Classroom Rules Contract

These rules are specific and relevant to every student who enters the classroom. If you break at least one rule on this contract, you are exempt from the classroom for the remainder of your incarceration and your juvenile officer/probation officer will be notified immediately. Remember students, it is a privilege to be in the classroom.

1. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.

2. Do not get out of your seat for anything unless I give you permission.

3. Keep hands and feet to yourself at all times.

4. Do not use profanity.

5. Use only words that encourage others. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all.

6. Do not discuss your personal case with the teacher or students in the classroom.

7. Always be on your best behavior and do your best work; you never know who is paying attention. There are two cameras in the classroom as well as an intercom system.

8. Do not exchange phone numbers or e-mail addresses with other students.

I agree to these rules and understand that if I violate any part of this contract, I will be completely terminated from the classroom, and my juvenile officer/probation officer will be notified immediately.

Signature__________________________________ Date___________________

Reader Interest Survey

Please answer the following questions and submit your answers under this post.

1. Do you like to read?

2. What is most important to you when you choose a book? (author, book title, illustrations, cover)

3. How much time do you spend reading outside the detention center?

4. What percentage of your time do you spend reading while in the detention center?

5. What are some books you have read recently?

6. What is your favorite book?

7. Do you ever get books from the school library?

8. Do you have a library card at your public library?

9. How many books do you own?

10. What books would you like to own?

11. What was your favorite book when you were a young child?

12. What is your favorite type of fiction book?

13. Do you like to read the newspaper?

14. If you answered yes to #13, what is your favorite section? (For example, Classified, Comics, etc..)

15. What are your hobbies?

16. When you were a young child, did you enjoy having someone read to you.

17. Do you prefer to read aloud or to yourself?

18. Do you think reading is important?

19. What does the word "reading" mean to you?

20. What is your favorite movie?

Insight: Courage

Good evening, students! Your assignment for tonight is to answer the following journal questions. Be prepared to discuss them at the beginning of class tomorrow.

1. In the movie "Braveheart," William Wallace shows incredible courage. Who is the best example of courage that you know personally? How did he or she show courage?

2. In the movie, oppression by the English made some give up while others stood up and showed great courage. When did you exercise the greatest courage? Did you get hurt? Did you accomplish a greater good?

3. William Wallace knew that he was fighting against English tyranny and for what was right and good. He knew he would be die fighting but believed it was worth it to die for freedom. When did you face a moral dilemma that required courage? How did it turn out?

4. What happened in your past that really hurt you? How does it make you wary of being hurt again? What would help you exercise psychological courage and deal with it?

5. Even though they knew that times were dangerous, William and his fiance' wanted to marry. Have you taken the risk of rejection in order to have a really close friendship or dating relationship? How did it turn out?

Developing Your Courage

Your homework assignment for tonight is to respond to the following quote from Ralph W. Sockman D.D. In your response, explain what you think the quote means. Give at least one example to support your answer. Respond to one classmate and give positive feedback. This is a participation grade and will be worth 10 points.

"The test of tolerance comes when we are in a majority; the test of courage comes when we are in a minority." -Ralph W. Sockman D.D.

Poll Question: Judgment or Discernment?

Today we discussed open-mindedness, tolerance, and discernment. We discussed how discernment is a good kind of judgment and discrimination, yet as with tolerance, it must not be overemphasized or it becomes bigotry. Scroll down to the bottom of this blog and answer the poll question.

End Racism

Go to the following websites and read carefully: Say No to Racism and End Racism. I have provided the links at the bottom of this website. Create a short essay on how students can end racism at their school and post it on the WritersBeat website. I have included this link as well. This assignment must be completed by July 5th. If you have any questions, make your comments under this post and respond to one another. I will award participation points for your involvement.

Bullycide: Jared's Story

Go to the bottom of the page and click on the link to the Bullycide website. Find Jerad High's story and read carefully. Respond with at least 150 words who you think is at fault for Jerad's ultimate death in suicide. How do you think bullying should be handled? Do you think the standards we have now in our school systems work? Give reasons. Comment on one classmate's response. This assignment must be turned in at the beginning of class tomorrow.