April Harrison

EDSC 440S
Classroom Community Plan

Part I: Classroom Community Design

A. Physical Layout of Classroom

B.
Classroom Expectations

1.

Remember, the best learning environment is one in which all members feel respected while
being productively challenged. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive atmosphere, in which all
participants can contribute, explore, and challenge their own ideas as well as those of others.
Every participant has an active responsibility to foster a climate of intellectual stimulation,
openness, and respect for diverse perspectives, questions, personal backgrounds, abilities, and
experiences.
In the beginning of the semester, each period will devise their own classroom contract in which
we will collectively come up with classroom expectations together. Your voices and choices
matter to me, so I want to give you any opportunity to have your interests be a part of classroom
policy. Down below are some expectations I have come up with:
  First and foremost, let's take others into consideration! Learning is a process, so
students will be expected to be respectful and active members in the classroom
my listening to others while they are sharing or participating. At the same time, I
want to hear your voice! Student opinions and point of views are always
accepted!
 Students will arrive to class on-time and be seated by the time the bell rings. They
will have all needed/specified materials ready before class begins, such as their
warm-up sheets out and their SSR books ready. If you finish your classwork early
the day before, don’t worry! You will have a personal folder available in class so
you can submit your work early! Also, there will be an SSR library available if
needed!
 Students will have all assignments (reading, essays, etc.) completed before
entering class or turned in their personal folders in class.
 Cell phone use will not be accepted unless indicated so. I understand that
cellphones can be a tool for learning, not to mention, you all are experts with this
technology, but keep in mind, there is always a correct time and place. For
example, if we are reading one of the assigned reading or having a class
discussion, cell phones are not acceptable during this time. Now, if we are silently
doing class work and you work better with music, then (with my instruction), you
can use your cell phones. Let’s be conscious learners! There will be an indicator
on the white board for you to refer to if you are unsure whether it is the right time
or not to have your phones out.
 Students will also be active listeners to their peers and to me, their educator. This
means no talking when others are talking and acknowledging others with eye-
contact.
 Students will only submit their own original work. There will be a zero-tolerance
policy for cheating or plagiarism. A zero will be given for said assignment, and
parents will be notified by an email or phone call.

2.
THREE STRIKE SYSTEM
 Students will first be given a verbal warning and will be expected to give me an
explanation for any negative behavior. I want to create a safe space for us to
communicate, while also holding an environment where you are held
accountable for your actions.
 If the offense continues, student will be asked to stay after class for a more
formal conversation. If student is unable to meet directly after class, they will be
instructed to come to me during snack period or lunch.
 If the behavior continues, students will be issued a detention. Depending on the
behavior and situation, parents/guardians will be notified.
3.
 Life can be hectic, and things can happen that may not be planned for. However,
if you do miss a day of class, please send me an email and we will work out any
late work. Also, always check in with the office for your absences overall. If you
communicate with me beforehand, then it will be regarded as an “excused”
 absence and you will be able to turn in any work or take any exam the day you
come back to school.
 After 3 unexcused absences or tardies, I will notify a parent/guardian based on the
school policy.
 After 5 unexcused absences or tardies, students will be issued a detention based
on school policy.
4.
 When it comes to turning to collecting and returning work, please follow the
deadlines. If you know that you have accommodations, then communicate to me
what you’re learning needs are and I will work with you! Be prepared for me to
collect all work in the beginning of class, unless indicated otherwise.
 Just like I understand how all of you have a hectic schedule, I expect the same
understanding. When it comes to general classwork or activities, grades will be
updated/returned within 5 days. Now, when it comes to quizzes, exams, or
projects, understand that more time will be needed for me to properly assess.
5.
 Late work:
o If you or your guardian fail to contact me or the school in regard to an
unexcused absence, you will be subjected to a 10% reduction on the
assignment for each day passed following the assigned due date. This is
applicable to any late work and exams (if a weekend passes, then 20% will
be deducted). I will try to work with you to the best of my ability, but I
repeat, if you do not communicate with me regarding absence or late
work, I will apply the penalties mentioned above. I hope that through this,
you will gain communication skills that will help you later in life.
 Make-up work:
o Students are responsible for finding out what they have to make up. There
will be a weekly makeup work folder in its designated spot in the
classroom. Students will be expected to retrieve any late work and
communicate with me with they have any questions or concerns.
 Students with an excused absence will be given the same amount
of time that their peers’ were given to complete work.
 Work assigned before absence will be due to the first day back--no
exceptions unless you communicate with me beforehand, either in
person or via email. For example, if a homework assignment was
assigned on Monday and the student was absent on Tuesday but
present Wednesday, the homework assignment is due Wednesday.
 Makeup work (class assignments, group work, tests/quizzes, etc.)
for unexcused absences will not be accepted unless under
extenuating circumstances communicated with me either by the
student and/or parent/guardian.
C. Routines and Procedures
1. & 2.
 There will be SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) or an assigned warm-up activity at
the beginning of class every day for about 10-15 minutes. If students do not have
an SSR reading book for class, they may pick one out from the class library.
 Students will be situated with this routine. They will know that when they walk
in, instructions for the warm-up activity will be on the projector screen. They will
be expected to walk in and work silently, unless indicated otherwise.
 Students are to be prepared for class each day.
o Have completed homework and reading assignments.
o Have pens, paper, pencils ready to go for class. ( I have extra supplies in
the front of the classroom if needed, please make sure to return what you
have borrowed so that other students may use it as well )
 Restroom breaks are allowed as long as students take the pass.
o If a student goes to the restroom without a pass, they will automatically
receive detention.
 During tests/quizzes, students must place their phones (turned off or silent) in
their bags and place the bags on the floor by their desk. If a phone is seen out
during this time, the assignment will be an automatic zero and a detention will be
given. Also, bathroom breaks will be allowed during testing only during an
emergency situation.

