Sara Law
7th Grade Pre –AP Language Arts/Reading
Syllabus and Survival Guide
Room D8
Contact Information
E-mail: saravisentine@misdmail.org
Please e-mail me directly rather than through Skyward.
Class Website: http://irishlaw.edublogs.org
Subscription to our class website above is mandatory to receive e-mail
updates for calendar and news flash items!
Conference Availability (please schedule meetings in advance):
Period ______ from _______ to _________
S.O.S./Tutoring: ___________ and ___________ mornings, 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
*Also available on _____________ mornings by appointment only.
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Dear Seventh Grade Scholars and New Yak Herd Members,
Welcome to seventh grade! You are at the threshold of your middle school
journey. Not knowing what to expect, you may feel like this middle school thing is either
going to be a cakewalk or a tricky tightrope balancing act. We’ll see. I hope you find
success within your grasp, but chances are you’re going to be challenged by the intensity
and scope of your work this year. Of course, none of it will be beyond you unless you let
it become so.
Over the course of the year, you’re going to stretch your mind and expand your
abilities in ways you never thought you could. If you work with me, you’ll come out of
this year as a more thoughtful student, better able to understand what you read, with a
mind that is sharper and possessing the confidence to use it well. I sincerely want you to
do well this year. Most of all, I want this year in Language Arts/Reading to be a
milestone, turning point, or springboard for you. Years from now, I’d love for you to be
able to remember this year and say, “That’s when I stopped just being a student, and
became a Yak (metaphorically speaking) and a Scholar.”
Your scholarship and success this year and into the rest of your life is my goal.
I’m anxious to get started. This syllabus and our class expectations packet will lay the
framework in which we’ll accomplish all the stuff I’ve just mentioned.
I'm glad you're here. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Class Mascot: The Mighty and Majestic Yak
Why is the yak the mascot of room D-8? Amongst other reasons, the yak is a
hard worker, extremely good – natured, and protects its herd at all costs. Strive
to be “yak-like.” You will learn more about the ways of the yak in the handout
titled “Being Yak-like” and during the beginning of our school year.
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WHAT SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED?
Required ELA/Reading Supplies
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1’’ binder with a protective plastic cover for your ELA/Reading Interactive Notebook.
5 tabbed dividers with pockets for organizing binder sections
A college ruled composition book for journaling and ELA bell ringers
3 pocket folders with brads
Additionally, each ELA class period will need to purchase a high-frequency classroom supply to turn
in at the beginning of the year:
Period
1
: 1 pack of index cards, 1 pack of post-it notes
Period
3
: 1 package of 5 highlighters (multi-color pack)
Period
4
: 1 roll of tape and 1 glue stick
Each student is expected to keep map pencils and markers for use in all classes. I also recommend
a small handheld pencil sharpener as our classroom only has 1 electric sharpener for student use.
You will need to purchase 2 novels for reading class.:
1st Semester
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury - will be needed by end of September
2nd Semester
Tangerine by Edward Bloor - will be needed by the beginning of April
Both novels are available via www.amazon.com, often for less than $2. I will also have a limited number of
novels for purchase and/or scholarship in class. Please contact me for availability.
Because these novels will periodically need to be handed in for annotation checks, it is my
preference that you purchase them as physical copies and not in Kindle/Nook/tablet format. Novels
chosen for independent reading may, however, be purchased and downloaded electronically as long as
guidelines for respectable use are followed when used in class.
Optional Supplies
We can always use tissues, hand sanitizer, dry erase markers, and permanent markers! We go through
them quickly.
You will be issued a Springboard consumable workbook for your language arts class. We will use this
workbook regularly and so you must have it with you in class every day. Springboards will be stored in the
classroom unless you do not complete an activity and are instructed to take it home. The Springboard text
and resources are online at: www.springboard.collegeboard.com . You will receive your user name and
password within the first 2 weeks of school.
You’ll also be issued a Holt literature textbook for your reading class; you may leave this issued book in
your locker unless you are instructed ahead of time to bring it with you to class. We will have a class set of
literature books The entire textbook and accompanying activities are online at: http://my.hrw.com. You will
receive your user name and password within the first 2 weeks of school.
