Author: Molly Coffman
Last saved by: Sara D. Billingsley

Mrs. Sara Billingsley
Forensics  
Classroom Procedures

Arrival:  You need to arrive on time and be in your seat when the bell rings.  

Tardies:  Accumulating four or more tardies will result in a referral to the office.  If you are late to first block, you will need an admit from the office.  If you are late because a teacher, counselor, administrator, etc. held you, then bring a pass from that person.

Dismissal:  Continue working until the bell sounds at the end of class.  Do not begin packing your belongings until that time.  

Discussion:  Everyone should contribute to class discussions.  Show respect for others at all times (making eye contact, nodding, not interrupting, using appropriate body language, etc.).  If you have a contribution to make to a discussion and no one else is speaking, you may do so by simply beginning to speak; however, if someone else is speaking, please raise your hand to indicate that you wish to have an opportunity to speak.  

Choosing a Piece: During the first several weeks of class we will be exploring literature pieces that could be possible pieces for you to use as your piece.  If you are choosing the interpretation category, please be thinking about types of literature you would like to do.  You will be investing in your piece.  This piece will be with you for the semester, so please take that in consideration when you make a choice.  

Debate: If you choose the debate category, we will begin our research as soon as the topic is release.  You will use the time in class to prepare your debate.  We will bring in outside guests to critique and enhance your work as well.  

Performances: Every team member will be required to compete in one tournament in the fall semester. Your performance score will be used as your test grade in this class.  If you cannot attend a tournament, it will result in failure of the class.  This class is a performance based class.  This means that a big majority of the class time will be spent preparing your piece for tournament.  Team members must be willing to work hard during class time to ensure they are ready for the tournament! 

Forensics events:  Along with tournament preparations, our Forensics team will host and prepare an event for this semester.  This event is yet to be deicided , we will discuss as a class what we will do.  Please be thinking about something the team could collectively work on to perform for the school or even take on the road to showcase our talent.  

Additional Assignments:  Throughout the semester we will also work a variety of assignments.  These assignments are designed to mold and make the performer you are.  These assignments will include critiques, individual performances, group performances, and whole class seminars.  

Food/Drink:  You may have drinks with lids/caps in my classroom. (If you spill, please clean it up.)  You may discreetly chew gum or other candy/food in my classroom; however, if I feel that this becomes distracting or if you do not clean up after yourself, these privileges will be taken away.  

Cleanliness:  Please be sure your work area is clean before leaving each day.  Throw trash in the trash can by the door at appropriate times.

Library:  When we go to the library as a class, you will need to move quietly down the hall and to find your seat at one of the round tables.  Bring necessary materials with you so that you will not need to leave the library.  While in the library, work on the assigned task and maintain an appropriate volume.  Before leaving the library, be sure your work area is clean and slide your chair under the table.  NO food or drink is allowed in the library.

1^st Block:  Each morning when the “Star Spangled Banner”/announcements begin, stop what you are doing; rise for the anthem, pledge, etc.; listen to announcements quietly.

Signing In/Out: If you need to leave the room for any purpose (restroom, counselor, and office), you need to sign out on the sheet near the door and then sign back in when you return. The restroom pass hangs on the hook at the door. Take this if you are going to the restroom and return it the hook when you return. There is only one restroom pass, so only one student will be allowed to go to the restroom at a time. If you are not going to the restroom, I will need to write you a hall pass. Please minimize trips outside of class. Take care of business during mentoring, before school, after school, etc. 

Grading:  A ten-point scale will be used for assignments in this class.  We will have several checkpoints throughout the class that will give opportunities for grades.  Debate and Interpretation will have check points to ensure you are staying on task and preparing for the tournament ahead.  Test grades will come from the judges at tournament.