The Essential 55 Rules

1. The Essential 55 10/30/08 1

2. Introduction These are the rules we will use in our classroom and throughout the school. They were
created by Ron Clark 10/30/08 2

3. We are a Family We are a family. We will treat each other with respect and kindness. These rules are
guidelines for how to do so. They are not the only rules we will follow, they are the core. We ARE a
family, a family only works if everyone does their part. 10/30/08 3

4. Rule 1: Yes Ma’am, No Sir. When Responding to any adult, you must answer by saying “Yes ma’am” or
“No, sir.” Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable. 10/30/08 4

5. Rule 2: Make Eye Contact Make eye contact. When someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or
her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person. 10/30/08 5

6. Rule 3: Good Sportsmanship If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will
congratulate that person. Claps should be of at least 3 seconds in length with the full part of both hands
meeting in a manner that will give the appropriate clap volume. 10/30/08 6

7. Rule 4: Discussion Rules During discussion, respect other students’ comments, opinions, and ideas.
When possible, make statements like, “I agree with Marquise, and I also feel that…” Or “I disagree with
Natasha. She made a good point, but I feel that…” or “I think Sabastain made an excellent observation,
and it made me realize…” 10/30/08 7

8. Rule 5: Do Not Brag If you win or do well at something, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger.
Instead, say something like, “I really enjoyed the competition, and I look forward to playing you again,”
or “Good game,” or don’t say anything at all. To show anger or sarcasm, such as “I wasn’t playing hard
anyway. You really aren’t that good,” shows weakness. 10/30/08 8

9. Rule 6: Conversation When asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. If
someone asks, “Did you have a nice weekend?” you should answer the question and then ask a question
in return. 10/30/08 9

10. Rule 6: an example Mrs. Lewis: “Hi Angie, did you have a nice weekend?” Angie: Yes, I had a great
time. My family and I went shopping. What about you? Did you have a nice weekend? It is only polite to
show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you. 10/30/08 10

11. Rule 7: Coughing, Sneezing Burping When you cough, sneeze or burp, it is appropriate to turn your
head away from others and cover your mouths with the full part of your hand (or arm). Using a fist is not
acceptable. Afterwards, you should say, “Excuse me.” 10/30/08 11

12. Rule 8:Smacking Your Lips Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes, or show disrespect with
gestures. 10/30/08 12
13. Rule 9: Say Thank You Always say thank you when I give you something. If you do not say it within
three seconds after receiving the item, I will take it back. 10/30/08 13

14. Rule 10: Receiving a gift When you are given something from someone, never insult that person by
making negative comments about the gift or by insinuating that it wasn’t appreciated. 10/30/08 14

15. Rule 11: Random Acts of Kindness Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness. Go out of
your way to do something surprisingly kind and generous for someone at least once a month. 10/30/08
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16. Rule 12: Grading Papers Occasionally we may grade each other’s papers as a group. When grading
other student’s papers, if you give someone an incorrect grade, whether it is higher or lower then they
deserve, the amount of the grade differs from the actual grade will be deducted from your paper. The
only marks you are allowed to make on others’ papers are an “X” and the number they got wrong.
10/30/08 16

17. Rule 13: Reading Aloud When we read together in class, you MUST follow along. If I call on you to
read, you must know exactly where we are and begin reading immediately. 10/30/08 17

18. Rule 14: Answer all questions in complete sentences. Answer all questions in complete sentences.
For example; if the question asks, “What is the capital of Washington?” you should write “The capital of
Washington is Olympia.” 10/30/08 18

19. Rule 14: continued Also, in conversation with others, it is important to use complete sentences out
of respect for the person’s question. For example, if a person asks “How are you?” instead of just
responding by saying “Fine.” you should say, “I’m doing fine, thank you. How about yourself?” 10/30/08
19

20. Rule 15: Rewards At times throughout the year, I will give rewards for good behavior, academic
performances, and other acts worthy of praise. If you EVER ask me for a reward however, it will not be
given. It is rude to ask if you are getting something for good behavior. You should be good and try your
best because you are trying to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward. I usually give
some sort of reward to everyone who scores 100% on unit tests. If you make 100% and ask if you are
getting something NO ONE who made 100 will be given anything. 10/30/08 20

21. Rule 16: Homework Homework will be turned in each day for each subject by every students with no
exceptions. When every student in the class has turned in their homework for 10 days straight I will
bring a treat for every student in the class. I will do this for every consecutive day homework is turned
in. 10/30/08 21

22. Rule 17: Transitions When we are in transition from one subject to another, the change will be swift,
quiet, and orderly. We should be consistently able to turn from one book to another, complete with all
homework and necessary materials, as quickly as possible. The opportune amount of time to spend on
transition should be less than 10 seconds, we will work towards a goal of 7 seconds. 10/30/08 22
23. Rule 18: Organization You will make every effort to be as organized as possible. This includes: the
neatness of your desk and the area around it as well as the order of your notebook/binder. 10/30/08 23

24. Rule 19: Complaining When I assign homework, there will be no moaning or complaining. This will
result in a doubled assignment. If it is not possible to assign a doubled assignment, other work will be
assigned. 10/30/08 24

