Many times during the year you will be working on something individually or with other students and we will need your attention. It might be that we are through with the particular activity and we need to give instructions for the next activity; or it may be that we need to give additional instructions or clarify some directions we have already given. it may be for some other reason. In any case, when we need your attention we will ring our bell once. You need to be facing the front of the room, and we must have your total undivided attention.
At the end of each semester, you will be given 100 points for attendance. For each excused absence, you will lose 2 points, and for each unexcused absence, you will lose 10 points. An unexcused tardy will lose you 5 points, while an excused tardy will lose you two points.
This is the term we will use for the work you should start on as soon as you enter the classroom. This may be a mug shot, a story starter, a mini-quiz, or some other assignment. It will be displayedon the overhead screen or on the board. You should already be working on this when the bell rings.
You will be asked to keep an on-going notebook for this class. You need to have a separate section in your three-ring binder for T.I.E.S.S. You also need a spiral notebook which will remain in the classroom. DATE EVERY HAND OUT YOU RECEIVE. There will be a notebook check at the end of the nine weeks, and it is a very large part of your grade.
Breaks are not guaranteed, but we will usually have at least one per day approximately half way through the class period. This is the time to get drinks, go to the bathroom, buy something from the store, visit with other classmates, or talk to the teachers. You may not leave the Hall D area during these breaks and must remain quiet in the hall so as not to disrupt other classes.
You must have your notebook and related materials with you whenever you enter the classroom. You may not have cell phones or pagers visible or turned on during class. You may have walkmans, but they should remain in backpacks, pockets, purses, or bags. We will let you know when they may be used. They are never to be used while a teacher is talking, during class discussions, or during group work.
You will be paired with one other student as a peer tutoring partner and with another pair to form a group of four. We believe in group process and the skills it teaches. During the time that you are working as a partner or as a member of a group you must, at all times, show fellow group members the utmost respect. Specific group goals and responsibilities will be outlined prior to each group assignment or project.