Elemntary School

Elementary Classroom Rules and Management

By Leah Davies, M.Ed.

Elementary classrooms can become better learning environments when teachers have rules, classroom management skills, and a belief that each child can be successful. Rules help create a predictable atmosphere that limit classroom disruptions and encourage children to use self-control. Children need to be taught that it is their responsibility to make appropriate choices and that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Teachers may decide to establish rules or allow their students to assist in formulating them. Teachers who involve their children in the rule making process contend that students are more likely to follow them. One way to involve students in forming rules is to have them brainstorm as a class or in small groups why they come to school and their goals for learning. Then ask them to name rules that will help them achieve their goals. Write their ideas on the board. If a child states a rule negatively, such as, “Don’t come to school late,” ask how it could be stated in a positive way. Below are some examples.

Come to school on time.

Bring what you need with you.

Listen to the teacher.

Follow directions.

Be kind to others.

Use manners.

Work hard.

Do your best.

Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Follow playground rules.

Then assist them in consolidating their list into three to five basic rules, such as:

be prepared;

be respectful;

be productive; and

be safe.

After the rules are decided upon, you may want to have the students sign a copy of them and display them. Review and define each one as needed. Students are more likely to follow the rules if they are clearly stated and understood, and if classroom management procedures are in place and followed.

Some examples of procedures or routines that need to be explained, practiced often and followed consistently:

what to do upon entering the classroom;

what signal will be used to get their attention(see 25 Ways to Obtain Children’s Attention in a School Setting);

what to do when a signal is given;

what to do when it is group time;

what to do if they want to speak;

what to do if they need to use the restroom;

what to do if they need to sharpen their pencil;

what to do when they need help;

what to do when they are finished with their work;

how to line up;

how to walk in the hall;

what to do in the cafeteria;

what to do if a visitor is in the classroom;

what to do if the teacher is not in the room;

what to do when the fire alarm rings; and

what to do before being dismissed.

In addition, listing the schedule for the day helps children know what to expect.

Here is an example of a teacher’s management plan for individual students:

First infraction: Name on board.

Second: Student writes down the rule that he/she broke.

Third: Student looses ten minutes of recess

Fourth: A parent is called or a note is sent home for the parent to sign and return.

Fifth: The student is sent to the principal.

When deemed appropriate provide choices. For example: if a child does not stay on task and complete his work, you could say, “Do you want to finish it during free time or recess?” Or, if a child is being disruptive, you could say, “Would you like to sit in the “thinking” chair or at your desk with your head down?” (see “Love and Logic Basics”). When given a choice, students tend to feel respected and are more likely to comply. However, allow only a short time for the choice to be made and if the child does not choose, make the choice for him/her. As much as possible, have the consequence directly relate to the offense.

After deciding what rules and management procedures you will use, discuss consequences for broken rules. However, allow yourself some flexibility. Consequences for inappropriate behavior need to focus on helping a child learn from his/her mistakes. At times you may want to meet with a child alone and ask him what you could do to help him make constructive choices. Then listen, share thoughts with your student and develop a plan of action.

An idea for classroom management is to put a word on the board such as “responsibility.” When the class does well, a letter is underlined in red, and when they are off task, the red underline is deleted for one letter. When the whole word is underlined in red, the class earns a privilege such as a theme day or viewing a movie. Having the children brainstorm and vote on ideas of what they would like to receive for their exemplary behavior can foster their desire to follow the rules.

A management plan for group work is to divide the children into teams of four or five students. Review what is expected and give each team points for listening to instructions, being respectful toward each other, completing the assignment, etc. After keeping track of the points for a week, the team with the most points could earn extra recess, lunch with the teacher or free time. Start the point system over again the following week.

Signals that a child or students need to be on task include: staring, frowning, shaking your head, standing close, holding your finger or hand a predetermined way, or placing a child’s name on the board. Making a check on the board may signify a consequence such as the class losing five minutes of recess.

Positive consequences for appropriate behavior or exceptional effort also need to be used to reinforce constructive actions. Examples are: specific verbal recognition (see Effective Praise), certificates, handshakes, high fives, thumbs up, smiles, and earned privileges such as getting to eat with a friend from another class or being the teacher’s assistant. Other acknowledgments could be computer, homework or library passes, or a positive phone call or note sent home to a parent. When an entire class has done exceptionally well on a test or project, provide a fun activity like playing games or having a special snack (see Rewards in the Classroom).

Teachers need to anticipate and deal with problem behaviors before they escalate. When teachers enforce a classroom management plan and rules, as well as build a positive relationship with their students, the children will more likely develop self-discipline and learning will take place.

