MR. HART'S RULES AND EXPECTATIONS SYLLABUS2019 – 2020 SCHOOL YEAR

WHO AM I?I am in my 20th and final year of teaching, the last 16 in Arizona after getting my start in Northern California. I am also a published author, which includes being a contributing writer for Kalmbach Publishing, which specializes in railroad magazines and publications. I have been married 26 years to Laury and are parents of an adult son, Liam, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and works as a writer/photographer. We also have four cats named Rancher, Daisy, Luke, and Goldy. Home is San Tan Valley. My interests are Jesus, baseball, travel, trains, music, photography, writing, hiking, arts and crafts, and doing "stuff" around the house. I have one younger brother, Rich, who is a disabled Air Force veteran. I am originally from the Sacramento area of California where most of my relatives still live today.

Mr. Hart’s FamilyJohn Ross, Laury, and Liam Hart

MY MISSION STATEMENT

It is my duty as a professional educator to provide you with daily lessons and activities that are

challenging, varied to address all learning styles, to be informative and comprehension, to encourage

personal development and skills all within the guidelines of the Arizona Department of Education

and the board of the Casa Grande Union High School District

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS Graduate of Winters Senior High School Associate of Arts in English, American River College

Bachelor of Arts in Communications/English, California State University, Chico

Post-Graduate: Secondary Education Credential in Social Studies w/ESL Endorsement from St. Mary’s College of California – Graduated Second in Class

California Clear Credential in Secondary Social Studies w/ESL Endorsement

Arizona Standard Credential in Secondary Social Studies w/ESL Endorsement

Over 480 Hours of Professional Development

BE NICE TO YOUR TEACHER

DON’T BRING OUT THE BEAR IN MR. HART

BASIC RULESTHE SCHOOL’S AND MINE

1. No hats, hoods, or head gear of any kind on campus or in the classroom at any time

2. No revealing clothing, loose-fitting sweat clothing, slippers, or pajamas

3. No clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, gangs, violence, or sex

4. No chains, including wallet chains more than four inches long

5. Any gang-related material will be confiscated6. You are not allowed to play games, text, or do

anything unrelated to education on your laptop, all of which I can see on NetSupport

7. Cell phone and electronic devices may be used outside between classes. Phones should be off and put away the moment you walk into the classroom.

8. No electronic devices are allowed in the classroom except for your laptop, unless approved by teacher

9. First Warning for inappropriate use of the laptop or a device is subject to a loss of five points from the total of points available on that day’s lesson. Second Warning will lead to five additional lost points. Third Warning will lead to removal from the classroom and referral to the Dean of Students, with parental contact.

10. Automatic Referrals are based on school policies and failure of the student to make correct choices . The following actions are subject to Automatic Referral…

Continued disregard of rules after first referral to Dean and parent contact

Use of Profanity Behaving in an immature or irresponsible manner Disrespect towards teacher, staff member, or

another student Interruption of the lesson and the learning process Continuing to not do assigned work Loss of more than 10 Behavior Points; Three strikes

and you’re out!

Cheating or Plagiarism – Very easy to catch Damage to desks, chairs, classroom, personal

items, laptops, etc.

11. Any students under the influence of or in possession of alcohol or drugs will be referred outright to school administration and the Casa Grande Police Department

12. All students are expected to be in their seats when the final bell rings, not walking around the room and not being enroute. Any student not in their assigned seat when the final bell rings will be considered and marked as Tardy. Roll is taken within the first minute of class. No excuses unless you present a Tardy Slip. There is no Grace Period for First Period or Lunch. If you are going to be late, or expect to be late on a consistent basis, you must get a note from the previous hour’s teacher make arrangements with Mrs. Fiori in the Attendance Office. Remember, if you are Tardy three or more times, you will be disciplined with either ISD (In School Detention) or Saturday School.

DISCLAIMER: I know some teachers on campus are very liberal in regard to Tardies, but I’m not!

