It’s GREAT to have each of you in class and I look forward to getting to know and work with you this semester. We’re going to have a fun time in this class and get more familiar with the communications arts. Perhaps you’ve already had instances where you’ve spoken in front of others. Maybe you’ve been through the job interview process. Some of you may work in a customer service position at a local business. Or, maybe you’ve had no experience at all. It’s all good. If you’re new, we’ll help you “get your feet wet.” If you’re experienced, we’ll add to and enrich those experiences. Bottom-line? I want this class to be meaningful, as well as a good memory for you
Here are my expectations for this class:
1. ALWAYS BE ON TIME. Use you (4) minute passing time between classes and be prompt in getting to class. If there is a writing prompt on the board, begin work immediately. If you have a performance or project that is due that day, do a mental run-through of your assignments or look over your work when you arrive and while the roll is being checked. The classroom door is closed when the tardy bell rings and, if you are late, you will have to go upstairs to the attendance office and get a pass to class. Tardies are recorded and kept up with, too. Three or more of them will earn disciplinary consequences. So, be on time.
2. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES. The State of Texas has a new law (House Bill 1481) regarding the none-use of personal communication devices at school. The law restricts the use of cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and other devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication. This includes headphones/earbuds and personal laptops (only school Chromebooks can be used on campus). The ban is in effect during the school day, including passing periods and lunch. If you are caught using communication device during school hours, it will be taken up and turned in to the office. And you will NOT be able to go by and pay $15 and get it back. ONLY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN can reclaim your device. Not with a phone call, text, or email. They will have to drive to the school and go to the office to retrieve it. These rules are NOT open to interpretation and WILL be enforced. Additional note: If a staff member catches you using your device, asks you for it, and you argue, you will be sent directly to the office and there will be disciplinary consequences for that, too. Remember…two wrongs don’t make a right. Hey, it’s the law, folks.
3. COURTESY COUNTS. Treat me and your fellow classmates the way you want us to treat you. Be polite, fair, supportive, and encouraging. Never belittle anyone, in any way….even those that might not have the same abilities that you do. We want everyone to feel safe, and unthreatened in this environment. Also, when I give a critique following one of your presentations, listen and try to learn. Don’t become defensive. Be pleasant, gracious, and open-minded. Say “Thank you.” Remember, I’m trying to help you, so react accordingly. Ask questions if you’re unclear or don’t understand, but don’t argue, disagree, or take issue during the comments. It is impossible for you to perform and watch yourself at the same time, so trust me to do that.
4. BE SAFE. Take care of your voice and body. Relax and allow your natural voice to be its most effective whenever you are speaking. Of course, vocal expressiveness, proper grammar, good volume, and clear articulation are always necessary; however, an attitude of relaxation will help put both your voice and body at ease and strengthen your speech projects. And it will help keep you safe.
5. COME PREPARED. From a performance perspective, there is NO substitute for preparation. This holds for written homework and classwork, too. It’s important that you are ALWAYS prepared with your class assignments and projects.
6. PARTICIPATE. This class isn’t about me….it’s about you. So, roll up your sleeves and get busy. Things are always more enjoyable when you’re involved. Regardless of what you expect from this class, you’re still responsible for the work. The semester will be much more enjoyable if you are taking an active role in class activities. In group assignments, not actively participating could also hurt the grades of others.
7. GRADING (critiques). ALL assignments are due on the day that they’re due. Pretty simple. Be ready with your work. If you are not prepared on the day that your work is due, you will not be able to receive higher than a 70 on the next day, and a 50 on the following day. After that, it goes into the gradebook as a zero. With this being the case, and in order to ensure that your grade average doesn’t suffer, it’s imperative to turn in your homework and class assignments ON TIME. Folks, this is “real world” stuff. If you don’t learn to be dependable, you won’t be able to hold down a job, support a family, or find success anywhere. Also, if you are given an assignment’s due date before a planned absence, the work is still due when you return to class. In cases where sickness (or, other unexpected situations occur), students will be given one day for each day missed to make up work. Additional note: extracurricular activities do not automatically give you extra days to complete assignments. Consider the first part of that word: “extra.” Taking part in a sport or other UIL activity is an “extra” responsibility that you’re taking on. You’ll be busier, but it’s something you elected to do. You still have to be on time with your assignments.
8. FINAL THOUGHTS. I’m here to help you be successful. And I will help in any way that I can. But don’t be afraid to ask. Before school, during class, after school…..I will do whatever it takes to help you be successful. Just let me know. So, let’s get rolling and have a GREAT semester!
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