My Expectations of Students

Any teacher will tell you that when they were pre-service teachers, their instructors told them the best way to manage a classroom is by having 3-5 EXPECTATIONS.  Positive statements that describe what students should do are better than negatively worded “don’ts.”  The following very extensive list contains both because, after reflecting on last year, I have concluded that many students need a clear list of things they should and should not do to succeed in my class.  I expect order in my classroom, and the following lists of rules, regulations, and procedures promote order.

• In addition to Webb Bridge Middle School's core values, I expect students to demonstrate decorum and composure at all times to maintain a highly positive classroom environment.  Posters in my classroom will remind students of this expectation daily.  Indoor voices will be utilized at all times in Mr. Bernhardt's classroom.  

• When interacting with peers, KINDNESS is the only acceptable approach.  A lack of kindness will be met with swift consequences.

• Seats are assigned to maintain order and to promote community and collaboration.  Regardless of the reason, changing seats without permission is not allowed.  If you notice a fellow classmate is sitting somewhere different, that is not an invitation for free seating.  If an issue with a seat assignment arises, we can discuss the issue in a private setting and in a respectful manner. 

• Tables, chairs, and other classroom furniture are arranged to facilitate my view and movement around the classroom.  Please do not move the position of anything, including your chair, without my express permission.

• Food and drink other than water in a resealable bottle are not permitted in my classroom.  Per school policy, food and drink may not be shared with other students; they also cause distractions and create a mess.

• Disrespectful actions have no place in my classroom or Webb Bridge Middle School.  The actions include, but are not limited to:

o   Wearing a hat or pulling up the hood of a jacket or sweatshirt.

o   The use of headphones/earbuds unless given my express permission.

o   Laying your head down on the table.  Illness is an acceptable reason, but if you are that unwell, perhaps a visit to the clinic is warranted.

o   Moving around the classroom when I or anyone else is addressing the entire class.

o   Writing “I don’t know” or worse, “IDK” in response to an assignment or assessment question.

• Please make every effort to use the restroom during class change.  While I may ask you to wait for a specific reason, no one will be denied permission to leave class for restroom use, but chronic requests will be addressed.  If you carry a refillable water bottle, you MUST take time during class change to fill it.  Although it is not the best for filling bottles, a fountain is close to my classroom.

• Improper use of your computer, regardless of ownership, during class will not be tolerated.  I am responsible for knowing what you are doing while using your laptop during class.  Do not purposely angle your device to prevent my view of it.

• When someone sneezes, there is no need to respond if you are not sitting nearby.  For example, say someone sneezes during a quiet working period.  You do not need to respond with a loud “God Bless You!”  This is attention-seeking behavior that has no place in my classroom.  This goes for any disruption to the working environment, such as a loud noise, something falling, a student being called to the office, etc.

• When you miss a quiz, test, or deadline, it is your responsibility to follow up.  I highly respect students who advocate for themselves and manage their missed work.  It prevents me from having to remember to do one more thing.

• Per FCS policy, students’ phones will remain put away and out of sight unless given explicit permission or instructions to use them in class.

• Unless otherwise directed, students may work collaboratively with their assigned tablemates.  When working collaboratively, each student will give equal effort and contribution to the group.

• Every assignment has value toward your learning.  I will NEVER give you work to do for the sake of having work to do.  As a result, I NEVER want to hear the question, “Do I have to do this?”

• Another unproductive question: “Is this for a grade?”  You will know at the beginning if the assignment is graded and in which category (Practice, Minor, or Major) the assignment will be entered.  Most learning activities (daily classwork) will not be graded, but they are no less important than a major unit test.

Things You Can Expect from Me

Just as I have expectations of you, you have expectations of your teachers.  Many of the items on the following list stem from my core values, and some of them were developed based on student feedback which leads to the first one on the list:

• When you have a legitimate concern or idea to share, you can expect me to listen, take consideration, provide an answer, and explain why I will or will not be acting on your suggestions.  Sometimes answers and explanations are straightforward and will be given quickly, while others require thought and reflection, which could take days.

• Directives will always be given politely the first two or three times.

• 7th grade is challenging and faster-paced than 6th.  We will begin to prepare you for the years of school you have ahead.  You can expect to be challenged appropriately, which will look different for every student.  You will be asked to think critically, create original products to demonstrate your learning and reflect on your learning.

• I am your guide.  When you get stuck, ask for help.  Sitting in class while doing nothing and later telling me you struggled to understand or get started is unacceptable.

• During class, I will always make time for you if you need assistance.  Outside of class, we will find time to connect.

In a nutshell, because I expect the same from you, you can always expect me to treat you with love, kindness, and respect.  The expectations and procedures described on this page are designed to help you always know how to succeed, not just in my classroom but at Webb Bridge Middle School.