Ms. Hicks’ Classroom Guidelines
Welcome! I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn from you this semester, just as I hope you will learn from me. In order to ensure that this class is a positive, productive, and fun learning environment for everyone, I have provided some expectations below. If you have any questions, please ask.
Materials Needed:
Bring the following materials with you every day:
Top Five for Success:
Consequences:
1st offense: Verbal Warning
2nd offense: Parent Contact, Sentences
3rd offense: Office Referral, Parent Contact
Bathroom:
From time to time, we will take a bathroom break as a class. If a whole-class break is taken, you may not use the restroom individually. On days where no break is planned, you may go to the bathroom during times of individual or small group work, but you must sign out by writing your name and the time you left on the dry erase board by the door. You may not go to the bathroom while we are taking notes, watching a film, or having a class discussion. I reserve the right to revoke bathroom privileges should I feel they are being abused.
Cell Phones:
Cell phones are permitted during the first 5 minutes of class and bathroom breaks. At all other times, phones should be stored in your pocket, bookbag, or purse. First offense: phone is confiscated until end of class. Second offense: phone is confiscated until the end of the day. Third offense: phone is sent to office for parent pickup.
Food:
Bottled drinks (must have a lid) and light snacks (granola bars, Poptarts, etc.) are allowed in my class, provided you do not make a mess or disrupt class. You will clean up any mess you make. If food becomes a problem, it will become contraband.
Grading:
Your grade is a reflection of the work you put into this class. There is an NC Final Exam for this class; you cannot be exempt. Assignments will have the following weights:
Tests and Projects: 45%
Quizzes and Source/HIPPO Journals: 30%
Classwork/Homework Grades: 25%
Each quarter is worth 40% of your final grade. The remaining 20% consists of your grade on the North Carolina Final Exam for Civics and Economics.
Assignments: Turning in; Late and Missed Work
Zero Period:
I am available for help or discussion during zero period on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. There will be no zero period on Mondays and Fridays except by prior appointment. I am also available for help or discussion after school by appointment.
How to Contact Me:
If you would like to meet with me, please make an appointment. When my door is open, you are welcome to stop by for a chat. I will announce after-school review or work sessions throughout the semester. If and when you (or your parents) have questions for me, I can be reached in the following methods:
School Phone: 336-983-2099
Email: [email protected] (best method of contact after 3 PM!)
Let’s work together to make this a great semester. Go ‘Cats!
Materials Needed:
Bring the following materials with you every day:
- Pencil, Pen, AND Highlighter
- 3-ring binder for this class with 2 dividers
- Colored Pencils
Top Five for Success:
- Respect people and property by...
- Avoiding interruptions- wait your turn to speak.
- Treating others with kindness (that includes words and actions).
- Keeping topics of conversation and body language school-appropriate at all times.
- Listen to and follow all directions the first time they are given. Ask for clarification when necessary.
- Be organized, on time, and prepared each day.
- “Organized”: in possession of all necessary materials to complete the task (school).
- “On time”: in your seat and quiet when the bell rings.
- “Prepared”: ready to learn.
- Work hard to learn something every day.
- Be honest.
Consequences:
1st offense: Verbal Warning
2nd offense: Parent Contact, Sentences
3rd offense: Office Referral, Parent Contact
Bathroom:
From time to time, we will take a bathroom break as a class. If a whole-class break is taken, you may not use the restroom individually. On days where no break is planned, you may go to the bathroom during times of individual or small group work, but you must sign out by writing your name and the time you left on the dry erase board by the door. You may not go to the bathroom while we are taking notes, watching a film, or having a class discussion. I reserve the right to revoke bathroom privileges should I feel they are being abused.
Cell Phones:
Cell phones are permitted during the first 5 minutes of class and bathroom breaks. At all other times, phones should be stored in your pocket, bookbag, or purse. First offense: phone is confiscated until end of class. Second offense: phone is confiscated until the end of the day. Third offense: phone is sent to office for parent pickup.
Food:
Bottled drinks (must have a lid) and light snacks (granola bars, Poptarts, etc.) are allowed in my class, provided you do not make a mess or disrupt class. You will clean up any mess you make. If food becomes a problem, it will become contraband.
Grading:
Your grade is a reflection of the work you put into this class. There is an NC Final Exam for this class; you cannot be exempt. Assignments will have the following weights:
Tests and Projects: 45%
Quizzes and Source/HIPPO Journals: 30%
Classwork/Homework Grades: 25%
Each quarter is worth 40% of your final grade. The remaining 20% consists of your grade on the North Carolina Final Exam for Civics and Economics.
Assignments: Turning in; Late and Missed Work
- Turn in on-time homework or project assignments in your period’s tray as you come into class unless otherwise directed. Every assignment completed MUST have a title and date on the paper. 10 points will be taken off assignments that are not labeled.
- Late assignments should be turned into the red “Late Basket” on the front bookshelf. A penalty of 20 points will be taken from any work turned in after the assigned deadline.
- If you miss class, it is YOUR responsibility to check the make-up folders and come talk to me IN ZERO PERIOD or after class about any questions.
Zero Period:
I am available for help or discussion during zero period on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. There will be no zero period on Mondays and Fridays except by prior appointment. I am also available for help or discussion after school by appointment.
How to Contact Me:
If you would like to meet with me, please make an appointment. When my door is open, you are welcome to stop by for a chat. I will announce after-school review or work sessions throughout the semester. If and when you (or your parents) have questions for me, I can be reached in the following methods:
School Phone: 336-983-2099
Email: [email protected] (best method of contact after 3 PM!)
Let’s work together to make this a great semester. Go ‘Cats!