MRS. MCMURREY’S

BEGINNING OF CLASS  Enter the classroom quietly and in an orderly fashion.  Sit in your assigned seat, the one given by the teacher.  Take out the proper supplies (paper and pen for warm ups or paint and markers for a project, whatever the case may be)  Begin warm ups, whether they be written, vocal or physical….you must be working when the bell rings.

TARDINESS  If you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings, you are tardy.  After being processed for the tardy in the library, walk quickly back to class. Be seated and begin Warm-Up.

FIRST 5 MINUTES  First 5 minutes of class = QUIET TIME  Write assignments in your planner.  Complete the warm-up.  When you finish the warm-up, read independently.  During this time ONLY, you may leave your seat to use the pencil sharpener or ask permission to leave the room.

PENCIL SHARPENER  You may use the electric pencil sharpener at two specific times: During the FIRST 5 MINUTES of class During the 5 MINUTE BREAK During independent time

THEATRE WARM-UPS  You will need a spiral/ composition book or section in your binder/folder to keep your warm ups in.  Check the board for written instructions or a prompt, then follow those instructions.  Written warm ups will be checked weekly. These will be graded by volume not content. After all, how can your thoughts and opinions be wrong!? Unless otherwise specified, 10 lines equals full credit for the day, 5-9 lines is 50% and 0-4 lines is a zero.  Physical or vocal warm ups will be participation grades. If you are not participating, your grade will reflect. Come on, they’re fun...you might as well get that 100!  You should be respectful of those around you and stay quiet during written warm ups.

ELAR WARM UPS  You will complete a Warm-Up every day. In addition, you will copy each day’s agenda in your student planner. There may be planner checks on Friday  It is your responsibility to bring your student planner and an AR book EVERY DAY.  Complete Warm-Ups quietly and then wait for instruction to begin. Use any extra time to read your AR book.

GOING TO THE RESTROOM  You have more than enough time in between classes to use the restroom and I can’t imagine wanting to miss a second of my class….however, I do understand that when you gotta go, you gotta go.  Please do not ask during a lesson, performance, or task. Wait for a break then ask me.  Ask permission first. Then, fill out the orange hall pass with the time and destination. Get back to class as soon as possible.

IF YOU FORGOT SUPPLIES  Ex: You do not have a pencil/paper Address the issue within the first 5 minutes! Borrow supplies from a classmate. Use my classroom supplies on the bookshelf. Ask the classroom aide. If you do this frequently, you will get a reputation.

ASSISTANCE  Do not talk or get out of your seat while I am instructing or making announcements.  If you have questions or need assistance, please wait to raise your hand until after I have finished instructing.

GROUP WORK  When working in groups or pairs: Talk to group members only Stay on topic! Talk in low “inside voice” Raise your hand for help

CLASS DISCUSSION  If you have something to share, quietly raise your hand and wait to be called on.  State your answer or opinion loud enough for everyone to hear.  There is no reason to make any comments other than your answer.  Answer when given permission to do so.  Refrain from interrupting others who are answering a question.

TURNING IN WORK  Check to make sure your NAME and HEADING are on your paper.  Papers will be turned in to the basket at the front of the room unless I instruct you otherwise.

MAKE UP WORK  Students are responsible for requesting make up work.  Talk to me during first 5 minutes of class.  Work must be turned in a timely fashion. School rule- absent 1 day, you have 1 day to make it up. If you know an assignment is due during your absence, it is due as soon as you return.  Please write “absent” on the top of your work so that it is not counted late.

LATE WORK  School Policy: 1 day late= 80% of the earned grade 2days late= 60% of the earned grade 3 days late=40% of the earned grade 4+ days late= 0

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS  1. Be on time. (In your seat when the bell rings, working on the warm up)  2. Bring all necessary supplies everyday  3. Listen to the teacher for daily instructions.  4. Be respectful – no talking while peers or teacher is talking.  5. Follow the RMS Longhorn Pride expectations.

ADDITIONAL THEATRE EXPECTATIONS  6. Do not touch anything unless you have permission.  7. Put all set pieces back where they belong.  8. No jumping off the stage.  9. No horseplay in the classroom or theatre or with any set pieces.

THEATRE AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS  1. Give the performers your full attention.  2. Clap when the scene is over.  3. Do not talk while there is a scene in progress. (This includes your neighbors and the actors)  4. Do not laugh unless appropriate to the scene.  5. Respect those on stage.  6. Do not get up for any reason during a performance. Whatever it is can wait till the performance is over.  (Failure to do all of the above will result in points off of your grade.  2pts.-practice and 5 pts. for test grade)

THEATRE PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS  1. Be prepared.  2. Bring all necessary props/costumes.  3. Do not break character.  4. If you get stuck, keep going.  5. No gum chewing. (Will result in a 10 point loss to your grade)  BONUS: Everyone gets 1 redo per performance with no penalty.

DISCIPLINE PLAN  Consequences:  1st offenseWarning  2nd offensePrivate conference  3rd offenseParent contact  4th offenseReferral  Severe offense Immediate referral  Theatre: Offenses will also cause a reduction in the student's Participation grade.

MOVING AROUND THE ROOM  Please remain in your seat when others are speaking. Others include myself (giving a lesson, or talking to the class), a speaker (giving a speech or presentation) or a group (presenting a scene or project).  When moving around the room, do so quietly and safely.

THEATRE EXTRA CREDIT  Play Critique  Audition for a Play or Movie  Article/Announcement for upcoming performing arts even.  If you can think of a way to connect this class with the outside world, let me know and we can make the assignment happen!  (See Mrs. McMurrey or the Theatre Handbook for specific instructions for Extra Credit Assignments.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS & VISITORS  When announcements are made become silent immediately. Politely get others’ attention if needed. These announcements are important, therefore teachers and/or students must be able to hear.  Be respectful when a visitor enters the room. Keep working in an orderly fashion and do not interrupt the visitor’s conversation with myself or another student.

GETTING THE CLASSES’ ATTENTION  When you hear the quiet signal, get quiet as soon as possible.  Look around you for others that may be talking/ working and get their attention in a polite manner.  Remain quiet and still and look at the teacher for further instructions. These instruction may include such things as directions for the assignment, school announcements, or even an emergency drill It is for your success and safety that you follow this procedure in a timely fashion.

THEATRE: MOVING TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS  Theatre Arts classes have the opportunity and privilege of working outside the classroom. Different locations may include but are not limited to: The Amphitheater, hallways, commons, other classrooms, or outside.  When walking in the hallways, remain quiet so as not to disturb other classes. Walk on the right side of the hall.

LONGHORN PRIDE AWARDS!  You can EARN Longhorn Pride Awards for various reasons. Examples include: Following Rules (1) Participating in class (1) Celebrating your birthday (2) Reading extra AR Points (1+) (per each set of 5 pts over AR goal)

LONGHORN PRIDE AWARDS!  LHPs must be given and signed by me in order to be redeemed by me. 3 = Choose a piece of candy 3 = Leave class two minutes early! 10 = Add 5 points on a test/performance (only once per 9-week grading period)

DISMISSAL FROM CLASS  The teacher dismisses you, not the bell.  You will NOT be dismissed until the room is CLEAN and you are SEATED. This means ALL the trash is picked up and materials are all returned to their proper location.  If you are tardy to your next class, it is your responsibility unless you are given a note by the teacher.