Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! I look forward to a successful year with your child. Listed below please find my classroom policies and procedures. Please take a few moments to read through and discuss these rules and expectations with your child. Your student will recieve a copy of these classroom policies during the first few days of school. They are to place their copy of the classroom policy and procedures in the front of their English binder so they can refer to it often. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at ccraig@ldisd.net.

SUPPLIES
Have your supplies with you EACH day! You will need:
* 3-ring binder (preferably 2" or larger)
*Spiral notebook (for journals)
* Writing utensils (blue or black ink only!)
* Pencils
* Notebook paper
* Five tab dividers
* One box of tissues
* Textbook cover (paper or cloth)

ENGLISH BINDER
Each student is required to have a binder that is for this class only. You are responsible for keeping all handouts, bellringers, notes, graded classwork, homework, quizzes and tests. You must keep everything for this class in your binder at all times and have your binder in class with you every day. You will need five tab dividers inside your English binder labeled with the following categories:
1. Class handouts-- this is where you will place informational handouts (including these rules and policies), discipline plan, bathroom passes, etc.
2. Bellringers / Warm-Up Exercises--this is where you will place daily warm-up exercises.
3. Class notes -- this is where you will place all your notes taken in class. All work needs to be dated, titled, and placed in chronological order.
4. Graded work -- this is where you will place all your graded daily work, homework, quizzes and tests.
5. Projects -- this is where you will place all work related to projects (excluding portfolio work).

LATE WORK
It is your responsibility to complete and turn in assignments on the due date. As a policy, late work is penalized. Failure to turn in work when it is called for will receive a grade reduction. For more details on this matter, please refer to the Lake Dallas Independent School District Secondary Late Work Guidelines.

MAKE-UP WORK
This is your responsibility! It is impossible for me to constantly remind students to pick up and turn in missing work. The work will ALWAYS be in the make-up folders in the crate located on the table at the door as you enter the classroom. Be sure to check for any missing assignments the day you return to school. The late work policy applies with make-up work completion, too.

TESTS & QUIZZES
All tests and quizzes must be completed within the class period in which they are given (unless special arrangements have been made with me).

WORK QUALITY
All work must be neat. This means legible handwriting, clean notebook paper, and blue or black ink only. If I cannot read it, I cannot grade it! All work handed in MUST be written in COMPLETE sentences---ALWAYS.

TARDIES
You are expected to be on time to class; this means inside the room and in your seat when the bell rings. The LDHS tardy policy will be strictly enforced.

SEATING
I will place you in a seating arrangement each six weeks. You are expected to sit in your assigned seat unless notified of changes by me.

BATHROOM PASSES
Each six weeks you will be allowed three bathroom passes. You must have a pass to leave the classroom. It is important for you to keep this sheet in your English binder at all times!

TUTORIALS
I offer tutorials for English II on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 7:45—8:15, and PAP English II tutorials on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:45 - 8:15. I will try to be flexible about tutorial hours if you request a different time the day before you want to come in for help.

RULES
* Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings.
* Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings in the classroom.
* Come to class prepared to learn every day--this means bringing your English binder, supplies, and any assigned work to class on a daily basis.
* Follow directions the first time they are given.
* Water (in a bottle with a cap) is OK. No other foods or drinks are allowed in the classroom.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
You will not be allowed to leave the classroom except for emergencies!

Take care of bathroom and locker needs BEFORE class. Do not ask to leave unless it is imperative.

Each day we will be working the entire class period, so come ready to work.

If you miss a day, you miss work, so always check the make-up folder!

NO cell phones or electronic devices are allowed to be visible during the school day!

All assignments are expected to be turned in ON the due date. Work turned in after due date will not receive full credit. The LDHS late work policy will be strictly enforced.

I dismiss the class, NOT the bell.

MORE THINGS TO KNOW:

POSTED GRADES
Grades will be posted on the computer frequently. It is your responsibility to check Family Access to monitor your grade. Please check often so that you are informed, and so there are no unexpected surprises!

GRADING POLICY
Grades are weighted using the following percentages:
Daily grades, grammar, vocabulary quizzes, and minor projects: 50%
All tests, essays, portfolios, and major projects: 50%
I will inform you with all assignments how many times each will be worth!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR:
* Dress appropriately every day! Dress code will be strictly enforced.
* Keep a positive attitude.
* Be prepared to participate in class.
* Take pride in yourself and all the work you do for this class.