3. You should have your journal and folders out Sharpen pencil Begin warm-up

4.  BE sure to sharpen your pencils before the bell rings.  Always have extra pencils in case one breaks.  Do not get up to use the pencil sharpener during instruction time.  Raise your hand and get permission to get up to sharpen your pencil.  Empty the pencil shavings and clean up after yourself if you make a mess!

5. Turn in work to the bin with your class period DO NOT hand me papers or place them on my desk as you come into class or EVER! I WILL NOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WORK PLACED ON MY DESK. For late work, there is a turn in bin under the bulletin board

6. If any handouts were given, look in the folders marked by the days of the week You have 3 days to turn in excused absence late work. If you have any questions about missed assignments, either speak with me during down time or tutorial time.

7. You have been given 10 passes for all your classes per 6 weeks. Use them wisely. They can also be used for when you have forgotten your pencil. Try your best to use your time in between classes to use the bathroom. Restrooms will not be used during instruction time unless an emergency arises.

8. Stay in your seat unless permission is given for you to be up. Do not disturb other students. This includes talking, touching, throwing things, and any other disturbance. Listen closely to directions and the speaker. The speaker being your teacher or other classmates.

9. That’s wonderful! The world needs some good lawyers, but there is a place and time. I do not argue or discuss problems in front of the class during class time. I am available before school or after school to resolve conflicts and issues.

10. I do not like it. I try very hard not to gossip myself. Am I perfect? No, but I try to do my best. I do not allow students to discuss other teachers, students, what happened in the hallway, and any other items that is not related to class. I care about my students, and I do not want to hear gossip about them.

11. Although the bell will ring at the end of each period, I will be the one who will dismiss you. Do not pack up until I have instructed you to. Pick up all paper and other stuff under and around your desk and throw it away on your way out of the classroom. Make sure you have neatly placed your spirals in your bin.

12. You will be required to earn your AR points. This is 10% of your grade. For some of you, if you do not earn your points, it will fail you. My suggestion is to read every night for 20 minutes and you won’t have a problem accomplishing this. I am here to help you, but you have to ask. Don’t wait 1 day before the deadline. You will also have weekly HOMEOWRK IN READING AND WRITING and sometimes I will ask you to finish or read something at home.

13. I won’t lie; language arts will be challenging. You are tested in both reading and writing this year. Yes, that is two test in one subject. So, you will be doing a lot of writing as well as reading. I know you can do it!!!!! And, you will feel accomplished when you are done. But more importantly, you will become amazing writers able to communicate your thoughts intelligently on paper! You will read things you never thought you would like and be amazed at the power of good writing. I look forward to guiding you on this journey and know we will have an exciting year filled with many accomplishments!!!!!