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“Cheat Sheet” of Classroom Websites and Webcodes
Use this page to keep all of your user names and passwords for our class sites in one spot! Keep it private and don’t lose it. I
recommend using the same user name and password for all sites when possible so you’ll have less to remember. Websites are
provided for you here and are also linked on our class website. Be sure to bookmark or favorite our online
resources to find them easily throughout the year!
1. Our Class Website/Info Hub – home base for all class info and links
http://irishlaw.edublogs.org
No user name or password required – only a valid e-mail address needed to subscribe.
2. Remind 101 – This allows you to receive text messages from me by class. Very handy in case the website is down or you’ve
forgotten a deadline/due date. Just text your class code (see below) to the following number: (817) 405 – 3345
Period 1 Pre-AP ELA: text @preapela1
Period 3 Pre-AP ELA: text @preapela3
Period 4 Pre-AP ELA: text @preapela4
Period 5 Pre-AP Reading: text @preapread
Period 6 Pre-AP Reading: text @preapread6
Period 8 Pre-AP Reading: text @preapread8
2. Holt Online Literature Book – official text and materials for our reading class
my.hrw.com
User Name: _________________________ PW: ___________________________
You will receive instructions and all necessary info when we register as a class.
3. Springboard Online Text and Unit Tests – official text and materials for our ELA class
www.springboard.collegeboard.com
User Name: _________________________ PW: ___________________________
School Code: 231751
After we register together as a class for the first time, you’ll be able to access the site independently using your username and
password. You will need to click on your class to access any online assignments or our class text.
4. Edmodo Online Assignments, Polls, etc… - Whenever we have an online class poll, online quiz, online question, or an assignment
which needs to be submitted online, you will be directed here.
www.edmodo.com
You will join by class period. Each period has a different URL.
Period 1: edmo.do/j/ogkv8u
Period 3: edmo.do/j/wq6464
Period 4: edmo.do/j/6674wb
Period 5: edmo.do/j/k9dcxk
Period 6: edmo.do/j/839pb2
Period 8: edmo.do/j/5sjd1a
User Name: __________________________ PW: ___________________________
5. Class Discussion Board – Assigned discussion topics over classroom novels, topics, and concepts will be found here.
irishlawkids.activeboard.com
User Name: _________________________ PW: ___________________________
7. Quizlet Online Vocabulary Practice – flashcards, practices, and games for each of our vocabulary units will be posted here
http://quizlet.com/class/201439/ (You will have to join to access the vocabulary sets.)
User Name: ________________________ PW: _____________________________
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POLICIES, PRACTICES, and PHILOSOPHIES
GRADES:
(THE STUFF THAT DREAMS – OR NIGHTMARES - ARE MADE OF)
Of the work I give you this year, some will count for points and some will not; some I will collect
and some I will not; some we will review and correct; some we will not.
ALL of it will have purpose.
Regardless, your grade in this class consists of the percentage you earn of the points possible to
earn in the work I assign. Quality of thought, dedicated effort, and evidence of learning count for
more than perfect work and obviously will count for more than lazy, thoughtless, or sloppy work.
Daily work and Participation =
Quizzes/homework =
Major Tests/projects =
Total =
30 %
30 %
40 %
100 %
Graded work will be held in a portfolio in our classroom to which you will have ready access.
Work must be turned in to receive credit. By that same token, work must have your NAME AND
HEADING on it to receive credit!
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PLEASE NOTE: Assignments without a name on them WILL BE DISCARDED.
Thrown away. Deceased. Made no more. So – always be mindful about checking for
your heading before you turn in any assignment!!! No one has time to track down an
assignment’s owner without this useful piece of identification.
Your heading will be clearly posted in class.
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NEVER EVER FORGET:
Your grades do NOT indicate your intelligence or worth. They indicate the amount of EFFORT you have
put into your class work, which may only indicate something about your character…
I’ve seen brilliant scholars do very poorly (even fail) for lack of effort and not-quite-as-bright scholars
work hard and do really, really well. If you want to do well, I will do most anything to help you work hard,
but in the end, it all comes down to what you are willing to do.
