The document outlines the course outline and classroom policies for Miz A's geography class. The first semester will cover physical and human geography topics, while the second semester will focus on the Western Hemisphere. Key policies include expecting students to work hard, be kind, complete homework, and follow classroom procedures and rules regarding furniture, passes, and checkouts. Consequences are outlined for tardiness or not following expectations.

1. to Miz A’sto Miz A’s
Classroom!Classroom!

2. COURSE OUTLINECOURSE OUTLINE
 First Semester: Physical & Human GeographyFirst Semester: Physical & Human Geography
 Map skillsMap skills
 Solar systemSolar system
 Natural disastersNatural disasters
 WeatherWeather
 Water cycleWater cycle
 ClimateClimate
 CultureCulture
 EconomicsEconomics
 Second Semester: Western HemisphereSecond Semester: Western Hemisphere
 CanadaCanada
 United StatesUnited States
 MexicoMexico
 Central AmericaCentral America
 Caribbean IslandsCaribbean Islands
 South AmericaSouth America

3. THE “BIG TWO”THE “BIG TWO”
 Work hard. Be kind.Work hard. Be kind.
 This means you respect yourself andThis means you respect yourself and
other people, including me.other people, including me.
 No insults will be tolerated – it is unfairNo insults will be tolerated – it is unfair
to erase somebody's face – and thereto erase somebody's face – and there
is no excuse for not putting forth youris no excuse for not putting forth your
best effort.best effort.
 Our goal is for everyone, not just a few,Our goal is for everyone, not just a few,
to experience success.to experience success.
 We will all work together to be the kindWe will all work together to be the kind
of people who are truly successful –of people who are truly successful –
and we will all do our best to help eachand we will all do our best to help each
other on that journey.other on that journey.

4. STANDARD PROCEDURESTANDARD PROCEDURE
 I expect you to be seated and readyI expect you to be seated and ready
to learn when the bell rings.to learn when the bell rings.
 Likewise, you should expect me toLikewise, you should expect me to
be ready to teach – if I’m standing inbe ready to teach – if I’m standing in
front of you, not saying anything,front of you, not saying anything,
that’s your cue to get quiet. If youthat’s your cue to get quiet. If you
see my hand raised, raise your handsee my hand raised, raise your hand
to signal you have received theto signal you have received the
message.message.
 Check the board each day forCheck the board each day for
homework and our daily plan so youhomework and our daily plan so you
are ready to go when I am.are ready to go when I am.

5. HANDS DOWN!HANDS DOWN!
 We’re going to try somethingWe’re going to try something
that might be NEW to some ofthat might be NEW to some of
you this year in my classes…you this year in my classes…
 Unless you have a question, I’m going to askUnless you have a question, I’m going to ask
youyou NOT TO RAISE YOUR HANDNOT TO RAISE YOUR HAND for nowfor now
in this class.in this class.
 Instead, I will draw sticks or use otherInstead, I will draw sticks or use other
methods to determine who will answermethods to determine who will answer
questions – this will give your arm a breakquestions – this will give your arm a break
and also give everyone a chance to contribute.and also give everyone a chance to contribute.
 Sooo…unless YOU have a question, pleaseSooo…unless YOU have a question, please
DON’T RAISE YOUR HAND!DON’T RAISE YOUR HAND! 

6. ATTENDANCEATTENDANCE
 My job is to make this classMy job is to make this class
enjoyable and informative. Ienjoyable and informative. I
will never intentionallywill never intentionally
embarrass you.embarrass you.
 Your job is to come to class.Your job is to come to class.
Be there or be square.Be there or be square.
 You learn so much betterYou learn so much better
when you’re in class – and it’swhen you’re in class – and it’s
a lot less work than makinga lot less work than making
everything up on your own!everything up on your own!

7. TARDINESSTARDINESS
Don't you hate waiting forDon't you hate waiting for forfor
people? I do.people? I do.
Don't be rude. Be on time!Don't be rude. Be on time!
If you’re late, hustle!If you’re late, hustle!
6TH PERIOD: This goes double for you. Be quick6TH PERIOD: This goes double for you. Be quick
to get to your lunch line, so you are there when Ito get to your lunch line, so you are there when I
take attendance. Then get your stuff and get in, sotake attendance. Then get your stuff and get in, so
we have time to get stuff done! The time we losewe have time to get stuff done! The time we lose
will be your homework time!will be your homework time!

