Merchant’s WorldWelcome to the Jungle!

Okay… You’re not in Kansas anymore…You’re in 8th grade…My 8th grade…Welcome to the food chain…

Now I know in the past, people have let you behave like monkeys … But this is a new world and a different time. I have a job to do and I will get it done…One way or another… Need I remind you…

I didn’t think so…

Most of the time I am just a harmless kitten!

Most of the time…

Actually, I really like teaching!

Sometimes it feels like I’m a police officer…

Or a babysitter…

I really just like teaching!

If I don’t get to teach…I get a little cranky…

But really…Can’t we just try to get along?

I do have a few rules to help things run more smoothly…Rule #1

I am the pack leader!

Rule #2

If Mr. M is happy…Everybody is happy!

Rule #3

“I aint cho’ momma…”

Rule #4

Laugh at all of my jokes…Even if they’re not funny!

Rule #5

You will be teased! (But never in a mean way!)

Rule #6

Never sharpen pencils during class!

Rule #7

Never get a drink during class! (You may have water bottles)

Rule #8

Raise your hand…Once I looked forward to the day that teenagers would shout my name across a crowded room, but those days, like my hair, are mostly gone…

Rule #9

Keep your hands to yourself!

Rule #10

Bring your own materials!If I catch you begging, you will write a long essay on poverty in America! (but I will give you a pencil and paper for that!)

Things you need to be successful…

1. A 1 and 1/2inch three-ring binder full of lined paper

2. 1 set of five binder tabs

• Pencils

• Pens

• A calculator DO NOT BRING SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS !!!

OPTIONAL

Scissors, colored pens, glue, highlighter, thumb drive, school agenda, notecards

Basic Guidelines…

1. Late assignments will lose one letter grade for every day they are late.

2. If your absence is excused, you will have one day to make up and turn in missed assignments

Writing Assignments…Rough drafts must be double spaced. Skip a line so I have room to make comments and suggestions!I take your education as a writer very seriously… You will write every day… Some days will be more difficult than others. Get over it and get used to it! There is only one way to learn how to write and that is by writing!

“Writing is only boring to the people who are boring themselves.”Unknown

Last but not least…

You take care of me, and I’ll take care of you.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.