CORRECTING A QUIZ OR OTHER ASSIGNMENT
Occasionally you will find a red stamp with the words, “PLEASE CORRECT AND RETURN” on an
assignment that has been returned to your green folder. Beside that stamp will be a date. This means that
you are allowed to make & turn in corrections to that assignment (be it daily work or a quiz) until the
stamped date. After that date, you’re out of luck. No corrections will be accepted. Sometimes there will
not be a stamp. That just means corrections are not an option on that assignment or quiz.
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Corrections can be made up to a 70 on certain assignments by coming to S.O.S., but please keep in mind
that when grading corrections to an assignment, I begin grading at a 70, and any deductions for incorrect
or incomplete answers will be made beginning there.
HOMEWORK
(After all, you shouldn’t have to do all your work at school!)
“Completing homework is important for your success.” You’ve heard that a hundred times by now, I’ll
bet. Still, it remains true. If you want to do well, or you just don’t want to fail, you must do the work the
class requires.
If you don’t read or accomplish what I assign for homework, we’ve got nothing to discuss. (How
sad that would be - all of us staring at each other morosely.) I will make sure that everyone understands the
assignment before class ends. It will then be your scholarly responsibility to complete it and bring it to
class.
There WILL be a quiz for nearly every reading assignment. If you do not read, you will not do
well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help as you need it! You will be expected to read, do
vocabulary work, and study at home on a regular basis. Get used to this.
I am ready and willing to assist scholars who seek additional help with difficult concepts and
assignments, and I expect that when they need my help, they will seek it ACTIVELY. This means that
they will take the initiative to seek me out for that help, rather than wait until there’s no time left or wait
until their parents make them come to S.O.S. Taking responsibility for your work will pay off in the long
run, and often makes the difference between one letter grade and the next.
Regularly assigned homework will follow the schedule below. Otherwise, work brought home
indicates an assignment not finished in class due to inefficient use of time or absence.
HOMEWORK POLICY____________________________________________________
ALL TESTS AND MAJOR PROJECTS FOR ELA/READING WILL BE DUE ON
______________ CALENDAR DAYS. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS (NOT INCLUDING
VOCABULARY MAPS) WILL ALSO BE DUE FOR GRADING ON ______________
CALENDAR DAYS.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE ABSENT
When you return to class after being absent, check the ABSENT FOLDER for your class period at the
front of the room on the bulletin board to see what assignments you missed. Any handouts will be stapled
to an agenda sheet with your name on it. Don’t forget to copy the agenda information into your planner for
the days you were absent. You will also find this posted on the class calendar just in case no agenda was
provided to you. Hopefully this will save a diligent scholar the time it would take for him/her to come and
ask me personally for the work that was missed!
Also, considering assignments and lesson plans are posted on our class website ahead of time, you can stay
on top of your work even before you return to school by writing down the work you missed and asking
questions either of me (via our website) or of a classmate (via our discussion board.)
If there was a test or quiz, YOU will need to arrange a time to make the quiz up. I will most likely not
remember, and if it comes time for me to enter grades, you’ll get a zero for the test or quiz unless you’ve
taken the responsibility to make it up.
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MAKE-UP WORK/LATE WORK POLICIES
Our fabulous district policy allows scholars one day to complete the work for each day of absence. I won’t
remind you to get your make-up work. I expect you to remember to do it yourself. Don’t hesitate or
procrastinate! The late work policy applies to make-up work, too!
The district late work policy is as follows:
1 day past due date – maximum grade of an 85
2 days past due date – maximum grade of a 70
3 or more days past due – ZERO CREDIT
I am a stickler about this. Be prepared. Be diligent. Be responsible.
EXTRA CREDIT
Scholars will sometimes approach me and ask if there is any form of extra credit available. I consider those
requests on a “case by case” basis. Generally, though, I’m hesitant to give extra credit opportunities to
scholars on either end of the grade spectrum.
If a scholar has an “A,” then she has proven her effort and skills without splitting hairs over percentage
points.
