Mr. Kersey's Classroom Handbook

Below is a set of guidelines and procedures that I use in my classroom. I will go over most of this in class (though, not all in one day). Students can use this page to refresh their memories throughout the year. I do make changes to this every summer, so even students who have had me before should give this a look.

Classroom Procedures

Entering the Room - You are expected to enter the classroom quietly, sit down immediately, and prepare yourself for class. This means getting out your book, notebook, writing utensil, and any homework from the previous night. This should take you no more than about 30 seconds. Next, check the board for an assignment. If there is an assignment, begin it immediately. If there is homework to be reviewed or discussed, we'll almost always do that first, unless there's a quiz.

Talking in Class - When you wish to speak for any reason during class, you must raise your hand and wait to be called on. There will often be times when it will be permissible for you to speak with your classmates quietly during group work or certain study periods. I will let you know when this is all right. Talking at inappropriate times can be really disruptive, and it isn't fair to me or your fellow students, so try to keep this one in mind.

Getting Your Attention - If I need to gain the class's attention during assemblies, group work, or any other time things might be loud, I will either try to holler over the noise or glare at you menacingly. This isn't the best teaching practice in the world but it works for me. I used to raise two fingers over my head, but I felt silly. If you see me glaring at the class, and everyone is talking, just be quiet and wait for everyone else to do the same.

Restrooms and Drinks - You will be allowed three (3) trips to the restroom or water fountain per quarter, unless it is an emergency. Use these wisely. Unless it is an emergency, you must always ask permission before leaving the room. Try to get a drink or use the restroom before class or at the very end of class so you don't miss important information. You'll need to sign out when you leave the room. A sign out sheet will be posted by the door. Students in my homeroom will also have a daily opportunity to use the restroom and get drinks after lunch.

Rules - A specific list of rules will follow later, but generally speaking I only have three rules in my class. The first is follow my instructions the first time, and try to pay attention. The second rule in my class is respect. I expect everyone in our class to demonstrate respect for me, for others, for oneself, and for the learning environment. Let people know who you are by your words and actions. Finally, do your best. As long as you do the best you can then you will be successful not only in my class, but in life.

Changing Classes - Talking in the hallways is permitted in the middle school hallways as long as you are quiet and you do not disrupt other classes that may be in session or just finishing up. You should try to remain in a formation that somewhat resembles a single-file line. If talking becomes disruptive, then silence will be required.

Tornado and Fire Drills - In the event of a tornado, fire, or other emergency drill, students are expected to remain silent and to follow my directions immediately. Disruptive behavior during an emergency drill will result in a detention.

Mr. Kersey's Library - In addition to the school library, there is a classroom library available for students to use for research or enjoyment. These books belong to the classroom, and many of them belong to Mr. Kersey. A sign-out sheet with instructions will be posted on the bookshelves for you to sign out a book that you want to borrow. Please treat these books with care and return them promptly so that others may enjoy them.

Required Materials for Class

You will be expected to have the following items in class with you everyday.

1. Textbook
2. Notebook
3. Blue or black ink pen, or pencil
4. Red pen or pencil
5. Folder just for Social Studies or Religion
6. Loose leaf paper
7. A book to read

You may also be required to bring colored pencils to class from time to time, so you'll need those at school.

It is pretty important that you are prepared for class. Being ready for class dramatically increases the chances of you learning something.

Homework and Class Work

Homework is essential to mastering the material you need to learn, and for developing good work habits and responsibility. I expect all homework and class work to be completed in your notebook, on the next available fresh page, and with a proper heading (Name, Date, Class, Assignment). Occasionally you will have assignments that need to be completed outside of your notebook. These need to be kept in your folder. Homework is always due the next school day at the beginning of class, unless you are told otherwise.

In most cases students will have time to begin homework assignments at the end of class. In all my classes it is a standing assignment that students review their key terms, lecture notes, reading notes, or homework questions for the current chapter for 10-15 minutes a day, Monday through Thursday, whenever another assignment has not been given.

Late Work - Every now and again you might miss an assignment. Remember that late work is better than missing work. Late work that is over one week (5 school days) old will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to bring me the late work at an appropriate time (the end of class is best) and show it to me. I will not usually remind students about late or missing work.

Absences - Once in a while we all get sick or have to miss school for some other emergency. If you are absent you will have as many school days to make up missing work as you were absent. For example, if you are absent on a Wednesday, then any work you miss will be due on Friday. If you are sick on a Friday, then all missing work would be due on Tuesday. It is your responsibility to find out what work you may have missed. I recommend asking a responsible classmate or me at the end of class.

Tests and Quizzes - Quizzes and tests will always be announced in advance. In my classes, quizzes are shorter and check for things like recall of a reading assignment or understanding of key terms. Quizzes will be announced at least one day in advance. Students should generally expect to have a short quiz following a reading assignment. Tests are longer, more involved, and check for mastery of the material. Tests will always be announced at least three days in advance.

If you are absent the day of a quiz or test, you will be expected to make up the test or quiz on the day of your return to school. Generally, being absent the day before a quiz or test will not get you out of taking it, since I always give more than one day's notice. If, however, you are absent for more than one day, I will usually allow you an extra day to prepare for an exam.

It is your responsibility to let me know if you have missed an exam. Since grades in my classes are based almost entirely on quizzes and tests, missing one will significantly affect your grade.

Retaking Tests - Students who do poorly on tests or quizzes (or any graded assignment for that matter) may, upon request and at my discretion, retake them. The test, quiz, or assignment may not be the same format, and may include different questions.

Missing Work - Excessive missing work will not be tolerated. I may require students with missing work to stay after school for one or more work periods until all work is completed. Students who continually fail to complete assignments may face other disciplinary action.

Basically, just do the work when it is assigned and you will be fine.

Getting Extra Help - If you are confused about an assignment or the material we are discussing in class, then please ask me for help. I am happy to provide additional review or help with studying on your own. All you need to do is ask.

If you don't have a chance to ask at the end of class, I am available almost everyday after school until at least 3:30 to help you with any questions. Just drop by my classroom. If you get stuck while at home, you may email me at my school address (tkersey@cdeducation.org) and I will try to respond that evening. I am also usually around in the mornings by 7:45. Finally, you can always make an appointment with me. Do not be afraid to ask me for help! That is why I am here.

General Rules and Consequences

Please see the Parent/Student Handbook for information on school rules and consequences. The rules of my class mirror those.

Computer Rules

Computers are great tools that have done wonders for students and teachers. Because they are in our classroom to be used as tools by all of us, you need to follow these simple rules when using any of the school's computers.

1. Make sure you always log off from the workstation you have been using.
2. Never share your password, or allow someone to log on as you.
3. Always ask permission to print before printing.
4. Always ask to leave the room before going to get your print job.
5. No games unless they are for academic purposes.
6. You may never download or install anything, ever, without getting permission first.
7. No email. If you need to email work to yourself, that is fine, just ask.

This short set of guidelines is intended to help you be the best student you can be. It is by no means complete. If you ever have questions or concerns about anything, please see me. It is my job to help you grow and develop your talents and skills in the most supportive environment possible. Have a great year!