Mrs. Erin Miller Language Arts Instructor 8 th Grade Memorial Middle School Orlando, Florida

Who is this teacher as a person?

Will this teacher treat me fairly? Yes, Always!

What will I be doing this year?

How will I be graded? Classwork = 30 % Homework = 10% Employability Skills = 5% Paper/Projects = 20% Quizzes = 15% Tests = 20%

What are the rules in this classroom? 1.Be seated with all materials and supplies when class begins. 2.Complete all assignments on time. 3.Respect each other’s opinions, space, and belongings. 4.Try your hardest. 5.Make solutions, not excuses.

Classroom Guidelines

Guideline #1 Be in your assigned seat and working on the assigned bell work when the tardy bell rings.

Guideline #2 Bring ALL books and materials to class and take them with you when you leave.

Guideline #3 Follow directions the first time they are given.

Guideline #4 Treat each person in this room with respect and dignity.

Guideline #5 Follow all rules, procedures and policies as outlined in the Memorial Middle School and Orange County Public Schools handbooks.

Conduct Cards Read it Sign it Keep it until the end of class to discuss with the teacher.

Bad Day? -Check your attitude at the door -Don’t take it out on anyone else (you wouldn’t appreciate someone doing it to you). -You can always work alone. -Do NOT stop another student from getting his/her work done just because you’re having a bad day.

Severe Clause Any student who uses profanity, fights, damages school property (this includes the property of the teacher and other students), or is disrespectful (as defined by the teacher) will be sent to the office IMMEDIATELY.

Following Guidelines will result in: Verbal Acknowledgement A stress free learning environment A pleasant and orderly classroom atmosphere Greater opportunity of mastering concepts needed.

Language Arts (L.A.) Bucks How you get one: –Be a helper (5 bucks) –Help another student (1 buck) –Donate a book (5 bucks) –Clear conduct card for one week (1 buck) Trade them in for:  Class supplies  Candy  Get-out-of-homework free card  100 on a quiz

Classroom Procedures

Entering the room Please enter quietly Have a seat Take out your materials Review the agenda Begin bell work assignment

When you are tardy Enter quietly Excused: Place excuse in the tray on my desk Unexcused: Take your seat silently and quickly. Have a seat and take out your materials

Getting your attention I will: Stand in front of the class Raise my hand Wait for everyone to be quiet Begin speaking

Paper Heading On the top right hand corner of the paper John Smith Ms. Miller Period 1 August 24, 2009 Place on all assignments (unless otherwise stated)

After an absence Go to the calendar Look up the dates of absence Write down the missing assignments Retrieve any handouts and notes via the teacher website.

Student Incomplete Contract On Friday students who are still missing work will sign the I-contract. Sign and date it Due the following Wednesday Not turning in work will result: Wednesday detention, Saturday School and/or Suspension. I – contract work is considered late and the highest grade that can be received is a 79%

Finish Classwork Early “What do I do next?”

What Do I Do Next? Activities Work on unfinished English assignments Read your “choice” novel Work on your weekly homework question online. Review vocabulary words Do an extra credit assignment

Scheduled check out Please let me know as you enter the classroom. –I will be at the door Quietly raise your hand to get my attention Pack your materials and leave at the scheduled time

Turning in papers Place your assignments in the appropriate period bins near the door and the computers.

Classroom Discussions PLEASE participate I want to hear what you have to say Make all questions and comments relevant to the current discussion If your question is off the topic, write it down and ask later.

Moving around the room You must ask permission Do not ask during a classroom discussion unless it is an emergency

Class Dismissal The teacher dismisses you, not the bell Do not start packing up prior to the bell Wait until the teacher finishes and officially dismisses you.

“Special” Procedures These will be introduced on an “as needed” basis Library/Media Center Special guests Progress Reports Working Cooperatively Fire Drill Intercom Announcements Assemblies Substitute Teacher

Remember… I became a teacher because I believe all students have potential. So, come here ready to reach your potential - not waste it. Mrs. Miller