Rules and Procedures

I hate having too many rules.  That's why my classroom rules are also the rules I use in everyday life.  They're simple, they're understandable, and they should be followed at all times, both in and out of Ms. Doumit's classroom.  These rules are not negotiable.

If a student breaks a rule, he or she will receive the appropriate behavioral consequence without exception.  If a student continues to break any of these rules, he or she will be referred to the administration of the school for appropriate discipline steps.

Ms. Doumit's Classroom Rules:

1) Do what's right.   Sound's simple, huh?  That's because it is.  I believe that by the time students get to my classroom, they know the basic difference between right and wrong.  They may need a little coaching in this area, but they get the general idea.  Doing your homework is right.  Passing notes during class is wrong.  Following class procedures is right.  Talking out of turn is wrong.  Not too difficult, right?  Make sure you do what's right in Ms. Doumit's class.

2) Do your best.   You are to try in this classroom.  I challenge each and every student I teach to show up ready to bring the best he or she has to offer to the class.  If you respond to questions with "I don't know" or "I can't" rather than trying, you're not doing your best.  If you sleep during class, you're not doing your best.  If you don't do your assignments, you're not doing your best.  If you refuse to participate in any way, you're not doing the best you can do ... and you're breaking a rule.

3) Treat others with respect.   Be nice.  Be kind.  Don't disrespect anyone.  Show yourself and others esteem and high regards.  Be positive and good around others.  Everyone in the class deserves respect.  Show respect to yourself, the teacher, and your classmates daily.

4) No food during class time.

Consequences:

If a student chooses to break a rule, he or she will receive the following consequences:

1) Verbal Warning

2) Progress Report and After School Detention to be served on either the Tuesday or Thursday nearest the violation.

3) Administrative Referral

If a student demonstrates disregard for the classroom rules repeatedly, he or she will be referred to administration repeatedly until the matter is solved.

Classroom procedures

Blowing Your Nose -  We all get the old nasal drip sometimes.  The correct procedure for blowing your nose during class is very important.  The steps are as follows:  1) Raise your hand. 2) Be recognized.  3) Point to your nose (never tell Ms. Doumit about your snot problems).  4) Ms. Doumit will nod, indicating approval.  5) Rise from your seat.  6) Get a tissue.  7) Go into the hallway.  8) Blow your nose.  9) Throw the tissue away.  10) Return to class quietly and clean.

Borrowing Materials – Ms. Doumit doesn't loan out class materials.  If you've forgotten your class materials, simply borrow from a classmate politely and quietly without disrupting class. Art supplies are the only exception to this. If we are doing a project, you may ask to check them out from me, otherwise, art supplies are not to be touched.

"May I have your attention" -  When Ms. Doumit says this famous phrase, it's important that you be quiet and pay attention.  Failure to stop talking will result in the appropriate consequence.

Emergency Situation -   If you are ill and/or spilling any bodily fluid, it is appropriate that you rise from your seat and exit immediately.  You do not have to ask permission to leave in an emergency situation.  Take care of the emergency and talk to Ms. Doumit later.

Group Work - In Ms. Doumit's class, you will have the opportunity to do work in groups of four individuals or less.  You will have 30 seconds (or less) to get into groups.  The roles are: Leader, Scribe, Timekeeper, and Spokesperson.  We will go over what each of these roles are at a later time.

Handing In Papers -   In Ms. Doumit's class, all papers should be handed in from the back of the room to the front following the procedure discussed in class.

"I don't know." -  This phrase (along with "I can't," "I'll pass," "I forgot," etc.) is not allowed in Ms. Doumit's classroom.  Because of her undying desire to have her students think as well as learn, Ms. Doumit forbids it.  This phrase is used millions of times daily across the world to admit ignorance and an inability to attempt to answer questions and find solutions to problems.  Students should replace this phrase with "I'll try" and then do their best to answer the question.

Quizzes – Ms. Doumit's students will have a quiz and/or a test each and every Friday of the school year without exception .  There will also be pop quizzes that can appear at any time, in any class.

Raising Your Hand -  In order to be acknowledged in Ms. Doumit's class, you must raise your hand and be recognized.  It's an age-old technique of maintaining an orderly classroom. 

Restroom Policy - Students need to make every effort to use the restroom before coming to class.  Sometimes, during class, Ms. Doumit will not allow students to leave to use the restroom (especially during the beginning of class, end of class, or during tests.)  Procedure: 1) Raise your hand.  2) Be recognized.  3) Ask politely.  4) If Ms. Doumit says you may go, go quietly.  Otherwise, remain seated and continue with class.  5) Return in 3-5 minutes quietly and clean.

Sharpening Your Pencil -   If it breaks, you'll need to sharpen it.  1) Raise your hand.  2) Be recognized.  3) Point to your broken pencil.  4) Ms. Doumit will nod.  5) Rise  6) Sharpen pencil quickly and quietly.  7) Return to your seat.

Thermostat - All students are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing that keeps them at a comfortable temperature.  If you typically feel colder, please wear longer clothing or bring a jacket or extra shirt to class.  If you typically are warmer, wear lighter clothing.  Ms. Doumit usually keeps the room at around 70-72 degrees.  During class, she will not take time to change the temperature.  Students should not ask to change and/or complain about the room temperature.

Trash - Procedure for removing trash from the classroom.  1) Put the trash on your desk.  2) Raise hand.  3) Be recognized.  4) Quietly, without disruption, throw trash in garbage. A clean desk and area around the desk is the ticket out of the room after each class.