“A Word to the Wise is Sufficient.”

My seventh grade teacher always told her classes that, “a word to the wise is sufficient.”  It was her opinion and mine too, that a student should not need to be repeatedly told how to behave in class.  So here are just a few comments to help us have a good year.  Be absolutely sure that you have read the student handbook and that you understand it thoroughly.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.   You may even be tested over it.  Some examples that you need to pay specific attention to include:

A)  Cell phones are not to be turned on during the school day – not at break, not at lunch, etc.  It will be taken it up the first time, no matter where I may see you on campus.  No one gets a break.  If you need to use a phone, the school phone may be made available to you.  Read the handbook carefully regarding phones.  You may turn on the phone and use it once the announcements are completed in the afternoon and you are dismissed for the day.  Games, cameras, cd players, headphones, etc, may also be taken up;

B)  Clothing styles change, but good manners do not.  Be careful in your choices (I don’t care if your mom did buy it).  Do not wear anything that is suggestive (and yes, I understand just about every one of those comments that are on those shirts).  Shirts that advertise such things as alcohol, or illegal activities are not allowed.  Nor are gang-related symbols or chains that could be weapons.  Leave the Confederate clothes, hats, bandanas, coats, jewelry, etc. at home.  The only piercings allowed are in the ears.  If you don’t know what that means, look it up.  Even if other teachers have ignored it, don’t expect me to do so.  By the way, underwear is called that for a reason.  In the case of sagging pants, anything showing is unacceptable – even track shorts, etc;  If you continue to ignore that rule, you will be sent to the principal;

C)  Be in class on time.  Showing up late wastes your time, the class’s time, and mine as well.  If you are not in class when I check the roll, you are tardy.  Do not try excuses, just plan ahead;

D)  Go to the restroom between classes.  If you don’t need to go, go anyway.  I don’t leave the classroom and you shouldn’t either.  The restroom is also the place for makeup, hair brushing, etc; The bathroom in this room is off limits to students;

E)  Always have your handbook with you.  The handbook is designed to be rather sturdy.  It should hold up all year if you are reasonably careful with it.  New handbooks are available for $5.00 if you should need one.  In the handbook also includes your hall pass and your mid-term progress reports;

F)  The consumption of food and drink is not allowed in the classroom;

G)  The classroom should be a safe and enjoyable place where learning can happen.  Negative attitudes and comments or any type of bullying will not be tolerated.  Be sure to watch your language at all times.  Inappropriate words or phrases, such as, “My god,” or “That’s so gay,” are not allowed.  Nor is any type of name calling or harassment.  It is also important that the room be relatively quiet.  There are times when speaking is acceptable, so please know what those times are.  You should be able to hear the bell; that is a signal to be ready to begin;

H)  While in class, you will be asked to focus on one thing at a time.  In other words, if we are working on a study guide, no one should be trying to do homework, writing notes, etc. On the wall are some reminders in the form of big number ones.  I don’t care what happens in other classes, what other teachers allow you to do.  Here, we are going to work, play, and learn.  If you are not willing to cooperate, there will be consequences.  Comments like, “but everybody else is,” are worthless;

I)  Do not have your head down during class at any time.  If you are tired, sleep at home.  If you have a job that keeps you up late, that’s your problem.  This is class time.  If you are sick, go to the nurse.  I’ll be happy to sign you out.  If you are feeling well enough to stay in class, you are feeling well enough to pay attention; and

J)  Those who have a hard time understanding these requirements may be warned, receive a call to parents, miss break, lose privileges or serve suspension.  Three infractions result in an office referral. 

To have a successful year, just remember to listen, follow directions, do your work, and let others do theirs.  That is what it all boils down to! 

A word to the wise is sufficient.