Classroom Expectations

A. Class Preparation- You will need to bring the following to class:1. Loose-leaf binder: You will be taking notes in class and will want a place to store those notes as well as your returned homework, tests and quizzes. I recommend you save everything as you can expect to see it all later on quizzes and tests.
2. Textbook- Unless otherwise indicated you must have your textbook with you at all times. Textbooks must be covered. When we read novels, you must bring your novel to class with you.
3. Pen or pencil- it is important that you are always prepared for class. Please sharpen your pencil before class starts. You may use blue ink, black ink or pencil. Work done in colors other than blue, black or pencil will be returned ungraded.
B. Grades- Your grade for the marking periods and for the year will be determined by your performance on tests, quizzes and pop quizzes, homework, papers, writing samples, journal work and the "daily oral language" activities we perform in class. You will also be expected to participate in class discussions and when required, present in front of the class.
C. Homework- Homework in language arts will often consist of reading and writing. Our class discussions will be based on the material you were assigned to read the previous evening. Writing assignments will be collected and you may have the opportunity to share your work with the class.
1. Failure to complete homework will result in your being assigned to the eighth period homework study. Late work will be due the day after the assigned homework study. It is your responsibility to get the work to me. 2. Homework will not be accepted later than the date it is due without a note from a parent.
D. Journals- Students will complete writing prompts on a regular basis. These prompts are your opportunity to answer some questions candidly. They are not scored for editing or writing, but for completion and effort. Journals are collected periodically (typically every two weeks.)
E. Additional Information-
1. Participation: I am a firm believer that you get from class exactly what you put into it. Participation will affect your grade. 2. Attitude: Your attitude is important to your success in language arts. Be positive and try new things this year.3. Extra credit: As a rule I do not assign extra credit. In special circumstances I may allow you to do extra credit. Please see me with your specific details and reasons for wanting extra credit. Extra credit will only be allowed if you have worked hard during the marking period but are still struggling. I will not approve extra credit work in place of work that you simply did not do.
F. Questions & Concerns- Please always ask questions if you have them. There are no "stupid" questions. If you don't understand something, please ask for help. I am available during the day or after school for extra help. If you have concerns about language arts, please come to me. We need to address any and all issues before they become bigger problems. Please do not wait until the last minute.
G. A note on plagiarism and cheating. In language arts we do a lot of writing projects. This makes it necessary to address the issue of plagiarism. Webster defines plagiarism as: "to take ideas, writings etc. from another and offer them as one's own." Plagiarism is considered cheating and will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will immediately receive a zero for their work. If you feel you are under too much pressure to do your own work, see me before you resort to cheating.