Likewise, if a scholar has an “F,” then he has let things go already and his request is likely to be too late.
However, extra credit chances DO crop up from time to time for the whole class. The scholar on her/his
toes may collect points here or there. Keep your ears pricked, and your eyes open. (Just so you’re prepared
– unless otherwise mentioned, extra credit is always, always due the day after it is assigned.) Extra credit is
often posted exclusively on our class website.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Cheating in any form is unacceptable. It demonstrates a lack of character and breaks down the trust
between a teacher and student. Cheating includes any of the following:
a. Copying homework – in whole or in part
b. Copying from someone during a quiz or test
c. Discussing the questions on a quiz or test with other students during passing period
d. Plagiarism – the theft of an author’s words or ideas without giving him/her credit
e. Helping someone else cheat
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Consequences for Academic Dishonesty may include a Disciplinary Referral or a zero earned for the
assignment.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. DO NOT TALK while I am talking.
2. Respect your classmates and teacher.
3. Respect all classroom property.
DISCIPLINE
Behavioral indiscretions will not be tolerated and will result in consequences. Consequences include:
 Teacher/student conference
 Change of seating
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Change of group or partner
Parental contact
Teacher D-Hall
School D-Hall
Office referral
Other agreed-upon consequences served in class - e.g. a student who chews gum may opt to
remove gum from under the desks rather than serve a standard detention.
WARNING: I may write a morning D-Hall any time student behavior warrants it; however, serious
infractions will be referred to the office immediately. You may not be late to detention or it will not count.
Once you’ve received notice, make transportation arrangements.
Positive referrals and rewards will be granted when merited. For example, on a day when 100% of a
particular assignment gets turned in, the whole class may earn an iPod day or bonus points on a quiz or test.
After a conflict-free assignment working with a teacher-chosen partner, the class may earn the ability to
choose their own partners for the next assignment and so on. Individual students who perform above and
beyond in any capacity and are noticed for it may receive something from a pre-decided set of choices for a
reward, ranging from a ‘good parent phone call/e-mail’ to candy or some free time, to name a few options.
CLASSROOM JOBS AND YAK BUCKS
After the school year has gotten underway, students will have the opportunity to apply for classroom jobs
(e.g. teacher’s assistant, librarian, absent work collector, etc…) Once hired, employees will receive
‘paychecks’ for a job well done. Students will also have the opportunity to earn classroom money – called
‘yak bucks’ – for excellent work and citizenship which goes above and beyond. Classroom money (sadly
not real currency) may be redeemed in our class store.
S.O.S.
(Steps of Success, a.k.a. tutoring)
So let’s say you are lost, confused, clueless, or otherwise freaked out about an assignment we’re working
on in class. Maybe you got your vocabulary quiz back…and the grade? Not so sweet. Have no fear! This is
where S.O.S. comes in. Not only is S.O.S. a distress signal indicating that help is needed, it’s what we call
the DJMS 7th grade Language Arts teacher tutorials!
I am available ______________ and _______________ mornings from 8:00 – 8:30 to help you in any way
I can. During tutorials, skills for the week can be reviewed and time spent re-teaching any lessons from
class as needed. You will also make up missed quizzes/tests during these times.
S.O.S. is 100% optional – it is there if you need it, but you are not required to attend. Be sure to sign up
with me & obtain a pass if you plan to attend so that plans can be made and materials prepared for you.
I also have some great links to Language Arts websites on our class website to help you with your
homework:
Check it out @ http://irishlaw.edublogs.org .
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LITERATURE STUFF
Literature is the transfer of information from the author to the reader by means of some sort of
story or written work. That’s all it is, really. Our task this year will be to read a variety of different literary
works and figure out what the authors thought was so important to communicate, and what things they did
to make it (hopefully) interesting. Now, some authors are a little better than others in keeping our attention,
or getting us involved in the story, and there are some who, it seems, cannot write a story to save their lives.
We’re going to decide who’s who and what’s what. There are a lot of things that go into creating and
reading good literature. We’re going to explore and learn those things, too.
