Classroom Policies Writing 2 – Spring Semester Update

 Below are brief reminders from the first semester and some new homework and attendance guidelines:

Classroom Conduct

·         Be polite and respectful of each other’s time and comments. If the teacher or a classmate is talking, listen respectfully and avoid any unnecessary conversations or interactions that would disrupt the class.  (NOTE:  This is a large class, and side conversations have a big impact on the flow of the class.)

·         Come to class prepared and with the appropriate materials (books, notebook, pens, etc.).  Turn off ALL electronic devices.  (They may be confiscated until the end of the CHAT school day.)

·         According to CHAT policies, food is not allowed in the classroom unless it’s part of a class activity; that includes lunch.  If students have not finished eating by the time class starts, they should finish it in the café/commons area before coming to class.   Beverages (e.g. coffee, water, juice, etc.) are permitted in the classroom.

Communication

·         Weekly updates will be sent that include comments about class discussions and homework.  If you are not getting these, check your Spam/Junk file and/or contact me.

·         The websites below are also helpful classroom resources:

–  Writing 2 – www.chatwriting2.blogspot.com.  The blog entries will contain the same information from the e-mail updates

–  Google Drive –Most of the handouts will be available on a shared folder in Google Drive either as Word documents or PDF files.

–  MyGradeBook – www.mygradebook.com. This is an online grade book on which I will enter the grades and scores for completed assignments.  Note:  Scores may not be immediately added to the website; feel free to contact me for any questions.

Late Homework Guidelines

·         Homework is most useful when it is completed by the due date.  Grammar worksheets and literature-related homework is not as beneficial for the student if it is done after the class has covered that topic.

·         Parents, please check that your students have a workable plan for keeping track of assignments and homework.

·         Any homework handed in more than 2 weeks late will not be scored.  For example, if a worksheet is assigned in Week 2 and due Week 3, it will not be accepted after Week 5.

·         If a student is absent due to an illness or family situation, parents should contact me.  Extensions will be given in these circumstances.

Attendance & Tardiness Guidelines

·         If a student will be absent, it helps to let me know, but this is not required.  If a student is missing from class and I haven’t heard from parents, I will contact parents and/or students to see if it is a situation for which homework extensions would be required.

·         If a student is late and arrives to class after we have started the Quick Write, he/she will lose the 5 points from that Quick Write.  If the tardiness is due to an unavoidable family situation, parents should contact me, and those points will not be subtracted.