1. WELCOME TO 8-1 WRITING! Find your name on a desk and have a seat. (Hint: The names are alphabetical by last name, beginning at the door.)

2. Class Motto: “You are the author of your own life story.” Our goal is for each and every student to become a better, more enthusiastic writer. You can only do this if you keep a positive attitude, use the tools and techniques you learn in this class, and be respectful and cooperative with the teacher and other students.

3. Always Have: I.D. (visible above the waist) Pen or pencil (A personal sharpener is also a very good idea!) Composition book for notes and journaling (It will stay in class.) Personal book for reading TEAM BINDER: Agenda Notebook paper Pocket dividers or folder for each class Pencil bag for supplies Ticket Sheet

4. REWARD SYSTEM  You will staple a page of “tickets” into your agenda at the beginning of each quarter (grading period). Each team teacher will place additional stamps on your ticket page as rewards for exceptional behavior, and these will be taken away for tardies, restroom or locker visits, behavior issues, etc. At the end of each quarter, you can use your ticket page to purchase entry into our team party. (Please see the “Reward System” parent letter for more details.)

5. Tardies Restroom/Locker  You will be counted tardy if you are not in class when the bell rings. Each tardy will cost you one ticket and result in a 5-minute lunch detention. Excessive tardies will result in an office referral.  You are given 3-4 minute breaks every 45 minutes of the school day so that you can go to the restroom and your locker. Class time is not to be used for locker or restroom visits. Each time you have to leave the classroom, it will cost you one ticket. This privilege may be denied for excessive violations.

6. Minor Summative: 40% (Pre-AP: 30%) Major Summative: 60% (Pre-AP: 70%) Minor = short quizzes and other assignments meant to check your progress on the practice activities you’ve been doing in class. Major = unit tests, major writing assignments, and projects. Grade Percentages

7. GRADING POLICIES  It is the belief of teachers and administrators in Denton ISD that all students can learn, given the appropriate support and time to achieve mastery. Our grading policies regarding late work and reassessments reflect this belief.  Reassessments: With the exception of semester exams, students who do not achieve mastery of objectives on assessments will have the opportunity to improve their understanding and demonstrate their learning through various reassessment activities. A “Request to Reassess” form must first be completed during a teacher/student conference in which steps will be outlined to improve student learning.

8. LATE WORK (just don’t do it)  Students will be expected to complete all assignments on time and in their entirety. If an assignment has not been turned in by the due date, the grade entered will be “missing,” which averages in as a zero. YOUR PARENTS WILL RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC EMAIL WHEN YOU HAVE A MISSING OR FAILING GRADE!  To replace the zero, either the assignment must be turned in OR there must be some other demonstration of mastery for the TEK(s) assessed on that assignment. If no attempt is made to demonstrate mastery, a grade of Incomplete may be assigned.  Please note: assignments not turned in on time may not be reflected in your average for up to a week, which may affect your UIL eligibility.

9. If you are lucky enough to finish your work early, you will be rewarded with: 1) Free Writing (You will have your personal journal available for this.) 2) Free Reading (You will have a book with you at all times. If you finish your book or would like to try something different, you are welcome to check one out from my classroom library.)

10. TEAM RULES Be Ready -- by being on time with your supplies and enthusiasm Be Respectful --of the teacher, other students, and school property Be Responsible --for your own behavior, time, and assignments 1. Be on time with your supplies. 2. Follow instructions the first time they are given. 3. Stay on task.