Classroom Expectations & Procedures Ms. Heerssen English/Language Arts

1. How can I be successful in ELA this year? Be in class on time. Come to class prepared. Do you work and turn it in when it is due. Pay attention. Ask questions when you don’t understand. Show respect for everyone. Have a positive attitude. Do you best, quality work.

2. What is Quality Work? Quality work is NEAT! – Free of smudges, scribbles, or stains – No wrinkles, tears, or spiral edges Quality work is LEGIBLE! – Blue/black ink or pencil only – Typed when required Quality work is PROOFREAD! Quality work is 100% COMPLETE! Quality work means BEST EFFORT! Depending on the circumstances, assignments NOT meeting quality standards will be returned to students to be corrected.

3. How should I treat my fellow classmates? Respectfully! If it’s not yours, leave it alone. If you have a negative comment or opinion about someone, keep it to yourself. There will be no whining or complaining about partner or group assignments.

4. What do I need to bring to class? Notebook Paper Black/Blue Ink Pen Pencil AR Book Homework

5. What if I forget to bring something I need to class? Pen, Pencil, Notebook Paper – Quickly borrow from a friend. – Borrow from Me. 1 st time – Warning 2 nd time – Lunch Detention AR Book – If the timing is right, you may quickly select one from the classroom library – If the timing is not right, I will give you something to read.

6. What if I forget my homework? If your homework is in your locker you will go get it, but you are considered tardy. If your homework is at home or you didn’t do it, then it is late and will lose points. You may turn in late assignments within 3 school days of the original due date. 10 points will be deducted for each day late. Any assignments turned in later than that will receive a 0%.

7. What happens if I’m late to class? You are considered tardy if you are not in the room when the bell rings. If you are in the room, but are not making an effort to go to your desk and begin work then you will be considered tardy. You’re wasting time. 1 st Tardy – Warning 2 nd Tardy – Lunch Detention 3 rd Tardy – Referral

8. What should I be doing when the tardy bell rings? You should be at your desk or making your way quickly to your desk. Most days, you will have a warm-up on the board. You will have only a few minutes to do this, so you are expected to begin working immediately. I should not have difficulty getting your attention once the bell rings.

9. What is your bathroom policy? Each 9 weeks you will be allowed 4 bathroom passes. Use them wisely. If you use them up, you will receive a lunch detention if you ask to go to the bathroom. If you’re not in class, your are missing instruction and losing time.

10. What is your grading policy? Daily Work – 60% Quizzes, Tests, Projects – 40%

11. Do you offer extra credit? Yes, I do. After the first 6 weeks have passed, and you have received your progress reports I will discuss extra credit options for those who are interested.

12. Can we bring athletic equipment, or other personal belongings to class? No No exceptions! If I see you try to bring it in, I will remind you. If you sneak it into class… – 1 st Time – Lunch Detention – 2 nd Time - Referral

13. What about food, drinks, and gum? No Food. No Drinks. No Gum. Sometimes you may earn privileges to have food, drinks, and gum (ex. class parties, rewards) but you will be told when and that is the only exception.

14. When do I need to follow directions? The FIRST time they are given.

15. If I finish my work early what should I do? Read Work on upcoming projects and assignments. Read Work on late/absent work. Read You should NOT be just sitting at your desk, staring at the wall or your neighbor, trying to talk to your neighbor or get their attention, etc.

16. Where do I turn in my work? There is a set of small white drawers on top of my file cabinet. You will turn in your work to the drawer marked with your class period.

17. What happens to papers with no names or headings? Papers with no names or incomplete headings will automatically lose 20 points. Writing your name and heading on your paper should be done first. It should be something you do automatically. Correct headings will look like: Jennifer Heerssen  Full Name September 12, 2009  Date Written Out

18. What should I do if I’m absent? You need to ask me immediately when you return to class. You are responsible for finding our what work you missed and for turning it in when it is due. You have 1 day for each day absent to complete work that was assigned while you were absent. The only exception for this is projects that were assigned in advance. They should be turned in immediately once you return.

19. What should I do if I come to class and you’re not in the room? Do NOT enter the classroom. Do NOT let me find you in the room when I come back. Quietly line up beside my door and wait patiently for me to arrive. Do not crowd the hallways and doorways. Do not use this time to play around in the hall.

20. What if I don’t want to read or write? Sorry, but this is a reading and a Writing class. You are expected to read and write daily. If during this time you choose to refuse, goof off, distract others, not pay attention, or whine/complain about doing so then you will not be following directions.

21. How can I check out a book from the classroom library? You may check out 1 book at a time. You may keep the book for 2 weeks. After this time, you need to return the book if you’re finished reading it or decide not to read it. To check out a book – show me the book you want to check out so I can scan it with the book scanner.

22. How do I return a book I’ve checked out? Drop off the book in the book return drawer by my desk. This allows me to scan in your book and return it to its proper place on the shelves.

23. What questions should I NEVER ask Ms. Heerssen? “What are we doing today?” “Are we going to have fun today?” “Are we reading today?” “Are we writing today?” “Can we have free time?” “How much more time do we have?” “Is this for a grade?”

24. What are the negative consequences in the class? You can only be given so many “warnings” If you persist in breaking the rules or not following directions the following will happen: – Lunch Detention – Referral and/or ISS – Loss of privileges or rewards The frequency and/or severity of your actions will determine the consequence.

25. What are the positive consequences in this class? Every 9 weeks there will be an AR Party for those who earn a certain amount of AR points that 9 weeks. Other Reading rewards will be introduced soon. When you are on task, on your best behavior, and producing your best, quality work…the chances are greater of receiving rewards. A happy, stress-free teacher always feels kinder and more giving.

REMEMBER…Be Happy! Have A Positive Productive Year