Please enter silently and choose any seat. Take out a pencil and blank sheet of paper.

Welcome to Central High for the school year! Mr. Whitehead English I

Listen and watch closely to the following 5 items. Try to identify the connection they all share. What do they have in common? (answer on your paper)

# 1

# 2

# 3

# 4

# 5 I need a volunteer to read an excerpt from the first page of Harrison High by John Farris

Well… What’s the connection? Let’s hear that excerpt again while we scroll through the following images for help.

Well… What’s the connection?

Well… They all include Central High School alumni, individuals who sat where you now sit.

# 1 William Sanderson, class of 196? Scene from Blade Runner

# 1 scene from True Blood scene from HBO’s Deadwood

# 2 class of 1931

# 3 Alex Chilton class of 1969 (dropped out)

# 4 George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes class of 1918?

# 5 class of 1955

So… (on your sheet of paper) What does this mean to you? What will the future students of Central High School hear about you?

Contact Information Room 300: (901) , ext. Class website: whitehead14-15.wikispaces.com

Homework Complete the summer reading assignments for Night by Elie Wiesel. The written portion of the assignment is due Monday. For Honors, the assignments for Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is also due. Purchase necessary supplies for class.

Central High School

Instructions: As I review classroom norms, policies, and procedures, come one at a time to get a syllabus and print and sign your name to verify that you received it. After receiving the syllabus, please follow along and make notes.

Classroom Norms · Bring all necessary materials everyday and take them with you when you leave. · Be in your seat and working when the tardy bell rings. · Refrain from disruptive or distracting behavior. · Treat each person with dignity and respect. · All assignments must be submitted on time; if you are absent, it’s due the next school day. · No food or drink in the classroom; you may have a water bottle with a lid. · Abide by all procedures and policies in the Central High and Shelby County School handbooks. · Above all, exhibit the mindset and maturity representative of a Central High Warrior.

Consequences for Noncompliance 1st offense—Student teacher conference 2nd offense—Parent contact 3rd offense—Parent conference 4th offense—Administrative referral

Rewards 1. Bonuses: extra credit points, drop- grades, or homework passes. 2. Praise: positive phone call, note, or home to parent/guardian. 3. Tangible rewards: pencils, candy, stickers, etc.

Supplies Necessary in class everyday (1) 3-ring binder notebook college ruled notebook paper pencil and/or pen (black or blue ink only)

Supplies Needed during certain units/lessons Summer reading –All classes: Night by Elie Wiesel –Honors: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys Other novels/texts: 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke and TBD Posters and art supplies Access to a computer

Tutoring My availability for tutoring is Monday from 2:15 until 3:15 after school in room 300. I can be available other afternoons of the week upon request.

Grading 10% Homework 20% Participation 20% Classwork 50% Assessments

Tardies, Absences, Make-Up Work, and Extensions. Don’t be tardy. When the bell rings, I will shut my classroom door and you will be required to get an admit. If you are absent, YOU are responsible for turning in the necessary excuse and getting ALL make-up assignments. Late work will not be accepted in this class. If you are absent, it’s due the next school day. One-day extensions on major assignments will be granted at the loss of 20 points. This does NOT apply to homework.

Zero Tolerance Items Weapons of any kind Hostile, sexual, or any other unwanted physical contact. Profanity, bullying, or any type of verbal harassment or disrespect. Cell phones, mp3 players, headphones, or any other electronic devices are not allowed to be used. Inappropriate uniform (too revealing or gang colors).

Classroom Procedures/Boundaries Attention/Participation Practice tracking the speaker at all times. Class participation is a grade, so I expect everyone to participate regularly. Talking and participation aren’t always the same things. Focus your questions, hold your non- sequiturs, and eliminate all outbursts. A head down may not be asleep, but it is not paying attention. Do NOT do this.

Classroom Procedures/Boundaries Demeanor/Attitude/Character Do not check or disrespect anyone. Even done in the slightest will receive consequences. Do not argue with my instruction or my decisions. I am the classroom manager, director, judge, referee, official, and what I say goes. More than anything, I want a positive, mature learning environment that supports every learner. Help me with this.

Classroom Procedures/Boundaries Speaking/Listening Only one person may speak at a time; this applies to presentations, whole-group activities, and direct instruction. You must be called on to speak. Do not interrupt under any circumstances. Floor Movement Only one person should be on the floor at a time during instruction, and they should be seated as quickly as possible.

Classroom Procedures/Boundaries Classroom Door Once class has begun, do not touch my door unless instructed to do so. This is absolute; do not contest it with me. Classroom and Personal Property Do not go in my cabinets, on or in or behind my desk, on any computers, or in anyone’s backpacks, bags, purses, or other personal property without permission.

Classroom Procedures/Boundaries Electronic Devices If I see a screen light up or I hear it, I will confiscate it and turn it in. If you refuse to turn a device in, administrators will be called. Desktop Etiquette No food or drink. Water only. No purses or bags on your desk or in your lap during class. No backpacks worn during class time. Do not apply make-up or fix hair.

Classroom Procedures/Boundaries Restroom Use You need to use the restroom before you come to class. It must be a real emergency. To request the restroom, you must raise three fingers. Excuses I don’t like them; I don’t want to hear them; make sure you don’t use them with me.

Hand Signals Index finger only: I have an important question on the current topic only. Two fingers: I have a statement, opinion, or point to express about the current topic only. Three fingers: restroom request or other off topic statement or question.

Questions? I know it’s a great deal of information to remember, but you will have a short quiz on this presentation tomorrow.