Student Expectations (created by the students for the students):

1. Come to class on time and prepared to learn.
   1. Students should arrive to class on time. This means that when class is supposed to start, students will already be in their seats ready to complete their bell-ringer exercise.
   2. Students should come to class with their composition notebooks, binder/folders, pencils, paper, and any assignments. Students will also be asked to bring their close reader workbooks on specific days that will be announced in advance.
   3. Students must have assignments with them in class when they are due. Turning in an assignment after class will result in a ten-point grade reduction for being late.
2. Follow the golden rule. Treat everyone with respect.
   1. Students should respect everyone at all times with kind words and a humble attitude.
   2. Classroom disruptions will not be tolerated. Students will be given a verbal warning for a first/minor offense, a phone call will be made home on the second offense, and further administrative action will be pursued if a problem persists.
3. Always put forth your best effort by doing your work and participating in class.
   1. All students are expected to complete all assignments to the best of their ability during the class time allotted by the teacher.
   2. Cell phones should be turned off and out of sight.

Teacher Expectations (created by the students for the teacher):

1. Be engaging.
   1. Create meaningful lessons that will equip students with the necessary skills to be successful in this class and in their futures.
   2. Explain the material thoroughly and answer all questions. Always be willing to help.
2. Be respectful.
   1. Treat students as young adults in a fair and decent manner.
   2. Speak with kindness and understanding.
   3. Give honest, helpful feedback to students in a timely manner. This includes regularly updating LiveGrades, so students know where they stand in the class and can address issues relating to their grade in the appropriate manner.
3. Create a safe and fun learning environment.
   1. Ensure that all students have the same opportunities and feel safe.
   2. Have a sense of humor.

Course Policies and Procedures:

• Student Work: Students will be expected to complete assignments inside and outside of class time on a regular basis. All students are expected to read class material, think critically, and write effectively guided with the necessary instruction.

Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade on assignment, or others as deemed appropriate. Academic dishonesty will be reported to an administrator and a parent/guardian will be notified.

• Late Work: If a student fails to complete an assignment on time, he or she may still turn it in late with a grade reduction of ten points for every day it is late. After a week (5 school days), the student will receive a zero if the assignment is not turned in. Homework assignments that are used in class the day they are due are the only exception to this as they will not be taken late. Students will be made aware of this per assignment.
• Absences: If a student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to get the missing work from Mrs. Smith in a timely fashion. If a student is out on the day of a quiz/test, students must plan to make up that assessment during lunch or before/after school within a week of the original test date.
• Group Activities: Students will be working together on a regular basis. They will be given cooperative learning activities to complete, and each student will be expected to be an active member of his or her team as participation points will be assessed accordingly.

If students feel that the work load is not distributed evenly among the group, they are highly encouraged to speak with the teacher if they cannot reach a resolution themselves. It is easier for Mrs. Smith to address things during a task rather than afterwards if an unsatisfactory grade is earned.

• Turning-In Assignments: Most assignments will be turned in using a tray system instead of collected by hand. When instructed to do so, students should turn in their work to their respective period tray at the front of the classroom. Mrs. Smith will collect work from the trays at the end of the day for grading.
• Hall Passes: After permission has been granted by a teacher, the student may go the bathroom, office, etc. with the hall pass in his or her agenda. However, students cannot leave class the first or last fifteen minutes of class unless it is an emergency situation as per the school policy.