Classroom+Information

I am looking forward to working with a new group of wonderful students! Continuing to utilize block schedule for classes will enable us to have time to focus intently on the objectives while engaging students to accomplish each task.You will find information concerning expectations for my classes below. I have designed my class to promote student involvement within my lessons.


 * GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (GPS): **The curriculum for 8th grade science is driven by the GPS. Descriptions of these standards and their accompanying elements can be found on the Georgia Department of Education’s website [|http://www.georgiastandards.org].


 * SMART STARTS: **We will begin each class period with a few questions, diagrams and/or graphs to analyze for CRCT preparation and review. These will be graded three times each grading period.

**TESTS/QUIZZES:** We will have weekly quizzes as well as pop (unannounced) quizzes. The quizzes will encompass concepts addressed during that week. Each week we will cover one element of the Georgia Performance Standards. Tests will be given at the end of each standard. In instances where a standard contains more than five elements the unit test may be given in two parts.  **PROJECTS:** These will be assigned at random times throughout the school year. Due dates and detailed information will be given to students as needed.  **EXPECTATIONS:** I expect each student to come to class prepared with materials in hand. Necessary materials each day include textbook, notebook, pencil, and paper. Dealing with children who come to class unprepared wastes valuable time. Every student should be responsible enough to do his/her part.
 * CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK: ** Many times assignments will be started in class and finished as homework. I will post all homework assignments on the website listed above. You should check the website for updates since assignments may sometimes change after class has concluded each day.

**CALCULATING AVERAGES:** Grades for each of the nine weeks grading periods will be based on quizzes (30%), tests/projects (50%), and classwork/homework (20%).


 * HOMEWORK AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS: ** Acceptable homework must be legible and written in pencil, blue or black ink, or typed. **//It is imperative that students do their homework EACH night.//** Students and parents may view these assignments and due dates at any time on the website listed at the top of the page. __Assignments are expected on the date that they are due__. Assignments that are turned in late will receive a maximum grade of 50. Late assignments may be turned in no later than one week prior to midterm progress reports. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS FROM THE FIRST HALF OF THE NINE WEEKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER MIDTERM PROGRESS REPORTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. Late assignments for the second half of the nine weeks may be turned in no later than one week prior to the end of that term. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS FROM THE SECOND HALF OF THE NINE WEEKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER REPORT CARDS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.


 * CHEATING/ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: **<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. This cheating policy **is not** meant to discourage collaborative learning. However, students must recognize the difference between cooperative learning and cheating. Each student is responsible for their own work.

<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Cheating includes, but is not limited to: <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">• Direct copying of in-class work or assigned homework. <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">• <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 15px;">Any cheating on an exam/quiz (including inappropriate use of notes, copying another’s test, using cell phones). <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">• <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 15px;">Copying from any print or internet source without a proper citation. <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">• <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 15px;">Allowing another student to copy your work.

<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 15px;">Cheating is punishable as follows: The first violation results in a 0 on that particular assignment **and** parental contact (via weekly progress report and/or email); subsequent violations will result in referral to Friday School.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">EXTRA CREDIT: **<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">If your grade is low because you haven’t done your homework or studied for quizzes and tests, then you don’t have time for extra credit. However, I do offer extra credit opportunities to my classes as a whole on occasion.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">MOVIE PERMISSION: **<span style="font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">I would like to show films throughout the year that relate to our curriculum. Please sign the movie permission separately on the last page of the syllabus in order for your child to watch the films. Students not having permission on file will be given alternate work to complete in lieu of the movie as it relates to the topic of the film.