25. Rule 20: The Sub Clause While you are with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that
you follow when I’m with you. (I know this is hard, but it is important.) 10/30/08 25

26. Rule 21: Protocols We will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organized, efficient, and on
task. In order to do so, we will follow these rules: Do not get out of your seat without permission.
(exception - if you are sick, leave immediately. Do not speak unless: You raise your hand, and I call on
you. I ask you a question and you are responding. It is recess or lunch. I instruct you otherwise (for ex.
During group work. ) 10/30/08 26

27. Rule 21: continued Sharpen your pencil before school. You may not use the pencil sharpener
between 9am - 2:50pm. Take care of your business before school. Always have a silent reading book
available. This might be on or in your desk. If you are near the end of your book, get an extra! 10/30/08
27

28. Rule 22: Water Food You may bring a bottle of water and leave it on your desk. Do not ask me if you
can get water while I am teaching a lesson. You can even have food at your desk as long as others don’t
see it and don’t hear you eat it (any student who leaves a mess looses this privilege.) 10/30/08 28

29. Rule 22: continued Additionally - When we are in line do NOT stop at any water fountains. GUM - it
is against school rules to chew gum. Chewing gum will result in an immediate detention. Water is the
only beverage allowed in the classroom, except for at class celebrations. 10/30/08 29

30. Rule 23: Learn Names Quickly learn the names of other teachers in the school and greet them by
saying things like “Good morning, Mrs. Byers.” or “Good afternoon, Mrs. Gayda. That is a pretty
sweater.” (Note. If you are in line with the rest of the class, you are not allowed to speak to the teachers
at that time because the no-talking rule is in effect. You should speak to other teachers if you are
entering or leaving school, on recess, on an errand, or changing classes. 10/30/08 30

31. Rule 24: The Bathroom Wash your hands after using the rest room. When in a public restroom, get a
paper towel before washing your hands. After washing your hands, use the paper towel to turn off the
faucets and press the dispenser o get another paper towel to dry your hands. (Or use the towel to press
the button to start the dryer.) The last thing you want to do is touch areas with clean hands that others
have touched with dirty hands. 10/30/08 31

32. Rule 26: Do Not Save Seats Do not save seats in the lunchroom. If someone wants to sit down, let
him or her. Do not try to exclude anyone. We are a family, and we must treat each other with respect
and kindness. 10/30/08 32
33. Rule 27: Look Away If I, or any other teacher in the school is speaking to or disciplining a student, do
not look at that student. You wouldn’t want others looking at you if you were in trouble or being
reprimanded, so don’t look at others in that situation. If you are the student I am talking to, do not get
angry or fuss at students who are looking at you. Let me know and I will handle the situation. 10/30/08
33

34. Rule 28: Call me If you have a question about your homework, you may call me. If I am not there to
answer the phone, please leave a message in the following manner. “Hi, Mrs. Lewis, this is Kymber. I
need help with my math homework. You can call me back until 8:45. Thank you”. There is no need to
leave this message 14 times. 10/30/08 34

35. Rule 29: ABCs of Etiquette There are several manners dealing with food that you must follow: I call
these the ABCs of Etiquette. We will cover them in detail. At another time. (in a different PowerPoint
presentation) 10/30/08 35

36. Rule 30: Clean up after yourself After we eat, we will clean up after ourselves. This includes cleaning
off the tables and making sure we haven’t left any trash on the floor or around the eating area. It is
important to be responsible for your trash no matter where you are and to be sure not to litter.
10/30/08 36

37. Rule 31: Hotels When we stay in a hotel room, if it appropriate to leave a tip on the pillow for the
hotel workers who are responsible for cleaning the room after our stay. Two or three dollars per night is
an appropriate amount, depending on the cost of the room. - This amount is built into the cost of the
trip. 10/30/08 37

38. Rule 32: The Bus When we ride on a bus, we will always sit facing forward. We will use an
appropriate volume. We will never turn around to talk to other students, stick anything out the
windows, or get out of our seats. When we exit the bus, we will always thank the bus driver and tell him
to have a good day. 10/30/08 38

39. Rule 33: Field trips When we go on field trips, we will meet different people. When I introduce you
to the people, make sure that you remember their names. Then, when we are leaving, make sure to
shake their hands and thank them, mentioning their names as you do so. 10/30/08 39

40. Rule 34: Food Whenever food is offered, whether it be on a buffet or treats in class, never take more
than your fair share. You never want to be greedy and try to get more than you should, not only because
it is wasteful, but also because it is disrespectful to others when you do not leave enough for them.
10/30/08 40

41. Rule 35: Pick it Up Whether we are in school or on a field trip, if someone drops something, pick it up
an hand it back to them. Even if they are closer to the object, it is only polite to make the gesture of
bending down to retrieve the item. 10/30/08 41
42. Rule 36: Doors If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door. If the door
opens by pulling, pull it open, stand to the side, and allow the other person to pass through first, then
you can walk through. If the door opens by pushing, hold the door after you pass through. 10/30/08 42

