Mrs. Roser’s Classroom Guidelines

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Please carefully read the information I have posted in this hand out. Hopefully you will find I have made myself, as well as information about our class, easily accessible to you through personal email, a personal web page, school email, and through weekly grade reporting. Please take advantage of these vehicles of communication. I am really  looking forward to another rewarding school year. I hope you are experiencing the same. If you have any questions at all, please contact me. We are a team and together we can be sure of the best experience for your child.

What are we required to have for class?
I look for the basic essentials--a pen or pencil, planner, and an English notebook (with clamps or multiple pockets) are mandatory.  Highlighters, sticky pads and whiteout are also very helpful. Oh, and don't forget the smile! 

What is the environment of the classroom?
I believe you'll find our classroom to be a safe, comfortable, respectful environment. I have a rule whereby if a student is disrespectful towards another student, he/she will be given a chance to "undo the wrong" by giving three sincere positive comments to the injured party--unless a choice is made to serve a detention instead.  Of course, I abide by the Manchester High School Student Handbook.  But my rule is basically The Golden Rule: treat others as you would have them treat you.  I work to help my students establish a special bond within the classroom by their encouraging and supporting one another.  I feel this plays a key role in bringing forth everyone's very best qualities and efforts.

Can I email assignments to you?
Of course! As a matter of fact, essays are required to be emailed as well as to come in as hard copy.  Beware! Sometimes it appears there are "holes" in cyberspace as students have reported sending email that I have never received. If you are sending something of great importance, then I suggest you send a copy to both of my email addresses (personal and school). My school email address is bllnrose@ci.manchester.ct.us. (That is b eleven). My personal email is rosernancy@gmail.com. Emailing does come in handy when your printer is broken, when there is no more paper, or when you are going on a field trip or must be absent and therefore not able to attend class.

If have a question, can I email you?
Do not hesitate to do so--even if you have what you think is a silly or minor question. I. I do check my MHS email regularly throughout the day and frequently in the evening or early morning as well. Certainly, however, you have a much better chance that I will read and respond to you if you email, for example, on Monday when you need a response by Wednesday. Usually, though, you will receive an answer on the same day. To be doubly sure to reach me, again I suggest you send a copy of your email to both my personal and my school address.

I'm not always sure of how I'm doing in my classes and sometimes my parents ask me specifics about my progress. How can I get this information?
No problem! You will not have any progress surprises in my class. Once the quarter has advanced, I will record your present grade average every Thursday or Friday. It is your responsibility to maintain a planner or specific notebook where these grades will be written. You can also ask me to print out a grade sheet for you.


Do I always have to show the grade report to my parents?
I would advise it. As a parent, I have always been interested in my children's school progress, so I devised this grade communication program to also help your parents know how you are doing in English class. If your grade average falls below a seventy, I require a parent/guardian signature next to the grade. If you do not show me the signature by the end of the next class, a detention will be issued and a phonecall will be made to the parent. 

What is the best way for my parents/guardians to get in touch with you?
If it is available, the quickest way to reach me is via email. I frequently find that much time is spent playing "telephone tag" with your parents trying to reach me and with me trying to reach them. Otherwise, please call MHS and leave a message. For a brief, quick response, your parents/guardians may also send a note with you as another option. Remember, aside from the semi-quarterly progress reports, weekly grade reports are available through you. I encourage your parents to ask you to share this information with them on a regular basis, and I encourage you to let them know how you are doing. I expect that since I have sent this information, they are aware of your progress in my class.

My grade this week didn't change. Why not?
You may not have had many new grades for that week or the grades entered were so closely aligned with your present average that there was little to no fluctuation.

My grade jumped/dropped enormously. Why?
A major assignment may have been recorded, a grade in a category where there were few or no assignments may have been entered, it may be early in the quarter where every grade makes a huge impact, or you may have neglected to turn in an assignment and have earned a zero. Zeroes are extremely detrimental. If you have any question about your average, please see me after school

When can I come in for a conference, extra help, or make up work?
Come on in to room 210 after school where you will find me every evening unless there is a department or staff meeting.  I have a sign up sheet attached to my desk with "block out dates" so you can sign up for a conference at your convenience.  If I do not have a class and you need me right away, you will most likely find me in the English office (202) or in the workroom across the hall from it (room 205). For make up quizzes and tests, I can also work with your study hall schedule. Sometimes it may even be possible for you to come in and make up a quiz or test while I have a class in progress. I am very happy to work with you.

