Tardy Policy: You are not considered on time simply by walking into the room before the bell rings. You must be 1.) in your seat, 2.) writing on the daily journal prompt in your notebook, and 3.) QUIET. The good news for you is that you have two additional minutes after the bell rings before I will begin giving tardies. Failure to do ANY of the above requirements two minutes after the bell will result in a tardy. More than 3 tardies per semester will result in a referral and a lowered participation grade.
Participation: Everyone will be given a participation grade at the end of each grading period. The participation grade will include such criteria as respecting your teacher and classmates, having a positive attitude, sharing thoughts and ideas, staying on task, etc. This should be an easy A for everyone!
Student Questions: If you have a question to ask me about homework assignments, etc. that isn’t exclusive to you (i.e.-someone else could have the same question), please write your question down and put it in the question box.
Parent Questions/e-mail Correspondence: Truly, I love to hear from all parents from time to time; however, due to the number of students I have and the increasing responsibilities of teachers, I ask that parents try to keep e-mails to a minimum. It is always best to first have the student address me with any questions about IC updates, homework due dates, etc. In addition, checking the course web page can often answer common questions. Of course, there are always times when it is best to e-mail meJ
Late Homework: You may turn in late homework for up to two weeks; however, your score will be lowered a letter grade for each week it is late. After two weeks, no homework will be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS
The Late Homework Ticket: Due to the complicated schedules of DSA students, I have granted each of you ONE personal/performance excuse. This ticket may be used once during the semester and will allow you to turn in one assignment up to a week late without penalty. After your one excuse has been used, you may NOT be granted any more freebies unless you have extreme circumstances (prolonged illness, a death in the family, etc.) This applies even if you have a parent note.
Absent Work: You are responsible for getting notes, assignments, making up quizzes, etc. if you have been absent. You must come to me, I will NOT come to you.
Delivery of Work: You must always hand me a HARDCOPY of your work. You are not allowed to turn in an assignment via e-mail or in the form of a disk unless previous arrangements have been made due to special circumstances.
Plagiarism/Cheating: Using anyone’s work other than your own will result in a ZERO grade and suspension from school. Don’t even think about trying this
Extra Credit: Yes, I do offer extra credit opportunities! However, this opportunity is only available to students who have no missing assignments. Keep in mind that extra credit assignments will only be available for a small number of points and cannot be used to substitute mandatory assignments.
Pull-outs: If possible, please let me know beforehand if you will be pulled out for your major. If the pull-out isn’t mandatory, you should be in class
On Task: Productivity and efficiency in the classroom are extremely important to me. If students work diligently and are cooperative in class, they will have the opportunity to reduce/eliminate some homework assignments.
Positive Attitudes: Your energy is contagious, so don’t contaminate the classroom with negative energy! If I find you continually making negative comments, you will have to do something negative in return, like stay after class and help clean up trash, etc.
Food and Drinks in the Classroom:
· No Food.
· No obvious gum—this means you may have gum as long as I don’t see it— not in your mouth, under the desks, etc. (I shouldn’t hear it either!)<>
· You may have drinks with lids
*The first time I find gum on the floor, desks, etc. and/or a drink is spilled, all drink and gum privileges will be taken away.
- Electronics:
- I shouldn’t know that your cell phone exists. Either don’t bring a cell phone to class or make sure it is turned off during class (not on vibrate). If you are expecting an emergency call, you may put the ringer on vibrate.
- You may listen to music with headphones during independent work time, including journaling time. However, headphones must be turned off and put away at all times when I or another student is speaking/presenting and during group work. Failure to cooperate will result in all music privileges being removed.
- Absolutely no portable DVD players, hand-held video game players, etc. may be brought to class. I-pods with video, etc. should only be used for music listening.
Keep in mind that anything (even if not mentioned above) that disrupts a peaceful ambience in the classroom and obstructs the learning of others is considered inappropriate behavior and is subject to disciplinary action. As long as you’re always respectful of your school, your teachers, your peers and yourself, you will have an enjoyable and stress-free school year! Be kind. Be mature. Be respectful. Be a role model.