Helpful Hints, Procedures, and Ms. Lowe's Quirks

Meet Ms. Lowe
Some of you know me, and some don't. I have been teaching for about ten years. I'm... quirky. Many find me fun, and all find me a little odd. I'm mostly harmless. I'm quick to forgive, but expect students to treat each other well. And I like strange things, like diseases, glow-in-the-dark stuff, and scary situations. I'm mostly harmless. You can find out more by reading about Ms. Lowe or looking through her résumé.

The "Big Rule"
Respect Life. That's it. That means you respect people, ideas, property, living things, their territories etc. My desk is my territory. Other people's stuff is their territory. Don't bother your neighbors. Respect people's time. This means pay attention to the person with permission to speak. You know what this rule means. As part of respecting my job, don't play with things while I'm teaching. They immediately become my property, and I decide whether to return them.

Entering Class
Don't be tardy. And if you come in during class and I'm teaching, just hand me your late note and go to your seat. If you need to talk to me, wait for a better time. When you enter, make sure you lower your voice. I am a bit sound sensitive.

What to Bring
Every day you will need something to write with (pen or pencil) and something to write on (paper). Failure to bring these is considered being unprepared. I'm not picky about what you write with, but I request you don't write in yellow, or anything hard to read. Please do not bring food to class. You may bring water in a sealable container (waterproof, with a tight cap), but no other beverages. If you need an exemption, let me know.

Leaving Class
No permission will be given to leave class except under extreme circumstances. If a student has medical issues, the parent needs to let me know. Bathroom brakes should be taken between classes, as well as drink breaks. Bring a water bottle. Students must sign out when leaving class. If you feel you need to use the restroom before my class, stop in and tell me, then go to the restroom. That way you miss less class time. If a student is feeling extreme nausea, the student should run to the trash can (by the door) and take it and run to the restroom. No permission required, but explanation upon return requested.

Class Activities
All class activities are required for all students. Exemptions must be made in advance. If there is new material being taught, it is expected that the student take notes. If a lab is being conducted and goggles are needed, all students must wear goggles until instructed to remove them. Breaking lab rules will result in loss of lab privileges and points.

Turning Things In
Never, ever turn things in by handing them to me, unless I am collecting all of the assignments at once. Never, ever turn things in by putting them on my desk. Triple never hand things to me in the hall. And don't slide things under the door. Put things in the basket - ALWAYS SAFE! If you can't find it, ask me where it is. If I am not in the room and you can't find it, the only other safe place is on my computer keyboard. I warn you, handing things to me while I'm stressed is the equivalent of throwing them away. PLEASE make sure your first and last names are on all of your assignments. No-names lose 10% of the grade.

In-class Behavior
When anyone is presenting information (Ms. Lowe or other students) please remain in your seat and respectfully quiet. You may go sharpen a pencil without permission. Turn in work after presentation times. Do not interrupt. Do not blurt out comments without being called upon. Raise your hand. If all follow these rules, we will learn much more. I don't mind quiet talking during worktime, but not loud voices.

"Housekeeping"
If you make a mess, you are responsible for it. Failure to clean will result in loss of points. Do not eat and drink in class, with the exception of water which I whole-heartedly encourage. Make sure you clean up after labs, including plastic and glassware. Don't touch anything that isn't yours. That includes my property.

Electronics
No electronic devices should be out without permission. Phones should be turned off. Electronics may be taken away if misused during class. For repeated offenses, the consequences get steeper. Points may be lost for electronic misuse. If you desire to take notes on an electronic device, ask before hand, and special instructions may be given. Headphones, even unplugged, should not be worn.

Late Work
Work is counted as late after the official due date (usually several days after it is assigned), or if you are called upon for a presentation and are unprepared. There is a 10% loss of credit per day and only 50% will be given after the first week.

Consequences
Personal offenses result in a "three strikes and you're out" system. The first strike is a warning. The on the second strike, you lose points and have to write a note to your parents detailing why you got in trouble twice in class. It is my choice whether or not I send it. On the third strike, you will no longer be able to participate in class.
If the whole class is being disruptive, I will start to spell CLASS on the board. The first letter is a warning, and each succeeding letter results in 30 seconds of time the whole class owes me.

Dismissal
When class is over, you will not be dismissed by the bell, but by Miss Lowe. If you are quietly in your seats, I will dismiss you faster.

Survival and Brown Nosing

1. Be smart.
   I love smart students. That doesn't mean that students with high IQs please me more. There's a difference between brainy and smart. A smart student knows how to behave, tries her or his hardest. and tries to keep a good attitude. Some of the smartest students I've ever taught had severe learning disabilities. I've also had some brainy students who did dumb things. I've even had some refuse to complete assignments and then complained that they didn't get an A. How dumb is that?
2. Be likable.
   Ya want me to like you? It's easy. I'm quick to forgive and anxious for all my students to do their best. When I address the class, please listen and keep any noise to a minimum. Do your best work and don't be sour. If you have complaint against me, talk to me privately like an adult and I'll try and solve the problem. Be responsible and pleasant and I'll like you.
3. Be engaged.
   I love quirky students, and ones who have intelligent conversations with me. It makes me happy when a student shows deep thought. Some of you may want to bribe me, but I will never raise scores for anything but work. And I can't stand brown-nosing (flattering me to get what you want). But if you'd really like to make my day, I'm a fan of happy surprises and unexpected kindnesses, especially to others.
4. Be kind.
   There are a few things I hate. The biggest problem I have is when people treat each other poorly. I hate cruelty. I hate when people lie and I hate when people act "superior" to each other. These things are the quickest way to get on my bad side. Be nice to one another. Oh, and I really can't stand animatronic creatures and Oompa Loompas either. They freak me out.

Conclusion:
Well, that's about it. When in doubt, act like a mature, responsible human and you'll do just fine. If you're quiet, that's a bonus. Some of us caged animals shouldn't be spooked. Good luck and lets have a little fun.