Welcome to Public Speaking!
Welcome to an exciting year of learning about communication, current events, public speaking, debate, and how to succeed in the ever-changing world that we live in. I am looking forward to embarking on this adventure with you.
Classroom Expectations: You may expect to be treated with fairness and respect, as I and your classmates also expect to be treated the same.
o You will also be required to follow the policies that are explained in the “Parent/Student Handbook.”
Yes, all school policies will be enforced in our class.
Attendance will be taken for all classes and 3 tardies will result in loss of a free dress day.
Restroom and Drink Passes: There is no substitution for your presence in class. Therefore, every student in the 7th and 8th grade has nine restroom/drink passes to use as they see fit per quarter. This one pass will be your only pass for all of your classes for the quarter, use them wisely. Any unused passes may be cashed in for 5 bonus points in the class of your choice.
Grading Policy: Grades will follow the school’s Parent/Student Handbook as outlined in section 5.1.7 on page 13. Additionally students will receive a grade based on their participation in class discussions and group participation. Citizenship and participation are important to well adjusted contributing members of our society and therefore are graded on a weekly basis.
Late and Missed Assignments: If you have to miss school and the absence is excused, you will be allowed to make up the assignment with one day for each day you missed. If you need to turn in an assignment late it will be graded for 50% credit if turned in by 4PM on the day it is due, and for no credit after that. It is important to note that extra credit will not be allowed if you have not turned in all of your assignments so it is important that you do all of the assignments and turn them in even if it is not for points. It is your responsibility to get notes and makeup work when you miss class. There are folders marked “While you were out” in the northwest corner of the classroom. The “While you were out” files are organized by day of the week and then a folder for the previous week. Assignments will be put into the organizer everyday; it is not to be used for misplaced assignment sheets as I will only make enough copies for the number of students in the class. If you misplace your assignment sheet, another one may be purchased for 25cents.
Textbooks: We are very fortunate to have new public speaking textbooks. You will be sharing one assigned book for the year and you will be responsible for that book. If there is damage or vandalism to the book you must report it immediately. They are about $68 each, plus shipping. It is your job to keep track of your book and to turn it in at the end of each class in as good of shape as possible. If your book is lost or stolen it is your responsibility to pay to replace the book.
Topics: We will be covering the basic elements of communication, including verbal and nonverbal communication. How to participate in group discussions by being a good listener and a speaker. We will introduce the mechanics and practice of introduction speeches, interpersonal communication, informative speeches, visual aids, proper speech delivery, persuasive speeches, debate, and oral Interpretation. A good attitude and willingness to try are paramount to success both in class and the world.
Welcome to Public Speaking!
I look forward to getting to know you better and learning together in a fun and safe environment here at Bromley East Charter School.
Sincerely,
Mr. Staatz
