written with anything else.
ALL work should be shown step-by-step in order to receive credit for your question. (Answers without supporting work are counted incorrect)
ALL work should be neat and answers should be circled. If you can't work on the page you were given neatly, simply show your work on a separate sheet of paper and staple it to the back of your paper.
ALL work should be turned in ON TIME. Papers are considered late after I call for them in class.
** When a student is ABSENT, it is his/her responsiblity to pick up his/her absent folder & bringing it to me for new due dates. Tutoring is available for students, should they need help with the missed concept.
Tardy Policy: (Each grading period, Tardy days will refresh at zero)
You are considered tardy if you are not IN the room when the bell rings. (I close the door when the bell rings)
ALL tardies are entered into the CPMS system.
1st Tardy: verbal warning
2nd Tardy: parent contact & verbal warning
3rd Tardy: Lunch Detention & parent contact
4th Tardy: After School Detention & parent contact
5th Tardy: Lunch Detention & After School Detention & parent contact
6th Tardy: Office Referral & parent contact