CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Requirements

Come to class prepared with your laptop/device and a spiral or loose leaf notebook for handwritten work.

Check the class blog daily for updates.

Late Work and Extensions

English department policy requires one letter grade be deducted for late work.

Extension requests must be made 24 hours or more in advance of a deadline. 

THE "ONE RULE" IN THIS CLASS

If a student in class is creating a problem for his or herself, other students, or me, you can be sure I will do something about it.

Regarding "rules" around cell phones, devices, etc. used in class, use common sense. Removing distractions during class is expected. Walking into the classroom with headphones in, texting, on a call, etc., is considered inappropriate, whether or not the bell has rung yet. Finish outside.

If personal use of your technology is creating a problem for you, me, or your classmates, I will deal with the situation on a case by case basis.

If you have an emergency need that requires you to text or make a call, just let me know, so you can step out of class to take care of the matter. Otherwise, I shouldn't see your phone out unless I ask you to use it for class. Which does happen from time to time.

If you ever have any questions about rules/procedures in class, please let me know!

What YOU can expect from me:

MR. BARKER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

PREPARED.

You can expect me to arrive to class on time and to be prepared to support you in any way I can in order for you to succeed in English class this year.

AVAILABLE.

You can expect my door and email to be open as much as possible if you are feeling the need to discuss your progress or find ways for our class to work better for you.

      ON YOUR SIDE.

You can expect me to be your advocate and coach. I am on your side. I consider your grade my grade. If you have a C, I have a C. If you have an A, I have an A. My job is to help you succeed.

HONEST.

You can expect me to be fair and honest with you.

      HUMAN.

You can expect me to be human. I make mistakes. And you can expect me to apologize.

I WILL CHALLENGE YOU.

You can expect me to set very high standards for you – I am not creating hard work to make your life difficult; I am looking to create an academic environment that will challenge you to reach the highest level you can reach. I will be asking you to work hard on a daily basis.

      I WANT YOUR OPINIONS.

You can expect me to want your opinions. Is there something you read recently that you think would be great for class? Are there voices we aren’t hearing enough from in class? Is the seating arrangement not working for you? Tell me! Let’s work on it together.

      TIMELY FEEDBACK.

You can expect me to return all major assignments, other than your final, within approximately two weeks (excluding holidays!). When this is not possible, I will communicate with you and do my best to return your work on a timely schedule. It can sometimes be frustrating to not receive work back right away. I ask you to be patient – it is very important that I do not rush when I’m reading your work.

Questions? Thoughts? Need Support? Exhausted by all the Day 1, start-of-class, workload from all of your classes? I’m here for you.

Email me! Or come see me!

MY OFFICE HOURS

Feel free to drop in during my free 1st period, free 4th period, before school, after school, during tutorial, or during lunch.

It's best to make an appointment or let me know you are coming.

But by all means, drop by any time. If I am busy with other obligations, I'll let you know and we can find a better mutually convenient time. 

Mr. B.

robert.barker@mvla.net