Class Expectations

 MY EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR SUCCESS 

1. Be Courteous to all. For effective learning to take place, we must be courteous and considerate of each other. With this as our normal classroom attitude, we can learn not only from the textbook, but from each other, thus enhancing the learning experience. 

2. Be prepared everyday. Whether it is SSR reading at home, studying for a test, or having the proper books and materials at hand, each of us needs to begin each class day ready to learn something new. 

3. Be respectful of the ideas and property of others. Each one of us wants to be accepted for our intelligence and abilities. There is no reason or occasion that justifies anything less. 

4. Use the written and spoken word properly and effectively. The ability to communicate on many levels, with good vocabulary and proper grammar, is the key to success in all endeavors, now and in the future. 

5. Adhere to all school rules. The rules for our school are there to provide the safe and orderly environment required for us to learn and grow. 

6. Try at all times. Learning is the ultimate responsibility of the learner. Without effort on the part of the learner, nothing can be accomplished. 

OUR GUIDELINES FOR THE CLASSROOM 

1. Be on time.  At the sound of the bell, the door will be closed. If a student is tardy, the student will need to go to the tardy station to receive a note to be allowed in class. You must be inside the classroom before the tardy bell rings.

2. Be ready to start. When the late bell rings, be seated, with pencils sharpened, books/papers out, and backpacks under seats. Your bell work will be on the board at the start of each class. 

3. Be neat and accurate. All essays, journal writings, projects, class work, and tests must be labeled with the class heading. If you do not label your work, you will lose 5 points off the final assignment grade. Examples are displayed in class. All final drafts of essays must be typed in 12 point font. 

4. Submit your work on time. Late major and minor  assignments will incur a penalty for each day late. Deductions: Each day an assignment is turned in late 10  points will be deducted for up to 5 days. After 5 days, the assignment will not be accepted. Weekends count as 1 day.   

5. Make up work missed due to absence promptly. If absent, please check google classroom for assignments missed and get notes given in class from a classmate. Upon return, check the red box labeled handouts given to students for hard copies of your missed class assignments at the front of the room. It is your responsibility to obtain, complete and turn in missed assignments. Missed work not made up in the allotted time will result in a 0 (zero).  Usually, make-up Tests and Quizzes are given before or after school, but you can discuss other times with me if needed. A zero (0) will be listed in the gradebook until the assignment is made up and graded. 

6    . HHS school rules state NO hats or electronic devices should be on or visible while inside the classroom or in the halls during the school day from 8:45 am until 3:45 pm.. iPod, EarPods, headphones, cell phones, gaming systems, cd players, and other electronic devices must remain off and out of sight from 8:45 am until 3:45 pm in class., in the halls, and in common area.  1st infraction is a detention, and the 2nd and other infractions will result in a referral. I will contact parents on the 1st and any subsequent infractions to this district-wide cell phone policy.

7.  Academic Integrity Statement: Plagiarism and AI Use

Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism—the use of another’s words, ideas, or work without proper acknowledgment—is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action according to school policies.

Regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, students must use AI-generated content responsibly. Submitting AI-generated work as entirely original without disclosure is considered academic dishonesty. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and writing skills. When in doubt, ask your teacher for guidance on appropriate use of sources and technology.

8.    Classroom Distractions; I believe that students attend school in order to gain knowledge needed to be a successful, productive citizen. Therefore, I will not allow classroom distractions to interfere with the classroom environment. My discipline policy is as follows: (please note: If your student displays blatant disrespect or breaks a school rule that warrants immediate administrative discipline, your student will be written up immediately and removed from class.)

1. If there is a problem with your student in my classroom, I will speak with the student quietly. (Warning)

2. If the problem persists or continues at the next class meeting, I will speak with the student outside for a one-on-one conference session, change the student’s seat and a phone call/email will be initiated to the parent.

3. If your student is called on an additional classroom distraction, your child will be assigned a detention after school and follow up parent contact. 

4. If your student continues to disrupt class in a disrespectful manner, administration will be called, and your will be student removed from my class and written up for disciplinary action.

One Final Thought 

If each person takes responsibility for his or her learning, and ensures that he or she does not interfere in the learning process of classmates, everyone will be successful, will grow in knowledge, and will be ready for the next level. Let’s make sure that happens. I look forward to growing with you in the process.

Vision Statement:

In this class, students will grow as a reader and writer while exploring stories and ideas from all kinds of people. Together, we’ll build respect, honesty, and skills that help students succeed now and in the future.