Welcome to Chemistry!  The following information is designed to inform you of what is expected of you and what you can do to succeed in this class.  It is hoped that the experiences in this course will increase your  problem-solving, observational and analytical skills, as well as your knowledge of Chemistry!

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN CHEMISTRY:

1.       BE ON TIME.  You are expected to arrive on time and begin immediately with the work that is posted on the board.  It is designed for your fun, information, and/or review.  During class, you should always be working on something and continue working until dismissed by the teacher.  Working on other subjects is permitted with the teacher’s permission and only after all science work is completed.  The teacher determines when class begins and ends, not the bell.

2.       BE RESPECTFUL.  You must have respect for yourself, your peers, the teacher, and your environment in order to reach your full potential.  It is inappropriate to speak while the teacher or another student is speaking.  Inappropriate noises or words are not allowed.

3.       BE PREPARED.  Books, binder, student handbook, paper, pens, pencils, and calculator should be brought to class everyday unless otherwise instructed.

4.       PARTICIPATE.  You should participate in order to learn and have fun.  Participation will be taken into consideration at the end of the semester when determining final grades.

ALL HANDBOOK RULES WILL BE ENFORCED!!

CLASSROOM POLICIES:

  Supplies: All students need the following: 

Textbook

Three ring binder OR folder

Notebook

Pencils (#2)

Pens (black or blue)

Scientific calculator  (If graphing calculators are used and abused, the student will NOT be permitted to use that calculator.  The student will be required to use a non-graphing calculator.)

All students are required to bring ALL supplies to class EVERYDAY.  Students are required to keep all class information, which includes notes, handouts, labs, and quizzes.

  Homework and Projects: The assignments required of students are important to the learning process and are expected to be complete, neat, and on time.  You will have prior notice if an assignment must be typed.  Typed papers are to be double-spaced, 12-point font, and single sided.

LATE WORK:  Work will be accepted one day late for a 50% loss of credit.  NO work will be accepted for credit beyond the first day late.  Late work will negatively impact your success in this class.

  Labs and Activities: For your safety and that of your classmates, it is imperative that all lab directions are followed.  Proper clothing and safety equipment (goggles and apron) must be worn during lab days.  Shorts, open-toed shoes, and excessively loose clothing may not be worn during a lab day.  Students will be informed of lab days at least one day prior.  NEVER touch any lab equipment in any room until you are instructed to do so.  Any student who fails to follow directions, acts in a manner that the teacher considers dangerous, who is not dressed appropriately, or is found not wearing proper safety equipment will NOT be allowed to participate in the lab and will receive a zero for the day.  All safety guidelines are state in the Flinn Safety Contract that all students and parent/guardians must read and sign.  All students must pass the safety quiz in order to participate in lab.

SAFETY FIRST!!

  Tests and Grading: A minimum of 2 days notice will be given before any major evaluations.  My goals are to be fair, consistent, and timely.  I sometimes make mistakes, so always check your score!  The grading score is as follows:

90-100%      = A                                          Tests/Major Assessments     25%

80-89%        = B                                           Laboratory Assessments       25%

70-79%        = C                                          Quizzes                            15%

60-69%        = D                                          Homework                       15%

Below 60%    = F                                           Final Assessment                20%

  Absences: All students are responsible for completing all work that was completed during any absence.  Be sure to check the “absent” section of the file box to see what was done in class while you were absent.  In addition, check with a follow classmate to get any notes that were covered while you were absent.  If you are absent on the day of a test/quiz or the day an assignment was due, then you are responsible for taking the test/quiz or turning in the assignment when you return.  Arrangements must be made the day you return to school with the teacher to make up tests/quizzes.  Remember that this is your responsibility.

  Tardiness: The tardy policy outlined in the student handbook will be enforced.

  Flexibility: If you are having trouble understanding some of the material or if you have trouble on an assignment please see me on or before the due date.  This means before your class period!  We will work through any misunderstandings together!  I am here to help!

  Substitute Teachers: Substitute teachers are guests in our classrooms and should be treated with the utmost respect.  If your name appears on a negative report, you will be issued either a detention or sent to your dean, depending on the level of misconduct.