Gonzalez, Maria Homepage News Letter Classroom Rules, Rewards and Consequences Home work assignments Educational websites High Frequency Words Photo Gallery Important Events Meet Mrs. Gonzalez's family

Classroom Rules:1.                  Come on time and be ready2.                  Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourselves3.                  Listen to instructions and change tasks quickly and quietly4.                  Use polite words only, no cursing, teasing, swearing, or profanity5.                  Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak Expectations/Procedures:Student:            Enters the classroom quietly following procedures          Brings completed homework in yellow folder signed by parent         Warm up reading: Begins reading immediately and uninterrupted         Working in group: Participates, follows directions and completes classroom assignments         Working independently: follows directions, works quietly, completes work         Writing time: completes work, raises hand to ask questions         Dismissal: cleans after himself/herself         Dismissal: Leaves classroom quietly and in an orderly manner Consequences if a student chooses to break a classroom rule1st. time: Green card – warning and conference with teacher2nd. time: Yellow card – ticket and conference with teacher3rd. time: Red card – half pg. ticket sent to parents for signature, conference with teacher, call to parentsSevere or repetitive break of rules: Written referral (full page), student sent immediately to the office, call to parents Rewards or Positive Consequences when a student chooses to follow classroom rules and expectations 

Individual RewardsStudents have the opportunity to earn 10 points or more per day, 5 days a week for a total of 50 or more points per week when following classroom rules and expectations. 

In addition, students will have the opportunity of earning 10 points for every book report they complete at home.

Students will have the opportunity of redeeming their points on the last Friday of every month in the classroom store.

Class RewardsIce cream party:Throughout the day, during transitions, teacher will observe students’ behavior. One marble per student will be deposited in the jar if students do transitions quietly and follow the classroom procedures. When the jar gets full of marbles, students will have an ice cream party.Raffle:Each month when a student is on blue the whole month, he or she will get a bee to write his/her name on it. The bee will be display on the "Super Beehavior" bulletin board. At the end of the month., the bees will be placed in a box for a raffle, prizes will vary.

Classroom Expectations and Procedures

Class Rules, Procedures, and Consequences

Philosophy: I believe that every student can manage his or her own behavior. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth, therefore I will not tolerate any student who prevents teaching and learning to occur.

Students are expected to be the best that they can be at all times.

Students are expected to follow classroom and school rules.

Students are expected to be responsible and accountable for their own grades and actions.

Rules are posted, and if I have any good or bad news I will make phone calls and write notes in the agenda.

It is very important for your child to understand that they have choices. They can choose to follow rules and be rewarded or they can choose to break the rules and have consequences. It is equally important for them to understand that they are responsible for their behavior. Our class rules and consequences are to help them understand choices and responsibilities. Please discuss this with them daily.

The consequence for negative behavior include:

-Silent Lunch

-Restricted Recess

-Student has to write their parent a note explaining behavior.

-Student calls their parent to explain their behavior.

-A parent/teacher conference

-Discuss the behavior with the principal

-Before school, during school, and after school suspension.

The consequences for positive behavior include:

-Praise and Attention

-Note home to parents

-Prize from the prize box

-Name on the personal best board

-Lunch with the teacher and a friend of their choice outside

-Earn a marble for the entire class (once 30 marbles are accumulated the class gets a prize)

-Extra Recess

Mrs. Kuprenas - 5th Grade

Classroom Rules and Expectations

Classroom Rules (3-5 Positively Stated Observable Behaviors)

Be Respectful

· Treat yourself, others, and property the way you want to be treated

· Raise your hand and wait to be called on before talking

· Follow directions the first time they are given

Be Responsible

· Come to class prepared

· Keep track of your belongings

· Always do your best

Be Safe

· Stay in your seat unless given permission to stand up

· Walk instead of running

· Use classroom materials the way they are intended to be used

Teaching the Rules: (how will you teach, when will you teach, how will you remind students)

The first week of school was spent modeling, teaching, and practicing procedures. The procedures were practiced until they were routine. The rules are on an anchor chart in the room to remind

students.

Classroom Procedures (daily routine, when to sharpen pencils, turn in homework, etc.)

There is a job system. Every student has certain responsibilities. For example, pencils are sharpened at the end of the day by one student.

There is a homework tray, and students are responsible for placing homework in the homework tray before leaving for specials. Homework is also written on the board for the entire week.

For using the bathroom, students must raise their hand and go one at a time (one boy, one girl). They are to sign out and take the pass upon leaving. When they return, they will erase their name and return the pass.

Positive Reinforcement (in addition to PAWS, how will you recognize appropriate behavior). Describe your classroom Reward System.

There is a token economy. Students get paid on Friday for doing their jobs/meeting classroom expectations. They receive bonuses for turning in all homework, perfect attendance, and staying on green. Students are able to redeem their token money for prizes (homework passes, extra computer time, end of the year auction, etc.). If a student demonstrates exceptional behavior throughout the day, the student will "star up". If a student keeps their star all week, he or she will receive a bonus on payday.

