Class Handbook
Our Class Handbook
8th Grade English
Welcome to 8th
grade! This is an important year for you, filled with opportunities and
challenges. In English class, you will be reading stories, learning
about different types of writing and literature, and creating stories
and masterpieces of your own. You will also broaden your vocabulary to
support your widening reading and writing abilities. In addition, we
will have discussions about what we learn and how it matters to us
today. All of these skills will help you learn how you can be a
successful citizen in the future.
What to Expect
After
reading this section of the handbook, you will have an understanding of
how our class will run on most days. These are procedures that will
help us communicate better, get things running smoother, and stay
focused on what we are learning. You will find that life is full of
procedures, like brushing your teeth, getting dressed, eating, and
cleaning your room. We may not understand or like every procedure, but
understanding and following procedures are an important part of being a
good citizen.
Where do you sit?
In this class you will
be doing a lot of group work, so you will be assigned seats in groups of
3-5. Some days you will be allowed to move around the room or sit
where you'd like, and your assigned seat will change periodically
throughout the year as well.
What next?
When you first
walk in the room, you are expected to head right to your seat and look
on the board. There you will find an activity for you to begin working
on. If there is nothing written on the board, take out a book to read or
other English work that you still have to finish.
When class starts:
Class
starts when I close the door. At that point, you should stop any work
or conversation and look at me for the lesson to begin. If you are still
in the hallway at that time, you are late.
When the teacher is talking:
Remember
that a part of English class is developing your speaking and listening
stills. So, any time a teacher or other person is given the opportunity
to address the class, work on your listening skills by making eye
contact with the speaker, and staying silent.
Activities/assignments:
When
you are asked to complete an activity or an assignment, you are
expected to follow the directions that are given. That may mean working
silently, with a partner, around the room, or whatever else is asked.
If you finish an assignment or activity early, you are expected to
return (or stay) in your seat and quietly work on other work or read.
Being Prepared:
Every
single day in class, you will need your English folder, notebook,
paper, and a writing utensil. If an assignment is due, you are expected
to have it with you, and any other materials related to the unit we are
studying at the moment. You will not be allowed to go to your locker to
get materials or assignments that you left in there.
Leaving the room:
If
you need to leave the room for any reason, will need a pass. If you do
not have a pre-prepared pass from another teacher or the office, you
will need your planner to sign out of the room. If you have an emergency
and need to leave the room immediately for the bathroom or the nurse,
do not need a pass, just go.
Assignments:
All of your
assignments for the week will be written on the whiteboard. You will be
responsible for completing these assignments and turning them in on
their due date, which will also be written on the whiteboard. When you
turn in an assignment, please put it in the "��IN"box. Also, if you
notice a stack of papers in the "OUT" box, it is my responsibility to
schedule time to hand them back. I may ask a few students to help me do
so, and I will always try to get your assignments back to you in
reasonable time.
Uh oh! Forgot an assignment?
If you
forgot an assignment, the most important thing you can do is turn it in
as soon as possible. The longer you wait to turn in an assignment, the
faster you lose points. Get it in!
If the assignment is:
-Turned in the same day: 10% off
- Turned in the next day: 20% off
- Turned in 2 days late: 50% off
- Turned in more than 2 days late: Grade is a 0 unless a special circumstance was discussed
We missed you yesterday:
If you are absent from class, you were definitely missed. Each person
makes the class what it is and without you, things are not quite the
same. If you have to be absent, here are the steps you should take to
make sure you get caught up:
- Check my class website at homepage.dist228.org/dymit for any homework or assignments you missed.
- As a friend for any class notes or activities you missed.
- Check with me or anything additional you need to know.
Guests:
When
someone enters our room, no matter who they are, they are a guest. They
are to be treated with respect. This means that you are to remain in
your seat, and to continue as you were doing. If you are in a group
activity, bring your voice down a little lower to show them more respect
and allow them to comfortably speak to whom they came to see. Also, a
substitute teacher is a guest in our classroom. It can be hard for a
person to go into a strange place, so please treat every substitute with
respect and dignity. You know the classroom procedures, and when a
substitute is present, it is your time to shine. Show the sub (and me)
that you are a good citizen by helping him or her with whatever he or
she needs, and behaving appropriately. Any normal rewards given in class
are doubled when a sub comes to visit, and the same with any negative
consequences.
Behavior Guidelines
After viewing the
procedures of our classroom, there are a few general ideas for behavior
that we can apply to all of our actions.
1. Show respect to everyone. Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and all guests.
2.
Do What is right. If you wouldn't want someone doing it to you,
don't do it. If you find yourself in a situation where you didn't know
what you were doing was wrong, communicate this respectfully and at the
appropriate time to the teacher.
3. Create an atmosphere so everyone
can learn. Sometimes it's hard to think of others before yourself.
But know that if we do this as a class, then everyone is looking out for
you. In this atmosphere, we can all learn, and all feel comfortable to
share our thoughts and question things we want to know more about.
Rewards
You
didn't think you were doing all this stuff for nothing, did you? There
are a number of good things that will result from you striving to be a
good citizen.
The Stamp:
If your are following the
guidelines laid out in this handbook, you will have an opportunity to
get a stamp put into your planner from me. These stamps can be used to
buy items such as extra pens and pencils, candy, homework passes, extra
hall passes, and so on. On occasion, I will have auctions for some items
as well. You also have the opportunity to work together as a table
group, or even class to buy prizes such as food days, movie days, class
treats provided by me, or other prizes.
The Trust:
Sometimes
I need extra help. These opportunities to run an errand for me, or to
take extra responsibility are only given to those that I know I can
trust to act as good citizens. Also, if you have built trust with me, I
will be more likely to write you a pass to your locker on occasion, or
give you more leeway with other minor situations. Being a good citizen
gives you the trust of other people, and making these trustful
connections can help you out in ways you may have never thought of.
The Pat on Your Back:
If
I see you being a good citizen, I will encourage you. I will tell you
that you are doing a great job. I will give you a pat on the back. I
will give you a big smile. I will do my best to show you my
appreciation.
To infinity and beyond!
If you continue to
be a good citizen in your everyday life, not just in my class, there
many other rewards you will see. Some of them include:
- Better grades
- Happy parents
- More freedoms
- College acceptances
- A great job
- Great friends
The
list goes on and on. What is important to know is that when you invest
in becoming the best person you can be, you will see results!
Consequences
I
cannot force you to do anything. You have to choose to follow the
guidelines and procedures. You choose to be a good citizen. The power
is all in your hands. But with great power comes great responsibility.
If you should choose not to follow the guidelines or procedures, here's
what you can expect:
The Warning:
I may make eye contact with you, or ask you kindly to act appropriately.
The Point Loss:
Every
quarter we receive participation points. If you consistently choose
not to follow the classroom procedures, you will lose points for that
day's participation grade.
The Detention:
This goes on
your record and is time spent after school. You will also meet with me
and we will talk so we can find a way to get things running smoothly and
avoid future detentions. You will also receive a detention for any
tardiness to class.
The Call Home:
If needed, I will home to discuss the situation with your parents or guardians. A conference may also be scheduled.
Remember, your choices determine your future! The future is in your hands!
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