MY MIND REBELS AT STAGNATION.

Give me problems, give me work,

give me the most abstruse cryptogram,

or the most intricate analysis,
and I am in my own proper atmosphere.

I can dispense then with artificial stimulants.

But I abhor the dull routine of existence.

I CRAVE FOR MENTAL EXALTATION.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

To thrive, innovate, & build an authentic community of scholars,
students will strive to meet the following expectations:

INTELLECTUAL EXPECTATIONS

• practice scholarly behavior
• do not steal others' opportunities to learn or think (disruptions, disrespect, selfishness)

• be an example to others, a role model for others
• take initiative
• be prepared
• help others with learning

• defend your thoughts
• use evidence to support your ideas
• use multiple resources

• take risks
• respectfully challenge others
• actively participate (no "I don't know" responses)
• think "outside the box"

SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS

• Humility
• Gratitude
• Courtesy
  
  

• Self-Discipline
• Diligence
• Perseverance

• Passion
• Compassion
• Helping Others

• Loyalty
• Honesty
• Dependability
  
  

• Class & Grace
• Sacrifice
• Devotion
  
  

• Valencia Tiger's Character Traits
• character counts
• foundation for a better life

Therefore, in light of the expectations of intellect and etiquette in room 401, the following rules will allow the fulfillment of success and growth:

RULES

• Always come prepared with the appropriate...
• materials
• attitude
• effort

• Respect and Care ..
  • the time
  • all classmates
  • the teacher
  • the classroom (school property, books, etc.). 
    • Let’s keep our school materials, desks, and classroom clean!
• Be present and on timeto class everyday. 
  • Students must be in their seats and ready to go when the bell rings.
    • Asking for paper, pencils, should not occur at any time during..we should always have extra materials ready.
• Students should not be packing up early.  
  • • We "clean up" when there are about two minutes left before the end of the period.
      
• Expect to be 
  • writing
  • reading (literature and each others' writings)
  • speaking (class discussion, oral reports and performances)
  • listening (eye contact)
  • collaborating (working together in groups)
    
    
• Make upassignments when absent and turn in all assignments on time.
  
  
• Go through the Writing Process for compositions (pre-writing, drafting, conferencing, revising, editing, and publishing) [Language Arts Writing Standards 1, 2, 3].
• Work responsibly together when in writing conferences and literature circles [Lang. Arts Writing & Reading Standards 1, 2, 3].
• Master the writing genres (narrative, response to literature, persuasive, and expository) [Language Arts Writing Standards 2, 3].
• Achieve competency in oral language skills [Lang. Arts Written & Oral English Language Standard 1].
• Read and respond thoughtfully to a wide variety of literary and expository texts [Language Arts Writing & Reading Standards 1, 2].
  
  
• Assess and reflect upon work and progress as a writer and compile work in portfolios [Language Arts Writing Standard 1].
• Develop AND take ownershipover a pattern and habit of regular home study and independent practice.
  
  
• Adhere to the “BEHAVIOR VIOLATIONS & CONSEQUENCES” and “ATTENDANCE POLICY” (tardies, truancies, excused/unexcused absences, etc.) in the Valencia High School Student Handbook [visit the VHS website].
• Strive to meet the “Valencia High School Expected School-wide Learning Results[ESLRs]

In order for these rules to be truly implemented, we, the community of room 401, will adhere to the following:

PROCEDURES

• whether the teacher, other students 
• during the lesson, conference, or discussion.

• Students obtain necessary materials for class (pen, notebook, textbook/novel, etc)

• Warm-Up (Quick-Write, Grammar Exercise, &/or S.S.R.)
• Mini-Lesson (Attentiveness, Note-taking)
• Literary Task or Writing Task
• Guided Practice
• small groups, partners, lit. circles
• Independent Practice &/or Cooperative Learning
• Closure (Summary, Connection, Application, Reflection)

Failing to consistently follow the above-stated expectations, rules, or procedures, will lead to the following:

CONSEQUENCES

1st INCIDENT: 

• Verbal/Non-verbal Warning given to student by teacher

2nd INCIDENT:

• Short, personal conference and/or [depending on the severity of the offense]...
  
• 10 minute detention with teacher before or after school or during lunch[and/or]...
• Change of seat

3rd INCIDENT:

• Phone call home to parents/guardians [and/or]...
• time out with another teacher

4th INCIDENT:

• 30--45 Minute detention with teacher[and/or] 
• Referral/conference with counselor

5th INCIDENT:

• Student, teacher, parent conference [with administrator/counselor if necessary]

REASONS for Disciplinary Action:

• Lack of Progress
• Disrespect
• Minor Disruptive Behavior
• Major Disruptive Behavior
• Chronic Problems
  
  • TARDIES
  • Unprepared (for learning)

REASONS for Immediate Referral:

• No-show to Teacher-Student Detention
• Defiance
• Truancies
• Violence
• Harassment
• Profanity
• Drugs, Alcohol
• Substitute Teacher (Disrespect to, disruptive behavior to, defiance towards)
• Cheating