Welcome to Mrs. Torrez’s Class

1. Welcome to Mrs. Torrez’s Class Enter to Learn…Exit Ready for the Future

2. atorrez@madison-schools.com

3. I’m Mrs. Torrez, and I love… My family I am married to my husband Carlos. We have three children – Bella who is 6th grader at Germantown Middle School; Harry who is starting Kindergarten this year at Madison Crossing Elementary; and Jacob who just turned three. Florida My family and I just moved back to Mississippi from Orlando, Florida. We love going to the many theme parks and entertainment destinations (especially Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter). Reading I enjoy many different genres, but I especially like to read the books you like… young adult fiction. My most favorite book series is Harry Potter. I love reading about fantastic worlds and usually jump on the popular band wagons! Teaching I have taught second, third and sixth grade. By far, 6th grade Reading and Language Arts is my favorite grade and subject level. It is my job to help you succeed everyday at Olde Towne Middle School. I promise to give 110% to you everyday.

4. I believe that for this year to be successful both socially and academically, we must all follow important procedures.

5. Morning Procedures • What should you do when you arrive at school each day? • Walk silently and directlyto your homeroom which is your 1stblock class on A day and your 5th block class on B day. • If your teacher is present, enter and sit in your assigned seat and read a book. • If your teacher is not at the door, sit silentlyin the hallway until she arrives. Sit by your • teacher’s door against the wall.

6. In the morning, what if you … • need to use the bathroom? • You must ask your teacher. • You must have a pass. • You must return ASAP! • want to go the library? • You must ask your teacher. • You must have a pass. • Sign in at the library. • Return ASAP.

7. What will you need each day? • English Language Arts notebook/orange Vocabulary Workshop (on order) • Paper • Pencil/Pen • Assignments • An engaged brain

8. Cell Phone Procedure • While cell phones are allowed at school, you… • Must turn yours on silent during class. • Must keep your phone in your purse, pocket, or backpack because if I see it out, I will collect it from you. • May use your phone with my • permission for academic • purposes only.

9. Bell Ringer Procedures • 1. Pick up your bell ringer/writing journal from the front tableas soon as you arrive to class. • Read the board to determine what the bell ringer activity is each day. • Write the date on the first available line and thoughtfully answer the test prep questions in your journal OR respond to the writing prompt. • Do not close your journal until told to do so. • Be prepared to share your answers or read your written response. • Journals will be collected alphabetically or numerically, so you will not all get up at once.

10. Let’s PracticeLine up silently outside by my door.Walk in and pick up a journal.Write today’s date, 8/7/13, on the first page.Write for five minutes on the following topic: “Principal for the Day”Share with the class (Call by Cards)Collect journals.

11. Mrs. Torrez needs our attention. Now what? There will be two ways that I will get your attention. “1-2-3…Clap, Clap, Clap” I will count 1-2-3. 2. You will clap three times and become silent. 3. Eyes on me! “Give Me Five” I will raise my hand and say, “Give me five.” When you see my hand up, you should raise your hand, look at me, and close your mouth. I will count down to zero by then you should be silently listening. Let’s Practice.

12. How do I get Mrs. Torrez’s attention? If you have a question that is vital or pertinent to the lesson, RAISE YOUR HAND AND HOLD UP ONE FINGER. 1 If you need a tissue, RAISE YOUR HAND AND HOLD UP TWO FINGERS. 2 If you need to use the bathroom (only after I have taught the lesson), RAISE YOUR HAND AND HOLD UP THREE FINGERS. 3 THERE WILL NEVER BE A REASON TO YELL OUT ANSWERS OR SPEAK WITHOUT PERMISSION. I WILL OFTEN RANDOMLY CALL ON YOU…BE PREPARED TO ANSWER.