The skills you will gather in this class will serve you well in your high school courses and beyond
in your lives after high school and college. I want you to be prepared to receive these communications and
interpret their importance for you: Does the message matter?
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I expect you to read the stories, chapters, essays, and novels I assign. Most are fairly concise
and interesting. If you find they are not, read them anyway. My class requires that your brain be
present and prepared – this means you!
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WHY SHOULD I READ, ANYWAY?! WHAT’S THE POINT?
1. Reading is rewarding.
2. Reading builds a mature vocabulary.
3. Reading makes you a better writer.
4. Reading is hard, and “hard” is necessary.
5. Reading makes you smarter.
6. Reading prepares you for the world of work.
7. Reading well is financially rewarding.
8. Reading opens the door to college and beyond.
9. Reading arms you against oppression.
Being able to read for meaning and information is one of the most essential skills for success in a
constantly changing and increasingly complex world where most of this generation’s future careers haven’t
even been created yet.
REGULAR INDEPENDENT ASSIGNMENTS
READING LOGS and BOOK REPORTS
Reading solely at school is not enough for a student to excel. It is essential that reading
continues at home as well. In support of this, reading logs and regular book reports are an
important part of what we do in class. You will have a weekly quota of reading minutes to reach;
your reading minutes may include independent reading and teacher-assigned reading outside of
class. Reading logs are turned in once per six weeks at the end of each six weeks. It’s your
responsibility to keep up with your reading log!
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” –Joseph Addison
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VOCABULARY RITUAL
Our class will primarily use Flocabulary materials for vocabulary this year in Pre-AP reading. Flocabulary
units are comprised of high frequency testing words along with key SAT words. Our vocabulary ritual
consists of the following:
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You will be introduced to the unit’s vocabulary words every other Monday. Each unit will consist
of 15 Flocabulary terms along with any relevant reading or academic vocabulary needed for that
unit. We will start a new unit every two weeks after the quiz for the previous unit.
It is YOUR responsibility to study the words given to you and to complete any associated work
we do with your words.
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THE FIRST 20 MINUTES of class on Monday and Tuesday at the beginning of the unit will be
dedicated to working on a VOCABULARY WORD MAP for all of the unit vocabulary. Use
your time wisely! Any work not completed during allotted class time must be completed at home.
You are responsible for locating and writing down valuable information about each word as well
as creating a MEANINGFUL SENTENCE for each word.
Completed VOCABULARY WORD MAPS are due within the first 15 minutes of class on the
FRIDAY of the week the words were assigned. (That means you have about an hour in class plus
4 evenings at home to get your work completed.) At that time, word maps will either be graded
and discussed in class or turned in. LATE WORD MAPS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If your
work is finished prior to the start of class on Friday, bring a book to read during this work time.
You may start working with your vocabulary words on quizlet.com immediately!
On the following FRIDAY you will take your vocabulary quiz over the current unit’s words
unless you hear otherwise from me. I will return your graded word maps to you on Monday so that
you may study them during the week to prepare for the quiz. If you miss your quiz for a schoolsponsored event or illness, you need to make arrangements to make it up. Know your words well;
you will be quizzed over them in a variety of ways.
At the end of each six weeks, you will take a quiz over ALL of the words from that six weeks!
Not all words will appear on the test, but you need to be prepared.
WARNING: SIX WEEKS VOCABULARY QUIZZES ARE CUMULATIVE!!!
If you don’t keep up, be afraid. Be terrified. You know it’s true. (Then relax and come for help.)
INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK and STUDYING
We will take regular notes and practice key concepts in class. These notes and work will be kept in
your interactive ELA/Reading Binder. It is your responsibility to study your notes and work on a regular
basis. Anything we complete – whether it’s a bell ringer, a writing assignment, a grammar practice,
etc….it’s up to you to continue to practice and study at home and to seek help in S.O.S. when needed. We
will have regular INB quizzes and tests to ensure you are mastering material and keeping organized
notes.
COMPOSITION BOOK/JOURNAL
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We will complete our ELA bell ringers and journals in a composition book which will be set up at
the beginning of the year. You will need to bring it to class every day and may complete extra credit
journals outside of class. Journals will be turned in once per six weeks for an overall journal quiz grade and
will be checked weekly for daily bell ringers.
