Syllabus and Classroom Management Plan

`Syllabus and Classroom Management Plan

English I Pre-AP

Mrs. Ricks

Students, I am truly HAPPY and EXCITED to have you in my classroom; and, I look forward to working with you to ensure your success this year. I fully expect that we will not have the types of infractions and problems described in this document, although the possibility must be addressed so that you will have fair and clear guidelines as to what is expected of you. It may seem overwhelming but you are in high school now. You are also smart and, no doubt, fully capable of fulfilling, and even exceeding, the high expectations I have set for you. This is what it means to be a Pre-AP student and what it means to be a student of Mrs. Ricks.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to me. If you are having difficulties, show up for tutorials and talk to me. If you are having a bad day, talk to me but don’t take it out on me or your classmates. If you have a concern, let’s try and figure it out together. I am always here to help!

Parent(s), please feel free to contact me during school hours by email or make an appointment for a conference. As I am a parent to a teenager myself, please have reasonable expectations where response time is concerned. Email is the most efficient way to contact me and receive a timely response (by the end of next SCHOOL day). My top priority as a teacher is to spend the majority of my work time planning and executing the most enriching education possible for your child. I believe in open communication as an effective tool in making sure that we keep your child focused and on track for a successful year in Freshman Pre-AP English I.

Sincerely,

R. Michelle Ricks

Teacher Email:

Teacher Webpage:

Please fill out the bottom portion of this page, detach it, and return it with your student for his/her first homework grade. There is a copy of this syllabus located on my website.

Cut Here

Return to Mrs. Ricks – Room 2322

Student name ______Date Signed:______

Mom/Guardian ______

Daytime phone ______evening phone ______email address ______

Dad/Guardian ______

Daytime phone ______evening phone ______email address ______

We have read and discussed the entirety of this syllabus and understand how important the information presented in the document will help my student to become successful in English I PAP this year.

Student signature ______

Parent/Guardian signature ______

Classroom Management Plan

English I Pre-AP

Mrs. Ricks

Classroom Expectations and Procedures:

1.) Be Prompt – Each student must be completely inside the door of the classroom before the tardy bell rings. At the sound of the tardy bell, the door will be closed and the DHS tardy policy strictly enforced. For more details, see tardy policy, included in this syllabus, and/or refer to the DHS Student/Parent Handbook.

2.) Be Polite – Each student is expected to display respectful behavior and language to fellow classmates, Mrs. Ricks, school administrators, and other staff; as well as any visitors at all times.

3.) Be Prepared – Each student will arrive to class each day with all necessary supplies for the lesson at hand. Each student is expected to be in his or her seat with supplies, ready to work and observe all classroom routines upon entering the classroom.

4.) Be Positive – When assignments are given or classroom activities are taking place, stop all negative talk, actions, and attitudes. This includes verbal, social, or physical bullying of any kind, which is NEVER tolerated; as well as the interruption of the teaching or learning taking place.

5.) Be Productive – Follow all instructions the first time they are given. Every student is required to fully participate and remain engaged in the lesson or class activities from bell to bell. This includes daily and routine tasks; as well as special tasks, projects, and clean-up.

Consequences

Persistent or severe instances of these minor acts of misconduct could be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct and result in discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct (DHS Handbook, p.36 and Student Code of Conduct, p. 11).

1.) Verbal warning and/or conference from teacher.

2.) Student will be the last one to leave class, in addition to conference with teacher.

3.) Student will receive one or two hours of D-Hall; parents, coaches, and/or sponsors will be notified regarding the infraction.

4.) Student will receive a referral to the assistant principal; parents, coaches, and/or sponsors will be notified of infraction and consequences.

Note: Mrs. Ricks’ classroom rules are in concordance with and in addition to ALL school and district policies/procedures. Students will be held responsible for being knowledgeable of and compliant with said policies/procedures at all times. Any omission of such from this document is NOT permission for the student to violate said rules, policies, or procedures.

Severe Action/Behavior Clause:

Certain behavior/actions by students are severe enough to warrant an immediate dismissal from the classroom and referral to the assistant principal. Please refer to the DHS Parent/Student Handbook.

Rewards/Privileges

One or more of the following may be given (but should not always be expected) for exemplary classroom participation, behavior, leadership, thoughtfulness, and/or helpfulness toward classmates or the teacher: Verbal praise in front of peers. Positive comment or note to parent(s)/guardian(s), administrators, coaches, sponsors, etc.

