Ms.

Barnett
6
th
period 1:30-2:21
Welcome!
Hi! My name is Ms. Barnett, and I hope we can have a fun semester together. This class does focus on
communication skills, so please be aware that you will be required to speak in front of the class
eventually. We are going to move through the textbook as we build various skills that are essential for
becoming a superior communicator. Throughout the semester, you will give 5 major speeches:
impromptu, extemporaneous, informative, demonstrative, and persuasive. You will also be assigned one
group project per term: a mock interview and a mock newscast/advertisement. Im really excited to see
your unique personalities through your presentations!
If you have any questions, you can reach me via email at amber.barnett@omaha.k12.ar.us, or you can
visit my website: amberbarnett.weebly.com
Supply List
1 composition notebook
1 package of paper
1 package of #2 pencils
1 package of black ink pens
1 package 4-color highlighters
1 USB thumb drive (optional)
1 1 inch 3-ring binder (optional, but recommended)
1 package of dividers (optional, but recommended)

Expectations
Having a fear of public speaking is common. It can be a very frightening thing to stand before an
audience. My goal is to help students become more comfortable with the idea of public speaking. I
will not immediately assign a speech. We will work our way up to that. It is essential that this
classroom be a safe place free from disrespect and judgmental attitudes. Please respect in order to
be respected. Students should support each other, complete their assignments in a timely manner,
and do their best to be active listeners and communicators. I do not expect students to sit quietly
and listen to me talk the entire time. Please share your thoughts on the topics we will be covering.
This is a class on communication. And I dont want the communication to be one-way.

Rules
Late Work
Work is to be turned in on the day it is due unless you are absent. You will be given one day for
each absence. After the allowed make-up time, the work is considered late. 10% will be deducted
for each day the assignment is late.
Extended projects (speeches, etc.) will have a set due date that is not subject to change. If you
are absent the day before the paper is due, you do NOT get an extra day to complete the
assignment. If you are absent the day a big project is due, you must turn it in BEFORE first period
the next day you attend school. **Deduction for late project = 10% per day
**For further information, please see page pp15-16 of the handbook.
Cheating/Plagiarism
The consequences for cheating and/or plagiarism are as follows:
1
st
offenseAll students involved will receive a zero on the assignment/test and the parents will
be notified.
2
nd
offenseAll students involved will receive a zero on the assignment/test and the parents will
be notified.
3
rd
offenseIn any course may result in loss of credit. Parents will be notified and all students
involved will receive a zero on the assignment.

(Student /Parent Handbook, page 16)

**A note about paraphrasing Be careful. If you paraphrase, site your source. If you read the
information somewhere, site your source.
Class Rules
I want this classroom to be a safe learning environment for my students. In order for that to happen, I
believe I must give the students input and accountability. Therefore, we will decide some basic
classroom rules together, as a whole. After the class expectations are in place, students will receive a
separate handout. For specific guidelines regarding school policies already in place (that DO apply in my
classroom), refer to Section 9 of the handbook (pp31-39).



Grading Scale
As defined by the handbook:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 and below

Calculation of Grades
A minimum of nine numerical scores-averaging at least one per week- will be recorder for each student
during each nine week grading period for each subject. (Student/Parent Handbook, 14)
Your grade in this class will be largely determined by test scores and project performances.
The points per semester will be distributed as follows:
Tests..30%
o Test after each unit, semester test
Quizzes10%
Projects..30%
o Speeches, group projects, etc.
Class Work.10%
o This includes small group activities, small writing activities, worksheets, etc.
Homework10%
Participation..10%