13. Nine or more Unexcused Absences in a semester will lead to No Credit for this class. If there is an issue that is going to cause you to miss excessive classes, you need to speak with your Counselor

PENALTY POINTS

YOU WILL BE PENALIZED A MINIMUM OF FIVE POINTS FOR NOT FOLLOWING THESE BASIC CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

Excessive and/or Loud Talking – Keep it to a whisper or

talk about it on your time, not mine. If this is constant, there will be NO FIRST WARNING!

Disruption of Lesson – If this is a constant, there will be NO FIRST WARNING!

Sleeping – Get your sleep at home, not at school! High School students need a minimum of seven hours rest. If this is constant, there will be NO FIRST WARNING!

Eating and Drinking – This is NOT the Cafeteria. If this is constant, there will be NO FIRST WARNING!

Sitting Where Assigned – You don’t get to sit with your best Friend. If this is constant, there will be NO FIRST WARNING!

Not Doing Assigned Work – FACT: Once you fall behind, it’s hard to catch up.

Not Being Focused on the Teacher or the Lesson – YOUR FIRST PRIORITY!

PENALTY POINTS WILL BE SUBTRACTED FROM PREVIOUS DAILY WORK OR BONUSES BUT NOT FROM WEEKLY

QUIZZES

Continued persistence in not following procedures will result in a Referral, a conference with the Dean, a call home, On-Campus Detention, and a possible conference

between yourself, your parents, the teacher, and the Dean

USE AND RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING YOUR LAPTOP

The Casa Grande Union High School District uses online technology as a major part of daily curriculum. The goal is to lessen and eventually eliminate use of textbooks and paper. Basic rules are as follows…

Each student is assigned a school laptop Students are responsible for the performance

and maintenance of the computer. If you damage or lose the computer, you

may be held liable for the cost of replacement Students are responsible for making sure their

computer is adequately charged during all classes. In-class chargers are limited and priority will be given only to those students who are having proper charging issues

Students are responsible for bringing their computers to class

Students are responsible for knowing applicable user names, passwords, and being able to access online lessons

Students are responsible for completing all online assignments on the computer

Students are expected to answer questions orally… A correct answer will score you 10 points but you will not be penalized for having the wrong answer. Being unable to answer a question for whatever your reason will cost you 5 points. Be prepared.

Students are responsible for forwarding all completed work online to the teacher

We will go over further expectations under “ALWAYS BRING YOUR LAPTOP TO CLASS”

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

BATHROOM, WATER, AND LEAVING THE CLASSROOM

I will allow bathroom and water passes, but with rules… No student is allowed to use the bathroom or get water the first seven minutes of class or the last seven minutes of class. These are the most critical times in the daily curriculum. I won’t bend to this policy. In other words, I don’t care if you have to go so bad, that you’re dying of thirst, etc. You more important “stuff” to do right now. Either do your business between classes or wait

for the time between seven after or seven before.

If you get to class before the one-minute Warning Bell and ask permission, I will let you use the bathroom or get water at that time BUT remember when the Final Bell rings I will proceed to present that day’s lesson.

Only one student is allowed out of the classroom at one time (unless it’s an emergency)

You need to ask permission of the teacher before you leave the classroom. I need to know where you are going. In other words, don’t just grab the pass and leave

Make sure you have the classroom pass or a signed pass if you are going to the office, talk to a coach, see the nurse, etc. You should have your ID Badge showing at all times. If you don’t have proper identification, you will not be allowed to leave the classroom

You are not allowed to speak with a counselor during class time. This is your time to learn. Make an appointment on your own time

You are not allowed to leave the classroom early unless given previous permission. If this becomes consistent, we will meet with the Dean and your parents regarding this matter

Do not line up at the door more than TWO minutes before the End of Class Bell. We practice Bell-to-Bell Learning. I will tell you when you can stand at the door.

Failure to follow the above procedures are subject to discipline

EXTRA CREDIT AND PAST DUE WORK

I DO NOT GIVE EXTRA CREDIT to raise your grade. Your daily assignment is to do your best, give your full effort, be on your best behavior, ask questions (but not ask for answers). If you are more interested in talking, socializing, and listening to your music than doing a job, then don’t bother asking.