Additional Information, Policies, and Procedures for Mrs. Ricks’ Pre-AP English I Course

Course Description:

Students enrolled in English I Pre-AP continue to increase and refine their communication skills. High school students are expected to plan, draft, and complete written compositions on a regular basis. Students edit their papers for clarity, engaging language, and the correct use of the conventions and mechanics of written English, in order to produce final, error-free drafts. In English I, students practice all forms of writing; however, an emphasis is placed on persuasive and expository forms of writing such as logical arguments, expressions of opinion, personal forms of writing, and research. Such forms of writing may include a response to literature, reflective essay, autobiographical narrative, or research paper. English I students read extensively outside of class with intense focus in the classroom in multiple genres from world literature; such as such as fiction, nonfiction, dramas, poetry, media literacy, expository, persuasive, and procedural texts originally written in English or translated to English from Asian, classical Greek, European, African, South American, and North American cultures. Students learn literary forms and terms associated with selections read. Students interpret the possible influences of the historical context on literary work. (Pearland ISD)

The following is a brief overview of the literature that you may want to purchase for this course. Please note that you do not have to purchase these texts; a copy will be provided should you choose not to purchase your own. However, it is strongly recommended that you secure your own copy so that you may be able to write directly in the text.

Term 1 / To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Term 2 / The Odyssey by Homer (this work is provided in the classroom textbook – do not purchase), Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Term 3 / Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Term 4 / Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare (this work is provided in the classroom textbook – do not purchase)

Note: This year you will write on a variety of topics and for a variety of purposes. In addition to in-class timed writings (expect a minimum of 2 per term) and analytical essays over the novels we will read, you will write essays over topics of your choice. You will use different organizational strategies in these essays: definition, persuasion, example, cause and effect, division, compare and contrast, etc. You will also be reading a variety of texts such as short stories, excerpts from novels, news stories, poetry, etc. Our focus for “types” of essays include: the STAAR expository essay and an analytical AP style essay.

