Here are some other key links for students and parents:
I use this testing site for multiple choice tests and other short answer tests. The link is also on Moodle.
I will give you a link for my class to study vocab words.
This website is THE best for getting all your MLA and writing questions answered. Take a look.
Basics for the Classroom
· Cell Phones and Techno Gadgets. Leave cell phones and music players out of classroom unless I ask you to specifically use them during the day. We will be using our cell phones at certain times throughout the school year, so I'll try to give you a notification when those days are planned.
· Food and Drink. You may bring snacks to enjoy as long as you do not disturb the cleanliness of the room. You will clean up after yourself and your classmates, or the class will lose the privilege.
· Michell Books. The books in the back are at your disposal if you take care of them and sign them out from me. I will change them seasonally as appropriate.
· Bathroom Breaks. Use the passing periods. If that does not work, you may quietly tell me you are using the restroom. Please choose the most appropriate and least disruptive time to do this. If you abuse this in any way, I will acknowledge it, and then you will get ONE pass for the rest of the semester.
· Locker, Water, Other Breaks. You must use the passing periods.
· Tardies. Please NOTE the new tardy policy...
· On the 4th and 8th tardy in any one class students will be assigned a lunch detention.
· On the 9th tardy in any one class students will be placed on a 3 day co-curricular suspension. Parent notification will follow.
· Failure to attend the detention will result in a verbal warning and an opportunity to serve the detention again.
· If the student again fails to attend the assigned detention then the student will be placed on a co-curricular suspension until the detention is served. At this point a letter will be sent home and kept on file.
· I also may handle tardies with a quick consequence for disrupting the class.
· The tardy count will reset at the beginning of each semester.
· Agenda. The weekly/daily schedule will always be posted in the same places (monthly calendar, daily agenda, Google calendar), homework included. I expect you to look at the board and on the Google Classroom site before you ask me what’s going on.
· Absences. Follow the school’s policy on absences and make-up work. If you do not make-up quizzes within the time allotted, an E may be given. Please check online for missed work.
· Late Work. I will accept work on the day it is due for full credit. If you are one day late, you receive 20 percent points off. Let me know early on if you are having major difficulties.
· Spelling and Syntax. I expect to see complete sentences and accurate spelling on all assignments. Points will be subtracted where this problem persists.
· Quizzes and Tests. No talking during tests or quizzes. This could result in a zero on the test or quiz. Bring English work for after these tests. The tests and quizzes are hard. They are intended to be objective and summative means of assessment.
· Papers. Most formal writing assignments will be typed following MLA standards. Points will be subtracted where this problem persists.
· Class time. This class begins and ends when the bell rings. Be ready to go and please do not pack up five minutes before the bell. This could result in a poor engagement grade.
· Discussion. You must be a part of the class in a positive way. Engage. Work beyond your introversion or extroversion to become a part of a group. I will grade you not just on your necessary input, but on your effort, and on your ability to reflect and listen.
· Some closing quotes:
“Creative people who can't help but explore other mental territories are at greater risk, just as someone who climbs a mountain is more at risk than someone who just walks along a village lane.” --R.D. Laing
“I've found that luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often.” --Brian Tracy
“One of the reasons people stop learning is that they become less and less willing to risk failure.” --John W. Gardner