7.+Citizenship

=Citizenship: Creating a Class Community = ==Students in Reading + Writing Workshop act like class citizens, treating each other with RESPECT and showing RESPONSIBILITY. == There are many common sense behaviors that fall under the categories of RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY. By seventh grade, students know the actions of good class citizens. In our class we act as a community, discussing concerns together, sharing supplies, volunteering to help each other, and contributing on a daily basis to the good of the whole.

Using books like Sean Covey's __7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens__, students create a set of class principles to guide our class community. These principles govern our daily interactions.

Students as Problem Solvers
Students are encouraged to request a conference with me, their peers, other Team Synergy teachers, administrators, or a counselor when they notice a problem or imagine a solution.

Failure is an Opportunity for Growth
Sometimes students need to reflect on their behavior within our ELA classroom community. If needed, a student is asked to complete an __Action Plan__, reflecting on his or her behavior, its causes, and future actions to improve his or her class citizenship. I will review the plan, confer with the student, and—together—we will develop a solution. This Action Plan is kept in a file for future reference. Students who need to complete two plans within a short timeframe will meet with me a second time. I will also notify administration and parents or guardians of the matter after the second meeting. Together, we are working to achieve the same goal: success for all students!