Welcome to Ms. Ratliff’s ClassWelcome to Ms. Ratliff’s Class

Classroom Procedures

English & Literature

8th-grade Homeroom

Classroom Procedures

English & Literature

8th-grade Homeroom

Classroom RulesClassroom Rules Follow directions the first time. Respect the feelings, space, and

property of others. Ask for permission to speak or to get up

from your seat. Bring all necessary materials to class. Do your best.

Follow directions the first time. Respect the feelings, space, and

property of others. Ask for permission to speak or to get up

from your seat. Bring all necessary materials to class. Do your best.

Consequences for following Rules

Consequences for following Rules

Verbal Praise Stickers and Stamps Passes (No homework, Free answer, Comfy

chair, etc.) Claw tickets Positive notes and phone calls home Extra computer time or library time Free Time Special Privileges

Verbal Praise Stickers and Stamps Passes (No homework, Free answer, Comfy

chair, etc.) Claw tickets Positive notes and phone calls home Extra computer time or library time Free Time Special Privileges

Consequences for NOT following Rules:

Consequences for NOT following Rules:

Verbal Reminder Student-teacher Conference Essay or Reflection Worksheet Phone call or note home Detention Office Referral

Verbal Reminder Student-teacher Conference Essay or Reflection Worksheet Phone call or note home Detention Office Referral

Homework PolicyHomework Policy

You must have your homework completed and in the classroom on the due date to receive full credit.

Incomplete, messy, or misplaced homework (e.g., in your locker or homeroom) MAY not be accepted.

You must have your homework completed and in the classroom on the due date to receive full credit.

Incomplete, messy, or misplaced homework (e.g., in your locker or homeroom) MAY not be accepted.

Late Work??Late Work?? LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY. You will need a note from a parent on the

due date of the assignment that explains the emergency.

Do not ask if you can turn in homework later. Homework is due when it is collected.

Do not ask to call home for homework or other forgotten supplies.

LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY.

You will need a note from a parent on the due date of the assignment that explains the emergency.

Do not ask if you can turn in homework later. Homework is due when it is collected.

Do not ask to call home for homework or other forgotten supplies.

Missed Work PolicyMissed Work Policy It is your responsibility to keep up with

your assignments if you are absent. (Check SchoolNotes and PowerSchool!)

If you can, try to do work while you are absent.

You have the same amount of time that your classmates were given to turn in an assignment.

It is your responsibility to keep up with your assignments if you are absent. (Check SchoolNotes and PowerSchool!)

If you can, try to do work while you are absent.

You have the same amount of time that your classmates were given to turn in an assignment.

Missed Work PolicyMissed Work Policy Ms. Ratliff will not collect make-up work

from you. It is your responsibility to put work in the correct box.

Tests must be made up after school within one week, or you will receive a zero. It is your responsibility to schedule a time to make up a test.

Ms. Ratliff will not collect make-up work from you. It is your responsibility to put work in the correct box.

Tests must be made up after school within one week, or you will receive a zero. It is your responsibility to schedule a time to make up a test.

Extra Credit??Extra Credit??

Extra credit is only offered to the entire class, not to individuals.

Opportunities may arise throughout the year for small and big amounts of extra credit.

Extra credit is only offered to the entire class, not to individuals.

Opportunities may arise throughout the year for small and big amounts of extra credit.

Weekly Participation GradeWeekly Participation Grade You will earn a participation grade each

week (alternates between English and literature class) for the following areas: supplies, uniform, homework, promptness, staying on task, behavior.

For every infraction, you will privately earn a checkmark. Each checkmark deducts 5 points from your grade.

You will earn a participation grade each week (alternates between English and literature class) for the following areas: supplies, uniform, homework, promptness, staying on task, behavior.

For every infraction, you will privately earn a checkmark. Each checkmark deducts 5 points from your grade.

Weekly Participation GradeWeekly Participation Grade Eight checkmarks in one week will earn

you a DETENTION as well as a 60 F! Four checkmarks in one week will bring

your citizenship to a 2. Two consecutive weeks of an 85 or more is needed to earn back the 1.

You may ask at the END of class about your checkmark count.

Eight checkmarks in one week will earn you a DETENTION as well as a 60 F!

Four checkmarks in one week will bring your citizenship to a 2. Two consecutive weeks of an 85 or more is needed to earn back the 1.

You may ask at the END of class about your checkmark count.

DetentionDetention Detention is for one hour after school. You must get your detention slip

signed before your detention. Failure to attend detention could

warrant ANOTHER detention. You must provide a parent note if you

have to reschedule a detention.

