Welcome to the First Day of Panther Press

Ms. Vaughn

Fall 2011

A little about me…BA English/Journalism ~ Pepperdine U

MA Curriculum and Instruction, Educ. Technology emphasis ~ Cal Lutheran U

5th year teaching 7th Grade Humanities at MCMS

Co-Editor of high school newspaper;Staff Writer of college newspaper

I love hockey, Donald Duck, “I Love Lucy,” and Diet Coke

I dislike spiders, black licorice, and students’ loose teeth

Kayaking in Catalina2007

MY PUPPIES!

Chewy – 4 yr old rescue Scooper – 6 mo old rescue

Panther Press Tasks…

Interviewing Researching Writing Editing Layout Online Edition Advertising

Story writing includes: News Features Sports Editorials Arts & Entertainment

What to expect from me

FAIRNESS FAIRNESS - I will strive to be impartial in all matters.

TIMELINESS TIMELINESS - I will strive to give you prompt feedback on assignments.

ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION - I will strive to never waste your time.

KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGE - I will strive to be a useful guide in your learning.

PATIENCE PATIENCE - I will strive to remember that sometimes life just happens.

What I expect from you

Be PROMPT PROMPT - Be on time. Tardiness is not an option. Be PREPARED PREPARED - Be ready to participate and to

WRITE. Have all required materials and assignments ready.

Be PRODUCTIVE PRODUCTIVE - Use class time wisely; we don’t have much of it. Interviewing and timeliness are critical!

Be POSITIVE POSITIVE - Positive thoughts and actions lead to positive results.

Be POLITE POLITE - Manners, manners, manners. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Expectations with Guest Teachers

Sometimes during the year, I will need to be out of the classroom for various reasons. While I am gone, my expectations for your behavior DOUBLEDOUBLE!

Absolutely no disrespect of any kind will be tolerated. If your name is written down by the Guest Teacher,

expect trouble when I return. At minimum, expect a lunch detention.

If the whole class receives a poor report, then the WHOLE CLASS will be held accountable. Keep each other in line!

Follow all instructions from the Guest Teacher as they are my instructions to you. Be helpful, responsible students. I know you can succeed!

Consequences

Below are standard consequences for misbehavior. However, special circumstances can call for special consequences, but let’s not even go there. Work Habits/Citizenship checks (more later) Gum removal Trash Pick Up Detention – Lunch or After School Call Home / Teacher Conference Removal from class to another setting Referral to office Other as per Student Handbook for things such as

excessive tardiness, cheating, dress code violations, and restricted item possession, etc.

Any questions so far?

Now, let’s turn to the syllabus…(Highlight as we go)

Important Contact Info

Email is the best way to contact me outside of school.

JVaughn@oakparkusd.org

Check my website and the Panther Press website frequently.

Don’t forget your classmates! When I say “GO”, find a partner near you and exchange names, emails, and/or phone numbers!

Passes

Here are some examples of different kinds of rewards passes you can earn for academic effort and growth, notable citizenship, and outstanding behavior throughout the class: Music Pass Eat in Class Outta Class Bad Day Pass Sit by a Friend Extension Pass Class Snack Pass, etc.

Grading Policy

Work Habits / Citizenship Grades Less than 70% on assignments = Missing materials / assignments = Off task behavior = Tardiness = Disrespect to others = Poor attitude = Disregard for MCMS guidelines =

Academic Grades90% - 100% A 60% - 69% D80% - 89% B 59% / below F70% - 79% C

Homework Responsibilities It is YOUR responsibility to turn in all work on time,

whether ABSENT or NOT! Your section editors will be counting on you!

DEADLINES ARE ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL IN

JOURNALISM! You may not receive full credit for an assignment if it is late. You also may not see it published in the semester edition of Panther Press.

If you are absent, you have the number of days you were gone plus ONE to make up all homework and in-class assignments.

How to keep track of it all

Agenda (Assignment Book) Daily agenda and homework written on board – COPY HW! Every day, I will stamp EVERYONE’S agenda.

My website – access my website for up to date homework, resources, and assignments.

Any questions before we move on?

First Assignments

Please open your Agenda to today’s date, Wednesday, August 31, 2011 and copy the assignments on the board to the RIGHT.

COPY CORRECTLY AND COMPLETELY!

NOTE: Only copy the assignments that apply to your class (in this case, PANTHER PRESS).

HW – Parent/Student Sig

The last page of the syllabus is a review sheet of all the information provided in the syllabus. Please review and initial each section with your parent.

Both you and your parent sign the bottom of the paper.

Clearly write out your parent’s email. You and your parents are free to write any

questions or comments at the very bottom.

Reminder: 5 P’s to Student Success

5 P’s of Student Success: Be PromptPromptBe PolitePoliteBe PositivePositiveBe ProductiveProductiveBe PreparedPrepared!

Great job everyone! I know this will be a fantastic year!