Classroom policies and procedures

1. Classroom policies and procedures Ms. Finch ~ English I and Pre-AP English II

2. Ms. Finch’s Classroom Policies and Procedures • We will discuss the following today: • Classroom expectations • Attendance • Absent Work • Tutorials • Grading Policy • Skyward • Tardy Policy • Cell Phones • Food / Drinks • Supplies • “Down Time” • Consequences

3. Classroom Expectations • I expect you to be here and be on time. • Remember, you are in a classroom; therefore, we will remain focused on instruction and learning from bell-to-bell. • I expect you to be an active listener and courteous participant – raise your hand to be recognized. • Do not ask me to go to the bathroom unless it is an emergency. • I will respect you – always. Any form of disrespect will not be tolerated.

4. Attendance • The attendance sheet is an OFFICIAL document. • It is your responsibility to sign the attendance sheet everyday. • If you arrive tardy, make sure you sign the attendance sheet before you leave class. • Your signature takes the guess work out of attendance. • Have you ever been marked absent when you weren’t? I’m human; It happens, but I will have a record and can easily correct a mistake.

5. Absent Work • If you have missed a class, you are responsible for getting the work you missed. • You are required to come see me before or after school to get absent work. • Do not ask me before, after, or during class: “What did I miss yesterday?” • You have one day for everyday missed to complete absent work. • Absent work can be found in the binder for your class (English I or PAP English II).

6. Tutorials • My tutorial schedule will be posted on the door with specific days and times I will be available for you. • However, I am very flexible; if you need to see me at another time, just ask! • Posted Tutorial Schedule: • Mondays: 4:15 – 4:45 • Tuesdays: 8:15 – 8:45 AND 4:15 – 4:45 • Wednesdays: by appt. only • Thursdays: 8:15 – 8:45 AND 4:15 – 4:45 • Friday: 8:15 – 8:45

7. Grading Policy • You will have a minimum of 6 daily grades and 3 test grades every six-weeks. • Your daily grade average and your test grade average will be averaged together to calculate your final grade for each six-weeks. • LATE work: • 1 day late = -10 • 2 days late = -20 • 3 days late = -30 • 4+ days late = 0

8. Reteach / Retest / Redo Policy • In the event that you score below 70% on any major assignment: test, project, essay, etc., you must attend a mandatory academic tutorial within 5 days of grade notification. • Academic tutorial: We will work together to improve your understanding of the material or concepts covered in the major assignment. • You will then be given the opportunity to redo or retest to reach a minimum 80% mastery. • If you scored below 80, but above 70, I strongly suggest you come to an academic tutorial.

9. Skyward • I expect you to stay informed of your academic progress in this class as well as others. • You and your parents have access to my online gradebook at all times. • If you do not know your Skyward login or password, I can help you get those.

10. Tardy Policy • If you walk in late, you better walk in with a pass. • If you are tardy, sign the tardy log upon entering the classroom. • I adhere to the HHS tardy policy. • Upon your 3rd tardy, you earn a referral and a day in I.S.S. • Make good choices; choose to be here on time!

11. Cell Phones • I believe in and promote the use of technology to aid learning! • However, I will not tolerate off-task behavior. • If I see your cell phone, it’s mine until 4:10. • I will work hard to make this class enjoyable and meaningful for you; when you text during class you are missing out and disrespecting our time together. • Habitual cell phone use will result in surrendering your phone everyday, Friday D-Halls, and parent phone calls.

12. Food and Drinks • You may bring a snack and/or a drink to my class. • I want you “here” in every sense of the word. If a snack or drink will help you concentrate in class, bring it. • Pick up behind yourself! It is not my job nor the custodians to pick up what you should have thrown away. • Food and drinks are a privilege in this classroom. • If you walk in late with food/drink, you permanently revoke your privilege.

13. Supplies • Be prepared everyday. • Bring your binder everyday. • Bring a pen or pencil everyday. • Bring your SSR book every Friday. • If you do not have what you need: paper, pen, etc., take care of it before the tardy bell. Paper, pens, pencils, can always be found in the same place.

14. “Down Time” ~ Don’t plan on it. • If you finish the day’s task with class time left, you will have 3 choices. You may: • Read your SSR book • Answer one of life’s big questions. • Work on homework for another class. • Just chillin’, socializing, sleeping, etc. will not be one of your choices if you finish your work early – so don’t rush it. Give your best effort – always!

15. Consequences • Verbal and/or written warning • Action Plan • Friday D-Hall 4:15-4:45 • Parent phone call • Referral