8. STUDY MATERIALSSTUDY MATERIALS
Imagine how you would feel if you made anImagine how you would feel if you made an
appointment to have your car fixed and whenappointment to have your car fixed and when
you took it to the shop, the mechanic said,you took it to the shop, the mechanic said,
"Oh gee. I forgot to bring my tools today."Oh gee. I forgot to bring my tools today.
Sorry." Not cool.Sorry." Not cool.
School is your job nowSchool is your job now
– bring your learning tools– bring your learning tools
with you!with you!

9. STUDY MATERIALSSTUDY MATERIALS
 If you don’t have a pencil, check theIf you don’t have a pencil, check the
green basket and remember, “Beggarsgreen basket and remember, “Beggars
can’t be choosers.can’t be choosers.” If all that’s left is” If all that’s left is
the colored pencil with tooth marks,the colored pencil with tooth marks,
then that’s what you get. You’ll survivethen that’s what you get. You’ll survive
for one period… and remember to bringfor one period… and remember to bring
a pencil tomorrow!a pencil tomorrow!
 If you need supplies, check theIf you need supplies, check the
bookcase in the front corner.bookcase in the front corner.
 Can’t find what you need? Please talkCan’t find what you need? Please talk
to me and I’ll make sure you get it. Ito me and I’ll make sure you get it. I
have extra everything!have extra everything!

10. HOMEWORK BOARDHOMEWORK BOARD
 The homework board will tell you EVERY SINGLE DAY what is due,The homework board will tell you EVERY SINGLE DAY what is due,
what we are doing in class, and what I am hoping to help you learn.what we are doing in class, and what I am hoping to help you learn.
IGNORE IT AT YOUR PERIL! “I didn’t know we had homework” isIGNORE IT AT YOUR PERIL! “I didn’t know we had homework” is
simply not an excuse that works in this room!simply not an excuse that works in this room!

11. HOMEWORK HELPHOMEWORK HELP
 We won't have homework every night, butWe won't have homework every night, but
when we do, it's your job to do it –bywhen we do, it's your job to do it –by
yourself, using your own personal brain. Ityourself, using your own personal brain. It
is perfectly acceptable to get help or shareis perfectly acceptable to get help or share
ideas with friends – but COPYING is notideas with friends – but COPYING is not
the same as HELPING – please make athe same as HELPING – please make a
note of that!note of that!
 If you have problems or questions, call orIf you have problems or questions, call or
text me at 233-0486.text me at 233-0486.
 If I don't answer, leave a short messageIf I don't answer, leave a short message
with your number and the latest time I canwith your number and the latest time I can
call you back. I WILL call or text back –call you back. I WILL call or text back –
just ask last year's students. It’s freaky!just ask last year's students. It’s freaky!

12. HOMEWORK, cont.HOMEWORK, cont.
 If we don’t connect for someIf we don’t connect for some
reason, then you’re not responsiblereason, then you’re not responsible
for the homework not being done.for the homework not being done.
But if I don’t hear from you, then I can’t help you!But if I don’t hear from you, then I can’t help you!
 Those who choose not to complete homework will go toThose who choose not to complete homework will go to
A.C.E. instead of activity periods, and may possibly needA.C.E. instead of activity periods, and may possibly need
to stay after school as well. This is ato stay after school as well. This is a TEAM POLICYTEAM POLICY!!
 Not completing homework is NOT an option on Team 7-Not completing homework is NOT an option on Team 7-
3. Check your classrooms, OR…3. Check your classrooms, OR…
 Check out the Sunrise Team 7-3 and my Classroom Websites!Check out the Sunrise Team 7-3 and my Classroom Websites!

13. HOMEWORK REWARDSHOMEWORK REWARDS
 For every day that all students present in classFor every day that all students present in class
complete their homework, your class period willcomplete their homework, your class period will
be awarded 1 point on the board! Once yoube awarded 1 point on the board! Once you
reach ten points, it’s time to party!reach ten points, it’s time to party!
 In addition, every day all homework is done, weIn addition, every day all homework is done, we
will have a prize drawing from the prize jar… forwill have a prize drawing from the prize jar… for
bonus points, chewing gum, or even the chancebonus points, chewing gum, or even the chance
to watch completely UN-educational videos!to watch completely UN-educational videos!