Detention is for one hour after school. You must get your detention slip

signed before your detention. Failure to attend detention could

warrant ANOTHER detention. You must provide a parent note if you

have to reschedule a detention.

Quality of Student WorkQuality of Student Work Use loose-leaf paper only-- no torn edges! Write legibly in cursive. Write with a pencil or a blue/black erasable

ink pen. Make corrections when you make a mistake. Use correct heading on your papers. Complete your work if you want credit. NO NAME = Zero on homework/classwork Subtract 10 points on tests or quizzes.

Use loose-leaf paper only-- no torn edges! Write legibly in cursive. Write with a pencil or a blue/black erasable

ink pen. Make corrections when you make a mistake. Use correct heading on your papers. Complete your work if you want credit. NO NAME = Zero on homework/classwork Subtract 10 points on tests or quizzes.

Returned WorkReturned Work If asked to redo an assignment due to

poor presentation, redo the assignment immediately.

Staple the original work to the new work and place in correct box.

If these steps are not completed in the time allotted, no credit will be given.

If asked to redo an assignment due to poor presentation, redo the assignment immediately.

Staple the original work to the new work and place in correct box.

If these steps are not completed in the time allotted, no credit will be given.

Notebooks, Binder, & BooksNotebooks, Binder, & Books You may use a non-erasable pen to take

notes, but refrain from using ink that is difficult to read.

Notes should only be taken in your notebook, not on loose-leaf paper!

Use only the assigned English and literature binder to keep assignments and handouts.

Do not store notes or homework in your books.

You may use a non-erasable pen to take notes, but refrain from using ink that is difficult to read.

Notes should only be taken in your notebook, not on loose-leaf paper!

Use only the assigned English and literature binder to keep assignments and handouts.

Do not store notes or homework in your books.

Test-takingTest-taking We will pray before tests and quizzes. Absolutely no talking during tests! Raise your hand and ask your question to

Ms. Ratliff privately. Double-check your work and take your

time. Follow the directions about how to turn in

your test and what to do after you finish. Do not draw or doodle on your test.

We will pray before tests and quizzes. Absolutely no talking during tests! Raise your hand and ask your question to

Ms. Ratliff privately. Double-check your work and take your

time. Follow the directions about how to turn in

your test and what to do after you finish. Do not draw or doodle on your test.

CheatingCheating It will be assumed that you are cheating

if you communicate (verbal or nonverbal) to another classmate during a test. You will receive a ZERO.

Plagiarism (using another’s work without giving the author credit) is cheating, and you will earn a ZERO.

It will be assumed that you are cheating if you communicate (verbal or nonverbal) to another classmate during a test. You will receive a ZERO.

Plagiarism (using another’s work without giving the author credit) is cheating, and you will earn a ZERO.

Grading ScaleGrading Scale

A = 100-94 C = 79-75 B+ = 93-90 D = 74-65 B = 89-85 F = 64-0

C+ = 84-80

A = 100-94 C = 79-75 B+ = 93-90 D = 74-65 B = 89-85 F = 64-0

C+ = 84-80

Grade WeightingGrade WeightingCategories Final Grade Quizzes/Tests/Projects: 65% Q1: 20%

Homework: 20% Q2: 20%

Classwork: 15% Midterm: 10%

Q3: 20%

Q4: 20%

Final Exam: 10%

Categories Final Grade Quizzes/Tests/Projects: 65% Q1: 20%

Homework: 20% Q2: 20%

Classwork: 15% Midterm: 10%

Q3: 20%

Q4: 20%

Final Exam: 10%

Entering the ClassroomEntering the Classroom Line up against the wall outside and

wrap around the corner. The class will enter when everyone is in

a quiet, single-file, and forward-facing line.

Get out your required materials and put bookbag on the back of your chair.

Stand and wait for prayer.

Line up against the wall outside and wrap around the corner.

The class will enter when everyone is in a quiet, single-file, and forward-facing line.

Get out your required materials and put bookbag on the back of your chair.

Stand and wait for prayer.

HomeroomHomeroom You will have roughly 5-10 minutes to

go to your locker and/or use the restroom.

You should be in your seat by the time the bell rings at 7:45.

Use only low voices during homeroom. Get out your materials for your first

class. Everyone should participate in prayer!

You will have roughly 5-10 minutes to go to your locker and/or use the restroom.

You should be in your seat by the time the bell rings at 7:45.

Use only low voices during homeroom. Get out your materials for your first

class. Everyone should participate in prayer!

