17 August 2015
Dear Parent or Guardian,
This term I have the privilege of teaching your child. In order to guarantee success in my class, please review with your child the following list of classroom policies, classroom management guidelines, list of needed materials, grading scale, and grading procedures. Once you and your child have discussed the above items, please sign in the blanks provided and return the signed sheet to me.
I urge you to review the HHS student handbook and DCSD discipline code book in order to familiarize yourself and your child with discipline, attendance, and other issues mandated by board policy.
My office hours are from 9:57 – 10:49. I am also at school until 3:40 each day. I am best contacted by email at , should you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Shelton Simmons
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I have reviewed the attached material and have a basic understanding of the expectations for this class.
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Parent Name Student Name
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Parent Signature Student Signature
Parent Email Address:______
Parent Phone Number: ______
Physical Science CP
This college preparatory course emphasizes the study of the interaction between matter and energy. It is an introduction to both chemistry and physics. Some class time will be spent in hands-on laboratory and group activities. Physical Science requires that the students not only gain knowledge of scientific concepts but that they are also able to apply those concepts to new and different situations. This course is designed to prepare students for a technological career, entry into a 4 year college or into a 2 year technical college after high school.
Materials
Composition Notebook Scientific Calculator Text: Holt Science Spectrum TI-30X
Pencil/Pen Casio FX300ES
Classroom Policies
1. Students will not be allowed to share calculators during independent work!!!
2. All assignments must be completed and turned in within five school days of an absence or a grade of 0 will be assigned. Missed tests will be completed after school during extended office hours on a prearranged date.
3. Students will be required to take quizzes or tests on the scheduled date, even if the student was absent the day before.
4. Late assignments will not be accepted unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
5. My office hours are from 3:20pm - 3:40pm on Mondays and Wednesdays - Fridays. Extra time will be given only by appointment.
6. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about missed assignments or extra help.
Management
Classroom Procedures: we will learn and perform procedures throughout the year these are the general classroom procedures.
Ø All assignments should be completed in black or blue ink or a #2 pencil. If not you may be asked to redo the assignment.
Ø Always sit in assigned seats.
Ø Do not talk in class unless directed to do so by the teacher.
Ø In the event of an absence you the student are responsible to make up the work
Ø Bring your book, pen or pencil, agenda, and your note book every day
Ø All class work is due by the end of the day, all homework is due at the next class period unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
Ø Students should be in their assigned seat and prepared for work by the ringing of the tardy bell or they are considered tardy; per DCSC tardy policy.
Ø Students will only receive 5 bathroom pass each 9 weeks, unless a doctor’s excuse is provided.
Ø I dismiss you, not the bell. Remain in your seat until dismissed
Class Rules:
1. Students should be in their assigned seat with appropriate materials and supplies when the bell rings. Appropriate materials and supplies include their notebook, textbook, homework, a writing utensil, and a calculator.
2. Everyone will be respectful of themselves and others.
3. Students are expected to raise their hand to ask for permission to use the restroom or sharpen their pencil.
4. Students are to observe all rules DCSD and HHS rules.
5. Cell phones and electronic devices should be stowed away, out of sight, during class.
6. All book bags, and purses should be stored either beside or underneath your desks.
Consequences for non-observance of classroom rules are:
1. Warning.
2.Teacher-Student conference
3.Phone call home
4.Referal written and student sent to office
Severe Disruption: Student sent immediately to office with referral
Grading Procedures
Ø Grading scale: A 100-93
B 92-85
C 84-77
D 76-70
F 69 & below
Ø Grade Calculation:
o Tests and Projects count for 50% of the student’s quarterly grade. Daily grades account for 25% of the quarterly grade. This includes classwork assignments, quizzes and homework. Labs count for 25% of the quarterly grade. The student’s first semester grade is an average that consists of a midterm weighted at 10%, the first quarter is weighted at 45% and the second quarter is weighted at 45%. The second semester’s grade is an average. 50% comes from the 3rd quarter and 50% comes from the 4th quarter. The student’s final grade is based on their 1st semester grade weighted at 40%, their 2nd semester grade weighted at 40% and their final exam weighted at 20%.
Ø Assessments
o Students are assessed on a daily basis through classwork. Classwork will pertain directly to the previous lecture and will serve as practice for their quiz. Quizzes are given on a weekly basis and will include all lessons taught during the week. Quizzes may be multiple choice or free response and are typically around 20 questions in length.
o At the end of each unit is a chapter test that is multiple choice. The number of questions will vary but students are given the entire class period to finish the test. They will be given a study guide to complete prior to the test, which will count as extra credit towards their test grade. I will only review the study guide if the students have worked on it, otherwise I will move on.
o Projects will count as test grades and will be given throughout the course. All projects are to be completed in class using the materials provided. If students are unable to finish in class, they may work on them outside of class. For everyday that a project is late 10 points will be deducted from their grade.
o Labs will be held regularly in class. Students will be expected to complete the experiment and the analysis in class with the materials provided. If students are unable to finish in class, they may work on them outside of class. For everyday that a lab is late, 10 points will be deducted from their grade.
o Homework will be given on a regular basis and will be due at the beginning of the next class. No late homework assignments will be accepted.
Ø Grade Reporting
o Grades that are submitted to the online grade book are available for parents to view online in Power School. Every 2 weeks a progress report will be sent home with students to keep both students and parents aware of their child’s progress in my class. Interim reports are given to students during the middle of the quarter.