Classroom Expectations & Course Requirements

Mr. Cunningham

Classroom Expectations and Course Requirements

1. Respect. Respect is required for education to exist. Students are expected to demonstrate mature and respectful behaviors at all times. Do not interfere with the learning of others. There will be respect shown at all times to everyone in the classroom. Respect your peers. Respect your teacher. Respect yourself.
2. Punctuality. The tardy policy for class follows the GJSD Student Code of Conduct and is as follows:

Incidents 1-2 are noted on late slips.

Incident 3 = Teacher Detention of 20 minutes.

For every 3 late slips received after that, you will receive office detention.

1. Other Class Work. Other class work such as math homework is to be done outside of my classroom. The material will be taken from you and given to the appropriate teacher. Please focus on what we are doing in THIS CLASS.
2. Materials. Handouts and notes will be kept in the two-pocket folder that I provide for you. If you lose/destroy it, it is your responsibility to replace it. Bellringer books will be kept in their designated baskets and collected daily. It is important that you manage your organization and maintain mine.
3. Absent work. If you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for obtaining all missed work. Please do not interrupt me at the beginning of class to ask for this work. It will be in the designated “absent folder” with your name on it. Pick it up there. If you need clarification, see me.
4. Late work. Assignments will not be accepted for full credit if they are late except in the instances of illness or special circumstances. Each student who wishes to receive partial credit (late = 50% of original grade) for late work must turn the work in to the designated “Late Box.”
5. Make-up work. If you are out of my class for a school sponsored activity or personal reasons, it is your responsibility to see me for the assignment or to turn in work. Otherwise, the material will be considered late.
6. Handouts. Only one copy of handouts/materials will be issued to students. No replacements will be given. Keep your materials organized in your folder.
7. Assessments. I will give ample notice before a major assessment, such as a unit test, is given. Be aware that formative assessments and brief writing assessments may be given on occasion.
8. Assessment Make-up. If you miss an assessment due to an extended (greater than 3 days) absence, you will have five school days upon return to make up that test or quiz. If you miss an assessment due to a single day’s absence, you will have three school days to make up that test or quiz.
9. Cheating/Plagiarizing. Do not try it. I am aware of your abilities, and I will catch you. You will receive a “0” for the assignment.
10. Tracking Grades. Please keep track of your own grades online using Powerschool. I will answer any questions about grades upon request and give you updates about your class progress and grade.
11. Pencils/Writing Implements. Bring a pencil to class daily. You will need it. Sharpen your pencil before the bell rings or during activities where I am not giving whole group instruction. Never interrupt class for anything not related to the lesson. Please ask to sharpen your pencil. If you do not have a pencil, I will provide you with one for the duration of the class period provided that you do not make it a habit.
12. Restroom / Drink Privileges. Please go before class. If it is an emergency, you may leave the room no more than twice per week. Ask first by raising your hand. I keep track of your trips out of the room on a weekly tally sheet. Please sign out by marking the date, time, and your name on the sign-out sheet located next to the hall pass. DO NOT ask to go because you feel like taking a walk or talking to a friend in the hallway. If observed in the hallway loitering/talking during my class time, you will be assigned teacher detention and further Restroom/Water fountain privileges will be revoked for the marking period. One person may leave the room at a time, and you MUST TAKE THE PASS. When you return to the classroom, sign the TIME IN on the sign-out sheet and return the pass to its designated place.
13. Extra credit. Extra credit will not be given. You have what you need to succeed in this class, and I will always make time to assist you in any way. Additionally, I am excellent at determining who is working to potential. I do not make exceptions for people who are not willing to work to potential. In life, you reap what you sow. There are no free rides. Realize this now, as you are setting patterns that will follow you into adulthood and determine your degree of success. Work to your potential, seek help when needed, and you will succeed always!
14. Cell Phones, iPods, Electronic Devices. As per the GJSD Student Code of Conduct, if I see you with an electronic device of any kind, I will confiscate it and turn it into the office for you to retrieve at the end of the day. You will be given the opportunity to turn the device off. If you refuse to surrender the device, you will receive an automatic discipline log and security will escort your device out of the room. Please understand that this policy will be followed for everyone and no exceptions will be made. Leave it in your locker or at home.
15. Destroying Classroom Property. This constitutes an automatic Level 2 Log. This includes graffiti and the desecration or destruction of any classroom item.
16. Blind / Windows & Adjustments to Fan. This room is extremely hot in the warmer months. If the window needs to be closed or opened, please ask me to do it. Same rule applies to my fans. I will accommodate your needs happily. Please leave blinds, windows, and fans to me.
17. Heater. Do not sit or lean on my heater ever. This is an administrative directive. Respect this fragile building and its still-functioning components.
18. Throwing Objects. This is a safety issue. Do not throw anything in this classroom ever for any reason.
19. Floors. Keep them clean. As you can see, we have brand new carpeting in this classroom. Respect the learning environment. If you drop something on these floors, pick it up.
20. Gum. Do not chew it in the classroom.
21. Food or Drinks. Food or drinks of any kind are not permitted in this classroom. This is defined in the GJSD Code of Conduct. Eat in the cafeteria only. This rule will be strictly enforced.

LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEAR!

*Note: Any IEP adaptations will be followed.