Negative Consequences (what is your system for dealing with students who don’t follow the rules?)

These are the PAWS consequences: apologizing to the class, taking a break in another teacher’s classroom, parent contact, and finally office referral. In addition to the PAWS consequence system, I have attached an increasing monetary fine (token economy) to each card flipped (Level 1 = $1, Level 2 = $5, Level 3 = $10, Level 4 = $20, Level 5 = $40, Level 6 = $100).

Junior High School

High School

Mrs. Holowicki's Classroom Expectations, Rules, Procedures and Consequences

The expectations, rules, procedures and consequences of my classroom are intended to keep the classroom environment safe, orderly, and productive.  Please respect the rules so that we can maximize learning time together.  The rules are not hard to follow, nor are any of them “out of the ordinary.”  They are simply expected behaviors for high school students in this classroom.  If you have any questions about any of these rules, or why they are in place, you have the right to find out – please ask me as soon as possible.  There should never be a rule that does not have a purpose! Thank you for your cooperation!  CLASS EXPECTATIONS 1.      Respect yourself, the teacher & others

         Show respect for the teacher, yourself and others at all times.         Respect others’ property.  Avoid touching or writing on anything that

does not belong to you (including desks, textbooks, teacher’s belongings, walls, chalkboard, etc.). Don't expect that others will clean-up your messes. Please pick-up after yourself. 

         Respect yourself and the rest of us by using appropriate language and wearing appropriate clothing.

         Be a kind person. 2.      Put forth your best effort at all times

         Always do your own best work.         Put learning ahead of getting good grades.          Put quality ahead of just getting it done.

 3.      Be prepared for class each day

         Come prepared with all materials necessary:         An organized class binder containing all necessary materials

and handouts         Looseleaf paper, pens (blue or black), and pencils         A red or purple pen for grading in class or underlining important

elements in note taking         Highlighters for emphasizing important text

 large view

         A planner to help keep you organized - the most successful students are organized.

 4.      Follow directions when given

         When directions are given, do your best to follow them the first time.  If you are confused or have questions, ask.  I would rather have you stop class to clarify than be off task while everyone else is working.

 5.      Pay attention, participate and ask questions

         Engage in what is going on in the classroom.  If you have a question, ask it!  Otherwise, I might not know until the test that you didn’t understand something.  There are no stupid questions, and chances are, if you are wondering about it, someone else in the class is to.  Be proactive about your learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If you feel most comfortable waiting until after class, that is okay, too, but do keep communication open between us.

 6.      Preserve a positive learning environment

         Student actions that interfere with teaching or learning in the classroom will NOT be tolerated. 

         Use class time to learn history/government.  Please do not spend your time grooming, sleeping, talking, writing notes, playing cards, listening to you Ipod, text-messaging friends, or doing work for other classes.

         Minimize classroom interruptions by arriving to class on time and not leaving the classroom during the hour. 

7.      Take responsibility for your actions         If you are confronted about a rule infraction, own up to it.  Don’t deny

it, lie about it, or blame someone else.         Take responsibility for missed assignments.         All handbook rules will be enforced.  Please read your

handbook.  Students that choose to break these rules, choose to have points taken away from their learning readiness grade, and face the possibility of additional consequences.

 CLASS RULES 1.      Turn off cell phones & electronic devices

         Electronic devices (CD players, Ipods, handheld games, mini-TVs or personal DVD players, cell phones, pagers, etc.) are NOT permitted in my classroom.

         Cell Phones should be turned off and invisible during the class period.  If I see or hear your phone it will be taken away and given to an administrator, according to cell phone policy outlined in the BHS handbook.  Refusal to turn over the cell phone will be treated as insubordinate behavior.

 2.      No food or drink, except water

         You may drink bottled of water in the classroom. If a spill occurs, please clean it up immediately and inform the teacher.

         No other food or beverage is permitted without a doctor’s note. 

3.      Arrive to class on time & ready to learn         When the bell rings, you need to be sitting in your assigned seat.          You should immediately begin on the warm up activity or journal

entry.         Be “physically” and “mentally” present in the classroom

 4.      Never line up at the door before dismissal

         Please remain in your seat until I have dismissed you.  Never line up at the door before dismissal.  Remember, I dismiss you, not the bell.

 5.      Do not cheat, plagiarize, or copy work

         Cheating is completely unacceptable.  If I see you cheating on any assignment… even for another class… I will give you a zero and report the incident to the other teacher as well as your assistant principal and parents. 

         Plagiarism (copying work from another source without giving proper credit) is completely unacceptable.  If you plagiarize on any assignment you will earn a “0” on that assignment with no opportunity to re-do the work for credit. 

