A fresh start!

With the new quarter comes a chance for a fresh start, fresh air, flying snow, and state testing! This week, I will be missing my 7th, 8th, and 11th graders while they are out for state testing. The rest of us will finish up with some writing projects. Next week, expect some interactive, tech-savvy assignments featuring blogger.com and Google Docs. I'm also excited to see everyone's Halloween costumes and share some ghost stories on Halloween!

As we begin a fresh new quarter, let's quickly become reacquainted with some classroom policies. Expect to see a stricter enforcement of late policies as well as a more discerning participation point system. I will be docking points for behavior issues and unpreparedness for class. So come prepared, stay on top of your homework, and remember to be respectful in class.

At the beginning of class each day, we will continue to journal for the first ten minutes of class. There will also be regular SSR time, so a reading book is a must-have for class!

• Makeup work is YOUR responsibility. If you are going to be out of town or absent for any
reason, make arrangements ahead of time. If you were sick absent for another reason, see me to find out what you need to make up.
*Also, please note, if you have an EXCUSED absence and want credit for the day's participation points, I need to see a note.
*Also, please note that participation points are worth 5 points a day, at a .5 weight, resulting in 12.5 points per week factored into your overall grade.
• Due dates are firm. Work that is one day late receives half credit. Work that is two days late
or beyond receives zero credit.
• Quizzes and tests must be made up within three days of your absence.
• Cheating or plagiarism will result in a zero.
* I am still accepting extra credit essays.
• Finally, most weeks will culminate with a quiz on the weekʼs lessons on Friday. Any
story, worksheet, multimedia, or classroom discussion from the week is fair game for these
quizzes so take notes and listen carefully!


Classroom Rules:
I have only one rule and it is the Golden Rule.
Treat others how you would like to be treated.
Itʼs true: the rule of treating others as you want to be treated will ultimately lead to your
own happiness. Letʼs say that you apply the Golden Rule to all of your interactions with other people, and you help your neighbors, you treat your family with kindness, you go the extra mile for your teachers, you help a classmate in need.Now, these actions will undoubtedly be good for the people you help but youʼll also notice a strange thing along the way... People will treat you better in return. Beyond that, you will find a growing satisfaction in yourself, a belief in yourself, a knowledge that you are a good person and youʼll learn to trust yourself. :)








Let's stay on track, keep our grades up, and enjoy the holiday season as it approaches!

As always, see me with any questions. My personal e-mail that I have 24/7 access to is lizfordahl@yahoo.com.