Additional Policies and Procedures

1. LATE WORK: Late work is not accepted under any circumstances for daily work or homework for English I Pre-AP students. Students are expected to use their class time productively to complete in-class assignments in the given time and be prepared to complete all homework assignments by the given due date. When a student receives a zero on a daily or homework assignment, he/she is required to fill out a “Lame Excuse” form, explaining why the assignments was not submitted as required. These forms are kept on file for the duration of the school year. If you feel the need to speak to me individually about an assignment or your grade, you must do so during tutoring hours – NOT during regular school hours. That being stated, for major assignments ONLY, 25 points will be deducted the first day late, 50 points the second day, and a zero entered on the third day to remain in the grade book. Zeros on major assignments may not be made up for any reason. It is vital that students turn in daily work, homework, and major grades on time. Students are given ample time and notification of due dates in order to assist with timely submission of all work.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. HOMEWORK: Students should expect at least an hour of homework every night. The majority of all reading will be at home. In addition, homework, projects, writing assignments and other assignments associated with required reading will mostly be completed at home. Weekly vocabulary assignments and quizzes are given in class. A weekly “At-a-Glance” calendar is provided each Monday in order to assist you in preparing for the work expected each day. Remember: being absent is not an excuse for not completing homework (see attendance policy later in this document). ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
2. MAJOR GRADES: Major grades are worth 60% of the nine weeks grading period. Major assignments include tests, writing assignments, long-term projects, and presentations. Grades can also be viewed on “Skyward,” which is located at If for some reason your grade falls below 70, an email will be sent to your parents, coaches, and/or sponsors on a weekly basis.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. DAILY GRADES: Daily grades are worth 40% of the nine weeks grading period. Daily grades include classroom activities, quizzes, quizzes, in-class writing samples, grammar, homework (not designated as a major grade), vocabulary, classroom participation, and other in-class activities. Daily grades can be divided into different subcategories such as participatory daily grades and independent daily grades. Please note that some daily assignments may be counted two or three times ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OTHER SCHOOL-WIDE COMMUNICATIONS: Talking is absolutely not permitted during announcements or other school-wide communications. Politeness and courtesy are part of your classroom behavioral expectations; quiet while others are speaking is required.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. INSTRUCTION AND PRESENTATIONS: Students are required to practice active listening during teacher instruction and individual, as well as group, presentations. Talking out of turn during a classmate’s presentation, teacher instruction, or group presentation is not permitted. Heckling, jokes, name-calling, and other rude behavior is also not permitted. Disciplinary procedures will apply ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
2. VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers and other visitors to class must be approved by the DHS administration and must follow procedures for signing in with the front office before being allowed in my classroom. This policy is in place to ensure that we maintain a safe learning environment. Anyone who has not followed these procedures will not be allowed in the classroom. When a visitor (including student/office aides) does enter the classroom, you will remain in compliance with all classroom rules and stay on task unless otherwise instructed by myself or an administrator.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. DRESS CODE: Every student must be in compliance with the school/district dress code at all times while in my classroom. There are no exceptions for this rule. A student whose clothing is out of conformity with the dress code, or whose ID badge is not VISIBLY displayed on his/her person will not be permitted in the classroom. If you are turned away for dress code violation (and it is not corrected before the tardy bell), you must obtain permission from the assistant principal and/or obtain a tardy pass before being allowed back in the classroom, EVEN if the violation has been corrected.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. ENTERING/LEAVING CLASSROOM: In compliance with classroom expectations and procedures, each student will enter the classroom on time, in an orderly fashion, and prepared to be seated and begin work immediately. Each student will immediately take his/her spiral notebook to their seat, follow rules for technology/backpacks, etc., and begin working on the warm-up and journal activities. The school bell does not dismiss students from my classroom – I do! Students will not leave class until supplies are put away in the appropriate places, trash has been thrown away, and the classroom is in proper order for the next class. Lining up at the door or standing before I have dismissed students is NOT permitted.______StudentInitial______Parent/Guardian Initial
2. BYOD: We will effectively utilize Pearland ISD’s BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Please refer to my “Personal Device and Technology” policy on a separate page for details. The policy will be enforced each and every school day. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
3. ATTENDANCE/MAKEUP WORK: In order to receive credit for a class, the student must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. Students have one class day for each EXCUSED absence day to complete makeup assignments. Students who fail to complete makeup work within the allowed time will receive a grade of zero (0) in the grade book and will not be able to change or make up the grade. If a major assignment/project is assigned before you are absent and you are absent on the due date, you must turn the assignment in the day you return to school.______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
4. PERSONAL/ACADEMIC ERRANDS: Students are not permitted to leave the classroom for personal business, to work on assignments for other classes, take/make up tests in other classes, making phone calls, getting an “early start,” and any other business I deem not an acceptable reason to leave class. No student is permitted to leave class the first or last 10 minutes for any reason other than a legitimate medical emergency. Please do not ask for an exception to this school policy. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
5. FOOD/DRINKS: Food/Drinks may only be consumed OUTSIDE of the classroom in areas allowed and appropriate according to school policy. BOTTLED water is allowed in the clear plastic bottle it comes in. If the water becomes a problem or disruption – I reserve the right to revoke the privilege of bringing even bottled water into the classroom. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
6. SLEEPING: In case there is any question, sleeping violates the classroom expectation, “Be Productive.” Per the expectations, each student must remain productive and actively participating from bell to bell. You will receive a verbal warning for your first offense and the behavior will be documented in my hard-copy grade book. Your second offense may result in penalties such as, but not limited to, participation points deducted (down to a zero grade), D-Hall, etc. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
7. DETENTION: Detention (D-HALL) is assigned and carried out according to DHS policy as given in the DHS Student/Parent Handbook. Detention is not served in the regular classroom.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. BULLYING: All employees are required to report student complaints of bullying to the respective campus administrator or immediate supervisor. Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written/verbal expression or physical conduct that will have the effect of physically or otherwise harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage of the student’s property. Bullying of a student may include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling, rumor spreading, and ostracism. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
2. DEFACING OF SCHOOL PROPERTY: Students are not permitted to write, draw on, or otherwise damage/alter any item of school or teacher property. Any student guilty of this action will receive detention (D-HALL) and parent/guardian notified immediately. If further offenses occur, more serious consequences will follow.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. TEACHER DESK/SUPPLIES: My desk area is off limits to students unless I have specifically instructed a student(s) to go to my desk/desk area for a reason. Sensitive and private materials such as notes, call logs, grades, etc. will almost ALWAYS be locked in a cabinet; however, due to situations that may arise, or the presence of my own personal property or the property of others, students are not allowed in/behind/in close proximity to my desk area. I will provide any necessary group supplies that you are not required to bring as part of a group activity or project (i.e. markers, rulers, etc.). Teacher supplies are NOT yours for the taking. Following our classroom expectations for respect for others, you should not touch anything that does not belong to you, or that has not been designated for student use, unless you have been given permission by me.

______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

1. SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: Substitute teachers are honored and appreciated guests in my classroom and they are to be treated as such. Students will not be allowed to defy, disrespect, or mistreat substitutes. Students will be expected to complete all assigned work and turn in as instructed when a sub is in charge, just as if I were there. Substitutes will be given a sub folder and will be made aware of all classroom expectations, policies, and procedures. They will also be instructed to document misbehavior. Students who are listed as behavior problems will be dealt with according to steps listed in the “Consequences” section of the Classroom Expectations and Procedures. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial
2. REASSESSMENT PROECEDURE: You must come in to tutorials to reassess daily and major assignments. You have 3 days to reassess from the date the assignment was entered in Skyward. It is mandatory that you come in for a conference with the teacher if you are reassessing a major grade so that you can review your work. This will help you to be successful for the reassessment. ______Student Initial______Parent/Guardian Initial

“While most take shelter from the storm, the eagle flies higher and higher until he finally rises above it.” – Anonymous.