Once a lesson is graded, it’s final. There is no transfer between quarters and semesters. If you missed a class because of illness, school activity, personal issues, school suspension,

etc., you are responsible for making sure missing work is made up.

I will allow past-due work but with limitations. There is no penalty for work completed within 24 hours. However, there is a penalty of points for all work more than 48 hours late (based on the assignment and performance expectations). Any work more than two weeks late WILL NOT be accepted. Some assignments such as videowork and projects cannot be made up. Make every effort to be here so you don’t lose important points.

Your personal objective is to try your best every day. I am here to assist you. I am not going to laugh or react if the answer is wrong. We learn from our mistakes. Do your best. If you need more help, myself and other staff members on campus can help you. We can’t help if you don’t try.

BONUSES AND OTHER INCENTIVES

There is the occasional “Bonus” assignment and I do give rewards for extra effort on assignments and/or behavior. I rarely give homework because most of what is learned in this subject can only be completed in the classroom. You will, however, be given study guides for the weekly assessments the Monday before the quiz, which is given on Fridays. The study guide is available online until that Thursday night at 11:59PM. Whether in-class or outside the class, you are expected to complete all work. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at any time. Though I hold to a minimal guidance philosophy, where you personally seek the answers, I will make sure you have access to the correct websites and are headed in the right direction. I still walk the floor despite all the technology so if you are having a problem, please ask. Or if I see you struggling, I will come to you.

Unless told otherwise, all assignments are due at the end of class. If you need more time, you can usually take the assignment home and turn it in the next day. However, if you are not focused on that day’s work and are not following procedures, you will be penalized for late work. You could have done it here. Otherwise, all work turned-

in by the beginning of the next class can still receive full credit.

After 24 hours, the assignment is considered late. You lose two points per day the assignment is late.Assignments more than two weeks late will not be accepted. Keep in mind some assignments cannot be made up.

Every week, you can score five-to-ten additional points for you and your classmates when you “Beat The Mean,” which is the average score of the combined class. If you personally score a 25 or above, you would receive five bonus points for beating the mean, or ten points for double-beating the mean.

You can also receive as many as ten bonus points for overall good classroom behavior, which means you have two strikes or less against the class for that week. If you have three to five strikes, the class receives five points. Those students who caused the behavior issues would receive less points than the rest of class, possibly a “0.” Students who are failing the class are not eligible for the bonus.

I also give “Point” awards for the following… Above and Beyond Performance Best Overall Classroom Grade Most Improved Student

Bonus points are given as reward and incentive.

GET RID OF THE FOOD!!This class is not a cafeteria, or a place where you can sneak a snack. All food must be put away. If you must eat, you need to go outside and finish it. However, you are missing important classroom information. So finish eating before you come to class.

You are allowed water or a capped drink. If the drink is not capped, you need to finish it outside. Keep in mind our district spends thousands of dollars of your parent’s tax money to clean and repair classrooms so please do what is responsible.

Take a moment to put your garbage in the trash can or recycle bin. Do not use the desk or floor for garbage. Keep in mind other students are using this same classroom and the same desk. Somebody has to clean it and it could be you! Don’t shoot baskets. Save it for P.E. Always make sure your desk and area are clean before you leave the classroom, even if you didn’t make the mess. I do reward cleanliness. Make sure all desks and chairs are returned where you found them. Otherwise, you may be asked to come back after class to clean up. The only items we recycle is paper. Bottles and cans are not considered recyclable items.

SOMETIMES WE STILL USE PAPERAlthough most assignments will be completed online, there will be the

occasional paper assignment.All paper, pencils, and construction tools are found on the Messy Table in the northwest

corner of the classroom. Always make sure that when you borrow tools, you put them back at the end of class. Replacement of

items comes out of my pocket. Completed work is placed into the “In/Out Box” on my

desk.

You are not allowed to use paper as a substitute for online assignments unless given permission by the teacher. If you

turned in unauthorized paper work, you will be penalized a minimum of two points.

