7th and 8th Gifted Language Arts Room C223 Mr. Oliver´s Classroom Procedures

What’s the difference between a rule and a procedure? A rule is a standard of behavior. It is what you are expected to do in a given situation. A procedure is a series of steps designed to help you achieve a goal.

Classroom Rules Respect others and their property. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Follow all school rules. These rules are in the Student Handbook. Download a copy at the Douglas County School System website ( There is a link on the left that says Student Handbooks. Click that link, then find the handbook for FSMS.

The Non-Negotiables Make sure you have the following each day: Your binder (with an ELA tab & some paper behind it.) Pens (blue or black) Composition book for this class Agenda I do not supply pens or pencils. Please be responsible.

Classroom Procedures

1. Entering the Classroom Line up outside the door. Get settled and quiet before entering. Get your journal and pen and get started on the First Five. Journal and agenda out Write the agenda message – leave agenda on desk for me to sign Write the standard Write the essential question Warm up (DLP or journal entry)

2. Leaving the Classroom You may not leave the classroom once class has begun, except in the case of an emergency. Your teacher will determine if this emergency actually exists. Leaving Fill out a pass in your agenda. Have the teacher sign it. Leave quietly and return quickly. You are responsible for making up any work missed.

3. If You Are Tardy Knock quietly at the door. Don’t just stand there. If you have a pass in your agenda, HAVE IT READY. Show it and go to your seat. If you don’t have a pass, you’ve earned a demerit. You may NOT go get one.

4. End-of-Period Dismissal The bell is just a suggestion. Teachers dismiss you. Clean up any trash around your desk, even if you did not make it. Drop your trash in the trash can by the door on the way out. DO NOT THROW IT.

5. Class Questions & Discussions Only one person in class may speak at any one time. Raise your hand if you want to ask a question or make a comment. Otherwise, you will be called on. Actively listen to the discussion. Don’t just wait for your turn to speak. Don’t talk over people. It’s rude, it’s disrespectful, and it may result in demerits.

6. Keeping Your Desk In Order Keep materials in the book cage under your desk when you are not using them. Keep trash with you until you leave the room. No layups or 3-point shots. Textbooks must remain in the classroom. Textbooks will be issued to 5 students. All five will be responsible for that textbook. Report any signs of vandalism to your teacher immediately.

7. If I Am Absent All classroom rules and procedures remain in effect. Obey your substitute teacher as you would obey me. (Remember, substitute is an adjective!) Your substitute teacher will have lesson plans for the day, and the work does count.

8. If You Finish Early If you finish your assignment early, you may do any of the following: Start on your Language Arts homework Work on a Language Arts project Read a book Study your text or notes for another class (get permission) Do these activities in the order listed. Do NOT work on homework for another class while you are in my class. It will be taken up.

Emergency Procedures

Fire Evacuation Route Exit the classroom – turn right to middle staircase Go through stairwell doors Exit the classroom, turn left. Go to middle hallway. Turn left again. STAY QUIET!

Fire Evacuation Route Go out through this door – keep moving straight ahead. Line up between these trees (location approximate) STAY QUIET!

View of the school from our line STAY QUIET!

Code Red, Part 1 Stop whatever you are doing. Remain calm and quiet. Students in desks on the door side of the room will push their desks to the center of the room. Close blinds, shut computer next to printer. Turn off projector. Stand along wall Push desks to center of room. Turn off projector.

Code Red, Part 2 Turn out lights. Line up against the wall and sit down against it if possible. Remember, be quiet! Sound carries farther than you think. Mute all cellphones! Do not open the door for anyone. If the door is to be opened, I will do it.

Other Emergency Codes Code Yellow: possible crisis in a neighboring area Make sure doors are locked Make sure blinds are down Code Green: evacuate building Get personal items (purses, jackets, etc.) Be prepared to not go back into building. Code Blue: bomb threat Gather personal items Be prepared to not go back into building.