CLASSROOM PROCEDURES FOR ENGLISH
Introduction and Expectations:
Students, welcome to English class! In this class, we will learn about the importance of becoming skilled readers, writers, and—most importantly—THINKERS. You will be expected to give your best in all of your work because anything worth doing is worth doing well. If you approach this class with that kind of positive attitude towards learning, you will succeed in what you do, and you all deserve success!
- Supplies
- Rankin Country School District Laptop
- Respect, responsibility, resourcefulness
- Pencils and blue or black ink pens
- Lined notebook paper
- Flashdrive
- English fee: $5 classroom supplies and rewards (Due 8/22)
- Library fee: $5 for printing (Due 8/21)
Novels
8th Grade English—Summer: (choose 2) The City of Ember*, The Looking Glass Wars*, The Uglies*, Stargirl*
School Year: Anne Frank, The Bar Code Tattoo, One Writer’s Beginnings, Lord of the Flies
* Indicates books which need to either be purchased or borrowed from a library
- English Papers
- Informal papers should be completed in black or blue ink or pencil (as directed by your teacher) and only on loose-leaf paper.
- Formal papers should be typed (unless otherwise directed by your teacher) and formatted using the MLA standards. The heading should begin on the top line of the paper flush with the left margin and should include the following:
First and last name
Teacher’s name
Class period (Example-English IV – B2)
Date (Example-7 August 2014)
- Homework/Late Assignments
All homework or assignments are due on the assigned date, and a zero will be given until the work is turned in. Late homework or assignments (both formative and summative) will receive a 20 point deduction.
Research papers should be submitted on or before the listed due date. If a student knows he or she will be absent on that date, arrangements should be made for the paper to be turned in early or brought to school by a parent on the due date. Any research paper that is late will receive an automatic 20 pointdeduction with the possibility of additional deduction per school days (NOT per class day) that it is late.
Speeches and presentations, if missed due to an excused absence, must be performed on the first day returning to class to avoid a 20 point late penalty.
Any late work not submitted at least two days prior to the end of the grading term (i.e. two days prior to progress reports and/or 2 days prior to end of nine weeks term) will not be accepted, per district policy.
IV.Make-up Work
If absent from class, it is your responsibility to complete all assignments and get any class notes. On the day that you return to school, you should get all work missed. Per district policy, work must be made up and submitted at least two days prior to the end of the grading term (i.e. 2 days prior to progress reports and/or 2 days prior to end of nine weeks term).This policy will be strictly enforced. You are responsible for work missed.
- Extra Credit
Per district policy, a student’s grade should be an accurate representation of that student’s performance. Therefore, no extra credit will be offered.
VI.Tests
If you complete all assignments, listen in class, and review each night, you will find that you are well prepared for tests. If a major test is missed, it is your responsibility to arrange to make up a test within the allotted time either before or after school; the time and place is to be arranged with the teacher.
VII.Corrective Action
The English Department will adhere to the corrective action policies designated in the RCSD Student Handbook.
“Teachers will select which work done by a student qualifies for the redo opportunity. Students are expected to attend remediation sessions or complete other learning tasks on non-class time in order to earn a better grade on the assignment. The redo opportunity is not allowable on long-term assignments, term/semester exams, or in Dual Enrollment/Advanced Placement courses, which are considered college caliber courses of study and are guided by external institutions. The opportunity to redo can be rescinded if a student abuses the opportunity” (23).
For further information about the corrective action process, please see the “Corrective Action Policy” handout.
- Bell Ringer Activities
Students will be assigned bell ringer activities daily. Students will complete the various activities and will receive a grade for the accurate completion of the activities. These activities will be through Canvas. As soon as the student enters the room, he or she will login to his or her Canvas account. The assignments will be timed, and he will be expected to submit his bell work within a certain time period. Late submissions will lose points or not be accepted.
- Classroom Guidelines
- Come into the classroom quietly, and be seated and working on the assigned bell ringer when the tardy bell rings.
- Bring RCSD laptop fully charged each day.
- Treat each person (and his or her property) in this room with dignity and respect.
- Talking is allowed when you raise your hand and have been given permission.
- Remain in your seat at all times unless specific permission is granted.
- Refrain from any activity that could disrupt class.
- Bring ALL books and materials to class AND take them with you when you leave.
- Class is not over until the bell rings. You are to remain in your seat with materials out until the teacher dismisses you.Students will then be released at the teacher’s verbal command.
- Cheating will not be tolerated. Students will receive an automatic zero, and the teacher will make contact to inform of the parent or guardian of the situation.
- No food or drink (other than water) will be allowed in the room. The teacher has the right to confiscate any food or beverage brought without permission. The teacher reserves the right to allow special food and/or beverage days.
X.School and District Policies
Each policy established by the school and/or district will be strictly reinforced.
- Cell phonesandelectronic devices, if seen or heard, will be collected and turned in to administration.
- Hats or caps of any kind are prohibited and will also be turned in to administration if seen or worn on days other than school-designated “Hat Days.”
- Students who enter the classroom after the tardy bell has sounded will be required to sign the tardy slip. Accumulating more than 4 tardies per semester will result in administrative action through ISS.