BELL RINGERS/ LITERARY ANALYSIS/READING MINUTES
You will complete a bell ringer every day in both ELA and Reading class. ELA bell ringers – as
they are mainly writing based – will be completed in your composition books. Your reading bell ringers
will vary depending on our current unit. They will be recorded on one sheet and turned in at the end of the
week.
LEARNING CENTERS
Periodically throughout the year, students will participate in group-based learning centers. These
will be designed to reinforce and teach concepts we are learning in class. Full participation on each day of
the center is expected, whether the centers last a couple of days or a week.
Fin.
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CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR STANDARDS
Aka: Being Yak-like
The Four Occupations:
Adults are expected to work. Little children are not. You are traveling now from one stage to the other.
Adults no longer see you as little children (which is the good news), and they expect you to start working
(which for some of you is the bad news). If this is all news to you, then WAKE UP NOW.
In this class (and in this stage of life in general) you have four jobs to occupy you:
#1 OBEY your Authorities.
You must do what I ask of you without hesitation or question, unless I direct you to do something
immoral or unethical (which, by the way, I would never do). You are involved in a course of study that I
have designed for your benefit, and I demand your full cooperation. I will know that you are responding
cooperatively to a request when I hear you say, “Yes, ma’am.”(or “Yes, sir,” if the situation dictates).
Approach those in authority respectfully and express your opinion in a mature tone of voice. I have great
things planned for your experience and education, and in order to realize them we must have a healthy
working relationship.
#2 BE KIND to Those Around You.
You must treat your fellow scholars/yaks (and your wise, fashionable teacher, of course) with
kindness. This class works best when the scholars are free to express their thoughts or opinions without fear
of ridicule or derision (go ahead and look it up). Learning and true fun occur when the class is unified and
without “sides,” cliques, or divisions. Look for opportunities to help each other succeed rather than ways to
wound each other. I will not tolerate any abuse of one scholar by another. In this class and in life, kindness
goes a long way.
#3 LEARN as Much as You Can.
The State of Texas provides you a thirteen year span of time in which the taxpayers (your parents
and me, among others...) will pay for your education. After that, it’s up to your wallet. During that span,
teachers work to help you understand and use the knowledge that humankind has amassed in the thousands
of years before you were born. Sounds pretty serious, doesn’t it? Your job is to learn, understand,
comprehend, assimilate and master as much of that stuff as you can before your “free” time is up. Your
chance began several years ago, and continues today.
However, no one can make you learn anything. Some of you may already know this firsthand.
You must do it, if it’s going to be done. Your parents, relatives, teachers, and I are willing to help you but,
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in the end, it’s all YOU. You must decide every day to absorb as much knowledge and gain as much
wisdom as you can lay your hands on.
Be prepared. Be diligent. Participate.
#4 Have as Much FUN as You Can
There is so much fun to be had, you should be pursuing it with great abandon, with everything
you’ve got. Your job is to enjoy life and this class to the fullest! Squeeze mirth from every slice of time you
have! Laugh as often as possible! Play to your heart’s content! Follow this rule whenever you ever can!
BUT… (and this is a big but...) Occupation #4 CANNOT override Occupations #1-3.
YOU MAY NOT IGNORE THE FIRST THREE TO FOLLOW THE FOURTH. That’s how things begin
to fall apart, in this class, in your life, and in society.
SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR STANDARDS
1. Beginning of Class
You are expected to be in your seat working when the bell rings. I will take attendance during this time.
These first few minutes of class are not the right time for you to approach me with questions, to turn things
in, and address other concerns. Just take your seat, read the board and copy homework and learning goals
as needed, and begin your bell ringer work. This is a Zen time. If for some reason I’m detained in the
hallway, you still need to follow procedures for beginning class. Unless I specifically tell you otherwise,
talking is not permitted during these few minutes of class. A library book or a book from home is
required for you to bring to class. Sometimes, instead of an assigned writing or question, you will
have D.E.A.R. Make the most of it when it’s given.
