Classroom Rules and Procedures

Class Rules

The rules for this class can be summed up by the acronym "STAR", which stands for:

  • Sit Smart
  • Track the Speaker
  • Ask and Answer Questions
  • Respect All.

Sit Smart:

In order to get the most out of this class, it is imperative that all cadets are focused and paying attention. They should be sitting up straight, with heads up and hands above the table. Cadets should NEVER have their phone out, should not have toys*, should not be reading during lessons, should not be doodling during lessons, and should not be distracting themselves in any other manner. This helps keep everyone awake and alert, and focused on the science.

*Fidgets are allowed, provided they are ONLY used as fidgets that help the cadet stay focused on class. If they become distractions (visually or audibly), they will be considered toys and will be confiscated.

Track the Speaker:

Tracking the speaker basically amounts to keeping your attention on whoever is speaking--whether that is the teacher, a guest speaker, or a fellow classmate--by keeping their eyes on the speaker. Even if the speaker moves around the room, cadets should turn to keep their focus on the speaker. The only time eyes should be off the speaker is to write down notes--but that should be short glances at the paper, after which attention returns to the speaker. 

Tracking the speaker is important because it makes it easier for cadets to hear the lesson, to understand the material, and to hear (and then follow) instructions when they are given. It is also just a good way to show respect to the speaker.

Ask and Answer Questions:

Why should it be a rule that cadets are expected to ask and answer questions? First, it is important for cadets to ask questions because I cannot read minds. If there is any confusion or something needs to be clarified, cadets need to speak up so that I know to address that. In many cases, the cadet that asks the question is not the only one that needs help, or could just use having things explained another way, so it is also beneficial to the rest of the class. Second, answering questions shows me that the cadets are understanding the material (or if they aren't, and I need to try another approach). Cadets may also express ways of thinking about the material that I may not have come up with, but which might help classmates to understand. Learning is an interactive process, so cadets are expected to interact during class.

*Questions should only be asked/ answered after raising a hand and being called on. 

Respect All:

Respect means:

  • No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom (other than clear water)
  • Clean up after yourself
  • Keep your hands to yourself
  • Do not distract the others around you

In my view, RESPECT--for the teacher, for classmates, for guests, and for property--is the most important rule there is, and also plays a role in all of the other rules. It is about acknowledging the work that goes into lessons, appreciating the time and effort put in to help cadets succeed, understanding that it is not always easy for classmates to speak up, and just making a point to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. 

Class Procedures

Here are the class procedures we follow in my classroom:

Class Entry

Before class starts you should be lined up in the hallway. You can talk, read, or stare at the wall; as long as you aren't blocking the hallway or making a ton of noise. At the bell, the class leader will call "Class Fall In". That is your cue to tighten up the lines (two columns), face forward, and go to the position of attention. Any cadet not in line at the bell will be considered tardy.

Pro Tip: The position of attention is a very specific, and deliberate, position. Here's how you know you are standing at attention correctly:

  1. Your heels are together, with your feet angled away from each other.
  2. Your legs are straight, without locking your knees.
  3. Your arms are slightly pulled back and pulled down the length of your body.
  4. Your hands are cupped.
  5. Your hands are flat against your hips.
  6. Your shoulders are pulled back, your chest is out, your back is straight.
  7. Your eyes are straight forward, you are not looking around, and your head is up high.

 I will be checking your uniform for correct wear while you are in line. Refer to the UMA Cadet Guide to learn more about proper uniform wear. Once the whole class is at the position of attention, the class leader will ask me for permission to enter, and will then call "First Element, File In". The column closest to the door will begin to enter the room. Each Cadet will stop at the door and shake my hand. Once in the room you will stand by your chair at the position of attention. You are not allowed to talk at the position of attention, unless you are greeting me at the door or responding to attendance. The classroom should be silent.

When I enter the room, I will call attendance. The only words you are allowed to say are "Here Ma'am". If someone is absent, you do not need to give them an alibi. Once attendance has been recorded, the class leader will lead you in the UMA core values, and direct the class to be seated with my approval. 

Classroom Behavior

During warm-up time and teacher-led lessons, the class is expected to be silent and taking notes, except when called on. While you are working on labs and assignments, I do allow conversation as long as it is quiet, and school appropriate. The minute it begins to distract others or becomes inappropriate, I will shut down the conversation. I frequently allow cadets to change seats during work-time, but reserve the right to send all/ any cadets back to their assigned seating if cadets are too loud or off task.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the class room unless it is water in a sealed container. That includes gum. You are not allowed to chew gum in my classroom. Again, gum is prohibited in the classroom. Did you get the message about the gum?

Anything you bring into the classroom needs to leave with you. Please do not leave your mess for others to pick up. 

Cell phones are not to be used in class. If I see your phone, I take your phone. The first time, I will return the phone after class. The second time, you can pick it up after school. After the third time, I will take it to the office every time.

You are expected to be productive until you are released. Even if we have two minutes left in class, I expect you to be learning. There should be no wasted time in this classroom.

Hall Pass Policy

The hall pass is by the door, and must be worn any time a cadet leaves the room. No hall passes will be given in the first or last fifteen minutes of class, and I may ask cadets to wait if I am saying something particularly important. (If it's really an emergency, please make sure that is clear). To use the hall pass, cadets must fill out the Hall Pass Sign In/Out sheet at the front of the room. Cadets should never be gone longer that 5-10 minutes, and only one cadet may go at a time. Please take care of your business between classes, so that you do not miss anything during class.

Class Dismissal

Before the end of class, I will announce "Pack It Up and Line It Up." At this time, cadets are expected to clean up their areas (including garbage on the floor), line up their desks in the tape boxes on the floor, and stand quietly at their desks. When the bell rings, the class leader will call the class to attention and dismiss the class with my permission. I will only consent to dismissal when I see that the room is clean and desks are lined up properly.