Classroom Procedures for room 110: Ms.

Converse
In order to create a learning environment that best supports you as a student, procedures and routines must be honored. It is my goal that this information will help you become familiar and thus more comfortable in our classroom.

School to home communication

I invite you to take advantage of the free resources available to you for communication. Please locate and familiarize yourself with Power School, a program that allows access to grades, messages, attendance reports, etc. At times I will use this program to communicate about individual student progress throughout the term. Power School is found on the East Lansing Public Schools website, along with Teacher Pages. All MacDonald teachers maintain a page on the ELPS website which is updated routinely to include lesson plans, agendas, homework, and upcoming events.

REACH
REACH is a course, much like a homeroom, that offers additional support for students. REACH meets every day after lunch and lasts about thirty minutes. Routines vary day to day. We may work on team building, literacy habits, homework support, etc. Mondays and Wednesdays are Activity days, Tuesday and Thursdays Homework days, and Fridays are Silent Reading and Planner Checks. Be looking for more information about REACH as we progress through the first week of school.

Beginning of class
After students pass through the door of room 110, it should be known that they have entered a learning zone. This means class begins as they enter, not as the bell rings. They will enter quietly, with the same manners they would use at the library. Conversations should end in the hall, and attention should be focused on the big screen- where instructions will be posted to prepare for the days class. Students will sit in their assigned seat, prepare the materials they will need, and respond to the warm-up described. (ex. Have book opened to correct page, begin copying notes from overhead, begin reading, etc). Students who are not in their seat when the bell rings, or who are not prepared with all of their necessary materials, will be marked tardy.

Daily Assignments and Planners

Label assignments in the upper right corner with your name date and hour. I will accept completed homework at the beginning of class. Late work will be automatically marked down 11% and given a week to submit for credit. Daily goals and tasks must be copied EXACTLY into planners from the white board at the front of the room. All planners, all hour, will be opened and located at the top right corner of a students desk. This allows a daily communication to be available between parents, students, and teacher, at a moments notice. Planners will be treated as a textbook.

Coming to attention
When your attention is needed I will count down from three. This signal means to stop what you are doing, turn toward me, and give me your attention.

Extra Help
If a student has difficulty with any concept or assignment, I encourage him or her to seek extra help. REACH period provides several opportunities per week for extra help, and work time to form questions. There is also the Academic Center offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school that provide additional assistance. Parents should encourage their children to take responsibility for seeking help.

3-Ring Binder
A 3-ring binder is essential for English class. Students will be instructed to use this for class work, studying, and filing

important handouts. Periodically students will be asked to refer back to previous lessons as a form of review. This practice helps reinforce responsibility and organization.

Room Library
Throughout the year students will read a variety of genres through our genre focused projects. For this reason I encourage the use of my personal/room library. Checkout procedures include completing a checkout card with first and last name, date checked out, and the hour the student has Language Arts. Typically books should be returned within 2-4 weeks.

Passes
You MUST have a pass when you are out of the classroom. Passes are issued for emergencies only. The use of passes will be monitored closely in order to diminish learning disruption. Students are to be on their best behavior, in and out of the classroom. Please take care of personal needs during passing time.

Class Participation
Student participation and engagement is repeatedly linked to student success. Participation can be shown in a variety of ways- coming prepared for class, completing assignments, discussing a topic with your partner, asking questions about the lesson, offering answers during whole group discussion, and using class time wisely. Students will receive several graded opportunities to demonstrate their engagement and participation in class.

Partnership
Most days, students will sit in pairs of two. Occasionally this may include a group of four. Almost always will students be expected to work cooperatively. Editing will be a key responsibility for partners. Listen to suggestions, be considerate, and stay on task to be successful in small groups.

Academic Honesty
Plagiarizing, or cheating, in any form will result in a call home to a parent, and a zero.

Dismissal
The bell does not dismiss the class; the teacher dismisses the class. The teacher will also give the signal to pack up, so as not to disrupt instruction prematurely. I will dismiss students who are waiting patiently in their assigned seats.

The procedures above for Ms. Converses class have been read and discussed. Parent Name (printed) ________________________________ Parent Signature _________________________________ I realize I will be held accountable for this information. Student Name (printed)_______________________________ Student Signature_________________________________ *Please return, signed, no later than the Friday after school starts.