First hour begins at 8:00. If you eat breakfast at school, you need to come to school early enough to eat breakfast and take care of all of your other before-school tasks in good time. A warning bell will sound at 7:55. Band students need to deliver instruments to the band room between 7:45 and 7:55, then return to the middle school area immediately. Students are to be in their seats ready for first period when the 8:00 bell rings.

Students will:
---write neatly in cursive.
---exercise DOL (Daily Oral Language). This daily practice will help sharpen grammar and writing skills.
---use the Six Trait Writing Model. This model will be used to improve composition.
---be engaged in tri-weekly vocabulary lessons. Students will jot down notes for each unit which they may use to study at home. We will cover a unit over a two-week period. Tests are usually every two weeks. Students will be given sufficient time to work on vocabulary lessons in class. Students may only take vocabulary books home if they have been absent; otherwise, books will stay in the classroom. If your child is not finishing his vocabulary lessons on time in class, he is not using time wisely.
---read AR/library books for the remainder of the period after daily English work is complete.

Grades will be recorded for effort (new or difficult concepts), daily assignments, tests, art and writing projects.

Periodically the class will celebrate successes with treats of some sort. Food and drink, however, are not allowed on a daily basis.

Expectations

Our classroom time should be quiet on a regular basis.
Review games are played in an organized manner.
Focus on the task at hand (the teacher’s lesson, your assignment, etc.)
Use your time wisely. Stay on task.
Be courteous.
Do not distract others; do not allow others to distract you.
Keep your comments and personal stories to yourself unless asked to share.
Group work is educational time, not play time. Do your part in a mature manner.
Face the front and give the teacher your full attention.