MS. SPERDUTO’S CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

2014-15

ROOM: 708   ALL COURSES     tgibson@salpointe.org

Please read over the Salpointe Handbook.  If you adhere to the policies in the handbook, take responsibility for your success, and conduct yourselves as respectful and kind young adults, we will have a great year in room 708. 

DRESS CODE - Please consult your handbook regarding proper academic attire.  Violations will send you to the Dean.

FOOD AND DRINK - Prohibited as per school policy with the exception of bottled water. 

NO GUM CHEWING!

IDENTIFICATION - Must be worn or be in student possession at all times.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES – Per school policy.

My policy—if we are using them, they are permitted. Taking audio or video of me or anyone or anything in the classroom is prohibited without permission.  Students are to use their own free time for social networking that is parent approved. 

ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS -   Salpointe policy will be strictly enforced. 

MAKE-UP WORK – Assignments, tests, quizzes and homework are due on their due date.  Late work will only be accepted in the event of your absence either related to illness or a school function.  If you are absent or attending a school function, SEE ME!   NO UNEXCUSED LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED IF YOU DO NOT SPEAK TO ME IN ADVANCE ABOUT YOUR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES.  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!!

SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS – SPECIFIC NOTEBOOK FOR THIS CLASS.  You are expected to have a dedicated English notebook.  You will occasionally be permitted to use these for quizzes in class.  Your notebook should be neat and well organized.   You will not be permitted to take a quiz with someone else’s notes. 

MATERIALS – Must have daily!  Remember – if you need to get your book from the locker after class has begun you will hold up the class and any extra personal minutes at the end of class will be lost to all.

1.  Pens and pencils.

2.  Your dedicated English notebook.

3.  Your textbook (or any book we are currently reading).

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE- ANY VIOLATIONS – YOU WILL BE SENT TO THE DEAN. 

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  Please stand and be respectful for the pledge and prayer


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  Take your turn in presenting prayer or reflection when called upon.


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  During announcements, please listen attentively and quietly.


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  When discussing topics, we need to respect one another’s opinions and allow everyone their chance to speak.  Bullying or disrespect will not be tolerated – you will be sent to the Dean and will lose any personal technology time.


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  KINDNESS will make room 708 a great place to be.   We will develop a systematic discussion protocol.


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  Excessive talking and causing a disturbance in any way during instruction will not be tolerated. 


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  Seating will be per Ms. Sperduto.   Weekly changes will be made to seating.


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  Restroom passes will be limited.   Please try to take care of this before or after class   

ACADEMIC HONESTY -   It has been my experience that students sometimes feel intimidated by writing assignments and feel their writing “isn’t good enough.”  A few resort to plagiarism – using someone else’s work without giving that someone the credit they deserve.  I have had students in the past download and copy entire essays from the internet!   Of course, they received a 0 for that assignment.   Thanks to modern technology it is very easy to detect plagiarism.  What YOU have to say is much more important and interesting to me than what someone else already said (even if you think that person can turn a phrase far better than you can).  SEE ME when you struggle---don’t resort to cheating.  Tests, quizzes, homework, group work, research—- I expect your work, not the work of someone else.  AGAIN - SEE ME if you are struggling.  My hours of availability are posted on my door. Or, e-mail me --- I will help you.

PEER EDITING – Occasionally, students will edit each other’s work with the goal of critiquing and improving writing.

GRADING –  Salpointe grading scale (A-90-100), etc.  See the Handbook.

       X-TRA CREDIT – In rare instances, I will offer extra credit.  Extra credit is only available

       to you if all your work has been turned in to that point.

FILMS AND FILM CLIPS

We view films and/or clips from films throughout the course of the school year.  The films are used in conjunction with reading/writing projects.  As well as acknowledging rules and policies in the classroom, your signature will be required prior to viewing any clips or films that are R rated.  Your student will bring a permission slip home prior to viewing.  Without this permission, your student will not be viewing R rated material.   violence/language.  We view films for the purpose of applying their larger messages to themes connected with our literature and themes connected to societal issues we are covering in class.  Please be assured that I am not a proponent of gratuitous sex, language or violence.

LEASE CUT OUT THE FOLLOWING CONSENT ALONG THIS LINE AND TURN IT IN TO MS. SPERDUTO FOR CREDIT.

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STUDENT NAME (PLEASE PRINT)

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BY SIGNING AND RETURNING THIS PAGE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE REVIEWED MY CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND YOU AND YOUR STUDENT AGREE THAT YOUR STUDENT WILL COMPLY WITH THEM.

Thank you,

Ms. Sperduto

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Signature (Parent/Guardian)      

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Date

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Signature (Student)