Class+Expectations

Sixth Grade History/Social Studies


 * Class Procedures and Rules** **or -**


 * "What you need to know, do, and bring to class each day in order to survive sixth grade History/Social Studies**

Who likes long lists of rules? Often, though, they help to avoid problems and misunderstandings, to let students do things right the first time and not have to re-do work. I hope the points below are clear. Let me know if I need to explain them more. Keep this sheet in the front of your social studies binder.

What should you bring to class each day?

• Your binder, which should contain... • Your agenda/pass book. • Your active intelligence and your most positive attitude.
 * two sections (we will talk about how you will organize your binder in class).
 * white lined loose-leaf paper (no spiral or yellow paper)
 * pencils (pens are optional) highlighters, eraser, etc.

What should you do when you get to class?

• Come in quickly and quietly. • Sit in your seat/group. Don't stand around. (You may talk quietly.) • Write down your homework (this will be written on the board). • Open your binder and take out a pencil, paper, and any handouts/materials we might be using.

What are you supposed to do in class?

• Respect everyone else in the class. Don't make fun of or put down anyone else. This is very important, for the success of the class depends on everyone feeling comfortable enough to join in. • Please contribute to class discussion ...but raise your hand. • Pay attention to class discussion or directions. • Expect to be asked your ideas or opinions and be ready to give them. • Be ready to take notes or to write down important points written on the board (we will discuss how to do this in the first week of classes). • Start on homework in class when you are given the opportunity. I gauge the number of minutes I give you to do this by how productively you use them, so make the most of this opportunity. • If you need to go to the bathroom or get a drink during class please fill out your pass book and bring it to me to sign. Try to pick a time that is least disruptive and leave and return as quickly and as quietly as you can. Only one person may be absent from the room at any one time. • Be a responsible citizen and help keep the classroom clean by picking up any paper, trash, etc. on and around your desk before leaving the room. Put any paper that you wish to discard in the recycle box. How should you go about doing your history/social studies homework?

• Check the board when you first come it. Write down homework in your assignment notebook at the beginning of the period. (Yes, I know I’ve already said this, but it’s worth repeating.) • Take care to note how the work is to be done and when it is due. • On written work, put your name, the date and assignment in the upper right hand corner. On the left side, write the assignment itself. You will lose credit if you forget to put your name and the assignment on your paper. • Don't lose your homework. Place it in the front of your binder. • Papers should be neat and not wrinkled. Don't rip paper out of your binder. • Although this is not an English class, I expect you to proofread your work and to pay careful attention to spelling, sentence structure, etc. • In general, follow the guidelines of the WFS Style sheet. (There’s a copy in your agenda book.) • You (not a parent) may type any homework assignment. Please use a font that is clear and easy to read. (Nine point font is too small for my old eyes.) • All tests and quizzes must be signed by a parent and shown to me the next time the class meets.

What happens if you don't have the needed materials for class, or if you don't have your homework?

• Your work isn't late if you have been absent or have an excuse like a family emergency, but please try to see me before class. It must be turned in the next class period, however. • If you come to class unprepared more than three times in a marking period, you'll receive a detention. • If you are late handing in a larger or long-term assignment your grade for the work is lowered by a letter. (Please read the MS late work policy that can be found in your agenda.)

What happens if you have to be absent for family reasons?

• You need to let me know at least three school days ahead of time... except, of course, for emergencies. Whenever possible, I will give you assignments and ask you to complete them before you go. (That way, you have finished your obligations before you go away and have less to worry about). • If you don't let me know in sufficient time, you will still have to complete the work you miss.

How should you revise papers that are returned to you?

• First, not all your writings need be revised, although the option is always open to you. However, if I tell you on a paper/rubric or in person that it needs to be revised, it must be done. • Read my comments. They will tell you what is good, what needs work, and how to do it. If you cannot read my writing or don't understand what I’m asking, please see me during a study hall or call me at home. • You have a week from the day I return your paper to you to complete your revisions.

acb -8/22/06