Expectations

Each classroom may have different expectations, so it is important to be transparent about what I expect within my own walls. If there is anything you have a question about, feel free to send me a message! I am providing a copy of this the first day of class, as well as discussing it with all my students. This is a resource for the parents of the students who forget to ever show the documents at home so that we can all be on the same page :)

Frequently asked questions

What do you expect from your students when they arrive to your class?

I expect respect. To get respect, you have to give it, and I follow this as well, too. I expect your fill and undivided attention, your eyes ready to focus, and your ears ready to listen. 

Can I be on my phone in your class?

As of the 2025/26 school year, it is now a policy in our student code of conduct that grades 9-12 may NOT use their cell phones during instructional time. This means that while we are reading, having discussion, working on assignments, or taking tests/quizzes, the phone must be put away. If you have finished all of your work and turned it in, you may use your cell phone, but ignoring this policy or using your phone to watch vulgar, explicit material will result in a referral and a trip to the dean's office. You will be provided with a laptop when it is needed for topic research, paper writing, and grammar quizzes. 

What do you expect from me participation wise?

I expect you to do your research and follow the step-by-step guidelines for each paper that you write in my class. I expect you to follow along with the literature that we read, read the assigned chapters outside of class, and jot down notes about what you think the meaning behind the material is. There will be a mix of grades to test your knowledge of putting into practice what you have learned and grades that show you simply participated and put forth the effort. I will not tell you which ones are which type of grade in order to make you give your best effort for all work, rather than just half of it. 

Why do I need to listen? You have a website - I can just look on there.

Listening in class is completely different than reading notes and announcements on a website. A multitude of meaning and discussion are taking place in class that are not present within the site.