2. Turning in Homework and Other Assignments
Homework will be passed up and collected by me or by classroom managers. Do not follow me around the
room trying to turn in work. Pass it up when asked for it! All work must be turned in to the in-tray on my
desk. Make sure your name is on your work before it is turned in.
3. Substitute Behavior
It is of the up-most importance that you are on your best, most scholarly, yak-like (metaphorically
speaking) behavior when a substitute teacher captains the class. Anything less reflects poorly on you, your
parents, me, and our school; this most definitely results in unpleasant consequences which poetically and
justly fit the severity, duration, and nature of your misbehavior. I am a creative person who cannot abide by
my students’ poor behavior in my absence. Don’t test me on this one.
You will ALWAYS receive consequences for your behavior and work quality when a substitute has been
in the room. YES – THIS MEANS POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES APPLY AS WELL!!! There will
always be an established reward posted for good class ratings (and individual student ratings) ahead of time
so that you will know what is at stake for you. These rewards could range from an iPod day to extra time on
a project or homework passes for all.
4.
When you gotta go, you gotta go…..
If you must use the restroom or get a drink, please arrange to do so between classes or at lunch. However,
we all know that nature WILL call unannounced. Because of this, I will award you TWO opportunities
PER SIX WEEKS to leave the room during class. You will receive these passes at the beginning of each
six weeks.
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I will NOT let you go (no pun intended) if your two are used up without a consequence. Be wise. I reserve
the right to deny your request if you abuse the privilege of leaving class. Please do not interrupt me or
any other presenter with your restroom request. Just hold your restroom pass up in the air and I will motion
you over to stamp it and let you go without having to interrupt class.
5. Tardiness
You will have to sign the discipline book for any behavior concerns, including: being tardy, talking without
permission, not having your supplies, not having your homework, not participating in class, being
disrespectful to me or to fellow yaks, disrupting class, not following directions, leaving class without
following hall pass procedures or leaving for too long, excessive talking. One check is a warning, two
merits parent contact and a possible teacher detention, 3 checks = parent contact, teacher detention, or an
office referral depending on what you are up to. Each tardy will require copying a tardy standard as well.
6. “Class?” “Yes!!!”
When you are doing group and partner work or any assignment that involves talking, I will often have to
get your attention to deliver a whole class tip or important information about directions, etc…When I need
your attention, I will ask “Class?” You will all answer an enthusiastic “YES!” Then you will stop
talking and focus your eyes on me until I am done talking. Then you may return to work.
7. Collaborative Learning and Discussions
Respect your workmates. Don’t be deadweight. Discuss respectfully and honorably. You will work with a
variety of people. You can learn something from all of them. Do not employ any of the following: That
sucks/is stupid/shut up. Acknowledge a good discussion point and add to it.
8. Gum
Just don’t. I’m always finding gum in the carpet or under desks. Feel free to enjoy a breath mint. Tic-Tac.
Altoid. You can even chew on some aquarium tubing (which I will have in class!) But…no gum. No gum
wrappers. Detention awaits you should you choose otherwise.
9. Transitions
When we’re in transition from one activity to another, the change will be swift, quiet, and orderly. We
should be able to turn from one book to another, turn in homework, and get materials, etc…as quickly as
possible. Do not break for conversation. A minute or two here and there full of your personal conversation
and taking your time really adds up and will only put you in the position of having to complete class work
at home. You can earn free time by staying focused and completing your work.
10. Getting Tissue, Sharpening Pencils, Throwing Away Trash
You do not need to wait for my permission or blessing to get a tissue; just don’t interrupt or walk in front of
me or any other presenter. Please sharpen pencils at the beginning of class or wait until a teaching break.
Hold onto trash until the end of class. It can wait.
11. Grooming Items
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Makeup, lip gloss, lotion, hairspray, perfume, cologne, body spray, brushes, picks, and mirrors are for
bathroom or locker use. Do not bring them to class or use them in class.
12.
End of Class
The bell does not dismiss you – I do. I expect you to have cleaned up after yourselves before I will dismiss
you.
