Science Expectations

Keep this paper all year

WELCOME

Welcome to science class.  I am glad to have you as a student and I hope that you find this class an enjoyable place for learning.  Please refer to this guide before you ask me what to do. 

 CLASSROOM RULES

• Be polite
• Be on time (In your seat with your science notebook and filling out your planner when tardy bell rings.)
• Be on task and ready to volunteer.
• Be prepared (Bringing paper, pencils/pens and other supplies is your job.)

ATTENDANCE

Attendance in science class is very important and absences should be minimized. 

It is your responsibility to do the following upon returning from an absence:

1. Look at the assignment calendar on Mr. Gray’s website.
2. Get missed work from the “Old Assignments” box.
3. Ask your tablemates for clarification.
4. Ask Mr. Gray if you are still confused.
5. Complete the work by making arrangements to stay after school or come before school if needed. Some work can be completed at home.

Most  work will be turned in as packets and spiral notebooks. You must make up all absent work before the packet is due. The excuse, "I was gone that day," does not help your grade.

 TURNING IN WORK

As mentioned above, you will turn in your work in packets and a spiral notebook.  The spiral notebook will hold notes, vocabulary, current events, concept maps, etc...  You will be given fair notice before your packet or notebook is due.  If you are missing any work, arrange to stay after school or come in before school to complete the work before the packet/binder due date. Once the packet/binder has been collected, late work will be worth 50%. 

LATE WORK

Late work is worth 50% of the original assignment’s value.

 HOMEWORK

Most all assignments can be finished in class if time is used wisely. Homework will be given on a sporadic basis. Please go to the assignment calendar on my website to find out what is going on each day in science class. Homework is posted in red ink and tests are posted in blue ink.  Here is the address: http://alki.vansd.org/dgray/assign.calendar8th.htm

NEED MORE TIME OR MORE HELP?

I am available after school to assist students in any way.  Please make prior arrangements for transportation and let your parents know you will be staying after school for help.

PARTICIPATION POINTS

Students can earn 5 participation points per day (25 pts./week). These points indicate how well you perform in the following areas:

1. promptness and attendance
2. preparation (have all supplies including a pen or pencil and completed homework)
3. volunteering during class discussion
4. direction following
5. active participation in large and small group activities (on task)

COPYING WORK

 Sometimes you will work with other people on an assignment, you will be able to discuss and share ideas and get help from them.  HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE JUST COPYING FROM ANOTHER PERSON’S WORK (EITHER CLASS WORK OR HOMEWORK), BOTH YOU AND THE PERSON YOU ARE COPYING FROM WILL GET ZEROS FOR THAT ASSIGNMENT.  DON’T LET OTHER PEOPLE COPY YOUR WORK!!!!

COMMUNICATION

1. Planners (Parents need to check planners daily and sign at the end of the week)
2. Online Assignment Calendar  http://alki.vansd.org/dgray/assign.calendar8th.htm 
3. Voice Mail (360) 313-3200
4. Email (preferred)  darren.gray@vansd.org

GRADING SCALE

100%-93% = A

92%-90% = A-

89%-87% = B+

86%-83% = B

82%-80% = B-

79%-77% = C+

76%-73% = C

72%-70% = C-

69%-67% = D+

66%-60% = D

59% and below = F

REPORTING SCHEDULE

1. Report Cards every 12 weeks
2. Progress Reports every 6 weeks  
3. Grades online (parents must get paperwork from office for this service)
4. Grades posted in class frequently throughout trimester

SAFETY

If you are doing anything that I think might endanger yourself or someone else, you will be removed from class and your parents will be contacted.  All students have the right to a safe environment.  All safety equipment must be kept in good working order.  Touching this safety equipment except in an emergency is forbidden and the consequences are serious.  All students must have a signed safety contract on file before doing experiments. 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS 

If we have a substitute teacher he/she deserves your complete respect and you should be on your best behavior.  The number one rule is to be cooperative, even if he/she asks you to do things differently than usual.  If your name is written down as being uncooperative, you will serve two detentions for me when I return.  No questions asked! 

CLEANING UP

You are responsible for cleaning up the area around you including the table and floor.  You will be dismissed when everything is clean. Stand quietly behind your chair to show you are ready to be dismissed. Your instructor will dismiss you not the bell.

SUPPLIES

You must always have:             

Please make sure you always keep your supplies up to date.  You will need these all year long! 

STUDENT NAME______________________________________________DATE_____

PARENT SIGNATURE__________________________________________DATE_____