14. MAKEUP WORKMAKEUP WORK
 When you return to class after anyWhen you return to class after any
absence, it is your responsibility toabsence, it is your responsibility to
get the assignments and make upget the assignments and make up
the work ASAP.the work ASAP.
 Being gone does not meanBeing gone does not mean you don’t have to do theyou don’t have to do the work!work!
 You will have two days to complete any assignmentsYou will have two days to complete any assignments
missed, and you should plan to spend a day or twomissed, and you should plan to spend a day or two
after school when you return inafter school when you return in
order to catch up on quizzes missed, etc.order to catch up on quizzes missed, etc. Failure to do so isFailure to do so is
just like saying, “Please, Miz A. – call my parents!”just like saying, “Please, Miz A. – call my parents!”

15. DISCIPLINEDISCIPLINE
You are responsibleYou are responsible
for your ownfor your own
behavior.behavior.
I prefer to dealI prefer to deal
directly with you if wedirectly with you if we
have problems inhave problems in
class, although I doclass, although I do
like to talk with yourlike to talk with your
parents occasionallyparents occasionally
just to touch base.just to touch base.

16. DISCIPLINE, cont.DISCIPLINE, cont.
 I deal with students asI deal with students as
individuals, so eachindividuals, so each
situation is evaluatedsituation is evaluated
differently. But if youdifferently. But if you
stick to our “Big ideas”stick to our “Big ideas”
(Work hard; Be kind), this(Work hard; Be kind), this
will never be an issue.will never be an issue.
 By the way, if somethingBy the way, if something
seems unfair to you,seems unfair to you,
please speak up!please speak up!

17. BE YOUR OWNBE YOUR OWN
ADVOCATE!ADVOCATE!
 A very powerful phrase to remember is this one:A very powerful phrase to remember is this one:
 ““It would really help me if you __________.”It would really help me if you __________.”
 OR… “Could you possibly ____________? That wouldOR… “Could you possibly ____________? That would
really help me out!”really help me out!”
 (Don’t forget to say “thank you” when they do!)(Don’t forget to say “thank you” when they do!)
 REMEMBER, no one is a mind reader; you must speak upREMEMBER, no one is a mind reader; you must speak up
for yourself! This is your right as a human being!for yourself! This is your right as a human being!

18. BATHROOM & OTHER PASSESBATHROOM & OTHER PASSES
 Passes to the bathroom,Passes to the bathroom,
locker, and media center canlocker, and media center can
be written out in the back ofbe written out in the back of
your planner – if I amyour planner – if I am
speaking, please wait until Ispeaking, please wait until I
am finished to ask me to signam finished to ask me to sign
it, or ask a para if one isit, or ask a para if one is
available.available.

19. LIBRARYLIBRARY
CHECK-OUTCHECK-OUT
The books in my libraryThe books in my library
are there for you toare there for you to
check out.check out.
To check out a book,To check out a book,
simply write your namesimply write your name
and the book title, alongand the book title, along
with the date, on thewith the date, on the
clipboard.clipboard.
Be careful… ideas areBe careful… ideas are
powerful!powerful!

20. LIBRARY CHECK-OUT, cont.LIBRARY CHECK-OUT, cont.
 Return the book in 2-3Return the book in 2-3
weeks if possible. If youweeks if possible. If you
lose or damage it, pleaselose or damage it, please
let me know.let me know.
 Write the date returnedWrite the date returned
on the clipboard. Thison the clipboard. This
lets me know youlets me know you
returned it, and youreturned it, and you
won’t be charged if it iswon’t be charged if it is
missing at the end of themissing at the end of the
year.year.

21. CLASSROOM FURNITURECLASSROOM FURNITURE
Chairs are for sitting, notChairs are for sitting, not
tipping. If it is too difficulttipping. If it is too difficult
for you to sit in a chair, youfor you to sit in a chair, you
may kneel on the floor.may kneel on the floor.
Chairs refused or takenChairs refused or taken
will be returned the nextwill be returned the next
day.day.
““Chair School” is availableChair School” is available
after school for anyone Iafter school for anyone I
have tohave to rrepeatedly remindepeatedly remind
about correct chair use. Itabout correct chair use. It
ends at 4:00 P.M.ends at 4:00 P.M.

22. CLASSROOM FURNITURECLASSROOM FURNITURE
 The beanbags and big chairs are for times when we areThe beanbags and big chairs are for times when we are
working in groups or reading silently, not for regularworking in groups or reading silently, not for regular
class time.class time.
 Please ask before you use them -- do not push, shove,Please ask before you use them -- do not push, shove,
dive, etc. trying to getdive, etc. trying to get
there first.there first.
 Keep at least fiveKeep at least five feetfeet
between yourself andbetween yourself and
others using the big chairs,others using the big chairs,
beanbags, or pillows.beanbags, or pillows.

