1. Attendance is crucial to your success.

• Be in class every day; students who attend do well.
• Remember: 3 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence; 5 unexcused absences = Loss of Credit!

 2. Stay tuned in.

• Each day, there will be an overhead up which lists the day's objectives, items due, and pending due dates.
• I start when the bell rings, and I finish at the bell.
• Don't sleep, either during instruction or during videos. Trust me; you can't afford to miss what's going on in this class!

 3. Keep a 3-ring binder with the following sections (everything in each section should have a date when received written at the top and should be kept in that order):

• Class Handouts/Log Entry Assignment Sheets
• Grade Sheet on top with returned assignments (including log entries) underneath

 4. Do every assignment on time.

• I have never had a student fail who followed this rule!
• My late work policy is as follows: One day late = ½ credit; 2 days late = 0. The reason for this late policy is as follows: 1) The assignments build on each other, and 2) It keeps you on your toes.
• Computer problems ARE NOT valid excuses for not having your assignment. You will have plenty of time to get your assignments done, so if you wait until the last minute and have disc, printer, hard drive, etc., problems, you will have to turn in your assignment late and receive a late grade.
• The late policy for Common Task Final Drafts is as follows: For each day your assignment is late, 1 letter grade down; after 5 days, ½ credit. (My late policy is applicable to all Rough Drafts).

 5. If you are absent:

• Read the class agenda binder. It's all there, so there are no excuses that you didn't know.
• Get handouts from me. Sample copies will be attached to the class agenda sheet so that you know what to ask me for, but please do not remove them for the binder.
• Makeup time varies depending on the assignment. See me.
• Any assignments DUE on the day of your absence are expected upon your return to class. You will not receive any additional time.
• Tests/quizzes must be made up within three school days after your return.
• Call me at school; the English Office phone number is: (301) 879-1351; or e-mail me: claire_dickey@fc.mcps.k12.md.us to touch base.

 6. Come in for extra help.

• I'm usually here by 6:45 a.m. and after school at least until 2:30 p.m.
• Lunch appointments vary; see me. I will be unavailable on Tuesdays due to English Department meetings.

 7. Read the assignment!

• I spend quite a bit of time making sure all assignment requirements are firmly established in writing, and I take quite a bit of time reviewing those requirements in class.

 8. Check the Web and keep up your Grade Sheet!

• It's your grade, not mine. Be proactive, not reactive, and make yourself aware or where you stand.
• You should never ask me, "How am I doing in this class?" It's your responsibility to already know that answer.
• My web page has your grade posted, a direct link to my e-mail, and upcoming assignments and due dates.

 9. Use your Agenda Book!

• You must have one for hall passes.
• You're kidding yourself if you think you can remember deadlines.

 10. Final Exam - 2nd Semester:

• Second semester senior finals are only one class period, not two-hour exams
• The grade on your final exam is 20% of your 4th marking period grade; therefore, there are only two grades (3rd quarter and 4th quarter) which decide your semester grade which will be determined by the trend (ex. 3rd quarter = A and 4th quarter = B; 2nd semester grade = B)