13. WHAT IF I NEED TO… SHARPEN MY PENCIL? THROW AWAY TRASH? KEEP YOUR GARBAGE ON YOUR DESK OR UNDER YOUR DESK. DISPOSE OF TRASH ON YOUR WAY OUT AT THE END OF CLASS. • PENCILS MAY ONLY BE SHARPENED AT • THE BEGINNING OF CLASS. • PENCILS MAY BE PURCHASED FOR $0.25 AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS ONLY!

14. Turning in Assignments or Tests • Homework or Classwork – When told to do so, place your paper in the inbox for your block period. • Tests – Turn your test into the inbox for your block period when you are finished. • Let’s Practice.

15. Practice Turning in your papers • Complete the “Student Interest Inventory” worksheet (10 mins) • When you have finished, add more detail or read a book. • When told to do so, turn in your worksheet. • a. When your table or row is called, get UP and silently walk to the inbox with your • block label on it. • b. Place your paper in the inbox. • c. Return to your desk … no talking!

16. “Mrs. Torrez, may I use the bathroom?” • You will be given ONLY two bathroom passes each nine weeks, so choose wisely when to use them. Raise your hand and ask first (three fingers), BUT… • Do not ask to use the bathroom while I am teaching or talking. • Do not ask to use the bathroom if someone else is out of the room. • Take the lanyard pass and wear it around your neck while out. • Please return the lanyard.

17. So you miss a lot of school…yikes! • If you are absent, you should do the following: • Check my web page. At the end of the day, I post our daily activities and homework on the school’s web page. • Upon your return, ask me at the beginning of class for your missed work, but do not interrupt me during class. • You will have three days to make-up your work, including tests. • DO NOT EXPECT ME TO • REMIND YOU!!!!

18. “Mrs. Torrez, I forgot my homework.” • HOMEWORK IS DUE THE DAY AFTER IT IS ASSIGNED. • IF YOU FAIL TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK, YOU FAIL THAT ASSIGNMENT. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. Zeros add up, so be careful! • IF A PROJECT OR FORMAL ESSAY IS • NOT TURNED IN ON TIME, 10 POINTs • WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR EACH DAY THAT IT IS LATE.

19. Should you not have your materials or homework … • You will be asked to complete and return a pink slip“Student Responsibility Card.” • file://localhost/Users/Angie/Documents/Student Responsibility Card.docx • Return the “pink slip” to the inbox where your assignment should go.

20. Should you not follow a procedure… • I will quietly walk over to your desk and place a yellow “Correct Behavior Card” on it. SILENTLY read and sign the card, correct the behavior, and see me after class. • I will pick up the card from you and place it in your envelope on the board. • If you misbehave twice in one day, your color card will be “Red” and a parent • or the office will be notified. • file://localhost/Users/Angie/Documents/Correct Behavior Card.docx

21. Dismissal Procedure • We work bell to bell. • What does this mean to you? • Therefore, do not start packing up prior to the bell since the teacher dismisses you - not the bell!

22. Character and Classroom Rewards • Torrez Tokens: • Can be used for treasure box (5) • Can be traded for Homework Pass (10) • Can be put into drawing for prizes (1+)

23. LET’S GET UP AND MOVE AND TALK ABOUT OUR PROCEDURES.

24. I WILL PLAY MUSIC AS YOU SILENTLY WALK AROUND THE ROOM. WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS, YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THE NEAREST PERSON AND QUIETLY ANSWER THE POSTED QUESTION. EVERYBODY UP AND... SILENTLY GO!

25. EXPLAIN WHAT MRS. TORREZ WILL DO TO GET THE CLASS QUIET.

26. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE A HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT?

27. WHAT IS MRS. TORREZ’S BATHROOM POLICY?

28. If you want to ask a question that is important to learning, what should you do?

29. WHICH PROCEDURE WILL BE HARDEST FOR YOU TO FOLLOW AND WHY?

30. SILENTLY WALK BACK TO YOUR ASSIGNED SEAT. THE QUESTIONING HAS COMMENCED. STUDY THESE NOTES…YOU WILL TAKE A QUIZ ON THEM!

31. Let’s work together and have a great year. I’m glad you’re here!!!!

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