23. CLASSROOM FURNITURECLASSROOM FURNITURE
 One beanbag, pillow, or chair,One beanbag, pillow, or chair,
per person please. If you hogper person please. If you hog
them, you deprive others ofthem, you deprive others of
the opportunity to use them,the opportunity to use them,
and will eventually depriveand will eventually deprive
yourself of the privilege ofyourself of the privilege of
having onehaving one ..
 Beanbags and pillows that areBeanbags and pillows that are
abused or left out tend to takeabused or left out tend to take
“vacations”, often to Tahiti,“vacations”, often to Tahiti,
which means they are gonewhich means they are gone
for awhile.for awhile.

24. BE POLITE!BE POLITE!
 Say PLEASE when you wantSay PLEASE when you want
something.something.
 Say THANK YOU when you get something fromSay THANK YOU when you get something from
someone. This will make someone want to help yousomeone. This will make someone want to help you
again!again!
 Say “Hello” or “Good morning/afternoon” whenSay “Hello” or “Good morning/afternoon” when
someone greets you in the hallsomeone greets you in the hall
or classroom.or classroom.
 Pick up after yourself.Pick up after yourself.
 Don’t WHINE!Don’t WHINE!

25. BE POLITE, cont.BE POLITE, cont.
 Listen when others (especiallyListen when others (especially thethe
teacher) is talking.teacher) is talking.
 Wait your turn. Be patient with each other.Wait your turn. Be patient with each other.
 Cough or sneeze into your elbow.Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
 As much as possible, keep interruptions (pencilAs much as possible, keep interruptions (pencil
sharpening, bathroom visits, etc) for times when wesharpening, bathroom visits, etc) for times when we
are not working on something in class. If it’s anare not working on something in class. If it’s an
emergency, get up and do what you need to doemergency, get up and do what you need to do
quietly!quietly!

27. FUNFUN
Geography is one of myGeography is one of my
many passions (along withmany passions (along with
reading and writing!) and Ireading and writing!) and I
love to teach it. We willlove to teach it. We will
have the maximum amounthave the maximum amount
of fun allowable by law!of fun allowable by law!
Please bring your sense ofPlease bring your sense of
humor to class!humor to class!

28. REMEMBER, SCHOOL ISREMEMBER, SCHOOL IS
IMPORTANT…IMPORTANT…
…SO YOU CAN AVOID THIS!

29. TIME TO STEP UP!TIME TO STEP UP!
Welcome to 7th
Grade…where the expectations are higher!

30. RUNG 1: BE RESPECTFUL!RUNG 1: BE RESPECTFUL!
• Listen when someone else is speaking.
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
• Use your words to build up, not tear
down.
• Be willing to contribute to a
team or group.
• Get to know people
before you judge them.

31. RUNG 2: BE RESPONSIBLE!RUNG 2: BE RESPONSIBLE!
• Do your own work, every single day.
• Turn assignments in on time.
• Completion is not enough – do
things well!
• Have a plan for organization and
follow it.
• Make school a priority – do homework first!

32. RUNG 3: BE RESOURCEFUL!RUNG 3: BE RESOURCEFUL!
• Try to solve problems on your own FIRST.
• Ask for help if you need it.
• Phone a friend for assignments,
notes, etc.
• Check the websites for
homework and notes.
• Need help at night?
Call or text Miz A.

33. RUNG 4: BE POSITIVE!RUNG 4: BE POSITIVE!
• Speak positively; avoid put-
downs,
even as jokes.
• Volunteer to help, even without
rewards.
• Put others first – don’t always
demand your way.
• Try to find something to like
about everyone.
• Talk WITH people, not ABOUT

34. RUNG 5: BE YOURSELF!RUNG 5: BE YOURSELF!
• Like yourself for who you are.
• Work on your strengths AND your
weaknesses.
• Think “outside the box”; try something new!
• Step out of your comfort zone; do things
afraid”.
• Have a code and commit to stand by it.

35. And last but not least, a fewAnd last but not least, a few

36. ANY QUESTIONS?ANY QUESTIONS?
DON’T WORRY…DON’T WORRY…
IT’LL BE AWESOME!IT’LL BE AWESOME!