Classroom Rules

I am looking forward to an exciting year together! If we are going to learn and have a good experience together there are certain rules that everyone needs to follow. I do not want to list every possible thing that you can or can’t do in my classroom. Let me just say that you will be treated as young adults in this classroom and should behave as such — you should all be mature enough to know what constitutes appropriate classroom behavior and what does not. Simply put, you need to show up on time, prepared, and ready to learn and be an active participant in the classroom activities for the entire period. The period ends when I dismiss you. Do not line up at the door; stay in your seats until the bell rings.

• • The number one rule in our classroom is RESPECT: respect for yourself, respect for your classmates and their viewpoints,, respect for school facilities and equipment (generously supplied by the taxpayers of this district), and respect for the teacher. Any form of disrespect towards the teacher, another student, or any guests that may be in our classroom will not be tolerated. Nor will I tolerate disrespect to any race, religion, creed, socio-economic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation . . . whether anyone who is associated with it is present in the room or not. I will respect each of you for who you are and I expect the same in return.

  • Classroom discussions are an integral part of the learning experience in all of my classes. In order for everyone to be able to participate in and benefit from these discussions everyone needs to state their own opinions as well as listen to the ideas of others. Therefore, everyone is expected to participate and follow the rules of intellectual discussion; talking over others, utilizing electronic devices, talking out of turn/interrupting others, and side conversations will not be tolerated.

  • You must come to every class on time and prepared to participate with your textbook (must be covered), your binder, and a writing utensil. If you repeatedly come to class unprepared points will be deducted from your class participation grade.

  • All work must have your name, the date that you hand it in, and the name and page number of the assignment written at the top of the paper. If you fail to do this, points will be deducted from that assignment’s grade.

  • You must hand your assignments in on time to avoid penalties. Late work will lose 1 point (which really equals 10 percentage points) for every day that it is late (except for excused absences).

  • Students are responsible for making up all missed work due to absences. For each day absent, one day is allowed to make up the work. You will also be responsible for getting any lecture/discussion notes that you missed from one of your classmates. Missed quizzes and tests must be taken within one week of the original test date.

  • You are not to work on make-up work or work from another class during our class time.

  • Passes should be used only when absolutely necessary. You need to be in the room as much as possible to have a successful year. You should ask for the pass during the first 5 minutes of class or the last 5 minutes. NOBODY has an emergency every day during the same period. You will not be allowed to leave on a regular basis so don’t ask. Only one person at a time will be allowed to leave the classroom. There will be no “buddy system” allowed so if someone is already out of the room — don’t ask for the pass.

  • You have a job to do and so do I; therefore, we need to maintain a work-oriented atmosphere and take care of business. I will deal with any disruptions outside of, or after, class. If you and I can’t solve the problem I will involve your parents. The final resort will be involving the administration. In every case, the punishment will fit the crime. “Punishment” should be a learning experience.

  • Classroom participation is essential to learning. You are responsible for your own success or failure. I expect every student to put his/her best efforts into this class and I will do the same. Together we can make this class a fun and successful learning experience for everyone involved.