START OF CLASS
Log into your computer as soon as you come into class.  They can be a little slow, so you want to get that started before you get distracted by anything else.  Often we'll have direct instruction at the start of class, but sometimes it's just a work day.  It is important you check the current Unit Page every day to see the schedule.

DURING DIRECT INSTRUCTION
Direct instruction usually comes in one of two forms:  a whiteboard lecture or a code demo.   Unless directed otherwise, you need to turn off your monitor, close your laptop lid, and have your phone away.  Eyes need to be up front with full focus.  No earbuds. You are encouraged to take notes by hand.

You'll find that in this class there really isn't a ton of this.  You'll have an enormous amount of flexible work time, so I expect your absolute attention during lessons.

WORK TIME
The majority of class each day will be spent independently.  Usually this means coding, but sometimes it also includes studying AP review books or watching videos.  During this time, things are a lot more relaxed.  You can have talk with peers and move around the room, as long as you remain primarily focused on your task and are on track.   You can use your phone to listen to music during independent work time.  Anything you don't finish during independent work time will become homework.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I FINISH EARLY?

Many projects have optional extensions or extra credit opportunities, which I'd encourage you to do.  This is the only way to earn extra credit, and you have to do it as you go.  It can come in handy if you struggle on a later assignment.

After that, my recommendation is to work ahead by at least 1-2 class periods if you can.  This provides you a solid buffer.  But I've had some students go really far ahead, finishing the entire course content before the end of the Fall Semester, then they made games for fun the rest of the year. 

Once you're confirmed to be on track, I don't mind if you use any extra time to complete work for other classes.  But I always expect that you have all work for this class completed first.

THE BATHROOM PASS
So, if you need to run to the bathroom, just check in with me first so I know where you are and who has the pass.  The pass is at the front of the room above the microwave.  Here's the most important rule:  while you're out of the room, never let go of the bathroom pass.  If you can't keep it around your neck in the bathroom, put it in your pocket.  Do not leave it hanging somewhere.  You will be held responsible if the pass goes missing.

WHAT IF I AM ABSENT?
If you miss a day, please do not send a message asking me to tell you what we did, or come in the next day asking if we did anything.  You should instead:

• Check the course website and follow the agenda for that day

• Complete all missing work

• Check with a friend for any notes or materials that are not on the website

Note if you have an extreme illness - please reach out and let me know that you need an extension.  I get that sometimes you're so sick that you can't touch a computer for 48 hours, or you're in the hospital, etc.  Just let me know what's going on before you come back to class.

CHEATING
This is a something that I take very seriously.  The first time you cheat, you'll recieve a zero and contact home.  There is no opportunity for a redo or half credit.  For second offenses, this will escalate to include disciplinary measures with administration, and it could affect membership in organizations like National Honor Society.

In my class, the main three ways I have seen students cheat are:

• Rarely, students will directly cheat on an exam.  This is quite brazen and easy to catch, and can really tank your grade.  Getting a zero on a test can easily bring your quarter grade by down two grade levels.

• More often, students will copy work from a friend and turn in their project with light changes, pretneding they did the work.  This is essentially the same as copying a paper for your English class.  This creates two dangers for you:  first, you risk getting caught.  Second, you didn't learn the material.  Most students who follow this path will gradually slide into failing the course.

• More recently, students have been attempting to use AI to generate code for them.  Beyond the risks above, the danger you run into is that AI often has novel solutions that differ greatly from what is shown in class.  When I check your code, if I see  weird or advanced stuff I will often ask you to explain how it works.  It becomes clear from these conversations pretty quickly if you made the code or not.