I missed class. How do I know what the assignment was? 
Feel free to email me.  In addition, it's always a good idea to  exchange phone numbers and/or email addresses with several classmates so you can ask them as well.

How do I make up missed work for excused absences?
For regular assignments, you have two class meetings for each approved absence. For long-term assignments before I can accept the paper or project I will need confirmation from your parent/guardian that the absence was legitimate and that the work was completed when it was due.  (Many times students have someone drop their work off for them either in my mailbox or in my room).I'll let you know  which assignments fall into this category, but it would be wise to simply assume that this applies to every assignment It pays not to procrastinate!

Quizzes and tests must be made up within that same time frame. You can also email me to set up a make up schedule.  I understand how overwhelming it can be when you have been ill and have several classes that require make up work.

Can assignments be turned in late? Will I be penalized?
Please do not expect assignments to be accepted late. There may, however, be a few exceptions to this policy, but it is a gamble you take; additionally, there will be a loss of ten points per day.  If you have difficulty with an assignment or the date on which it is due, please see me ahead of time; not on the day the work is to be submitted.

How can I speak to you in advance about having difficulty with an assignment? What if I just find out the night before it is due?
It is all about PLANNING. If you receive an assignment on Monday, then work on it Monday evening, not Tuesday evening. On Tuesday do the homework you received that day. This will help you in several ways: (1) the assignment given will be fresher in your mind, (2) you will have an opportunity to determine whether you have questions about the material and will have the opportunity to discuss it with me, (3) a pattern of procrastination will not be established, and (4) if you need to separate the assignments into smaller parts you will be able to do so, such as reading an assignment that requires a slower reading rate than you had anticipated. If you have begun the assignment early enough, you will have the option to “chunk” the material and to return to it later. Additionally, in the event of a computer problem, you will have time to get to another computer.

What about if I will not be in class but want to drop a paper off to you?
Go to room 210.  Place your work in the In basket on the corner of my desk.  If there is a class taking place, excuse yourself, tip toe to my desk and put the paper in the basket. You are all set.

Do assignments have to be typed?
Yes--and please follow the Style Guide essay format.  Be sure to plan ahead so you do not run into issues such as printer failure, computer problems, or accidental deletion. Give yourself time so there is room for dealing with potential technology problems.   If there is a printer issue, use email and turn in a floppy disk to be safe. Computers are available before and after school in my home base (room 210), in the library, and in the computer labs. In addition, computers are available in both the Mary Cheney and the Whiton Memorial Library. Plan ahead! Type your important paper at least the day before it is due to allow time to deal with possible problems.

What about extra credit?
Generally speaking, there is no extra credit available.

What happens if I am tardy to class?
Please be in the classroom when the bell rings or expect a detention. If you need to use the lavatory, let me know before class so a pass/excuse can be given to you. Excessive tardies are handled by the administration. If you have experienced an extenuating circumstance that caused your tardiness, please see me privately for discussion of the situation.

What about cell phones?
Cell phones that are in view are in danger of being confiscated and turned into an administrator. Please let your parents know that you are not allowed to receive calls during school time.

What about other technology like IPODs and CD players?
The same policy that applies to cell phones applies to other technology—but with some exception.  There MAY be times when I will allow you to listen to your music but that will be clearly stated.  Other than that, all equipment is to be stowed away. This also protects it from being stolen—which, unfortunately, does happen.

Are there other class procedures that I should know?
Yes.  Please remain in your seat until I  excuse you. As the classroom environment is a large part of our day, I request you  clean up after yourself and push your chairs under the table so the room remains neat and inviting.

Just a note in closing:

I am looking forward to getting to know you and to helping you strengthen your skills in English. I appreciate your feedback and hope to find you an enthusiastic student who enjoys challenge and success. Please remember I am here to help you. It is of the utmost importance that you ask questions in class, that you participate to help further your understanding and involvement, and that you seek me out when you feel the need to discuss something further. My goal is to prepare you for whatever path you choose beyond this class - be it the path of a successful college student, an important member of the community, an upstanding employee or employer, or a strong, loving parent. Our time together can offer opportunities to help you reach your goal, so let's work together. Welcome to my class.


Sincerely,

Mrs.  Roser

Signature Sheet – Homework!

This is for a grade!  Please fill this in, sign it, and have your parent/guardian sign as well.

I have read the handout on Mrs. Roser’s Classroom Guidelines. I am aware that grades are written in planners and that a grade sheet may be requested for further information.

Printed Name of student:________________________________________________________________

Student signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Printed Name of Parent/Guardian:____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature_____________________________________________________________________

Thank you!