HomeroomHomeroom You are responsible for telling Mrs.

Gauvin you are buying lunch that day. You will also pay her directly.

If you brought your lunch, you may keep it in your locker or in the blue crate.

If you come in late, you are responsible for ordering lunch yourself.

You are responsible for telling Mrs. Gauvin you are buying lunch that day. You will also pay her directly.

If you brought your lunch, you may keep it in your locker or in the blue crate.

If you come in late, you are responsible for ordering lunch yourself.

Tardy SystemTardy System If you are tardy to one teacher’s class

five times in one quarter, you will earn a DETENTION!

If you have to go to the office or the bathroom, you need to get permission before you go. Otherwise, you will be tardy to class.

If you are tardy to one teacher’s class five times in one quarter, you will earn a DETENTION!

If you have to go to the office or the bathroom, you need to get permission before you go. Otherwise, you will be tardy to class.

Inside the ClassroomInside the Classroom Classroom Library: You may check out

books from Ms. Ratliff’s library if you have permission. Follow directions in the book.

Trash Cans: Save all trash to throw away at the end of class!! No three-pointers, only slam dunks please!

Lost and Found: Any items left in the classroom will be put in the black crate.

Classroom Library: You may check out books from Ms. Ratliff’s library if you have permission. Follow directions in the book.

Trash Cans: Save all trash to throw away at the end of class!! No three-pointers, only slam dunks please!

Lost and Found: Any items left in the classroom will be put in the black crate.

Inside the ClassroomInside the Classroom Passing Supplies & Notes: Hand--don’t

throw--supplies to your classmate. Personal note-passing will not be tolerated!

Work for another class- Do not have out work for another class unless you have permission.

Grooming: Hair brushing and other grooming is only allowed in the bathroom!

Novel Sets: These novels belong to LFS and are not for your personal use.

Passing Supplies & Notes: Hand--don’t throw--supplies to your classmate. Personal note-passing will not be tolerated!

Work for another class- Do not have out work for another class unless you have permission.

Grooming: Hair brushing and other grooming is only allowed in the bathroom!

Novel Sets: These novels belong to LFS and are not for your personal use.

Speaking SensiblySpeaking Sensibly During class, you are expected to

respond to any question with a COMPLETE sentence, or you will have to restate your answer.

If you do not hear someone, do not respond with HUH? or WHAT? Either say “excuse me?” or “ma’am/sir?”

During class, you are expected to respond to any question with a COMPLETE sentence, or you will have to restate your answer.

If you do not hear someone, do not respond with HUH? or WHAT? Either say “excuse me?” or “ma’am/sir?”

Food and DrinksFood and Drinks

Food is not allowed in the classroom unless you have permission.

Water bottles are allowed in the classroom, so do not ask to go to the water fountain.

If you are chewing gum or eating in class, count on a DETENTION!

Food is not allowed in the classroom unless you have permission.

Water bottles are allowed in the classroom, so do not ask to go to the water fountain.

If you are chewing gum or eating in class, count on a DETENTION!

What’s off-limits?What’s off-limits? Ms. Ratliff’s desk and laptop, projector, air

conditioner, cabinets, shelves, blinds, the comfy chair (w/o pass) your classmate’s journals and other belongings, unsupervised contact with the Smart Board or whiteboards

Never enter my room unless you are with a teacher or have my permission!

Otherwise, you could get a detention!

Ms. Ratliff’s desk and laptop, projector, air conditioner, cabinets, shelves, blinds, the comfy chair (w/o pass) your classmate’s journals and other belongings, unsupervised contact with the Smart Board or whiteboards

Never enter my room unless you are with a teacher or have my permission!

Otherwise, you could get a detention!

Student DesksStudent Desks Leave desks free of trash. Leave desks free of any defacements. Do not touch or take anything inside

the desks unless it belongs to you. Keep desks straight and in order. Do not keep money inside the desks.

Leave desks free of trash. Leave desks free of any defacements. Do not touch or take anything inside

the desks unless it belongs to you. Keep desks straight and in order. Do not keep money inside the desks.

Bathroom & Tissue UseBathroom & Tissue Use Use the restroom during homeroom, snack

and lunch! Without speaking, sign “R” if you have an

emergency and need to use the restroom. Do not argue if you are told no. Try to only ask to use the restroom when it

does not interrupt class. Without speaking, sign “T” if you need a

tissue.

Use the restroom during homeroom, snack and lunch!

Without speaking, sign “R” if you have an emergency and need to use the restroom.

