Syllabus+and+Procedures


 * 8th Grade Science Classroom Policies 2012-2013 **

** Course overview: ** The eigth grade science curriculum covers the content of Earth science. Emphasis is placed on understanding content, organization, note-taking skills, independent thinking, technology integration, and time management.

**Materials**
 * You must bring these things with you every day: **
 * Pencil, pens, colored pencils (optional), tape (optional)
 * __ 3 Ring Binder __
 * Everything we do will be in this binder.
 * DON'T LOSE IT.
 * Textbook or __**computer access**__ – Online Textbook Link (click on the book) Will need computer access for some HW.
 * Computer access is always available in class, during study hall, and before & after school in various rooms.
 * UNLESS - the student loses computer privileges. Do NOT push the guidelines for computer access.
 * Earbuds or Headphones


 * Policies **
 * **__Late Work Policy__**
 * [[file:Middle School Academic Program-2012-2013.pdf]]
 * The student must stay within two days of the occurrence. If the student fails to stay for any reason, excused or not excused, I pass the student's name to the office for retention to be handled in the office. If the student continues to avoid retention, the office may apply Saturday school.
 * I also do not allow students to stay in the morning for science retention. If I am unavailable after school, any other Middle School teacher is more than happy to have the student stay in their room.


 * Your passport is your hallway pass; without it you do NOT leave.
 * No food or drink; except for water bottles…do not ask to leave to fill your bottle. Plan accordingly and have it ready prior to class.
 * I have extra office supplies on the shelves – help yourself – no need to ask.
 * Show respect to yourself and those around you by being responsible and courteous.


 * Absences[[image:http://www.clipartguide.com/_named_clipart_images/0511-1001-2706-2218_Boy_Sleeping_in_Class_with_a_Bully_and_the_Teachers_Pet_clipart_image.jpg width="245" height="89"]] **
 * ** You need to be in class. **
 * It is **__YOUR RESPONSIBILITY__** to get make-up work. If you know you are going to be gone. BE Proactive. Get the work done before you leave.
 * See the Homework page or the wiki class page to print off any documents needed.
 * The day you return to school, you need to pick up your make-up work and see me for any clarification of what you missed. You get **one day for every day absent to complete assignments.**
 * Turn in any work that was due and collected while you were gone. **You do not get extra days to complete work that was due the day you were gone.**
 * If you are absent the day of a test…You will be expected to make up the **missed test in class the day you return to school**. No excuses. All test schedules are known well in advance.
 * Please review the policy on excessive absenteeism on page 12 of the Parent/Student handbook: []

** Labs & Activities **
 * We perform labs and activities in the classroom to see how to apply the concepts we are learning. When you miss a lab, you will be expected to make-up the lab on your own time after school. For any lab missed, check with me regarding making up the time. Whatever is accomplished during class, it is your responsibility to see that it gets completed.




 * Grades **
 * Grades are weighted as follows: **
 * Tests / End of Unit Projects 50%
 * Labs/In Class Activities 25%
 * Homework / Notes 25%

C heating will not be tolerated and will result in a ZERO on any test, quiz, lab, or homework assignment for both parties involved (THIS INCLUDES COPYING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK AND PLAGIARISM.) For further clarification, please review the Cheating and Plagiarism policy on page 26: []


 * GRADING SCALE: **
 * < A ||= 95-100 ||
 * < A- ||= 91-94 ||
 * < B+ ||= 87-90 ||
 * < B ||= 84-86 ||
 * < B- ||= 81-83 ||
 * < C+ ||= 77-80 ||
 * < C ||= 74-76 ||
 * < C- ||= 71-73 ||
 * < D+ ||= 67-70 ||
 * < D ||= 64-66 ||
 * < D- ||= 60-63 ||
 * < F ||= Below 60 ||

The final exam will be worth 20% of your final semester grade.

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