Classroom Rules, Policies, and Procedures

Creative Writing

jpatrick@jcindians.org                             http://mrspatrick.tripod.com

10 Simple Rules: If you wish to succeed in this class, simply observe the following…

1. Be prompt.  Class will begin soon after the bell, and tardies will be issued to latecomers. Three unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence and will result in a detention. 
2. Be prepared.  Always have any homework due and necessary materials when arriving to class.  A portfolio folder and journal will be provided.  Materials needed for this elective include loose-leaf paper, Writer’s Inc (occasionally), a folder for handouts, agenda notebook, and writing utensils.  Never come to my class empty-handed.   If you forget something, borrow it quietly and quickly from someone nearby.  I should never know you have forgotten something!  “Ask three before me.”
3. Time between classes is to be used wisely. Use the restroom and get a drink then. It is acceptable to see me (way before the tardy bell is about to ring) before visiting the restroom to let me know where you are going.  I reserve the right to mark you tardy if you have abused this privilege, though.  Restroom passes will not be distributed once class has begun.  Don’t ask unless it’s a dire emergency because I will probably say no.  You must have your agenda notebook for a pass.
4. Time in class is to be used wisely.  Occasionally, homework assignments may be started and even completed after the lesson.  Do not sleep, write personal notes, do assignments for other classes, or socialize while I’m teaching or when you should be working.  If you are caught performing such behaviors during provided class time for a future homework assignment, I will not accept it for a grade.
5. Make-up work for excused absences must be completed upon return to class/school. Students have time equal to their excused absence to make up assignments. Example: 2 excused absences = 2 days to submit late work. It is your responsibility to investigate any missed assignments, especially after field trips/school events.  I will not hunt you down and provide materials.  If you know you will be absent, see me in advance.  Check the daily lesson plan pages and distributed materials area upon return.
6. Be respectful to the teacher, fellow students, school property, and yourself. Rude behavior, interruptions, and/or inappropriate comments will not be tolerated. This is especially important during class discussion.  Do not prevent others from learning.  In addition, respect school property and this classroom by not defacing it (writing on desks, in textbooks, tampering with equipment).  Such disrespectful actions result in a conference, parent contact, detention and/or dismissal to the office.
7. Guidelines described in the JCHS handbook will be practiced in this classroom. My grading scale is aligned with that of the handbook.  The Student Code of Conduct, including issues such as hats, gum, cell phones, electronics, etc., will be applied. 
8. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Evidence of such will result in a zero for the assignment.  Basically, do your own work. 
9. Please take your assigned seat and remain seated until the dismissal bell rings or otherwise instructed.  I take attendance, learn your names, and adjust any discipline problems using a somewhat flexible seating chart.
10. Talk to me.  If you don’t understand something, ask questions.  I won’t know you are uncertain if you don’t tell me.  Attitude is everything.  You will find that most teachers are willing to cooperate and help if a concern or comment is sincere.

Classroom Policies:

Homework: Homework opportunities will be provided on a daily basis. Whether a reading assignment, worksheet, presentation, or other activity, it will be required.

1.      Have your homework ready to submit when due.  I expect all work to be completed to the best of your ability (not mom’s, best friend’s, etc).

2.      Late homework will be accepted with an excused absence.  An unexcused absence results in a zero for any missed work.

3.      Students in ACR have the opportunity to do homework, but must correctly complete homework assignments for a grade.  A disadvantage of being placed in ACR is missed instruction and peer tutoring.  Do your work to your best ability anyway.

4.      Submit homework on standard sized paper (8 ½ x 11) with fringes from spiral binding removed.  Be sure your first and last names are on your paper.

5.      Label all assignments clearly (blue/black ink or pencil), with dates and pages number(s) and descriptions of the assignment. For example: “Where I’m From” or “Jabberwocky Rewritten.”

