Teacher expectations:

You can expect me to:

Attend class daily.  I will be missing class periodically due to my coaching position, but I am rarely absent for anything else.  I will make every effort to be here, and if I can't, I will get a reliable substitute. 

Be fair and reasonable.  I will never do anything intentionally to harm you.  I will try to be respectful and courteous to you.  I am understanding and dedicated to your success.  I trust my students and expect the best from them.  If you violate my trust, it will be difficult to regain.  At the same time, we will try to have as much fun as possible, without sacrificing learning. 

Keep the classroom safe and calm .  I will be alert and observant.  I make a serious effort to look at each student and evaluate his or her emotional state every period, every day.  If you're upset or angry or ill, I'll probably notice, and I will handle the situation calmly and with compassion.  If I can't handle it, I'll get someone for you who can.  I know how hard being a teenager can be.  I actually remember!  Amazing, isn't it?  However, if you take advantage of my good nature, I will not be fooled a second time.

Deliver instruction that is appropriate and meets state, district, and school expectations.  All literature, media, and materials will be used to prepare you for TAKS and to meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.  We will use language in a variety of ways in order to help you become more effective speakers, writers, listeners, and readers of English.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

Attend class regularly.  It is a priority of Eastwood High School to improve our average daily attendance rate.  All teachers are to keep accurate attendance records and promptly address issues as soon as they arise.  It is very important to the school, and it is very important to me, personally.  I want to provide you with the best instruction I can, but if you are not here, nothing can make up for that.  Of course, it is understood that illnesses and emergencies will arise, but please, please get here if you possibly can.  Each of you is important to me, and I want to see you every day that I can.  All too soon, you will be gone from Eastwood, and I don't want to miss out on any time with you.  I hope you will come to feel the same way.

Get to class on time.  I will try to start the lesson as soon as the bell rings, and will usually have a writing activity ready to go when you arrive.  Sit down and get started so we can get going quickly.  You will not have time to sit and talk to your classmates at the beginning of class.  No time for that.  Too much to be done.  If you're late, you will miss some of the fun!  Tardies will be addressed according to school and district policy.

No eating or drinking is allowed in class, except for plain water. We have problems with ants and bees, and sugar and crumbs attract both.  If you chew gum, please have the courtesy to throw it in the trash, not stick it under the desktop. If you make a mess, I will require you to clean it up to my satisfaction.  Our custodians have plenty of things to do without adding to their work. 

Refrain from using cell phones, ipods, mp3 players, video games, or other electronic devices during class time.  School policy requires teachers to confiscate these and turn them into the office.  A fee will be charged, and the device will only be returned to a parent. 

Bring materials to class every day.  I expect you to bring your book, binder, pen, pencil, and paper to class every day (sometimes we won't need the book, but I'll tell you when. If I don't tell you, bring it.  If you're not sure whether we need it, bring it anyway).  If you don't have the required materials, you will get a mark which will reduce your class participation grade by about ten percent.  The participation grade counts as three daily grades for the nine weeks.  Don't blow an easy chance for credit by forgetting your materials.

Follow dress code as listed in the YISD student handbook.  (see link below) 

Respect the rights, space, and property of others.  Simple kindergarten rules apply here.  Keep your hands to yourself, don't talk when it's not your turn, say please and thank you, etc.  I will not tolerate threatening, degrading, or violent behavior.  I have to be in control of the classroom at all times, and I will do whatever is necessary to maintain a safe and pleasant environment.  If you cannot abide by this rule, I will take steps to have you removed from the class, according to school and district policies.

Follow all guidelines set forth in the YISD student handbook.  http://www2.yisd.net/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=46&catfilter=93#showDoc