13. Work from Other Classes
If you are supposed to be doing an assignment for my class and I find you working on something else
without permission, it’s going in the trash. Want to work on something else? You need to be done with our
work for the day and then ask permission first.
14. When You Finish Early…
Read. Write. Study. Get on a student computer and practice on www.chompchomp.com or
www.freerice.com . I will also have various ‘fast finisher’ activities on hand in class, and invariably there is
something you can help out with or research for us.
15. Responding to a Question
If someone asks you how you are doing or what you did this summer or this weekend for example, you
should ask them in return. In this way, yaks politely show that they are interested in how others are doing
too. Similarly, if I pause to ask you or the class if you understand something, please indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
Don’t just stare blankly.
**************************************************************************************
NOTICE:
Leave nothing in my room after school if you value it!
I have had issues in the past with students who see my classroom as their room at home. Therefore, I am
not responsible for anything left in my classroom after 4:10 each day. This list includes (but is not limited
to):
pens, pencils, guyliner, papers, reports, bookbags, Bertie Bott’s Every FlavorBeans, 80’s movies posters, the complete works of
William Shakespeare, Manolo Blahniks, tiaras, Twitter updates (aka Tweets), pets, loved ones, Chick-Fil-A Chick-n-Minis, winning
lottery tickets, Olympic rings, goldfish crackers (the snack that smiles back), textbooks, unauthorized biographies, mood rings,
folders, three-ring binders, notes, Will Farrell bobbleheads, hats, lugnuts, toenail clippers, cosmetics, power tools, toys, LOST
theories, Happy Bunny keychains, boots, hybrid cars, gloves, coats, guitars, posters, mortgage payments, credit cards, glossy photos of
Shia LeBeouf, athletic equipment, cameras, Team Edward signs, any fruits and/or vegetables, carnival supplies, Dippin’ Dots, Purina
products of any sort, Snuggies, prisms, software, dulcimers, candied yams, Joker cards, seven swans a-swimming, any Dole canned
fruit products, your Patronus, Happy Meal toys, chinchillas, cassette tapes, Gogurt, comic books, trading cards,copies of the Twilight
saga, 3OH!3 CDs, weight belts, Vote for McCain buttons,kazoos, homing pigeons, spare change, toe rings, Geiger counters, Smurf
dolls,herbs & spices, gift certificates, Michael Jackson memorials, pacifiers, in-line skates, bowling gloves, Boy Band keychains,
magazines, toilet paper, postage stamps, telephone directories, iPods, autographed pictures of Pete Wentz, pieces of the Berlin Wall,
Kabballah bracelets, model planes, imposter designer handbags, cereal straws, yoga mats, thumbtacks, maps to the Jonas Brothers’s
house in Westlake, sealing wax, toupees, contestant applications for “Wipeout”, caramel frappachinos from Starbucks, rented tuxedos,
favorite blankies, llamas, earplugs, beloved childhood stuffed animals, YouTube videos of Selena Gomez & Demi Lovato, enchiladas,
widgets, bags of fertilizer, parsley, sage, rosemary & thyme, secret decoder rings, Macadamia nuts or any other manner of
paraphernalia…
If it's yours, keep it that way. Take it with you when you leave, or KISS IT GOODBYE.
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FOR THE RECORD......
Yes, I have read this Scholar's Syllabus and Survival Guide and I understand the policies
within it. As a scholar and new member of D8’s yak herd, I agree to abide by the policies
in Mrs. Law’s classroom for this school year. Next year, when I'm no longer in this class,
I am no longer bound by these policies unless I really like them, in which case I will
exercise my American freedom for which many brave citizens fought and died to earn
and preserve and carry on in that manner while promising not to write run-on sentences
like this one.
Scholar’s Signature
Today’s Date
ATTENTION: PARENTS OF 7th GRADE SCHOLARS!!!
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN BY FRIDAY:
Yes, I have read this Scholar’s Survival Guide and I understand the policies within it. I
will amply support, praise or admonish my scholar as necessary during the course of this
school year.
________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Today’s Date
________________________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address(es) (please print!)
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