Do not argue if you are told no. Try to only ask to use the restroom when it

does not interrupt class. Without speaking, sign “T” if you need a

tissue.

Uniform IssuesUniform Issues

It can be cold in the classroom, so please bring your UNIFORM jacket or sweatshirt.

Remember that NONUNIFORM jackets must be kept in your locker.

Do not write on your body or let others write on you!

It can be cold in the classroom, so please bring your UNIFORM jacket or sweatshirt.

Remember that NONUNIFORM jackets must be kept in your locker.

Do not write on your body or let others write on you!

Classroom GuestsClassroom Guests

If a guest arrives, please greet them appropriately by looking at them and saying hello.

Some guests may just come in to observe. Ignore a guest’s presence if he/she is in the back of the room.

If a guest arrives, please greet them appropriately by looking at them and saying hello.

Some guests may just come in to observe. Ignore a guest’s presence if he/she is in the back of the room.

DisruptionsDisruptions Please refrain from the following:

Slamming lockers Yelling in the courtyard Pounding on the door Crumpling paper “Sssshhhhhhing” each other Coming into my room when you aren’t supposed

to Interrupting class to ask for paper or a pencil Staring into the door window

Please refrain from the following: Slamming lockers Yelling in the courtyard Pounding on the door Crumpling paper “Sssshhhhhhing” each other Coming into my room when you aren’t supposed

to Interrupting class to ask for paper or a pencil Staring into the door window

Getting Your AttentionGetting Your Attention In class: Ms. Ratliff will ring the bell once. Outside the classroom: Ms. Ratliff will use

the peace sign. On the playground: Ms. Ratliff will blow

her whistle. Stop what you are doing. Look at the

teacher. Keep mouths closed and hands free. Worry ONLY about yourself. Wait for instructions!

In class: Ms. Ratliff will ring the bell once. Outside the classroom: Ms. Ratliff will use

the peace sign. On the playground: Ms. Ratliff will blow

her whistle. Stop what you are doing. Look at the

teacher. Keep mouths closed and hands free. Worry ONLY about yourself. Wait for instructions!

Fire/Tornado DrillsFire/Tornado Drills Fire: Exit quickly and silently through

the door. Walk in a single-file line past Mrs. Cook’s office to the front of the church.

Tornado: Exit in the same fashion and enter through the first doors to the cafeteria. Sit quietly on the floor near the stage.

Fire: Exit quickly and silently through the door. Walk in a single-file line past Mrs. Cook’s office to the front of the church.

Tornado: Exit in the same fashion and enter through the first doors to the cafeteria. Sit quietly on the floor near the stage.

PlannersPlanners You are expected to write down

homework and announcements daily in a planner or notebook.

Do not rely on SchoolNotes as the internet could be down at times!

You are expected to write down homework and announcements daily in a planner or notebook.

Do not rely on SchoolNotes as the internet could be down at times!

What are SSR and DEAR?What are SSR and DEAR? Sustained Silent Reading will take place at

the start of some classes. Make sure you have something to read before the start of class. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BOOK ON TOP OF YOUR DESK!

Drop Everything And Read may occur during another activity. No matter what you are doing, you will need to read silently at your desk.

Sustained Silent Reading will take place at the start of some classes. Make sure you have something to read before the start of class. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BOOK ON TOP OF YOUR DESK!

Drop Everything And Read may occur during another activity. No matter what you are doing, you will need to read silently at your desk.

Asking QuestionsAsking Questions Run through this mental checklist before

you ask a question: Did Ms. Ratliff already answer this? Is this question on-topic and appropriate? Will I disturb or offend my classmates? Should I ask this question in private? Can I answer my own question?

Raise your hand calmly without talking. Never raise your hand when the teacher is

talking. Always ask questions if you need help!

Run through this mental checklist before you ask a question: Did Ms. Ratliff already answer this? Is this question on-topic and appropriate? Will I disturb or offend my classmates? Should I ask this question in private? Can I answer my own question?

Raise your hand calmly without talking. Never raise your hand when the teacher is

talking. Always ask questions if you need help!

Sitting in ClassSitting in Class

Please do not lean backward or forward in your chair.

Sit up straight during class. Putting your head down in class will earn you a checkmark.

Keep your feet on the ground at all times.

Please do not lean backward or forward in your chair.

Sit up straight during class. Putting your head down in class will earn you a checkmark.

Keep your feet on the ground at all times.

Student PresentationsStudent Presentations

You are expected to give the same respect to your classmates during presentations as you would give to a teacher.

