Frequently Asked Questions in Ms. Kirkman's class

Frequently Asked Questions in Ms. Kirkman’s class
What did Ms. Kirkman expect out of me?
1. FOLLOW CLASS RULES
2. To sit in your assigned seat when the bell rings, and be working on your starter
3. Listen and follow instructions
4. Respect yourself and others (that includes not talking when the teacher or someone else is talking)
5. To try your very best
6. Ask questions when you are confused, lost or need help

What should you expect out of Ms. Kirkman?
1. I will treat everyone equally.
2. I will treat you with respect.
3. I will provide a safe learning environment.
4. I will be prepared every day to teach you, and help you.

How do you expect me to come into the classroom?
First on time and prepared, and if you are not inside my classroom when the bell rings you are tardy. I expect you to come into class, get into your assigned seat, and work on your starter. You may sharpen your pencil or get any supplies that you may need. You are expected to get to work on your starter 35 seconds after the bells rings, if you are not you will lose points.

When can I use the hall pass?
The rules for the hall pass are:
1. Hall pass time limit is 3 minutes
2. You can only use the hall pass during student work time
3. You can only use the pass 10 minutes after the period begins until 10 minutes before the period ends
4. You must have me sign your hall pass sheet (if you do NOT have your hall pass sheet with you, don’t even ask!)

How many hall passes do I have during the quarter?
You have three hall passes per quarter.
How do I know when my assignments are due?
Assignments that are due will be posted in three different places:
1. On the monthly due dates calendar
2. On the weekly schedule
3. On the front board

What happens when I am absent from your class?
You need to come to me before or after school, and get your missing work. You are responsible to make up the work you have missed. You have three days to turn in the absent work.

Can I turn in late work?
7th graders: Yes, you will have three late vouchers per quarter. You must staple the late voucher to your late assignment; otherwise you will receive zero points.
9th graders: If you turn in work late, you get 50% of the points possible. Welcome to high school! Remember if you fail my class, you a have to take summer school.

Can I pass your class?
YES! Everyone can pass my class. Tips to passing my class:
a. Be organized – use a folder to collect papers, and use your planner to record assignments
b. Don’t procrastinate, and get your work done in class
c. Follow instructions

Where do I turn in my assignments?
In the front of the class, there is a table with a row of baskets. Turn in your assignments into what period you belong. Remember to sign-in that you turned in your assignments.

What happens when there is a substitute?
The substitute should be treated with respect, and you should be on your best behavior. Any student’s name written down by the sub will be given an automatic office referral. If the entire class gets a bad report from the sub, the entire class will copy from the textbook the following day. (You can ask my students from last year)

Do I have to raise my hand to sharpen my pencil?
When ever I am giving instructions, or teaching I ask you please do not go and sharpen your pencil. It distracting and noisy to others, and you are missing something important. If you really need to sharpen your pencil, then raise your hand and ask. If it is student work time, it is fine to leave your seat to sharpen your pencil. If you are distracting others, you will be getting some extra work to do.

What is this reading a non-fiction book thingy?
You will be required to read a non-fiction or historical book once a quarter. You will read this book outside of class. The week before the quarter ends, you will be required to bring the book to class, and bring a filled out book report sheet to class. You will share your book with your fellow classmates. (See non-fiction book sheet)

Do we ever get to talk in your class?
Classroom time will break down into roughly this:
Ms. Kirkman- teaching /instruction time –15-20 minutes
Student silent working time- 5 minutes
If students are working after 5 minutes of silence- the rest of class time students may talk quietly (that means you are not distracting, and you are using your 6 inch voices)

What if someone is bullying me in your class?
I have ZERO tolerance for bullying. If someone is bullying you, please let me know ASAP. If you are bullying someone- I will first pull you out in the hall, and send you to the office. I will also call your parents.

Do we get to work in groups?
Yes, at the beginning of the year- we start out working individually, then more to working with partners, and then more group work at the end of the year. I will assign you groups- and NO you cannot switch groups. In life you don’t get to pick who you work with-so I am preparing you for the future. Do not whine about whom you are assigned to be with. On some RARE occasions, and if you are really good I will let you pick partners or groups.

What if I have more questions?
Feel free to talk to me before or after school anytime!