Students are responsible for ALL aspects of their education. They must bring their materials to class, take notes, complete all assignments, and study for exams. It is also the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she comes to tutorials if needed, asks for help, and gets make-up work completed.

We want every student to succeed this year and will do what we can to help each student.
However, the student must make the decision to study and do the work.

All students are expected to maintain the highest standard of behavior in class. Class policies are posted and must be followed at all times. Deviating from policy will result in disciplinary actions.

It is extremely important that students be in class. Science is an activity based class. Students not present for demonstrations, labs and activities, and discussions are at a disadvantage. Students will not be able to make up activities.

Students are responsible for checking the Science website, a friend’s agenda or their own to see what they missed, what assignments they must complete, and obtain any handouts they require from their teacher.

Students are considered late to class after the tardy bell rings unless they have a note from another teacher. Tardies will be handled by Campus Administration.

Tutorials are an opportunity for students to complete work, ask questions or receive additional help and support. Grades will be monitored weekly and tutorials will be discussed with the student and parents if the student drops below a 70 average in class. This will allow for additional help needed to bring the student up to a passable grade. My tutorial schedule is posted on my website. Special tutorial times can be made with prior notification.

There are two types of grades each counting 50% of overall Science grade - daily grades and test grades. Daily grades will consist of vocabulary, class assignments, labs and homework assignments. Test grades will consist of quizzes, projects and exams.
Students are expected to keep ALL assignments and a grade sheet in their binder to verify grades. If a student questions a grade, he/she must be able to produce the paper in question. Keeping a weekly grade sheet alerts students immediately if there is an issue with a missing assignment. This also is another way for parents to keep track of how their student is doing.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to register for Family Access which will allow you to check your student’s average and see individual assignment grades. See the main office for additional information on Family Access.

All students will be required to turn in acceptable work for grading. Below are lists of standards that will be enforced. Attempts to turn work in outside the parameters below will result in the assignment being handed back to be redone.
1. All work is to be done in PENCIL.
2. All short answers are to be written in complete sentences.
3. Full name, date and period placed in the top right hand margin of the paper.
4. Work must be legibly written in order to be eligible for grading.
5. No name papers will go in the no name basket and will be considered late.

Students are expected to turn in all work ON TIME. All work not turned in on time will be penalized. Please see the below for the new District Grading policy.

Assignment turned in at the beginning Full Credit
of the period on the day it is due.

On the 1st day after assignment is due 30% deduction (No grade higher than a 70)

On the 2nd day after assignment is due 50% deduction (No grade higher than a 50)

After 2nd day Zero

After the 2nd day late a zero will be recorded. Extra credit assignments are NOT an option.

Websites are maintained to help parents and students have easy access to agendas and other classroom information. Check websites frequently for updates.

As a convenience to parents and students a weekly e-mail is sent. This provides information about items that may need to be signed and returned, important dates, and the weekly agenda. I request that a valid e-mail address be on file so that I can effectively communicate with parents and students.

Brain research shows that the more senses we involve in the learning process, the deeper the understanding. There are a few movies throughout the year that are incorporated into our units of study to keep students interested in the topic and show them real application of the sciences. All movies will have a PG or lower rating. Rather than send home a permission slip that has to be brought back each time, a place on the signature page has been provided.

The lab can be a hazardous place and it is vital that are students act responsibly. Below is a copy of the laboratory safety contract. Student and parent/guardian must sign the signature sheet showing understanding of these rules in a laboratory setting. Students will not be allowed to participate in lab activities until the signature sheet is returned.

Students caught playing around during lab will be assigned a zero (0) for the laboratory experiment and removed from lab. In addition, they will receive a detention to be served that day after school. Students may lose future lab privileges.

Students must agree to:
• Act responsibly at all times in the laboratory.
• Follow all instructions given, orally or in writing, by the teacher.
• Perform only those activities assigned and approved by the teacher.
• Protect my eyes, face, hands, and body by wearing proper clothing and using protective equipment provided by the school.
• Carry out good housekeeping practices as instructed by the teacher.
• Know the location of safety and first aid equipment in the laboratory.
• Notify the teacher immediately of an emergency.
• NEVER work alone in the laboratory.
• NEVER eat or drink in the laboratory unless instructed to do so by the teacher.
• Handle living organisms or preserved specimens only when authorized by my teacher, and then, with respect.