Your behavior during others’ presentations will be reflected in your presentation grade AND weekly participation grade.

You are expected to give the same respect to your classmates during presentations as you would give to a teacher.

Your behavior during others’ presentations will be reflected in your presentation grade AND weekly participation grade.

Using LaptopsUsing Laptops

Laptop use is a privilege that can be taken away if abused.

Close laptops to a 45 degree angle when Ms. Ratliff is talking.

Only use assigned applications and visit assigned websites.

Laptop use is a privilege that can be taken away if abused.

Close laptops to a 45 degree angle when Ms. Ratliff is talking.

Only use assigned applications and visit assigned websites.

Redeeming PassesRedeeming Passes Comfy Chair: First come, first served! If

you do not pay attention while in the chair, you will lose the privilege.

No Homework: You will be told which assignments they can be used for.

Free Answer: You must have the pass at the start of the test.

Comfy Chair: First come, first served! If you do not pay attention while in the chair, you will lose the privilege.

No Homework: You will be told which assignments they can be used for.

Free Answer: You must have the pass at the start of the test.

Exiting the ClassroomExiting the Classroom Pick up all trash and push in chairs. Bring books and supplies with you. The class will leave the classroom when

everyone is in a quiet, single-file, forward-facing line.

Walk to the right when in the courtyard.

Pick up all trash and push in chairs. Bring books and supplies with you. The class will leave the classroom when

everyone is in a quiet, single-file, forward-facing line.

Walk to the right when in the courtyard.

LockersLockers Use only your assigned locker. Keep your locker clean and sticker-free. Do not loiter at the lockers! Do not keep valuables inside your

locker. PLEASE DO NOT SLAM THE LOCKERS!

Use only your assigned locker. Keep your locker clean and sticker-free. Do not loiter at the lockers! Do not keep valuables inside your

locker. PLEASE DO NOT SLAM THE LOCKERS!

SnackSnack This ten-minute break is when you

should go to your locker, use the restroom, eat snack, and call home (only for emergencies).

Ask permission if you are going to leave the cafeteria.

Walk in the cafeteria and clean up after yourself.

This ten-minute break is when you should go to your locker, use the restroom, eat snack, and call home (only for emergencies).

Ask permission if you are going to leave the cafeteria.

Walk in the cafeteria and clean up after yourself.

LunchLunch Students buying lunch should be in

alphabetical order before entering the kitchen.

Boys and girls will be separated. You are only to sit with your grade. Keep a moderate noise level in the

cafeteria. The class will go outside only if the

cafeteria is clean, and the class is quiet.

Students buying lunch should be in alphabetical order before entering the kitchen.

Boys and girls will be separated. You are only to sit with your grade. Keep a moderate noise level in the

cafeteria. The class will go outside only if the

cafeteria is clean, and the class is quiet.

LunchLunch Sign “R” for restroom to use the restroom. Excuse yourself when you come to the

teachers’ table. Do not walk around the cafeteria. Be quiet and still during prayer. Throw away your trash at the end of lunch. Clean your table, stack your chairs, and get

in a quiet, single-file, forward-facing line.

Sign “R” for restroom to use the restroom. Excuse yourself when you come to the

teachers’ table. Do not walk around the cafeteria. Be quiet and still during prayer. Throw away your trash at the end of lunch. Clean your table, stack your chairs, and get

in a quiet, single-file, forward-facing line.

MassMass

You should always sit your buddy in between you and your classmate.

Remember to kneel and genuflect before entering pew and to show your buddy what to do during Communion.

Show your buddy how to behave in church.

You should always sit your buddy in between you and your classmate.

Remember to kneel and genuflect before entering pew and to show your buddy what to do during Communion.

Show your buddy how to behave in church.

Extra HelpExtra Help During this time, students may start on

homework, get help from the teacher in classroom or a classmate, or study.

Students may not leave the classroom during Extra Help.

Students who cannot work quietly will not be able to work with classmates.

During this time, students may start on homework, get help from the teacher in classroom or a classmate, or study.

Students may not leave the classroom during Extra Help.

Students who cannot work quietly will not be able to work with classmates.

DismissalDismissal Go to your locker and return to your seat. Do not ask to move seats. Pick up trash and clear off your desk. Listen for your name and stack your chair

when you are called. If your name is called more than once, you

might earn a DETENTION!

Go to your locker and return to your seat. Do not ask to move seats. Pick up trash and clear off your desk. Listen for your name and stack your chair

when you are called. If your name is called more than once, you

might earn a DETENTION!