Reminder of Student Responsibilities...

We are heading towards the last couple of months of school and things are becoming somewhat hectic... however now is a good time to remind ALL students of their responsibilities within English. Please read carefully and make sure you participate 100% in class.

Materials: You are required to bring the materials necessary for class participation to class every day. This includes:
· notebook paper, binder, pens and/or pencils;
· a reading book;
· all work/handouts/notes related to what we’re currently working on in class;
· textbook or class novel, as needed.

You need to have at least two sections in your binder or two books dedicated to this class: one for classwork, and the other for homework - both will have handouts/assignments added.

All handouts/assignments must be kept in order in your books so that you can find them to refer to later.

Reading: We will start spending the first 10-15 minutes of every double class period reading silently. Points will be given for independent reading. You must bring a book of interest to read EVERY DAY. You will be accountable for at least ONE book every six weeks.

Class Guidelines: You are expected to be prepared for every class by completing the assignments on time and bringing all required materials to class. You are expected to behave in a way that promotes a positive learning environment for everyone in the class. You are expected to follow the guidelines we come up with together as a class.

Ask questions! Asking real questions will provide you with real answers you’ll actually remember and be able to use, for this class and well into the future. Finish as much work as possible during class so you can ask questions, of me and of your classmates. Finish all uncompleted work at home in order to be ready for the next class.

Grading: Grading is done on a standard scale – 90-100% = 5, 80-89% = 4, 70-79% = 3, etc. I highly recommend you keep all graded work in your books until semester grades are given. Should something happen to my computer/grade book, or if there is a discrepancy of any kind, you will have evidence of points earned. If you choose to throw away your assignments, it is at your own risk.

Missing/Late Assignments: LATE WORK WILL NOT BE GRADED. You will get one late assignment pass each six weeks. This allows you to turn in one assignment the class period after it is due, without penalty. This eliminates ALL excuses (such as “my printer didn’t work,” “my computer crashed,” etc.). If you make it all semester without using your late assignment passes, you may turn them in at the end of the semester for extra credit.

Any late work without a pass will be recorded without a grade. Extra credit work will occasionally be offered, but will only be available to those who have all their assignments in.

Following an absence, it is your responsibility to get missing assignments and complete all required work. You will work with an assigned partner in this class; when you return to class from an absence, check with your partner about the work you missed. Also check the class website.
Absences do not excuse you from, or provide an extension on, work assigned before your absence. For excused absences, you are allowed the number of classes you missed plus one to turn in work assigned while you were gone. If an absence is due to a school function, or otherwise prearranged, you are expected to get work BEFORE you are gone.

Class Website: Most handouts and upcoming deadlines, as well as other useful information, can be found on this website: http://drrodenglish.blogspot.com. Also, feel free to email me with any questions you may have: (You have my email address) I will generally get back to you within one school day (I don’t check school related email on weekends/holidays).

Other details: I recommend that you bring your own art materials such as colored pencils, glue, rulers, markers, scissors, etc. A very limited supply of these and other materials are available in the school for use ONLY if permission has been given. Materials must be used carefully and respectfully; if materials are wasted or left untidy, they will no longer be made available. In the library there are some reading books available for you to borrow, as well; however, you must check it out before taking it.

Cell phones, headphones, etc.: It is MIST policy that cell phones, music devices, headphones, etc. are not allowed in the classroom. Cell phones may only be used outside the building. If you have a cell phone or other electronic device in class, whether it is turned on or not, it will be reported to the office.

Food and Drink: Eating candy or any kind of food is not allowed in the classroom. Water may be brought to class in a sealable bottle. No pop, juice, sports drinks, etc. are allowed in class.