Make-up work: Like you, I hate to miss the usual routine and play catch-up.  So…

6.      If you miss a test or quiz which was announced or which took place in your absence, you will have 1 day for each day you are excused (up to 5 days) to take it. After that, it becomes a zero. You may not make up tests or quizzes which took place on a day you had an unexcused absence.  If a test/quiz was announced on a day you had an unexcused absence, prepare to join us and do your best.  Bottom line- have only excused absences and know what has been happening in your nonattendance.

7.      If a test or quiz is announced when you are present, but you have an excused absence (or absences) in between the announcement and the day of the test or quiz, you will still take the test or quiz the day you return. This is also true for homework or other in-class work announced when you were present. An absence is not a free extension of a known due date or a way to put off a test.

8. When you return after a missed class, see me immediately about any missed assignments.  Do not do this one minute before the tardy bell rings; I will be starting class and cannot deal with make-up work then.  Also, do not plan/depend on completing make-up work/quizzes in class.  It should be completed before or after school or occasionally at lunch (provided I’m not on lunch duty).  If you are gone for several days, I suggest you check my web site or email me to seek out reading and homework assignments.

Writing:

Frequent writing assignments (quickwrites, reflective essays, poems, etc.) will be given throughout the semester.  While most workshopping will be done in the classroom, we will visit the library’s computer lab weekly. However, it is your responsibility to use the computer time wisely. 

Rules to live by on writing days: 

a.   Save your work to the server every five minutes.  If you lose your work because you fail to do this, deadlines will not be extended; just start retyping and don’t complain to me about it!

b.   Print a hard copy of your work, however incomplete, at the end of each work session.  This will be your emergency back-up. 

c.   Bring your own clean disk or removable storage drive on writing days.  Mrs. Moore (librarian) and I have some floppy disks available for purchase for a small fee if you forget. 

d.   When you save your file, include both your name and a descriptor of the assignment as your file name.  For example “mary smith creative writing 11.15.09”

e.   Safeguard your disk, drive, and server file!  Lost or mutilated disks will not extend your deadlines.  Back pockets are a terrible place to store disks.  Do not share your network password with anyone.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is taking the words, images, or ideas of someone else and presenting them as your own. This includes cutting and pasting content from the Internet, and taking documents from another source and putting them into your own words without giving credit to the source.  See your agenda notebook for a quick reference on how to avoid plagiarism, which also includes copying another students’ work. It is illegal and unacceptable, and I take it very seriously. If you are caught plagiarizing, you may receive a failing grade for the course. Disciplinary action will also be taken. If you are caught plagiarizing, you will receive a zero for that assignment and will not be given the opportunity to make it up.  If I catch you borrowing or sharing answers before class begins, both the borrower and sharer will receive zeroes on the assignment.  Be warned!

Extra Credit:

Occasional bonus opportunities will be offered.  A written and verbal notice about available extra credit will be given once it’s offered, and then it’s up to the individual students to pursue it.  Please note that I give bonus points for only academic tasks, and you must have all assignments turned in (even if for a zero because it’s so late) to participate in extra credit.

Grading:

Please complete all assignments.  Everything is for a grade and has a means to an end.  I compute percentage grades (i.e. a sum of averages), not just points. 

30% Weekly Writing

30% Homework

20% Journal/Quickwrites

20% classroom/contest participation

A Few DOs and DON’Ts:

Don’t throw paper wads.

Don’t keep your purse/tote bag on your desk.

Do expect to learn something each day.

Don’t wear your hoodie up.

Do email me with questions, comments, or concerns.

Don’t approach me or walk behind me while I’m speaking to the class.

Don’t open a window without permission.

Do report any suspicious activities in the classroom or building.

Don’t complain to me about fellow teachers or staff.

Do read the white board for announcements, directions, and details.

Don’t try to talk me out of a detention I am about to write you.

Do take initiative in using your agenda.

Don’t resist if I ask you to leave the classroom.

Do practice good timing and judgment when throwing waste away or sharpening a pencil.