Mrs. Martinez--Classroom Policies and Procedures
Expected Behavior: In an effort to create a classroom environment in which all students feel safe enough to do their best work, take risks, and voice their opinions, I have a few simple expectations for student behavior.
· Above all, be respectful to yourselves, your classmates, and to me.
· Arrive to class on time and fully prepared for class, with all required materials and assignments.
· Actively listen and participate in class, but raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
When any student chooses not to live up to these expectations, he or she can anticipate the following consequences:
· First occurrence: The student gets a verbal warning about expected behavior.
· Second: The student’s name is written down on board or behavior tracking sheet (Note: Students who get to this level three times in one week can expect a note and/or call home to explore ways to improve their behavior).
· Third: Student gets a written warning, which must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned the next school day. Failure to return this warning will result in a detention.
· Continued disruption after the third occurrence: Student must serve a detention and fill out a student response sheet, including a personal plan for future behavior. Office referrals will be made at my discretion, or at any time when a student’s behavior warrants such intervention.
During class, I want to maximize the time spent learning, and minimize any disruptions. When students need to leave their seats or the classroom, I ask that they adhere to the following procedure:
Students should not leave their seats for any reason during a class discussion or when the teacher is addressing the class. They may get up to sharpen pencils, get a tissue, etc., at any other time after asking permission.
Following the same guidelines regarding appropriate times, students may leave the room only after asking permission, signing out, and taking a hall pass. Only one student will be allowed to leave the room at a time. Any student who abuses this privilege (by taking excessive trips or taking too long on a trip) may lose it at my discretion. As stated above, students are expected to arrive to class fully prepared, and should use the designated locker visit times, not class time, to get the necessary materials for class.
Homework: Homework is essential to success in school. It helps reinforce what is learned in class, connects one lesson to the next, develops good study habits, and helps students take personal responsibility for their learning. I will assign homework most days, aiming for about twenty minutes’ worth of work each night.
Late Work: Since homework is designed to bridge between one lesson and the next, students who have not completed the homework on the day it is due are not fully able to participate in class. Therefore, I will only accept late homework for up to 50% credit within two days of its due date (except in the case of absence). For projects, students will lose ten points for each day that it is late. Quizzes or tests missed due to absence must be made up within one week.
Extra Help: I am available most days after school for extra help. Students should arrange appointments with me the day before, to make sure that I will be available.
