Chemistry Classroom Expectations

Teacher: Jordan Turner

Jordan.Turner@vbschools.com
648-5600

2015-16

Email:
Phone:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to Chemistry, a physical science which focuses on the composition of matter and the changes that it undergoes. You will be
learning about the chemical elements, the bonding that occurs between elements to make compounds, and the manners in which elements
and compounds react. Both qualitative and quantitative relationships will be explored. Algebra II or Algebra II/Trig is a pre- or co-requisite for
this course.
It is anticipated that a new awareness of chemistry and its relationship to the other sciences, mathematics, and our society will evolve as the
year progresses. The course will incorporate readings (from your textbook and from outside sources), problems, writing prompts, lectures,
skill-sheets, laboratory experiments, presentations/projects, and demonstrations to facilitate the learning process. You will be challenged,
work hard, and learn a lot in this class but at the same time have FUN!
ASSESSMENT / GRADING POLICY
Marking periods will be calculated on a total points basis. Most assignments will be assigned a particular point value. These assignments
cover a variety of formats, including, but not limited to:
- Major Tests: 100-200 points
- Quizzes 10-75 points
- Homework: 50-100 points
- Lab Grades: 25-50 points
- Projects: 25-100 points
A = Excellent
93-100 = A
90-92 = A-

B = Above Average
87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B-

C = Average
77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C-

D = Below
Average
67-69 = D+
64-66 = D

E = Failing
Below 64 = E

Assessment Recovery provides students with opportunities to improve their assessment grades by demonstrating mastery of knowledge.
Any student who receives a grade of 70 or below on a major assessment will be required to participate in Assessment Recovery. Any student
who scores lower than 85 on a major assessment will have the opportunity to improve their score through Assessment Recovery if they
choose to do so. Grades earned through Assessment Recovery will not be allowed to exceed a score of 85. Students will have several days
from the day they receive their original grade to complete Assessment Recovery. Assessment Recovery is outlined in a handout in the
students notebook.
HOMEWORK:
In order to be successful in Chemistry, it is very important that you complete all assigned homework and reading. Homework assignments
are to help reinforce your knowledge of the concepts introduced and practiced in class. Homework will be assigned as needed and may differ
based upon individual student needs. Not completing assignments is unacceptable because all assignments are designed to be valuable to
your learning experience.
LABS:
It is critical that laboratory work be an important part of a Chemistry course. Therefore, a large portion of your time will be spent performing
laboratory experiments and analyzing data. It is expected that you will follow the safety contract at all times and wear lab-appropriate shoes
and clothes on lab days! Labs and lab skills will be assessed in a variety of ways. All pre-lab assignments MUST be complete on time in
order to participate in the lab during class.
CARD QUIZZES:
These quick assessments will be given almost every day as a way for both of us to know what is left for you to learn. They are generally
worth 10 points each, and several may be dropped each marking period. You should make sure that you review any information from the
prior class to prepare, and revisit the topics that you may still not understand after a card quiz. These are meant to be a learning TOOL, not
a source of stress! In addition, the card quizzes will address homework mastery when appropriate.
TESTS:
It is expected that you will do your best on each test by adequately preparing yourself. You will complete test corrections for some tests and
will be allowed to retake some tests if you meet the requirements specified in the Assessment Recovery. A limited number of retakes will be

allowed, within a limited timeframe, and remediation must take place prior to retesting.
LATE WORK:
It is expected that all work will be turned in on time. Manage your time! Remember, each and every assignment in this course is given for a
specific purpose. There is no such thing as busy work! Assignments not turned in on time must be completed; a one-time deduction of points
will occur. If the work is not received within one week of being assigned, you will be given an academic detention with the teacher after
school in order to complete the missing assignment(s).
MAKE-UP WORK:
Being in class is the best thing for your success. If you are absent from class, it is YOUR responsibility to check the classs website for the
assignments post. This needs to take place before you return to class. When you return to class, all missed work will be stapled together in
the absent tray in the classroom. If there is nothing in the tray, please come and check with me as to what you missed. You should discuss
missed work with your classmates as well. Items assigned prior to an absence are due ON THE DAY YOU RETURN if at all possible. Plan
on taking card quizzes, even if you missed the class before. If you are absent on the day of a lab or test, it is your responsibility to request a
make-up time with me (either in academic support blocks or after school). Any other work is due within the guidelines set by school board
policy.
MATERIALS / SUPPLIES
Textbook (issued to students who feel they need one), Modern Chemistry AND online access available through my.hrw.com
Username: gstudent372 password: f6t8y
Paper, pen, pencil, highlighter
3-ring binder (or a divided section in a binder)
3-Subject Spiral notebook (brand names of Mead and 5-Star offer very durable binders that will last well!)
3x5 index cards
Access to a computer or tablet with internet
Calculator (Scientific or Graphing)
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES & STUDENT CONDUCT
Be ready and seated by the bell, start working on what is on the board, turning things in, etc.
Be seated for dismissal by your teacher, not the bell
Follow the school tardy policy you need to be here on time! (tardy >15 minutes = absence!)
Semester Rule (VBCPS Policy): Any student who misses more than six class periods will receive a 63/N or the average he or she has
earned if it is lower than 63.
Water bottles are allowed in the classroom, but never at the lab stations!
Use BYOD appropriately with instructors permission. Otherwise, all electronics should be turned off and put away during the class
period.
All PAHS and VBCPS school rules apply in the classroom.
APPOINTMENTS / EXTRA HELP
I am here to help you in any way that I can. If you would like individual help, please see me to set up an appointment. It is important that you
see me as soon as you feel that you are struggling with material so we can work together to keep you on track without you becoming too
overwhelmed. Extra help is available after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (if these days do not work for you, please come and talk to
me and we will work something out). Students should notify me of their intent to attend when possible. The topic will generally correlate to
what we are working on in class. Come prepared with questions it will not just be another time for us to reteach you it is expected that
you will give your full attention in class the first time. You should also think about forming study groups, exchanging phone numbers, and
using any available additional resources for this course.
Visit the Parent Portal on the Internet to view up-to-date student grades and attendance (access at the PA website at
princessannehs@vbschools.com . Grades are posted by Wednesday evening of each week. Check the Parent Portal each week for
grade updates. Major tests, essays, projects, and research papers may take longer than one week to grade.
While we encourage the use of technology for instructional purposes, the security of student devices is the responsibility of the student. Teachers and
staff will not be held accountable for the safe keeping of student devices.
Parents are reminded that all student papers, tests, exams, etc. are the property of Princess Anne High School and the instructor. These items may be
sent home at the teachers discretion. Any parent wishing to view any material shall contact the teacher.
Students taking and Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) course are expected to take the AP or IB exam.
Loss/Damaged Textbooks: Students will be assessed a fee of 100% of the book cost for damages that prevent re-distributing the book and/or missing
or unreadable bar codes. Please contact the main office for extenuating circumstances.

Please read and sign: I have read and understand the classroom expectations for Chemistry.
Parent _____________________________________________________

Student ____________________________________________________