 6.      Use polite and appropriate language

         Offensive, derogatory, and profane terms are not tolerated.  In order to have a safe classroom environment where all students feel comfortable, no put downs, swear words, or slang words with demeaning connotations will be accepted. Remember, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all!

 7.      Do your best work & turn it in on time

         Remember that the work that you turn-in is a reflection of your effort on the assignment.  Think about the following expectations when you are preparing an assignment that I will review:

         Write your full name and hour on all assignments.         All work must be neatly done and legible in order to receive

credit. If you print, capitalize properly (do not write using all capital letters).

         Never turn any assignments in with the "fringes" from spiral notebooks on the paper or you will earn a "0" for that assignment.  Likewise, assignments that are bunched up, crinkled, illegible, sloppy, or contain stains or holes are unacceptable.

         ALL MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS, ESSAYS & PROJECTS MUST BE TYPED.  If you don't have a computer at home, the MediaCenter is a great place to work on essays!  Final draft format for typewritten work is as follows:  12-point font, double-spaced, 1” margins, and use a “normal font” such as Arial,

Comic Sans, Times New Roman, etc. (nothing too difficult to read and a font that prints using capital and lower-case letters).

 CLASS PROCEDURES 1.      Turn in homework to the proper bin

         Homework is due at the beginning of the hour when you come to class.  I will not accept work completed once class begins. Turn in your homework to your hour bin.  Turn absent/late work into the absent/late work bin.  I reserve the right to not accept late work without a coupon, but you should turn it in anyway.

 2.      Complete absent form for study buddy

         If your study buddy is absent, get a study buddy form to fill out.  Please sign it and get my signature before the end of class.  Compile any worksheets given out that day with your study buddy form and put it in the “Absent Work Pick Up Bin” for your hour.  Do not take the work home with you to give your buddy in class the next day.

 3.      Sign the tardy book & put pass in box

         If you are tardy, I follow the tardy policy outlined in your student handbook. 

         You are expected to sign in if you arrive to class after the bell has rung and sign out if you leave class before the end of the hour.  Be sure to note on the sign in sheet whether you have a pass.  If you do, leave it in the tardy pass box.

         Excessive tardies will affect your learning readiness grade and have other consequences, such as detentions, etc

 4.      Pick up after yourself before you leave

         Take all of your belongings, pick up any scrap papers around you, and put your desk back in line before you leave each day.

 5.     Get missed work from absent bin, talk to your study buddy, then

ask the teacher         Attendance is essential for optimal learning.  Being on time and

present and class physically and mentally will be part of your overall grade.  You may not be excused form my class by another teacher without first seeking my permission.

         If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain any missed classwork.  Begin by looking for missed handouts in the ABSENT bin pertaining to your class hour.  Then ask another student (your study buddy) what you missed.  Follow-up with the teacher if necessary. 

         Make arrangements to take quizzes and tests immediately.  It is your responsibility to make these arrangements, I will not and cannot track you down.  If you do not make-up quizzes in a timely manner (before graded quizzes are returned to the students who were present), you will earn a “zero” on the quiz or test. 

         UNEXCUSED absences on the day of an assignment, test, quiz, project, presentation, paper, etc. will result in a zero.

 6.      Follow protocol for study center use

         If you have a resource room teacher and need to take test in another setting, please remind me the day prior to the test so that I can get your test to your resource room teacher ahead of time.

 7.      Use your coupons for hall passes & late work

         At the beginning of each semester, I will issue three "coupons" to each student for passes for the bathroom, drinks, telephone, etc. These passes are only valid when used at appropriate times to be determined by the teacher. Each student has the opportunity to retain these "coupons" for extra credit points at the end of the semester.

         At the beginning of each semester, I also issue three "late homework passes" to each student for emergency situations when homework cannot be completed by the due date.  These passes do not excuse a student from the assignment entirely, they only allow a student ONE extra day to complete the assignment.  Assignments must be 25 points or less in order to use a late pass on them.  Each student has the opportunity to retain these "coupons" for extra credit points at the end of the semester.

 CLASS CONSEQUENCES 1.      Verbal warning 2.      Call home 3.      Detention 4.      Referral to assistant principal

* Serious offenses can, at the teacher’s discretion, result in more severe consequences regardless of previous steps taken.  Any infraction of the rules may affect your learning readiness grade.  It can also be cause for further action at the teacher’s discretion.

Classroom Expectations

The expectations, rules, procedures and consequences of my classroom are intended to keep the classroom environment safe, orderly, and productive. Please respect the rules so that we can maximize

learning time together. The rules are not hard to follow, nor are any of them “out of the ordinary.” They are simply expected behaviors for middle school students in this classroom. If you have any questions about any of these rules, or why they are in place, you have the right to find out – please ask me as soon as possible. There should never be a rule that does not have a purpose! Thank you for your cooperation!

