Mrs.

Speers
Middle School
English
Language Arts
 I. Procedures for students

Work requirements
Homework is to be turned in as students enter classroom.
Each period has a completed homework file on the table by the door.

Absenteeism
Students who are absent can find missed work online or in the absent file for their class period.
They can also see what is missed on the agenda board.
The student has 1 additional day for each day they were absent to complete and return
his or her work.

Tardiness
A student who is tardy to class must have a tardy slip from the office in order to enter the
classroom.
The student should enter the classroom quietly, leave the tardy slip in the tardy file for
their class period, go to their assigned seat, and begin working

Notes from home

When a student brings a note or permission slip from home, the student should leave the note in
the notes from home file for his or her class period.

What to bring to class

Students should have the following items for this
class:
Pencil or Pen
Paper
Library book
If a student forgets to bring these items he or
she can borrow from their assigned teams communal supply. If he or
she forgets a library book, one can borrow from the class library, but
the book must be returned by the end of class unless it is checked out.
 II. Procedures for the classroom

Beginning of class
The teacher will greet the students as they enter the classroom.
The students will then:
Return any homework to their class periods homework
file.
Begin their daily work.
Daily work will be found in the each teams
communal file.

All transitions
All transitions in class must be done quickly and orderly. When this is achieved, class runs
smoothly. Students will be advised when transitions are planned, and should follow the
directions of the teacher.

Restroom breaks or leaving the classroom

Typically the students should take care of their personal needs, like
going to the restroom and getting a drink, before they enter the
classroom. However, realizing that emergencies happen, if the
student needs to use the restroom or otherwise leave the classroom,
the student should follow this procedure:
1. Signal the teacher and wait for acknowledgement.
2. Proceed to the door and fill out the exit book.
3. Leave their cell phone in cell phone daycare.
If the student abuses this policy, including taking too long without an
explanation, restroom privileges can be revoked.

Getting students attention

The teacher will use a class chant to get the attention of the class. The teacher might say 1,2,3
eyes on me, the students would then reply 1,2 eyes on you and then proceed to quietly wait
for instruction. The students will learn these chants as the year proceeds.

End of class
Students will begin their end of class procedures, at the teachers signal, approximately 5
minutes before the bell rings:
1. Check the agenda board and record any assignments,
2. Gather all personal belongings,
3. Place any work that should remain in the classroom in their personal work file located by
the door, and
4. Line-up to be excused.
The teacher may require an exit ticket, either written or verbal, for the student to leave class for
the day.
 III. Procedures for instruction

Journal
Like an athlete or musician, a writer cannot develop without daily work.
Students will be given personal writing time daily. They will be provided with a
prompt but will also have the option to free write.

Interactive notebooks
Students will construct an interactive notebook with information and
manipulative for everything from literary elements to grammar. This notebook is
a great study tool and a handy way to keep important information we are
learning all in one place.

Collaborative teamwork
Students will be working in teams of four this year. The
teams will change occasionally as the year progresses, but
being in teams allows students to work together and learn to
collaborate. Students will assist each other with in class
work and will participate in class activities in their assigned
teams. Keep in mind, that this collaborative team work does
not eliminate individual class work.

Cultivating social skills

Working in teams helps students to develop social skills. In
order for the team to work well, students have a responsibility
to their team to:
Participate,
Respect teammates
Be kind
Be polite
Be patient
Give all work your best effort,
Complete work on time, and
Have a positive attitude.

What to do when done with work

Because this is an English language arts class, if students finish all their work, they have the
opportunity to read. Students must have a library book with them or they can check out from the
classroom library.
IV. Procedures for teacher

Feedback
Student feedback to the teacher is important for both the teacher and the
student.
Student feedback could include:
A comment on a lesson,
A suggestion, or
A complaint (without fear of reprisal.)
The teacher takes student feedback seriously and is willing to make changes if needed.

Like student feedback, the teacher will give the students feedback as well. A few things to know
about feedback:
It helps the student correct and learn from mistakes.
It helps the student to grow. It is not a personal attack.
It should be taken seriously.

New student orientation

When a new student becomes a part of the class, the teacher will introduce the new student to
the class and set the student up to succeed.
The student will be assigned to a team and a buddy.
The teacher provides information such as the class policies and procedures.
The teacher provides additional support to the student as needed.

Home and school connection

Parents should expect to receive a call from the teacher at the beginning of the year. This helps
the lines of communication to be open between us. As the school year continues, parents
should look for weekly emails with information about what is happening in class as well as
upcoming events. If either parents or students have questions or concerns about anything
happening at school the teacher can be contacted via email or text me at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Parents
should plan to attend registration as well as Back to School Night during the first month of
school.

Technology in the classroom

Because technology is so useful in education, we welcome it in class;
however, the safety of our students is paramount. We must have
guidelines and rules. Both students and parents will sign the district and
the school technology pledge before technology use will be allowed in the
classroom. While in this class, students will deposit the phones in phone
daycare until they are called for during a lesson. Students who do not
comply with the technology pledge will lose the privilege of bringing their
phone to class. Students who fail to deposit their phone in daycare will
lose the privilege of using their phone in class for a week.
This booklet is for your reference. Please sign and return this page, acknowledging you have
received this information, to class by Friday.

Student Signature:__________________________________________Date_______________

Parent Signature:___________________________________________Date_______________