Language Arts

Class Procedures and Expectations

Emergency Procedures

Students:  This may be the most important procedure that we have, so please pay attention!

FIRE

In the event of a fire, all students must follow these directions:

  1. Leave all belongings in the classroom and head out the classroom door.
  2. Take an immediate left once you are in the hallway.
  3. Proceed to the end of our hallway, which will lead you to the exit facing the tennis courts.
  4. Once you are outside, head toward the right and look for me.
  5. Stay close to Mrs. Stetson so that attendance may be properly assessed.
  6. Do NOT go back into the building until it has been checked by the proper authorities.

EXTREME WEATHER

In the event of extreme weather, such as a tornado, all students must follow these directions:

  1. Leave all belongings in the classroom and go out into the designated science room.
  2. Stay with Mrs. Stetson and the rest of class.
  3. Sit on the floor.
  4. Stay away from all doors and windows.
  5. Wait for Mrs. Stetson and the proper authorities to instruct us back into the classrooms.

Learning Materials

The following materials will be required for class and must be brought in to class by Monday, August 17, 2009:

  1. One 3-ring binder
  2. One pack of loose leaf paper specifically for our class
  3. One pack of dividers
  4. One box of #2 pencils
  5. One spiral notebook or journal of any kind
  6. One pack of Blue/Black ink pens (standard please…no gel pens)
  7. One highlighter

REMEMBER:  These supplies must be brought into class by next Monday!   

**** Please let me know if assistance is needed!  ****

Expectations

The expectations I have for my students are not unrealistic.  If everyone does their part to fulfill my expectations, this class can be efficient, fun, and effective.  Please contribute to the class’ overall success rate by doing your part. 

In order to do provide you with the Language Arts knowledge you’ll need for high school, I hold you accountable for meeting my expectations which include:

  1. Be ready to learn.
  2. Come prepared for class.
  3. Follow all classroom rules and procedures.
  4. ** Be proactive…if you don’t understand something or are having a problem; please come to me for help.
  5. Do all homework, study for tests, and participate in class.

**  I am available most mornings from 7:30-8:20am upon appointment.  If you are in need of help in Language Arts, please let me know when you plan to attend a help session.  You will need a pass written by your parent/guardian to come down to the 8th grade hall.

Rules

I only have five classroom rules, so I expect each student to follow them.  They are as follows:

  1. Respect others
  2. Listen to instructions the first time they are given
  3. Keep the room clean
  4. Come prepared and be ready
  5. Stay in your seat unless given permission

Consequences

1st offense:  Warning

2nd offense:  Think Room

3rd offense:  Public Detention

4th offense:  Referral

**  The offenses pertain to the initial rule being broken as well as additional rules that the student chooses to break in the same day or over a period of time.

Any student who continues to violate school/class rules will have further consequences. 

 Bathroom Policy

All students are able to use the bathroom during the four minutes between classes.  Please use this time wisely.

Students will not be permitted to use the restroom after the tardy bell rings unless he/she has a doctor’s note indicating the need for frequent restroom visits.

“Stay in Your Seat” Policy

All students must stay in their seat unless given permission. 

You must ask permission to sharpen your pencil unless it is done before the tardy bell.

Please keep all trash at your desk until the end of class.  “Clean up” time has been designated for each class at the end of each period.  At that time, you will be able to get up, go to the trash can, and collect your backpacks which will be waiting at the back of the room.

Personal Question Policy

All personal questions with regard to homework, or specific individual requests shall be asked at the end of class.  Again, there will be a specific time designated for this at the end of each class.

Computer Policy

Students will not be permitted to use the classroom computers unless given permission.

When asked to use the computers, (desktop and laptop,) students may only visit requested websites.  Computer time is not for checking email or going on MySpace.  All students must follow the guidelines given in lesson instructions.

Grading

One thing that all of my students should take comfort in knowing is that there will NEVER be any surprises!  This means that nobody will have to stress themselves out in order to study for a test, nobody will break out in a sweat when there is a quiz given, and everybody will have a high grade…as long as you pay attention, participate, and practice!!!

Grades can be broken down into the following categories:

          Homework:                            10%

          Quizzes and Class work:    40%

          Tests and Major Essays:    50%

                

Quizzes over spelling/vocabulary and grammar will be given every Friday.

A test will be given once the class has mastered a concept.  Every test will come with a study guide to ensure that the student has the appropriate material to review.

Grades will be posted online for you and your parent/guardian to view on ParentConnect. 

If you should need help with anything that you are learning in class, please let me know so that I can make myself available to tutor you and give you some extra guidance. 

I will work with students as long as I know that they need and want help.

Please note that if you are interested in being admitted into 9th Grade Honors English, you will need a 90% average over the course of the entire year to obtain my recommendation. 

Weekly Class Structure

Homework:

Most of your homework will consist of journal writing, which can include anything from a creative writing prompt to a persuasive essay.  Homework will be given at least three days per week.  The assignments will be a mix of mandatory and voluntary assignments.  Students who choose to complete the voluntary assignments will receive an extra credit ticket for each completed assignment.  All students must complete the mandatory assignments on time.  You may not turn in late homework, unless you have an excused absence.  If your absence is excused, you will have the number of days absent plus one to turn in missing assignments.  For example, if a student has missed three days of school, the student can have four days to make up missed assignments. 

Quizzes:

Each day, as part of your Warm Up activity, you will be required to write down spelling/vocabulary words.  You will be quizzed on these words every Friday, and each Spelling quiz will consist of the words you wrote down Monday through Thursday of that week.  In addition, there will be four questions on each quiz which pertain to the grammar concept we go over in class that week.

If a student is absent for a quiz, it is the student’s responsibility to make-up the quiz.  

Tests, Projects, and Major Essays:

Major assignments such as these will be given every two-three weeks.  Tests may be given in various formats and you will always be notified ahead of time. 

 Students that do not turn in major projects and essays in a timely manner will have 10 percentage points deducted from their grade for every day the assignment is late. 

 

August 10, 2009

This statement is to notify all parties that I, ___________________________ (print name), have obtained and read the Language Arts class syllabus.

I will take the syllabus home to my parent/guardian and review the syllabus information with them. 

I plan on obtaining the necessary classroom materials as listed in the syllabus, no later than Monday, August 17, 2009.  By doing this, I will earn one of the first A’s I am able to receive in the class.

I vow to try my hardest.

I will be respectful to teachers and my other classmates during class.

I will come to class prepared and ready to learn.

I will raise my hand when I want to speak and ask questions.

I will stay in my seat unless permission is granted to me.

I will listen to directions the first time they are given.

I will ask for help when I need it.

I will follow all other necessary policies and procedures as indicated by my Language Arts teachers.

I plan to meet all expectations.

I will do everything I can to succeed in class.

My Language Arts teachers want me to succeed in class, and I know it. 

Student Signature:______________________________________

Date:_________________________________________________

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