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Respect yourself, the teacher & others

Show respect for the teacher, yourself and others at all times.

Respect others’ property. Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not belong to you (including desks, textbooks, teacher’s belongings, walls, chalkboard, etc.). Don't expect that others will clean-up your messes. Please pick-up after yourself.

Respect yourself and the rest of us by using appropriate language and wearing appropriate clothing.

Put forth your best effort at all times

Always do your own best work.

Put learning ahead of getting good grades.

Put quality ahead of just getting it done.

Be prepared for class each day

Come prepared with all materials necessary.

Follow directions when given

When directions are given, do your best to follow them the first time. If you are confused or have questions, ask. I would rather have you stop class to clarify than be off task while everyone else is working.

Pay attention, participate and ask questions

Engage in what is going on in the classroom. If you have a question, ask it! Otherwise, I might not know until the test that you didn’t understand something. There are no stupid questions, and chances are, if you are wondering about it, someone else in the class is to. Be proactive about your learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel most comfortable waiting until after class, that is okay, too, but do keep communication open between us.

Take responsibility for your actions

If you are confronted about a rule infraction, own up to it. Don’t deny it, lie about it, or blame someone else.

Take responsibility for missed assignments.

All handbook rules will be enforced. Please read your handbook. Students that choose to break these rules, choose to have points taken away from their learning readiness grade, and face the possibility of additional consequences.

Welcome Letter ... given out first day of school ... should be first page in Math Notebook ...includes expectations, rules, and procedures for class.

WELCOME to my 7th grade Math class at West Chatham Middle School! I am very pleased to have you as a student and am looking forward to having a great year. I hope you are, too.

After the required signatures on the back are complete, please place this page at the front of the Math section of your binder and keep it there all year.

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EXPECTATIONS, RULES & CONSEQUENCES

Our classroom will be a positive place where all students are able to learn. I have VERY HIGH EXPECTATIONS for you in terms of: 1) having a positive, respectful attitude and 2) putting forth good effort. Not everyone likes math or is great at it, but as long as you try your best and keep up a good attitude, you will do well this year and learn a lot!

Every student is expected to follow all guidelines in the Student Code of Conduct. Also, the following rules and responsibilities will be enforced in our classroom:

1. Come to class prepared and ready to work and learn.

2. Remain seated unless otherwise instructed.

3. Refrain from talking without permission.

4. Treat others as you want to be treated.

Additionally, our classroom will be a place where we strive to show Wildcat PRIDE: Preparation, Respect,Integrity, Dependability, and Excellence. When you are successful in modeling PRIDE, you can expect that there will be rewards given; they will include such things as verbal and written commendations, PRIDE Points, positive parent/guardian contact, Homework Passes, preferred activity time, and occasional treats and/or parties.

Please keep in mind that there will be consequences for not modeling Wildcat PRIDE – that is, for not following our classroom rules and for other inappropriate behavior. Consequences will include things such as verbal warnings, private conferences, “time outs,” written warnings, parent/guardian contact, silent lunch, detention, and office referrals.

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SUPPLIES

You will need some basic supplies for this class: a section in a 3-ring binder w/ paper, lots of pencils with erasers (mechanical pencils are fine), and manual pencil sharpener (or extra lead). Colored pencils and thin dry erase markers would come in handy but are not required. Other classroom tools will be provided to you.

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CURRICULUM

7th-grade Mathematics expands upon concepts covered in 6th grade and introduces a large amount of new material. All year long, we work on mastering the Georgia Performance Standards so that we are prepared for the CRCT, and we set the groundwork for success on the 8th-grade CRCT. Here is a summary of the general topics will cover this year:

1st Marking Period: Rational numbers (including negatives) and algebraic patterns 2nd Marking Period: Data analysis and coordinate geometry 3rd Marking Period: More in-depth geometry and more advanced algebraic patterns 4th Marking Period: 3-dimensional geometry, CRCT preparation, 8th-grade preview

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OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Arrive in class on time or consequences will be given. Go quickly and quietly to your seat and immediately check the board for the Warm-Up. Sharpen your pencil if needed and start on the assignment right away.

All assignments should be completed in pencil unless I tell you otherwise. Always write your name and the date, along with the assignment name / page on all work, or else it might get thrown out without

being graded!

Homework will be assigned most nights, so please do it! It is necessary to practice Math skills in order to become proficient at them, and I strive to give you short, to-the-point assignments. Do. Your. Homework!

Things you should have with you at all times: your binder, paper, a pencil, your Vocabulary Sheet, your Math Rules Sheet, your Worktext, and your Know-It Notebook.

