academic expectations

Chemistry Academic

2005-06 School Year

Pennridge High School
Science Department Course Requirements
Chemistry Academic

Obey all Pennridge School Rules as written in the handbook

Attendance:
1.	If you are absent you are responsible for getting your assignments for the day of your absence. This should not be done at the start of the class.
2.	Be in class on time. When you arrive in class, prepare for class opening your notebook and finding the assigned work.
3.	Do not leave class with out a pass, or without signing out.
4.	Attendance in class is required for the successful completion of the course.
5.	Students who have 18 unexcused absences for the year will not receive credit for the course.
6.	Class cuts are not permitted. Upon accumulation of three (3) class cuts you will be assigned a grade of WF for the class.

Laboratory Work:
1.	One double period is scheduled for each cycle for laboratory work.
2.	Students who are absent for a laboratory must make up the lab within one cycle. Make up labs will be done by appointment only. Labs not made-up in one cycle will result in a grade of zero.
3.	Laboratory reports are due three days after the lab is completed. Grading will follow the laboratory grading rubric.
4.	Each lab group must present one (1) oral reports during the the year. This will take place of a written lab report.
5.	If you are absent the day the lab is due, submit the lab on the day you return.
6.	A laboratory portfolio must be completed during the first semester of the course. Laboratory portfolios are worth 100 points, and will be graded on a rubric. Failure to submit an acceptable laboratory portfolio on or before the due date will result in a failing grade for the marking period and the year.

Homework:
1.	Always attempt to solve the assigned problems and show the calculations.
2.	Homework will be checked periodically and graded. All homework is to be completed by the due date. Late homework will not be accepted for full credit.
3.	Homework assignments are designed to reinforce concepts and are an integral part of success in the course. As such the homework portion of the grade will be approximately 20% of the overall total points.

Class Behavior:
1.	Food or drinks are not permitted in the classroom or the lab area. The chemistry classroom has chemicals and fumes throughout the entire room, eating or drinking could cause sickness.
	First offense: Verbal warning and phone call home.
	Second offense: Discipline form submitted to grade level administrator and a detention assigned.
2.	Behavior not appropriate to a chemistry class will not be tolerated, and will result in the students removal from class if it persistent.
3.	Students who exhibit unsafe laboratory behavior, or who disregard safety rules will not be permitted to do lab work.
4.	You are expected to be polite and respectful to your teacher and classmates at all times.
5.	Students are to sit only in their assigned seats, and must bring to class each day a notebook and writing instrument, as well as their textbook and/ or calculator.

Grading:
1.	Grades will be determine on the basis of total points earned during the marking period.
2.	Unit tests will be announced, and will be worth 100 points. Quizzes may be announced, and will range from 10-50 points.
3.	Midterm and finals are worth 200 points.
4.	All students are required to take midterm and final exams. To be exempt from the final exam you need to have A's for each marking period and on the midterm exam.
5.	Labortory reports and oral laboratory presentations are worth 20 points each, and grades are based upon written rubrics.
6.	If you have questions about grades, assignments, or missing work please make an appointment to see me. The start of class is not a time to discuss assignments or grades.
7.	After school study sessions will be scheduled as needed. If you are falling behind or having difficulty with the work please discuss this with me.
8.	Keep record of your grades.
9.	Tests, quizzes, and lab reports will be returned as soon as possible. Tests will be recollected.
10.	All missed tests and quizzes must be made up on the day you return from your absence.
11.	The school policy on plagiarism applies to lab reports and portfolios.
12.	Cheating on tests or quizzes will result in an immediate zero and a school detention.

Acknowledgement Form:
1.	Sign the acknowledgement form as proof that you have read and understand the course requirements.
2.	Review the course requirements with a parent or guardian and have them complete the parent/guardian section on the form.
3.	Return this form to you teacher on or before the due date.