Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. Why is a 5-Subject Notebook Required?
2. This year's theme is "Following Directions". What does that mean?
3. What is your policy on cell phones?
4. In what style do you require your papers to be written?
5. Is that a picture of Christopher Walken behind your desk?
6. Guarded your desk? Do you have personal space issues or something?
7. What do students do that irritates you?
8. Ummm, what is with all the rocks?
9. Anything else you would like your students to know?

Why is a 5-Subject Notebook Required?

Over the years I have found this is the easiest way to keep everyone 
organized. Section 1 of your notebook will be used for daily warm-ups. 
Section 2 is for any notes I give you in class (you will have open-note 
tests on occasion so it is important to take good notes). Section 3 will be 
where you complete any graphic organizers or questions from the book. 
Section 4 will be for your rough drafts of essays. Section 5 is extra paper 
in case you run out at some point. My overall goal is to conserve paper this 
year. These notebooks will be recycled at the end of the year unless the 
students want them back.

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This year's theme is "Following Directions". What does that mean?

It is important for students to be able to decipher directions on their own 
and not rely too much on the teacher to explain everything. My goal is to 
make you a more autonomous learner, better able to rely on your own skills 
when reading directions. If you do not follow directions, you will receive a 
zero on the assignment. It is an important skill to have, especially if you 
are planning to go on to college or to join the work force right after high 
school.

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What is your policy on cell phones?

Excellent question! I am a techno-phobe by nature and distrust cell phones 
for several reasons, therefore, they are absolutely not permitted in the 
classroom. If I see a cell phone out (and trust me, most students have the 
same hunched-over look to them when they are "secretly" using their cell 
phones in class)I will place it in the bin I have in my room for just such 
purposes. The student may get the phone after class is over. If it is a 
recurring problem, the phone will be sent to the office and the student's 
parent will need to come to get it.

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In what style do you require your papers to be written?

Generally we will use MLA style for all papers. Rough drafts must be written 
in pencil and final drafts may be typed or written in ink. Deadlines are 
final. Each paper must have a heading in the top left-hand corner including 
the student's name, Mrs. Bahle, English 11, and the date. All papers must be 
double-spaced and typed in Times New Roman font.

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Is that a picture of Christopher Walken behind your desk?

Why, yes, it is! I obtained that picture from a magazine years ago and he 
has guarded my desk ever since.

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Guarded your desk? Do you have personal space issues or something?

Indeed. You will notice that I have created my own little "nest" in the 
classroom. No one is to enter the "nest" without my permission. I like to 
think of it as my little escape portal.

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What do students do that irritates you?

I'm pretty laid back in general but one thing that I'm not fond of is when a 
student is talking while I am talking. I consider it rude. I make it a point 
to always treat my students with the utmost respect as long as they show me 
the same level of respect. Another pet peeve is apathy. If a student gives 
up without trying it really bothers me. A student that says they "don't 
care" or settles for a lower grade than they should, I get a little irate. 
My goal is to get my students through English 11 and have fun while doing 
it.

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Ummm, what is with all the rocks?

I was a lonely child. I spent hours every day looking for pretty rocks. They 
are a comfort to me. I know that sounds odd, but you will get used to it.

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Anything else you would like your students to know?

I say this at the beginning of every year. I know it sounds sappy but I mean 
it. I don't have any kids of my own, so technically, my students are my 
kids. You guys are stuck with me. I'm here for you if you need help. I want 
this to be a great year for all of us and if we work together, it will be.

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