The Homework Tracker will help you with your responsibility to make-up work if you are absent. It is on the classroom wall and on my class website and lists all assignments with their dates. Use this to find out what you missed. If you need a project or activity sheet, ask me for it; otherwise complete the assignment as soon as possible and put it in the Homework Box for your Block.

Late work is accepted, though any work submitted more than 3 days late will be considered for a maximum grade of a 70. Turn it into the Homework Box for your Block completely labeled.

If you finish your work early, read, start your homework, or get an activity from the basket in the classroom. You should never sit around doing nothing or disrupt others.

At the end of the block, you are dismissed by ME, not by the bell or the announcements. Stay seated and quiet and make sure your area is cleaned up.

Tutorial is on Thursdays after school until 3:30. You may attend if you provide me a written note from a parent/guardian in advance and have an on-time ride home. If you are disruptive in Tutorial or if your ride home is late, you will not be permitted to stay again.

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Students: Sign and date below to indicate that you understand this information and agree to help make our classroom a great place to learn by following these guidelines. Thank you.

Student _________________________________________ Date ___________

Parents/Guardians: Sign and date below to indicate that you understand this information and pledge to help your student follow these guidelines for a great year. Thank you.

Parent/Guardian ______________________________

Mr. Macías’ Spanish Class. Policy, Procedures, and General Class Information.

August 26, 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians, and students,

Welcome to the 2013-2014 academic school year. It is a pleasure to have your child as a student in my Spanish class at Nolan Richardson Middle School. Please read the following policy and procedures for my classroom very carefully as it provides all the rules, regulations, grading procedures requirements and expectations of my students in my class. Please keep in mind that any changes to this document are at the discretion of the teacher. I will do my best to make sure you are notified if any changes occur in the course of the year. These courses will target reading and writing skills that will prepare your child for future challenges during his/her studies.

Students will develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that will target objectives in a variety of situations.

Vocabulary and word identification and development. Reading comprehension of diversely written and visual texts. Literary concepts, analysis, and evaluations of those texts. Writing skills to include well and effectively written compositions targeting specific

purposes and audiences. Command of conventions of spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar and

sentence structure. Team revision and proofreading to improve clarity of written compositions. Developing oral skills that will enhance speeches for specific purposes or audiences.

The student will use a variety of resources to accomplish these learning goals.

Expectations:

Students are expected to participate and behave properly in the classroom. They are to be prepared with all the materials needed to maintain a learning environment. A classroom discipline plan is also included. The plan lists the rules and consequences established for my classroom. El Paso Independent School District’s Student Code of Conduct and Nolan Richardson Middle School rules and regulations will be enforced.

Grading Information:Students are expected to participate and return all finished assignments on a timely manner for a grade. All work is done in class. All the assignments are worth 100 points. There is a semester exam required for all students in order for them to obtain high school credit. The semester exam is worth 10% of each semester’s total grade. Students will be kept informed about their progress in class regularly. If students are absent, it must be excused by the office in order for them to make up the work. They will be provided with extra time to make up work, as required by district policy to finish and return work. There is no extra credit for this class, however they will be provided with opportunities to earn up to ten extra points toward exams regularly. Academic Dishonesty:

All forms of academic dishonesty will be dealt with by the teacher and will result in a zero for the assignment. Types of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: copying of work, plagiarism, cheating on exams, and quizzes. Students might be allowed to work as a group, but

the assignment must reflect participation by all members, if not, group participation will be restricted for those who fail to follow this expectation.

Supplies:

Students are expected to maintain a three ring binder or a notebook to last for the duration of the semester, along with a Spanish /English dictionary. The dictionary is an imperative part of the course, because many times the students are allowed to use them during tests. Only material related to that class must be kept in the binder or notebook. Paper, pens and or pencils must also be available during this time. All work must be written in black, dark blue ink or pencil. Work returned in any other color than required will not be accepted.

I am expecting a great year with all my classes. Should you have any questions please feel free to call Nolan Richardson Middle School at 822-8829. I am available to meet with you. Please see schedule under conference periods in Discipline Plan. I am also available via email at jjmacias@episd.org. Please check with the front office whenever you come to visit.

Discipline Plan:

In order to guarantee your child and all the students in my classroom the learning climate they deserve, I am utilizing the following discipline plan starting today.

My Philosophy:I believe all my students can behave appropriately in my classroom. I will not tolerate any student stopping me from teaching and/or keeping any student from learning.

My Classroom Expectations: 1. Students must be on time and prepared for class.2. Respect others and their property.3. No eating, drinking or profanity will be tolerated.4. No hats, caps, or sunglasses worn in class.

Consequences: Step 1: Verbal/non -verbal warning.

Step 2: Private teacher-student conferenceStep 3: After school detention and parent contact.Step 4: Parent teacher conference.Step 5: Referral to campus administration.

