The VMMS "Essential 24"

Rule 1: 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.

Rule 2: 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.

Rule 3: If someone is speaking, keep your eyes on him or her at all times. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person.

Rule 4: If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person. Claps should be at least three seconds in length with the full part of both hands meeting in a manner that will give the appropriate clap volume.

Rule 7: When you cough or sneeze or burp, it is appropriate to turn your head away from others and cover your mouth with the full part of your hand. Using a fist is not acceptable. Afterward, you should say, "Excuse me."

Rule 8: Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes, or show disrespect with gestures.

Rule 9: Always say "thank you" when someone gives you something If you do not say it within 3 seconds after receiving an item from a teacher, the item will be taken back from you. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.

Rule 10: 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.

Rule 15: At times throughout the year, your teacher will give rewards for good behavior, academic performances and other acts worthy of praise. If you ever ask 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.

Rule 17: When we are in transition from one activity to another or lining up to leave the class, the change will be swift, quiet and orderly. We should be consistently able to transition as quickly as possible. The oppurtune amount of time to spend in transition should be less that ten seconds, and we will work toward a goal of seven seconds.

Rule 18: You will make every effort to be as organized as possible.

Rule 20: While you are with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that you follow when your regular teacher is with you. (This is hard, but it is important.)

Rule 21: We will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organized, efficient, and on task. In order to do so, we will follow these rules:
  1. Do not get out of your seat without permission. Exception: If you are sick, leave immediately.
  2. Do not speak unless: You raise your hand, and your teacher calls on you. A teacher asks you a question and you are responding. It is lunch. You are instructed otherwise. (for example, during group work)

    Rule 35: Whether we are in school or on a field trip, if someone drops something, pick it up and 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.

    Rule 36: 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 it first, then you can walk through. If the door opens by pushing, hold the door open after you push through.

    Rule 37: If someone bumps into you, even if it was not your fault, say "Excuse me."

    Rule 40: During an assembly, do not speak and do not look around and try to get the attention of your friends in other classes. We must uphold an image that shows we have our act together!

    Rule 44: 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, never leaning on walls or putting feet on the walls. There will be absolutely no talking.

    Rule 48: If any child in this school is bothering you, let one of your teachers know. We are your teachers, and we are here to look after you and protect you. We are 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 this student.

    Rule 49: 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.

    Rule 50: 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.

    Rule 52: Accept that you are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

    Rule 53: No matter what the circumstances, always be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it is best to admit it, because others will respect that, and often times teachers will forget any disciplinary measures because of your honesty.

    Rule 55: Be the best person you can be!

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