PRIMETIME

These are my expectations in my class and how I expect you to do them.

I list them all, so no one can say they didn't know about it.

These 19 rules will help you learn what you need to know to master school academically, socially, and emotionally, and will help you change the world that you touch for the better!

 

Follow Code of Conduct.  This is non-negotiable. YOU helped create the Code.  YOU decided what works and what doesn’t on the Code.  YOU decided when the Code was just right.  YOU signed the Code.  YOU need to follow the Code!

 

 

Respect others’ opinions, comments, and ideas. This is non-negotiable. Never laugh at someone’s idea, and never put someone down for expressing his or her opinion. Encourage unique thinking! Put-downs are not allowed.

 

Do not call people names or swear. This is non-negotiable. In my class room, some language is unacceptable. Do not call other people any name other than by their name or their nickname. Never call anyone anything derogatory. Ethnic slurs are offensive and will not be tolerated. Do not call people “stupid” or “idiot” or names that refer to a physical characteristic. (In some cases, this is sexual harassment.) The following words are unacceptable: all four-letter swear words, all substitutes for the four-letter swear words, such as “friggin’,” “freakin’,” or “crap.” (You know the rest!) Even though it’s not a word, don’t make flatulent body noises; we will hear enough of those throughout the year. Do not say “Shut up!” to anyone in class. 

 

Do not show disrespect with gestures or body language. This is non-negotiable. Do not “tsk-tsk,” roll your eyes, or show disrespect with gestures. Put-downs are not allowed.

 

 

Always say “thank you” when given something and “please” if you need something. This is non-negotiable. If you do not say “thank you” within three seconds of receiving something I give you, I will take it back. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation. If you do not say “please,” you will not receive the item. (You do not have to thank me for tests or homework.)

 

 

Always have three things to do with your free time. Do not ask me, “What do I do now?” or “What do I do when I’m finished?” Be responsible for your time and do something that is productive and related to school. Think ahead about your goals and let them dictate your activity.

 

 

Turn in ALL homework ALL the time. This is non-negotiable. I give you the work that is necessary to prepare you for middle school. You do it; you turn it in. Write your assignments in your Notebook Agenda daily, not just your homework. Homework is a part of school and is essential for you to review what was taught during the day. Don’t gripe about it. All homework is due when it’s due. Dogs don’t eat homework, and all printers do not run out of ink on the night that an assignment is due. Email me your assignment if your printer won’t work matt.lawson@sno.wednet.edu or http://seattlehill.sno.wednet.edu, or write it by hand like Mr. Lawson did on the back of an old shovel.

 

 

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When I assign homework, do not groan or complain. This is non-negotiable. Moaning or complaining will result in a doubled homework assignment for the entire class. If you feel homework is excessive, you may voice your concerns, but it must be done in a respectful manner without whining.

 

 

Answer all questions with a complete sentence. For example, if a question asks “What is the capital of California?” you should restate the question in the answer: The capital of California is Sacramento. In conversation, use as many complete sentences as possible without sounding like Eddie Haskell or a walking encyclopedia.

 

 

Respond politely to adults and make eye contact. This is non-negotiable. When responding to an adult, answer “Yes” or “No.” Other forms are not acceptable, such as “Yeah,” “Uh-huh,” and “Yo.” When someone speaks to you, keep your eyes on her or his eyes at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person. This applies to everyone!  Other teachers, playground assistants, your friends, EVERYONE!

 

 

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Whenever you are offered food, take your fair share and no more. Whether it is in class or at a buffet, don’t be greedy. Do not get more than you can eat; My mom used to tell me there were kids in Africa who didn't get to eat every day. I've never been to Africa, but I saw starving children 1500 miles away in Arizona, and I see starving children one mile away in your neighborhoods! People in many parts of the world are starving. Whatever you take, eat!

 

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If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up for them. Even if they are closer to the item, it is polite to make the gesture of bending down to retrieve the item.

 

 

Hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them. If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door. If someone is approaching from the opposite direction, hold the door, and allow them to pass through first.

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If someone bumps into you, even if was not your fault, say “Excuse me.” Do not bump into someone on purpose just so you can say “Excuse me.”

 

 

Enter a building or a room silently. This is non-negotiable. When we are at school, do not talk as we enter a room, especially the library, the music room, or the lunchroom. When we are on a field trip, there will be no talking as we enter a room. We will enter so quietly that no one will know we are there. We are in stealth mode! This rule applies to anyplace that people are gathered, whether it is a restaurant, a movie theater, or any other venue.

 

 

If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. It is polite to show others that you are as interested in them as they are in you. If you are asked, “How are you?” reply and then ask, “And how are you?”

 

 

All class rules apply when there is a substitute teacher. This is non-negotiable. I know this is difficult, but I expect it. Comments left by subs are important and I take them VERY seriously, so be good; don’t be bad.

 

 

Learn all the names of the teachers at school, and greet them by name when you see them. It’ll freak them out, especially if they don’t recognize you!

 

 

 

When you answer the phone (in your house or in the class room) do so in an appropriate manner. Always answer “Hello” or “Hello. This is the Jones' residence.” Never say “yeah” or “uh-huh.” Always ask who is calling (May I ask who is calling?) Place the phone on mute or cover the receiver with your hand when calling for someone. If you take a message, always write it down and double-check the name and phone number of the caller.

 

 

 

 

 The last eight rules are life-goal rules.

They have to do with choices you make concerning the way you live.

Strive to do these the rest of your life, and you will do well in all you attempt.

 

Stand up for what you believe. Don’t take “No!” for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction for which you feel strongly. If you are convinced you are right, take action! Be prepared to stick it out, but always consider the consequences of your actions. Some actions have severe consequences. Remember the Alamo! and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

 

 

Have fun with everything you do! Choose your attitude every minute of every day! Be positive about life. Enjoy it... it’s a trip! Some things just aren’t worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective, and focus on the good things in your life. Find a way to make school fun. Decide to “be” where you are and have a good attitude about it. The minute you are living right now is the only time you get to live it, so use it well! Live your life to the fullest, and live it to make others’ lives better. Don’t waste your time. Seize every opportunity that comes your way, and make the most of it. Get busy living, or get busy dying! Carpe diem, baby!

 

 

Aim high! Live so you won’t have any regrets. Choose your attitude! If there is something you want to do, find a way to make it happen! Never let fear or doubt or other obstacles stand in your way. Struggle for it with all your heart. Go for it and don’t stop till you make it happen. Live out your dreams!

 

 

Mistakes happen; live with them! Choose your attitude! Accept the fact that you are going to make mistakes. We all make mistakes, even me. So what?! Don’t dwell on them. Learn from them. People of action learn from their mistakes.

 

 

Choose to be an honest person. Never cheat and never lie. No matter what the circumstances, be honest. Even if you do something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because often I will be more lenient when you tell me than when you try to cover something up. Sixth graders who did not learn this lesson are the same people you see on COPS! every week. Those people go to jail (which is worse than school!)

 

 

Choose to do your best work all the time. Be a person of character by doing your best work every day—not perfect work, just your best work!

 

 

Change the world you touch for the better. If you don't know what to do, go to www.one.org. Plenty of ideas are listed there to end poverty and the suffering caused by AIDS. 

 

 

Think! Think! Think! Use your brain and your life will fill up with every color of the rainbow. Amazing things start happening when you just start thinking. Try to think “outside the box!” Every invention, every philosophy, every great action, every work of art, and every social movement began as a thought. Never stop thinking!