3.

 If you are confused about anything or need extra help with an assignment, I will
hold office hours during snack period or lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There
will be a sign-up sheet in the designated area in class for these days. If these times
don’t work for you, let me know in advance and I can schedule office hours at a
time that works best for you.
 My email is Msharrisonbohs@gmail.com! Feel free to send me an email for any
questions, clarifications, or concerns. I am here to work with you!

Part II: Letter to Future Students’ Parents/Guardians

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and welcome you and your child to
another wonderful semester here at Brea Olinda High School. My name is April Harrison and I
completed my undergraduate degree at California State University Fullerton in 2019 with a
bachelor’s degree in English; I am currently working towards my teaching credential at the same
institution. During my time as an undergraduate, I not only completed all requirements for the
English department, but I participated in Full Honors, in which I conducted a year-long research
project that advocated for elderly rights. A big part of my project involved interviewing elderly
members of our community and evaluating how conversing through the telling of personal
narratives impacted lives from differing generations. I have a very strong work ethic and I
understand that learning from others can positively impact minds and lives. I also was a
committee member of the National Honors Society and a member of the Inter-Tribal Student
Council.
I believe that students work best when they are able to take ownership of their education and
have their voices be heard. As a result, students will focus on their writing and narrative voice to
prepare themselves to enter into their communities as active citizens and scholars. This semester,
the classroom will focus on students’ voice and have their participation be at the forefront. My
goal is to create a student-centered classroom environment where students will learn content-
related material, and also, practice essential skills that will aid their development into society. I
want to motivate and listen to all students and their interests and help them become the best
learners they can possibly be!
With that in mind, students will read texts such as Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear and Upton
Sinclair’s nonfiction novel The Jungle to use as sources to strengthen their reading and writing
skills. Students will work as literary scholars to debate craft and structure, central themes and
characterization, and social issues by adding their voices to the overarching discourse present in
their class work and communities.
During this time, I would like to offer an open invitation for communication to work
collaboratively towards your student’s success in the classroom. You can contact me through my
email (aprilbharrison@csu.fullerton.edu) or in personal conferences.
Also, there will be an Open House event held by the school in February in order to start off the
semester. Please, feel free to stop by the classroom so we could personally meet and so you can
see your child’s learning environment! If you are unable to attend, please do not hesitate to
through email with any questions you may have regarding this class. Additionally, please contact
me if there is any additional information you wish to share about your child that may help me
guide instruction. Just like your child’s voice is heard, your voice is also heard and appreciated!
Respectfully,
Ms. April Harrison

Part III: Rationale to Dr. Pham

1.

 Communication Plan for Students

o All classroom expectations, routines & procedures, and grading policies
will be reviewed the first week of the second semester. It will also be
reiterated throughout the week to maintain student understanding.
o Students will be given a link to the Classroom Website (via Weebly) to
make sure they have an additional resource to refer to.
o Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions or raise any
concerns they have (within reason) at the end of initial review.
o Students will be expected to sign a student contract for understanding all
things mentioned in review and above.
 Communication Plan for Families
o Parents/guardians will be given a hard copy of the Community Plan and
will be expected to sign it so as to show me that they have read and agreed
to my expectations/policies.
o Parents/guardians will also have access to the class website for further
questions or concerns.
o Lastly, parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to review the plan
at the open house mentioned in the letter or through other communication
options.