43. Rule 37: Excuse Me If someone bumps into you, even if it was not your fault, say “Excuse me.”
10/30/08 43

44. Rule 38: Silent Entry When we are on a field trip, there will be no talking as we enter a building. We
will enter the building so quietly that no one will even notice we are there. This rule applies to entering
any place where people are gathered, whether it be the movies, a church, a theater, or any other venue.
It also applies to returning to school. 10/30/08 44

45. Rule 39: Complements When we are on a field trip, it is a good idea to compliment something about
the place where we visit. For example, if we visit someone’s home, it would be a nice gesture to tell
them that you think they have nice curtains. People always feel self-conscious when they have guests
visit their home, so you want to make them feel at ease. Also, if we are visiting other places, such as a
museum or theater, it would be nice to comment on how beautiful the architecture is or to tell the
guide that you think the facility is very nice. 10/30/08 45

46. Rule 40: Assemblies During an assembly, do not speak and do not look around and try to get the
attention of your friends in another class. We must uphold an image that shows we have our act
together. 10/30/08 46

47. Rule 41: Telephone When you answer the phone at your house, or at school you must do so in an
appropriate manner. In class: “Mrs. Lewis’s room, student speaking.” “May I ask who is calling?” At
home: “Hello?” 10/30/08 47

48. Rule 42: After a Trip When we return from a trip, you will shake my hand as well as the hand of every
other chaperone. You will thank us for taking the time to take you on the trip, and you will let us know
that you appreciate having the opportunity to go. I am not concerned with being thanked; I am
concerned with teaching you that it is appropriate to show appreciation when someone has gone out of
his way to help you. 10/30/08 48

49. Rule 43: Escalators When we are on field trips and we have to go up escalators, we will stand on the
right. That will give other individuals who are in a hurry the option of walking up the left- hand side of
the escalator. When we are going to enter an elevator, the subway, or a doorway, we will wait for
others to exit before we enter. 10/30/08 49

50. Rule 44: In Line When in line, walk single file, two or three feet behind the person in front of you
with your arms at your sides. You should be facing forward at all times. There will be absolutely no
talking. 10/30/08 50

51. Rule 44: continued On the stairs - You will walk on the right hand side of the stairs. You will hold the
rail. When we stop - the same rules apply as when we are moving. Do not lean on the wall, do not touch
the walls. 10/30/08 51
52. Rule 45: Cutting Never cut in line. If someone cuts in front of you, do not say or do anything about it.
Let it happen, but let me know about it. I will handle the situation. If you fuss with someone who has cut
in line, you will get in trouble as well. It’s not worth it; just let me know what happened. 10/30/08 52

53. Rule 45: continued Please handle ALL disputes with other classmates in the same manner, by coming
to me with any problems before you take matters into your own hands. If you take matters into your
own hands, you will be in just as much, if not more trouble then the original offender. 10/30/08 53

54. Rule 46: Movies When we go to a movie theater (or watch a movie in class) There will be no talking
whatsoever. I don’t care how good the movie is or what you want to say to the person behind you, you
will not so much as whisper! (exceptions: bless you excuse me) You will not put your feet on the chair in
front of you. 10/30/08 54

55. Rule 46: continued If you are going to eat during a movie, you need to eat as quietly a possible. If
you purchase candy to eat during the movie, open the wrapper and have it ready before the movie
starts: trying to open a bag of candy during a movie is very annoying to others. It is also very rude to
leave a cell phone on during a movie. 10/30/08 55

56. Rule 47: Snickers Do Not Bring Snickers Into the School Building. 10/30/08 56

57. Rule 48: Other Students If any child in this school is bothering you, let me know. I am your teacher,
and I am here to look after you and protect you. I am not going to let anyone in this school bully you or
make you feel uncomfortable. In return, I ask that you not take matters into your own hands; let me
deal with the student. 10/30/08 57

58. Rule 49: Stand Up For what you Believe in Stand up for what you believe in. You shouldn’t take no
for an answer if your heart and mind are leading you in a direction that you feel strongly about.
10/30/08 58

59. Rule 50: Be Positive Be positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren’t worth getting upset over. Keep
everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life. 10/30/08 59

60. Rule 51: No Regrets Live so that you will never have regrets. If there something you want to do, do
it! Never let fear, doubt, or other obstacles stand in your way. If there is something you want, fight for it
with all your heart. If there is something you want to do, go for it and don’t stop until you make it
happen. If there is something you want to be, do whatever is necessary in order to to live out that
dream. 10/30/08 60

61. Rule 52: Accept Mistakes Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move
on. 10/30/08 61

62. Rule 53: Be Honest No Matter what the circumstances, always be honest. Even if you have done
something wrong, it is best to admit it to me, because I will respect that, and oftentimes I will forget any
disciplinary measures because of your honesty. 10/30/08 62
63. Rule 54: Carpe Diem You only live today once, so don’t waste it. Life is made up of special moments,
many of which happen when caution is thrown to the wind and people take actions and seize the day.
Carpe diem - Latin for Seize the Day 10/30/08 63

64. Rule 55: Be the Best Be the best person you can be. By being the best you can be, we will be the best
class we can be. 10/30/08 64