The expectations, rules, procedures, and consequences of our classroom are intended to keep the classroom environment safe, orderly, and productive.  Please respect the rules so that we can maximize learning time together.  The rules are not hard to follow, nor are any of them “out of the ordinary.”  They are simply expected behaviors for middle school students in this classroom.  

If you have any questions about any of these rules, or why they are in place, you have the right to find out – please ask me as soon as possible.  There should never be a rule that does not have a purpose!  Thank you for your cooperation! 

 1.      Respect yourself, the teacher & others

• Show respect for yourself, the teacher, and others at all times.

• Respect others’ property.  Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not belong to you (including desks, textbooks, teacher’s belongings, walls, whiteboard, etc.). Don't expect that others will clean up your messes. Please pick up after yourself. 

• Respect yourself and the rest of us by using appropriate language and wearing appropriate clothing.

• Be a kind person.

 2.      Put forth your best effort at all times

•   Always do your own best work.

•   Put learning ahead of getting good grades. 

•   Put quality ahead of just getting it done.

 3.      Be prepared for class each day

•  Come prepared with all materials necessary: Your laptop & an organized class folder/binder containing all necessary materials and handouts

•  Pens (blue or black), and pencils

•  A planner to help keep you organized - the most successful students are organized.

 4.      Follow directions when given

• When directions are given, do your best to follow them the first time.  If you are confused or have questions, ask.  I would rather have you stop class to clarify than be off task while everyone else is working.

 5.      Pay attention, participate and ask questions

•  Engage in what is going on in the classroom.  If you have a question, ask it!  Otherwise, I might not know until the test that you didn’t understand something.  There are no stupid questions, and chances are, if you are wondering about it, someone else in the class is also.  Be proactive about your learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If you feel most comfortable waiting until after class, that is okay, too, but do keep communication open between us.

 6.      Preserve a positive learning environment

•  Student actions that interfere with teaching or learning in the classroom will NOT be tolerated. 

• Use class time to learn World History.  Please do not spend your time talking, writing notes, listening to music, text-messaging friends, or doing work for other classes.

• Minimize classroom interruptions by arriving to class on time and not leaving the classroom during the period.

 7.      Take responsibility for your actions

• If you are confronted about a rule infraction, own up to it.  Don’t deny it, lie about it, or blame someone else.

• Take responsibility for missed assignments

• All student handbook rules will be enforced.  Please read your handbook.  Students that choose to break these rules, choose to have points taken away from their class participation grade, and face the possibility of additional consequences.

CLASS RULES

 1.      NO CELL PHONES or EARBUDS/AIRPODS

• Cell phones must be powered down and in your backpack/locker at all times.

 2.      Arrive to class on time & ready to learn

• When the bell rings, you need to be sitting in your assigned seat. 

• You should immediately begin the warm-up activity or quiz.

• Be “physically” and “mentally” present in the classroom

 3.      Never line up at the door before dismissal

•  Please remain in your seat until I have dismissed you.  Never line up at the door before dismissal.  Remember, I dismiss you, not the bell.

 4.      Do not cheat, plagiarize, or copy work

• Cheating is completely unacceptable.  If I see you cheating on any assignment… even for another class… I will give you a zero and report the incident to the other teacher as well as your parents.

• Plagiarism (copying work from another source without giving proper credit - especially GOOGLE) is completely unacceptable.  If you plagiarize on any assignment you will earn a “0” on that assignment with no opportunity to re-do the work for credit. 

• DO NOT GOOGLE ANSWERS

 5.      Use polite and appropriate language

• Offensive, derogatory, and profane terms are not tolerated.  In order to have a safe classroom environment where all students feel comfortable, no put-downs, swear words, or slang words with demeaning connotations will be accepted.  Remember, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all!

 6.      Do your best work & turn it in on time

•  Remember that the work that you turn in is a reflection of your effort on the assignment.  

• Think about the following expectations when you are preparing an assignment that I will review:

  1. 1. • Write your full name on all assignments.

        • All work must be neatly done and legible in order to receive credit. 

7. Bathroom Policy

• SMART PASS Policy will be followed at all times.  DO NOT ASK to use the bathroom during DIRECT INSTRUCTION.