Mrs. Cotton’s Classroom Guidelines and Procedures Room E05 2013-2014

Welcome! Mrs. Cotton - American literature 2011-2012 There are a few guidelines in this class. 1. Be respectful toward everyone at all times. 2. The classroom is a place for learning. Everything you do in this room should reflect that purpose. 3. Follow all directions the first time they are given. 4. Follow all procedures and policies as outlined by Papillion-La Vista South high school. 5. This classroom is a no whining zone.

Consequences for not following guidelines: 1. Warning and Documentation Guideline Infraction Notice 2. Action Plan Parent Notification 3. Disciplinary Referral Severe Clause: Any student who uses profanity, fights, damages school property, or is disrespectful will be sent to the office immediately.

Classroom Procedures A procedure is the way we do something. To do things right, we follow simple procedures. To place a call, we enter the phone number in the correct order. To prepare a meal, we follow recipes carefully. To be successful in learning, we need to follow classroom procedures.

Entrance Procedure Bring all necessary materials for class every day. Enter the classroom quietly. I will be at the door to greet you as often as possible. Get your bell work notebook and go directly to your seat. Begin the posted bell work. You should be seated and working when the bell rings.

Instruction Procedure When I am speaking, I expect your full attention. This means that when I am talking, you are not. Raise your hand for permission to speak. Ask questions related to the subject. Unrelated questions can be asked after instruction. Of course, always ask questions if you do not understand.

Discussion Procedure We will have many class discussions. It is essential that you are respectful and attentive at all times. I want you to think for yourself. That being said, remember that there are appropriate ways to disagree. Critiquing ideas is fine; criticizing people is not. You are expected to participate in class discussions. The more you share, the more we all learn.

Work Procedure Read and/or listen to all directions before you begin your work. We will do a lot of group work. You are expected to be respectful and friendly at all times. Use your time wisely. Put forth your best effort and finish your work on time. Use MLA headings on all homework.

Bell Work Notebook Procedure You will have a bell work notebook specific to this class. Begin each entry with the date. Keep a post-it note attached to the page you are currently writing on. Keep your notebook clean and organized. Leave your notebook in the classroom in the designated basket.

Transition Procedure When I ask for your attention, stop what you are doing and face the front of the room. Listen attentively for further instruction. This procedure will save us a great deal of time when we switch from one activity to another.

Completed Work Procedure If you finish an assignment during the class time designated for working, check over it one more time. If the assignment is to be turned in, do so. There will be a folder on the front table for your work. Quietly work on other studying/homework. If you cannot find something to keep yourself productive with, I will find extra work for you. You are expected to use your time wisely.

Dismissal Procedure I will dismiss you. The bell does not dismiss you. Do not pack up your things until I give you permission to do so. Always leave your work area clean. Take all garbage to the trash can by the door. Recycle when appropriate.

Tardy Procedure If you have a pass from another teacher, place it on my desk and quietly join the class. You will not be excused from any work you missed. Get the assignment from a classmate and complete it at home.

Absence Procedure Whenever possible, notify me of absences prior to missing class. Doing so will allow me to get you the work you will miss ahead of time so you won’t need to catch up. If you have an unplanned absence, check the homework binder on the bookshelf to see what you missed. If you have any questions, see me. If you miss a test, see me to arrange a time to make it up.

Classroom Information Classroom library Book suggestions Paper/pen needs Recycle!

Welcome! This will be an exciting class, and you are going to have a memorable year; as a result, you will do very well. A positive attitude and an open mind are the keys to success in this classroom.