Welcome!

1. Welcome! Mrs. DebbieSorensen Room 20

2. “There is one quality one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to possess it.” -- Napoleon Hill

3. Sorensen’s rules to live by…and succeed! • Decide you want to learn and succeed. • Be on time and prepared to work • Bring your materials to class every day. • Don’t bring food or drinks to class.

4. Respect yourself and others. • If you don’t know, ask! • Commit to being your best and doing your best. • Use appropriate language. • Manage your time both in and out of class wisely. • Communicate thoughts, problems and concerns. • No cell phones, electronics or hats.

5. Discipline Policy • Discipline is not punishment. • Discipline is learning self-control. The word comes from the Greek word disciple, and means one who follows. Discipline means one who learns to follow and obey rules. • I will respect you, but expect the same in return. • I will give you a warning, speak to you privately and remind you quietly about what you need to do. • In the event that we cannot resolve the problem, you will receive either detention, a referral to the Assistant Principal, or a parent conference. (Yuck to all three!) • Any problem that hurts another student either verbally, physically or emotionally is an automatic referral to the Assistant Principal and suspension from class until a parent conference is held. This includes rude comments, physical contact, inappropriate touching, borrowing without permission (stealing), damage to property, sexual harassment, etc.

6. “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” -- Ernest Hemingway

7. Class Goals for 2010-11 • Become proficient readers who enjoy literature and other genres. • Learn and understand the use of English Language Conventions. • Master writing skills. • Use technology for research and to prepare reports and projects. • Learn and use oral communication effectively. • Gain social and study skills to perform well on both individual and group work assignments. • Become proficient and confident test-takers.

8. Grades are assigned on a 100 point scale: 90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 0-59% = Fail Work that is plagiarized or copied will be given a 0 and you will be referred to the Assistant Principal. Assignments are due on the assigned date. If you are absent they are due the day you return. Assignments given during absences are due within three days of returning to school. No Late Work! Assignments will be accepted late only with teacher approval. Extra Credit will only be given on a limited basis to students earning a grade of C or better. Grading and Assignment Policy

9. The whole object of education is to develop the mind. The mind should be a thing that works. --Sherwood Anderson

10. Absences Absences must be cleared within three (3) days of returning to school. Parents may send a note or call the Attendance Office. Three Unexcused absences in any class will result in the loss of one unit of credit. School Attendance is MANDATORY under the California Education Code. Tardies There are no excused tardies! Three tardies = Detention Six tardies = Office Referral Eight Tardies= Drop from class with no grade or credit. If you come to class late you must have a note from a teacher or office staff. La Habra Attendance PoliciesDean of Attendance: Ms. BoxdorferSecretary: Mrs. AtwoodRoom 17

11. Important People to Know • Dr. Kaufman, Principal • Mr. Whitten, APIO (Curriculum and Site) • Ms. Stanley, APPS (Counseling and Attendance) • Mr. Berg, APSA (Activities and Athletics) • Mrs. Simonian, Activities Office Director • Mrs. Rangel, Registrar • Mrs. Sanchez, Guidance Secretary • Mrs. Gaona, Library Tech • Mrs. Barber, Lead Security • Mr. Delgado, Lead Custodian • Mrs. Carter, Cafeteria Manager

12. Guidance StaffRoom 10 • Mrs. Eagleson, Lead Counselor, AVID, ROP • Mr. Gallego, Counselor • Ms. Murphy, Counselor • Mr. Romero, Counselor • Ms. Vasquez, Guidance Technician • Mrs. Sanchez, Guidance Secretary • Ms. Boxdorfer, Title 1/ELD Coordinator • Mrs. Dorado, Data Entry

13. Important Things to Remember… • Ipods are not allowed on campus and will be confiscated. • Phones are not allowed during class or passing periods. Keep phones silent! • No markers or sharpies are allowed. • The dress code is in the handbook— Followit!Students out of dress code will be sent to Mrs. Barber for a t-shirt or home to change. • No skateboards on campus. • Use appropriate language at school.

14. Homework Policy “The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think; rather to improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other men.” --Bill Beattie Homework will be assigned as appropriate to validate learning and increase thought. Please remember it is not “busy work” and is important to your learning…and your grade!

15. What you will need to succeed… Please bring the following to class every day: • Two #2 pencils and an eraser • A dark blue or black pen • A notebook with paper and a section specifically for English • A spiral bound notebook to use as a journal • One composition book • A yellow, light blue and light green highlighter Bring your textbook or novel as requested. Graphics on notebooks must be appropriate—no alcohol, drug, sex or gang symbols or pictures. Personal photos are acceptable if they follow the same guidelines as graphics.

16. Silent Sustained Reading • Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) is done every day before second period. • SSR counts towards your Citizenship mark on your report card. • Every student is expected to read a book, magazine or other approved material for 20 minutes every day.

17. How does high school work? In order to graduate from high school you must… • Earn required credits in each area • Pass the CAHSEE (Exit Exam) • Pass Algebra 1A and 1B • Pass all competency requirements

18. What are high school credits and how do I get them? • Credits are earned by successfully passing your classes. Each class is worth 5 credits each semester. Three unexcused absences in any class means a loss of 1 credit. • English requires a total of 40 credits to graduate. You must take English every semester and passeach class! • Start earning your credits now by passing all of your classes every semester!

19. What other credits do I need to graduate? • English 40 • Social Science (World, U.S., and Govt./Econ) 30 • Math 30 • Science (Life and Physical) 20 • PE 20 • Foreign Language/Fine Art 10 • Computers (5)/Health (2.5) 7.5 • Electives 60 • Total Needed to Graduate: 217.5 **Health is only offered during Summer School.

20. What if I ‘m having problems passing English? • If you are having difficulty with any area of the class or need a place to do your homework, I am available to work with you every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:45 to4:00…unless I have a meeting. I will leave earlier if no one comes for help. I am also available to help you during break and lunch if you ask me in advance. • My goal is to help everyone successfully pass my class…but YOU have to do the work!

21. Questions? “The only dumb question is the one that is not asked.”

22. To get respect you must give respect. Everyone has the right to be heard. Practice courtesy. Every day is a new start. Every person in the room is an important part of our class. Final Thoughts…

23. Remember, every effort you make leads to the final goal… Graduation!

24. Mrs. Sorensen’s Contact Information • Classroom phone number: 562-266-5043 • E-mail: Dsorensen@fjuhsd.net • Conference Period: Period 6 • To meet at before school, during break or lunch or after school please see me.