Note: Consequences DO NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW SEQUENCE!

Students must serve detention within 24 hours, and/ or make accommodations.It is in your child’s best interest that we work together concerning his/her education. I will be in close contact with you regarding your child’s progress in my classroom. Please sign the tear-off section and have your child bring it back to school tomorrow. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call or write them in the tear-off section.

Tardies and consequences:Students must be in their seats and working with the assignment by the time the tardy bell rings. Students will be issued a cumulative tardy slip and a referral after the 4th tardy.** The teacher reserves the right to amend all classroom rules, procedures and consequences as needed.

Jesús Macías

Conference Period A schedule 3rd Period 10:03- 11:03 B schedule 10th Period 11:45- 12:30

I have read and understand the Discipline plan for your class.

Parent/Guardian’ name____________________ Student’s name_________________ Contact phone/day________________ Phone contact/night_____________________ Parent e-mail address___________________________________________________

Parent signature____________________ Date_______________________________

Classroom Rules and Consequences

Course GoalsMy class is built around each student having learned and/or practiced the tools and skills needed to become one or more of the following:

1. A more critical thinker2. A stronger reader3. A more effective problem solver4. A stronger speaker5. A more attentive listener

If we have not done one of these five things every day in our classroom, we have not been working hard enough.

ExpectationsI am a respectful adult who is passionate about teaching you to be a better version of

yourself. When you are respectful students in my class, then I can be the best version of myself. You are always expected to:

Enter class on time and get to work right away Raise a silent hand when you want to speak Be respectful to others in the classroom Remain seated unless I tell you otherwise Follow my directions immediately Participate and try your best

Classroom Rules:These rules are designed to help the classroom run more smoothly and efficiently so that

everyone will have the opportunity to learn. Be on time and in your seat working on the bell activity when the bell rings. Be prepared for class everyday. This means bringing your textbooks, notebooks,

composition journal, pencils, and other supplies to class No gum All cell phones must be on silence and out of site during class Actively participate in all classroom discussions and activities Be respectful of others, yourself, the teacher and classroom materials at all times All system and school rules are applicable

Consequences: 1st offense – Warning 2nd offense – Lunch Detention 3rd offense – Contact parents 4th offense – 45 min after school detention 5th offense – 2 hr after school/community service 6h offense – Office referral

If you fail to stay for your 1st day of detention, you will receive two days of detention. Detention is the day following your offense. Do not make excuses because if you break the rule, you will suffer the consequences. However, any major discipline problems will be handled immediately with an office referral.

Grading System

Grading Scale A - 90 – 100 Excellent B - 80 – 89 Good C - 70 – 79 Satisfactory F - Below 70 Failing

Classroom Policies and Procedures

ReminderStudents should remember that this course is a requirement. Therefore, daily study and

preparation time are required in order to be successful in this class. You are a middle school student, which means that you are responsible for your own actions and behaviors. This is a very new and difficult course and all concepts build on previous material. This means that you must take this course seriously!

Classroom SuppliesStudents must bring their textbook, notebook (3-ring binder that is separate from other

subjects), paper and pencils to class each day. The following materials will be needed to be successful in my classroom:

1. Composition Notebook2. 1 pack of Wide rule notebook paper3. 3 ring binder4. 5 Dividers labeled: Bell Activity, Notes, Classwork/Homework, Quizzes and Tests5. 1 pack of pencil6. 4 Dry eraser markers7. 1 box of tissues8. Hand sanitizer

Please remember that I do not have supplies to loan to students. Also, any donations that students would like to make, such as Kleenex, hand sanitizer, paper towels, or any other classroom supply would be greatly appreciated because I cannot supply these throughout the entire year. Many of these things are very useful during cold and flu season.

Entering the ClassroomStudents must have their student I.D on them at all time to be able to enter the classroom.

Student must greet the teacher will a firm handshake before entering the room. Students should be on time and be in their seat when the bell rings. The students should begin their bell work activity as soon as they enter the classroom.

Bell ActivityThis is an assignment at the beginning of class in order to review previous material or to

prepare the students for the upcoming lesson. Each day, it will be posted on the board before the students enter the room. Each student should write the date, the questions, and the answer to the bell activity. These assignments will be discussed in class and should be placed in your notebook to be checked at the end of each nine weeks. You may write multiple bell

activities on the same sheet of paper. All the bell activities should be kept together at the front of your notebook and should be kept in chronological order.

Cell PhonesCell phones ringer should be on silent mode and out of site. This means that it should not be

on your desk. If I see or hear the cell phone, it will be placed in the “Jail for Cell” storage container that will be stored on the teacher’s desk during the class period. If your cell phone is confiscated during the class period you will only receive it back when class is over. If this happens three times within the semester in my classroom it will be sent to the office and you have to go there to receive it.

