Student Expectations


1. Behavior Expectations

  • First, and most important, it is important to treat everyone with respect and kindness. You do not have to agree with what someone says or does—in fact, disagreeing can be interesting—but when you disagree, do it in a way that shows respect and kindness. Everyone has the right to feel accepted and comfortable in our classroom.


In Person and Digital Etiquette (How we communicate with one another):

  • While in class, you will often use your computer, your phone should not be out to avoid distractions.

    • Our UMS motto is, “Off and away!”

  • Stay focused. I expect that you will work on LA assignments in class, not on other subjects or gaming, etc. You will lose the privilege and be asked to use paper and pen if you are not responsible.

  • Use polite and appropriate classroom language.

  • Be responsible. Remember that there is a record of everything we post in Google Classroom.

  • Communicate with one another and with your teacher; our goal is to keep our valued relationships strong.

If we were to need to pivot to a virtual environment:

  • Be an active participant with your camera ON, however, we understand that there may be rare circumstances (bathroom break, sibling squabble over favorite snacks etc.) that require your camera to be off.

  • Respect the Google Meet! Mute yourself until you are told to unmute. Ask questions in the chat and/or raise your hand.

  • The use of the Chat is for discussion, asking appropriate questions, and responding to questions (stay on topic).


2. Bring to class DAILY:

  • Your Chromebook and a charger (just in case you run out of battery)

  • Your LA Notebook for daily Quick Writes and Grammar work.

  • Reading Notebooks will be Digital, but I am open to a notebook.

  • Pens (blue and black), Pencils, Highlighters, and a few colored pencils/pens

  • A PCR book and Post-it Notes. It is important that you always have something to read.

  • Headphones that can be used with your Student Chromebook.

  • A BIG smile, a positive attitude, and be open to possibilities!


3. Beginning of Class Routines

  • Enter class on time and quickly settle in

  • Read and follow the Do Now

  • Check the homework board and make note of the homework assignments and due dates

  • Look at the Do-Now and complete it

  • Get your space ready for our work, put away any distractions


4. Take pride in your work!

  • Please use 12- or 14-pt., Times New Roman, Tahoma, or Bookman Old Style-with a color that is readable. Your font should have upper or lower case letters (unless you are working to achieve a specific crafting technique).

  • Do not copy or borrow someone else’s work —this goes against our Academic Integrity Policy. See the UMS Student Handbook for additional information.


5. Grading Policy:

  • I will not put “final” grades on your papers; I provide feedback. I want you to focus on learning and not the grades.

  • The 7th grade L.A. teachers give a point value to each assignment. Total points for the marking period are allocated this way:

    • 10% - Homework- assignments unique to Mrs. Wachtel’s class and typically done in a night.

    • 20% - Performance Tasks are used to assess learning of a concept mid-way through the unit and are completed by each of the 7th grade classes

    • 25%- Summative Assessments are end of unit assessments and are completed by each of the 7th grade classes

    • 45%- Formative Work is the on-going work that will be done during a unit of study, assignments may be unique to Mrs. Wachtel’s class.

  • Assignment values and expectations will always be communicated to you before you begin work.

  • I encourage you and your parents to check Parent Resources and Google Classroom regularly to keep up-to-date on assignments, review your grades or missing assignments, etc.

6. Absences / Late Work:

  • It is your responsibility to turn in any missing work or to arrange to take a missed quiz or test. Check Parent Resources, Google Classroom, and you are welcome to email me after for any clarification to find out what you have missed.

  • If you are “in school” but miss L.A. class, you are still responsible for submitting the work on that day and for completing that day’s homework by our next class.

  • Please submit homework prior to the start of your Block. Often we will be using your work during that block.