Classroom Procedures Because I said so.

What You Need (EVERYDAY) Textbook Laptop (All entries for responses, homework, and notes must be titled and dated.) Your own charger Paper or notebook Folder Pen or pencil And if you don’t have it… You return to your locker to retrieve it. If you are late for class, you will be counted tardy. More on tardiness later…

Before Class Find your assigned seat. Open and prepare your laptop. Write your name, title of prompt, and today’s date. Respond to posted writing prompt. The writing prompt will always be posted at the front of the room. We will begin with prayer. Keep writing until we begin. (Please do all of the above calmly and with dignity.)

Getting Things Done Smoothly If you have a question or need anything, raise your hand. I will respond with a nod or by coming to your desk to assist you. Please do not call out my name, state your question out loud, or become impatient. I will help as soon as I can. Your question could be about the work we are doing. Your need could be for a sharpened pencil or a Kleenex. In any case, please follow the above policy. Do not get out of your seat without my permission.

When Things Are Done Review the work you just completed. Work on the posted homework assignment. Read the book or story you are currently working on for your independent reading. Write me a letter about the assignment you just completed. (Was it easy or difficult? Why? Do you enjoy this kind of assignment? What other kind of assignment might you like? Do you need help with this lesson?)

What NOT to Do When You Have Finished Your Work Do not speak to your neighbor. It is distracting to your peers who are still working. And if the work you were doing was a quiz, you will lose points. Do not work on homework for another class. You should give that course’s homework all the attention it deserves. Do not use your laptop for anything that is not course-related.

If I need your attention when you are working independently or in groups, I will… Raise my right hand. If you see me do this, you should stop what you are doing and wait for further instructions.

If, heaven forbid, you are tardy or absent, you should… If you are tardy, you must have a pass. If you do not have a pass… you will write me a letter of apology for your first offense. For your second, you will receive a detention. If you are absent, you need to make up any and all work you missed. If you do not make up the work, you will receive a 0 on any missing assignments. You must make up homework as well as missing in-class work. You need to complete make-up work outside of class. You should see me during the writing prompt of after class about missing work.

Respect Remember to always treat yourself, your peers, your teacher, and your classroom with respect and courtesy. Be quiet when someone else is talking, even if you really have something good to say to your neighbor or to the whole class. Do not speak out of turn or interrupt others. Keep your head up, your desk on the floor, and your hands to yourself. Be attentive and participate often. (Participation is important to your learning and to your grade.) Be willing to accept responsibility for your actions and to apologize when necessary.

At the End of Class The bell is for me, not for you. Do not leave until you are dismissed. When I say: “Have a nice day,” you may go. Make sure you know the homework. It will always be posted on the board. It is posted by class. Check under and around your desks for your belongings or for trash. Throw all trash away at the end of class. If you leave anything behind, it will either be taken to the Lost and Found in the Dean’s office or thrown away. Wish me a good day.

Your real or virtual dog did not eat your homework. You will have homework every day and some weekends. Homework will be posted in class and online. Organization is key. You must keep a separate folder for Honors English 1. At the end of the week, before you arrive in class, you should print out the weekly work and be ready to hand it in. Your homework will be graded for completion and thoughtfulness. Do not copy, or you will receive a 0 for that assignment. Late work will be deducted 10 pts for each day it is late.

Reminders: Dos and Don’ts Do bring required materials to class. Do begin work on your prompt as soon as you sit down. Do raise your hand if you have questions, comments, concerns, etc. Do see me if you are absent. Do participate often and respectfully by answering or asking questions and by working well with your peers. Do leave only when I dismiss you. Do complete all your homework in a timely manner. Don’t use your computer to play games or participate in any activity that is not course-related. This behavior will result in a detention. Don’t forget: Be ready for quizzes at the end of the week.

Warning/Hall visit A letter of apology Detention Phone call to parent If something snaps and you choose to break a procedure or disrupt our learning environment, the consequences are: Warning/Hall visit A letter of apology Detention Phone call to parent

Classroom Procedures Because they’re good for you.