TardiesStudents who are not in the classroom when the bell rings are considered tardy and will tardy-

after three tardies you receive lunch detention. Students who are just arriving at school or who have a note from another teacher for the tardiness will be excused. A student who is just checking in to school must have a pass from the office in order to enter the classroom and be excused. Turning in Assignments

Instructions on handing in assignments will be verbally told to students during class times.

Homework AssignmentsHomework will be assigned as needed. It is important to review class materials at home.

Instructions on how/when to turn in assignments will be relayed to students at the beginning of the class period. Homework should not be worked on during class. If there is any confusion or misunderstanding, please come and talk to me before you leave school the same day.

Group/Pair Work ActivitiesStudents will be doing a lot of group/pair work in this class. All students are expected to

contribute to the assignment and to work collaboratively with the other student(s) in the group.

Notebook RequirementsEach student is required to keep a 3-ring binder for this class. All work should be placed

chronologically in this notebook. At the end of each nine weeks, notebooks will be graded. The notebook grade will count as a test grade. To receive this grade, a notebook quiz will be given. I will randomly choose things from the notebook to test student’s knowledge. I will provide students with the dates. Thus, if things are in chronological order, they should be easy to locate. Well-organized notebooks are also very important for reference in your future Math classes.

Restroom ProceduresStudents are only allowed to raise their hand for permission to utilize the restroom. They must

receive a hall pass and sign the restroom log. Only one student can use the restroom at a time. If you have a medical issue you need to discuss it with the teacher before the period begins.

Absences and Make-Up Work The student is responsible for all make-up work after presenting an excused absence.

Excuses must be presented within the number of days the student was absent.

There will be a make-up work tray that contains all of the assignments for each day. You must refer to this tray the day after you are absent in my class to get any work you may have missed.

Students will have the number of days absent to turn-in any make up assignments. This will begin on the day the student returns to class and after this week, I will not accept make-up work.

If an assignment is discussed in class, the student will receive an alternate assignment in order to receive credit.

If an assignment is due on the day you are absent, it is due the day you return to school. If it is an extended absence, alternate plans for making up work can be arranged. If an absence is unexcused, the student will not be allowed to make-up any missed

assignments and will receive a zero for this work. It is always the student’s responsibility to see the teacher and/or another student for

missed assignments, notes, and/or tests. I will not constantly remind students about make-up work and tests. Even after checking the make-up work folder, the student should still talk with me in case I made an important announcement while he/she was absent, such as a major project that is due next week.

When you are absent from class, you will fall extremely behind because we cover numerous concepts each day. It can be very difficult to catch up because learning math is a new, different, and difficult concept. This means that copying someone's notes is hard because you may not understand what the notes mean without direct instruction from the teacher. Attendance is vital if you want to pass this class.

Late Work PolicyAssignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date after the bell rings. After

that they are considered late even if they’re turned in later that day. They’ll have to fill out a Zero Worksheet explaining why their assignment is late.

1 day late: -5 pts off total grade for the assignment (for example if the student makes a 100% on the assignment, their score will be a 95%)

2 days late: -10 pts off 3 days late: -15 pts off 4 days late: -20 pts off 5 days late: -25 pts off

After this point late work will not be accepted, except for specific situations. Please see below for more info. The due date for any major assignments and projects will be given in advance. Work that is left at home, in another class, in your locker, etc. is considered late work. Occasionally, major projects will have more severe late penalties, but these penalties are stated at the beginning of the project.

CheatingAnyone caught cheating on any assignment will receive an automatic grade of 0. Cheating and

plagiarism are absolutely unacceptable! Cheating also includes:

Talking during and/or after a test Using a cell phone, i-pod, or any other electronic devise during an exam/quiz

Presenting someone else’s work as your own

There is a distinct difference between working together & copying someone else’s answers. You do not receive a second chance if you are caught cheating. Students are expected to complete work individually unless otherwise instructed to work collaboratively.

VisitorsIf anyone enters the room, you should continue working as if no one were present. Your

behavior will form an opinion of our class and I expect this opinion be a good one!!

AttitudeEveryone is expected to have a positive attitude in this classroom!!! One negative attitude can

change the upbeat and cheerful mind-set of this classroom. Be cooperative and work well with your classmates at all times (pair work, group work, sharing supplies, etc.).

ParticipationEveryone is expected to actively participate in class all discussions and activities.

TeacherMy desk, files, closets, etc. should not be disturbed at any time unless you have my

permission. I do not go through your wallet, backpack, etc. Thus, you should not go through my things.

Please take a moment and sign the information present on the next page and return to my class the following day. We will have a wonderful school year together!!

Ms. Courtney