Ms. Portillo
7 th Grade Block 2015-2016 dianeportillo@mooreschools.com
Welcome to 7th grade Block! I am very excited to work with each one of you. We have a lot planned for this quarter and I look forward to the fun and challenges ahead of us. Remember my job is to help you learn so anytime you have questions, feel free to ask during class. However, if you do not feel comfortable asking in class, please see me before or after school.
Classroom Expectations
 Be respectful…of yourself, others and your school!
 Be responsible…be on time to class and ready to learn!
 Be prepared…bring class materials and completed work!
 Be cooperative…follow all Highland West staff directions!
*Students are expected to follow all rules in the Student Handbook.
Discipline Plan
 1st Offense – verbal warning
 2nd Offense – student/ teacher conference
 3rd Offense – lunch detention(s)
 4th Offense – before/ after school detention(s) and parent contact
 5th Offense – referral to principal
*Severe Behavior Clause – In cases of major disruption or violations, students will be referred immediately to the principal.
Daily Procedures
1.
Sharpen PENCIL
2.
Get out planners, paper, and homework.
3.
Write down homework for the night/week in your planner
4.
Start warm-up found on SmartBoard
5.
Grade warm-up and homework
Grading
Grading will mostly be based on two main categories.
 Daily Work, Quizzes, and Tests (90%):
***** ALL QUIZZES ARE UNANNOUNCED!!!!!!!!!!!
Quizzes and Tests will be worth more points than daily assignments, homework, and warm-ups.
***Late Work Policy: Work will be accepted for a 10% penalty each day it is late.
 Semester Test (10%):
As per district policy each semester test (winter & spring) will count for 10% of your final semester grade.
Materials – Bring these everyday!
 Binder or Folder
 Notebook Paper
 Sharpened Pencils (Preferably Mechanical Pencils)
 1 box of Kleenex
 If any special materials are requested, I will give you at least two days notification.

Learning
I believe all students can achieve success in Spanish. However, YOU will be responsible for your own learning. In order to do that, you must PARTICIPATE! I’ll help guide and direct in your learning.
There will be lots of participation. Get ready to work hard and have lots of fun. If you do so, you WILL be successful in my class.
To do this you are expected to:
• Work in class by paying attention, participating, and asking questions when you struggle.
Tardiness
You are expected to be in class on time. Class begins immediately and you should be in your seat
prepared to work. Students who are late to class must sign the tardy sheet. The tardiness policy of the school will be followed in this class, 2 tardies = 1 absence.
Make Up Work
 You are required to make up work that you miss when you are absent from school.
 Arrangements to make up missed class work, tests, or quizzes should be made immediately upon a return. It is your responsibility to get your make up work. Extra copies of daily work can be found in the blue tote and are labeled by day.
 Work that was due on the day of the absence should be complete when you return to class.
Homework
Very little homework is sent home in Block. When homework is sent home, it is to be completed as assigned with an honest effort made. While collaboration and obtaining help from peers is openly encouraged, collaboration is not the same as copying. Assignments copied from other students
or thrown together the minute before class will not be acceptable. Homework is not optional.
 Please refer to the Grading Procedures for other details on homework.
Cheating Policy/Procedures
 A student found to be cheating will receive a zero for the test, quiz, or assignment on which he/she cheated, along with all those knowingly involved.
Curriculum
 We use district-based curriculum that is based on the state department OAS standards.
Extra Help
 I am available for extra help before school. I will need advanced notice to stay after school.
Electronic Use Policy
 Electronic devices may be used in class when they are approved by the teacher and serve an approved academic purpose. At all other times, all electronic devices must be put away.

Classroom Expectations
1.
Be respectful…of yourself, others and your school!
2.
Be responsible…be on time to class and ready to learn!
3.
Be prepared…bring class materials and completed work!
4.
Be cooperative…follow all Highland West staff directions!
*Students are expected to follow all rules in the Student Handbook.
Discipline Plan
 1st Offense – verbal warning

2nd Offense – student/ teacher conference

3rd Offense – lunch detention(s)
 4th Offense – before/ after school detention(s) and parent contact
 5th Offense – referral to principal
*Severe Behavior Clause – In cases of major disruption or violations, students will be referred immediately to the principal.
Food/Drink/Gum Policy
 Students are never to bring food, drink (other than a closed container of water), or chewing gum into the classroom.

Students will immediately receive a before/after school detention should they choose to not comply with the Food/Drink/Gum policy.
Once you have reviewed the above classroom expectations and policies, please sign, date and return to Ms.
Portillo. This is worth a homework grade.
Student
Printed Name____________________________________________________ Date_______________
Signature________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian
Printed Name____________________________________________________ Date________________
Signature________________________________________________________