GRADINGI try to grade all assigned work the same day but sometimes I can be delayed by meetings, conferences, professional development, on-campus issues, personal issues, etc. At worse, your grade should be entered within 36 hours after receipt. Sometimes I will enter part of your grade during class. This is why I do not recommend looking at your grade until the end of the school day. Students have been known to panic because I put in the five points for part of the assignment, but not the other 15 because we haven’t finished. I will get to it. Since most work is “shared” to me online, I expect to see it posted in my teacher e-mail, which is jhart@cguhsd.org or John Hart. Always make sure I am receiving your work. If you got a “0” on the assignment, I probably didn’t get it, meaning something isn’t working between your address and mine. Check with Technology (J-102) if this becomes an issue.

THE NEW FACTS OF LIFE REGARDING PERSONAL DEVICES AND THEIR USAGE IN

THE CLASSROOM

IN THE PAST: ALLOWANCE OF DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM WAS BASED ON THE INDIVIDUAL TEACHER. THIS YEAR, THE RULES FROM ADMINISTRATION TOWARDS STAFF ARE MORE RESTRICTIVE. TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING RULES…

THE NEW REALITY: ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PUT THEIR PHONES AND DEVICES AWAY THE MINUTE THEY WALK INTO CLASS. WHAT YOU DO AFTER CLASS AND BETWEEN CLASSES IS YOUR BUSINESS.

PUT YOUR DEVICES IN YOUR BACKPACK, OR IN THE BOWL AT THE FRONT OF CLASS.

TELL YOUR PARENTS: LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR PHONE DURING CLASS. IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY, THEY NEED TO CALL THE SCHOOL AT (520)836-8500. A FRONT DESK AIDE WILL ADVISE THE STUDENT.

GET IT RIGHT: IF YOU ARE CAUGHT WITH A DEVICE OUT, AND YOU ARE USING IT TO TEXT, LISTEN TO MUSIC, PLAY GAMES, OR ANY OTHER ACTIVITY, YOU WILL BE PENALIZED FIVE POINTS THE FIRST TIME AND 10 MORE POINTS THE SECOND TIME.

IF THERE IS A THIRD TIME, YOUR DEVICE WILL BE CONFISCATED BY SECURITY AND YOU WILL BE SENT OUTRIGHT TO A MEETING WITH THE SCHOOL DEAN. PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED. THEY WILL NEED TO PICK UP THE DEVICE FROM ADMINISTATION. DON’T ALLOW YOURSELF TO FALL INTO THIS POSITION.

THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT WE GET FROM PARENTS IS IN REGARD TO DEVICES. PUT THEM AWAY AND DON’T LET ME SEE OR HEAR THEM.

ALWAYS BRING YOUR LAPTOP TO CLASS

EVERYTHING IS DONE ONLINE AT CASA GRANDE UNION HIGH SCHOOL

YOUR LAPTOP IS YOUR PENCIL, PAPER, AND TEXTBOOK. IF YOU DON’T BRING YOUR LAPTOP TO CLASS, YOU CAN’T DO ASSIGNED WORK.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BEING ADEQUATELY COMPUTER SAVVY

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING SURE YOUR COMPUTER IS WORKING

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES TO YOUR COMPUTER

MAKE SURE YOU LAPTOP IS ADEQUATELY CHARGED BEFORE YOU COME TO CLASS. WE ONLY HAVE TWO PLUGS

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EARPLUGS THAT WORK THE TEACHER CAN SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING

ONLINE AT ALL TIMES. SO CAN TECHNOLOGY. IF YOU ARE ON AN UNAUTHORIZED SITE OR PLAYING GAMES, YOU COULD LOSE YOUR COMPUTER PRIVILEGE, NOT A GOOD IDEA WHEN EVERYTHING IS DONE ONLINE

ALWAYS HAVE A COUPLE OF PENCILS WITH YOU, JUST IN CASE

THE CLASSROOM RUBRIC

All assignments are graded on the point system or percentage of total

Classroom Percentage Breakdown is as follows…Projects: 20%Weekly Quizzes: 20%Daily Assignments: 20%In-Class Activities: 20%Behaviors: 20%

Grade Breakdown is as follows…A: 100 – 90%B: 89 – 80%C: 79 – 70%D: 69 – 60%F: 59% or belowI: Incomplete fulfillment of ClassNC: No Credit

