Basic Expectations

Basic Expectations for Mrs. P's Classes

Respect is mutual in this class. Both you and I have expectations of each other. You expect me to give clear explanations and fair discipline. Otherwise, I am being inconsiderate and it is difficult for you to learn and be successful in this classroom. I expect you to be considerate of everyone in the classroom, including me, by being prepared for class every day and staying focused on the task at hand. Otherwise, you are being disrespectful by interrupting the learning of others.

At all times, follow these three rules:

Be on time.
Be prepared.
Be attentive.

Be in your seat, record homework in your planner, and begin the warm-up assignment when the bell rings. Otherwise, you will be counted tardy.
Plan to take bathroomand refreshment breaks during passing periods or unscheduled hours rather than during class.
Keep cell phones, I-Pods, MP3 players and other related devices in your backpack, out of reach and silent. Class disruption by the obvious or concealed use of such devices is rude and inconsiderate.
You are not dismissed by the clock but by the teacher. There is plenty of learning to be done, so plan on working from bell to bell.
I reserve the right at any time to refer serious disruptions or infractions to the appropriate school administrator.
I do not negotiate grades or discipline. Don’t even try.

Assignments:

You should expect to receive homework each time the class meets. The length of time required to complete it will vary. In three days each week, we are working through a curriculum that other schools cover in five days.
My foremost expectation is that you turn in every single assignment at the time it is due. However, because it is nearly impossible to determine what a student has learned when late work is given zero credit, you may submit some assignments late. Most assignments are assigned two or more grades -- an Academic Responsibility grade and at least one content-related grade. Late papers will receive a zero for Academic Responsibility but full credit for the learning demonstrated. This type of grading system is intended to reveal academic areas in which you excel and areas which you may need to strengthen.
Late work will be accepted for a limited time period only, and all acceptable late work must be turned in one week before six week grades are due.
It is your responsibility to obtain missing assignments in a timely fashion.

Please check with me in advance regarding homework during prearranged absences.
In the case of an excused absence, you have the same number of days missed to turn in assignments without penalty.
Unexcused absences are not tolerable and no credit will be given for class work and/or homework on days missed without excuse.

Grades and Feedback: Grades are utilized to provide feedback in specific, content-related areas. Depending upon the class, weighted grading categories may include:

Academic Behaviors
Literary Elements & Analysis
Vocabulary
Writing Process
Writing Product

Extra Credit: “Extra Credit” and “Mrs. P” are oxymoronic. Grades should be viewed as a measurement of learning. I will provide you plenty of opportunities to demonstrate your learning. If, at any time, you find yourself frustrated or struggling, please schedule an appointment to discuss your situation with me.

Denise Paswaters 2007