English Language Arts 9 AP MR. HAMBLETON

Welcome to Miller, Grade Nines! This will be your home every school day afternoon for the next ten months! Yay!

The first day of school … Anyone else late today?

The first day of school … Anyone else not want to be here? Be honest.

The first day of school … Anyone else sad?

If you answered YES to any or all of the questions … We’re going to work together to make sure your first year of high school is amazing!

But before we get to the amazing … We need to introduce a few classroom procedures.

Why do we have procedures?  A procedure is the way that we do things.  To do things right, we have to follow some simple procedures. Examples:  To open your locker, you have to select your combination as directed by the lock manufacturer.  To cook a delicious meal, you need to follow the steps in the recipe.  To place a call on your phone, you need to dial the numbers in the right order.  So, to be successful in learning, you need to follow some simple procedures. Such as …

Entrance 1. Make sure you have all necessary materials for the class. 2. Enter the classroom quietly. 3. Go directly to your assigned seat. 4. Get ready for your work.

After the bell … 1. Immediately start the bell work that will be distributed to you. It will be grammar related. See example. 2. Do the bell work at your desk. 3. When finished, wait quietly for the next direction.

During instruction … 1. Listen to the teacher with full attention. 2. No pencil sharpening, talking, or whispering. 3. Don’t write anything during instruction. You will be given time for taking notes. 4. Ask permission to speak by raising your hand. 5. Ask questions related to the subject. Other questions which are not related to the subject can be asked after instruction. 6. After instruction, make sure you understand the concept. If not, ask questions by mentioning which part you didn’t understand.

While working … 1. Make sure you read or listen to the directions about your work and understand them. 2. If you don’t understand, ask for help from other students sitting around you. If they also don’t understand, ask the teacher to explain it. 3. If you are asked to help, be polite and kind and offer your best. 4. Talking to each other should be no louder than a whisper. The person sitting on the other side of the room should not be interrupted by your noise. 5. Respect each other and be friendly. 6. Use your time wisely. Put forth your best effort to finish your work on time.

When I raise my hand … 1. Stop whatever you are doing at that moment. 2. Face the teacher and wait silently. 3. Notify any classmates who haven’t noticed that the teacher has raised their hand. 4. No talking or whispering. All of your attention should be given to the teacher.

When I raise my hand … If my hand raise doesn’t work, I have other methods of making you focus.

After work is complete … 1. Check your work and the directions one more time to see if you missed anything or did something incorrectly. 2. If the assignment is to be turned in, do so. 3. Work silently on other material.

Dismissal 1. Clean your work area and take all garbage to the trash can. 2. Wait for me to dismiss you. The bell does not dismiss you. 3. After you get permission you may leave quietly.

When you are late … 1. Don’t be a distraction to the class. 2. Quietly print your name on the late chart so I do not forget to change the attendance. 3. Grab the assignment AND your seat. 4. Ask for instructions once an opportunity presents itself. 5. If you’re really late: You will not be excused from any work you missed. Get the assignment and complete it at home.

When you are absent … 1. Get the assignments from your classmates and the worksheets from me. Do the work at home. 2. If you missed a test because of your excused absence, inform me and I will arrange a time to make up the test. 3. You will not be able to make up a test if you have an unexcused absence. You will get a NHI-0 for those tests.

A Few School Rules 1. Bring all necessary materials to class. 2. No gum, food, or drink allowed. Water is, however, permitted. 3. Always act and speak in an appropriate way. Be respectful. 4. Always carry your agenda. 5. No backpacks or hats. 6. Follow school dress codes.

Consequences 1. Warning 2. Conference with Student 3. Parent Contact 4. Refer to Administration

Any other questions …

One last helpful hint: I like my coffee with two sugars!

Let’s have a great year, Grade Nines!