Semester Grading Breakdown is as follows…First Semester Grade: 40%Second Semester Grade: 40%Semester Finals: 20%

You earn ½ credit per semester for successfully completing this class

FINALLY… Online education has become the every day reality

in schools all over America. If you are struggling with the technology, there are plenty of resources available on campus, including the person sitting next to you

Lessons vary as do the daily point values. Most lessons are online utilizing online textbooks, online presentations, and various online activities. Most drawings, maps, and timelines utilize use of online materials. Word Document is used for heavy for daily assignments while PowerSchool can be used for basic lessons, presentation, mini and major projects. We still have discussions,

answering of questions, role-playing, plus good old-fashioned lectures. So be prepared for variety and be prepared to answer questions. It all makes a difference in your grade

Most lessons are written usually two weeks in advance and most are saved to a flash drive. However, lessons can be subject to change on a moments notice. So don’t try and get ahead. I could change the lesson at the last minute

All lessons follow the set standards of the Arizona Department of Education and the school board of the Casa Grande Union High School District. The subject I am currently teaching is the same subject being taught at the same time by other members of the Social Studies Department.

Expect a Quiz every Friday. Study online the week before the quiz

Quizzes stay online until the end of the following Monday. If you missed the quiz, ask me to open it for you

I do not accept past-due work more than two weeks behind. You are also subject to late penalties if you goofed-off in class that day and did your work at home

I am human and sometimes even I make errors. Most times I catch them but if something doesn’t look right, please let me know

Do not leave your desk unless I give permission. You can’t sit with your friends

I do call or e-mail home. I made over 250 calls last year

I do communicate with other teachers on campus. Many of them are my friends

I do not grade on a curve

My personal rubric follows the adopted standards of all teachers on campus

Pay attention to schedules and important dates posted on the board

If you miss a class, speak to me about making it upI

All grades are final

I do not give extra credit . Focus and do your assignment to the best of your ability

Most construction tools are provided, but you are welcome to bring and share your own

If you are receiving services, it is your responsibility to let me know when you need to go to the Services classroom for whatever the reason. Otherwise, you are still expected to give your best in this classroom

You must have a signed pass by the teacher to leave the classroom for any reason outside of bathroom and water

You may not speak with a counselor during class. They want you to stay in class and I want you to stay in class

If you are being bullied physically or verbally, you need to let me know ASAP. If I see it, we will talk, then you will be forwarded to the Dean. Don’t hold anything in!

Unless I have received written permission, you are not allowed to leave class early

Do not line up at the door until told to… Usually a minute or two before the end of class

I am here by 7:30 every morning (if not earlier) and I’m usually on campus until 4:00 (if not later). If you need to speak with me about any matter relative to your education, please see me before or after classes

My e-mail address is jhart@cguhsd.org and my phone extension is X4301 (although my message machine does not work)

NOT URBAN LEGENDS,BUT THE TRUE FACTS

Students who are talkative, disruptive, listening or looking at their devices, have completed their assignment, have nothing to do, or just don’t want to do the work. Always look busy because if it’s loud and you look like you’re not focused, then obviously you need MORE WORK. And I always have PLENTY OF WORK available.

Once you fall into a hole, it’s hard to get out. Don’t blow off your work until one day you realize you need to start working. Many students find their grades so low that even doing high-level “A” work still isn’t enough to pass the class.

Take your education seriously. If this class (or the classes on this campus) are too difficult for you, then you might find benefit at Desert Winds Alternative School

Don’t believe it when someone says school is not important. Nobody is hiring high school dropouts, except for jobs like picking cotton, pushing a broom, or standing on a street corner. You don’t want to do any of that!

Casa Grande Union High School is a safe place. Security, staff, administration, and teachers are fully prepared if something goes wrong and we have to go into Lockdown mode. Everybody works together on this.

MY CLASS

MY RULES

YOU ADJUST

YOUR MISSION: Come to school every day, prepared to learn, giving your best effort for the overall betterment of your personal self and worth. The rewards are endless.

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A COUGAR!