Mr.

Alexander Dinh Miguel Contreras Learning Center (MCLC) Academic Leadership Community (ALC)

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I. Opening Letter Dear Chemistry student, You and your parent are cordially invited to our Chemistry class.

Mr. Dinh
Academic Leadership Community Room 2115 Semester 2

I may not change the world, but I can spark the mind that will. Tupac Shakur

Chemistry is everywhere. From the moment you are born to the first car you buy, the stars that flicker in the sky, the waves that crash on the shore, the galaxies burning millions of miles away, chemistry happens. Our course is an investigation of our lives and the world around us. This second semester is a demanding, college-preparatory course. It is a combination of direct instruction, discussions, activities, demonstrations and group projects. The goal is to promote the understanding of how matter behaves at the macroscopic (large scale) and the nanoscopic (small scale) levels. To communicate this knowledge, we must use the symbols that chemists, biochemists, doctors, Earth scientists, nuclear physicists, theoretical physicists, farmers, city officials, astronomers, civil engineers, and other scientists use today to relate the macroscopic to nanoscopic levels. Chemical principles are introduced so that students will be able to explain the composition and chemical behavior of the universe. They will also be trained in safety, the design of demonstrations, laboratories, and chemistry experiments. My responsibility is to guide, coach, and lead you in our investigation of this world. I will work hard to make our class worth your time. I will help you grow as a person, student, and scientist during and outside my classroom. I will do what I can to help you succeed. My faith is in your potential; my faith is in you. That is my promise to you. I need your help. Your responsibility is to come to class prepared with homework, textbook, an open mind, and a learning spirit. This class is difficult. I will not cover that up. The best advice I can give you is this: find out why you care about your future. That will drive you forward. That will help you learn. That will guide you in the difficult times ahead. Please read the remainder of this invitation. If you have any further questions regarding any concern you or your parent may have, please contact me via email, in person, or phone call. Sincerely, Mr. Dinh II. Textbooks* Eisenkraft, Arthur. Its About Time: Active Chemistry. 2007. Dingrando, Laurel. Chemistry: Matter and Change. 2007. *Students will be responsible for replacing lost or damaged books. They cost $ 73.00.

Mr. Alexander Dinh Miguel Contreras Learning Center (MCLC) Academic Leadership Community (ALC)

III. Class Materials Every Day 1. 2. 3. 4. Pencil Eraser Pen Binder and agenda 5. 6. 7. Blank Paper (College Ruled) Colored Pencils Scientific Calculator

IV. Grading Scale: Updated grades will be reported at five-week intervals. The class will use the following grading scale: A: 90% - 100% B: 80% - 89% C: 70% - 79% NO Ds will be assigned F: below 69%

V. Grading Elements

Elements Class Work

Percentage of Grade 10%

Details
1. Every class will start with a Warm-up. If it is not completed in the amount of time allotted, you get no stamp or credit. 2. C-Notes and Learning Logs 3. In-Class Work

Test, Quizzes, and Assessments Labs and Projects Homework

50% 25%

With the exception of doctors notice or family emergency, no make-ups allowed.

1. Most test questions will come from the homework and lecture, so it is to your benefit to complete assignments.

15%

2. Homework will be graded based on both completeness and correctness. 3. Late work may be turned in only one day after for full credit. Any other submission is 50% off.

Late work: You are responsible for finding out what homework you missed. You have until the next class meeting to submit the homework for full credit. Late work is accepted at half-credit a week after the original due date. Any late work submitted after one week is unaccepted. VI. Class Expectations: In this community, we are.... A. On time. If you are not seated when the bell rings, you are tardy. If you are preventing students from entering the classroom, you are tardy. B. In your seat and ready to think. C. Prepared. Go to the bathroom before class. Have all materials ready. D. Respectful to each other.

Mr. Alexander Dinh Miguel Contreras Learning Center (MCLC) Academic Leadership Community (ALC) E. Thoughtful. Think about what you say and what your peers have to say. Listen to them. Show them the same respect you wish others would show you. VII. Unacceptable Behavior A. B. C. D. No personal grooming. Do not comb hair, put on makeup, curl eyelashes, or fix clothing in class. No electronics, headphones, IPODs, game players, or cell phones allowed. No hoods over heads, or hats. No bathroom breaks 15 minutes after the start bell rings or 15 minutes before the end bell rings. No bathroom breaks during lecture. Bathroom breaks are only given to emergencies (bleeding, etc.) and only during group work.

VII. Daily Classroom Procedures 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. When entering the class read the board for the procedures of the day and promptly begin. When I call for attention, I need attention; continued talking will lead to staying after class for assigned minutes. If finished with assignment raise your hand to find out what to do next. Save all returned work. Your returned work is your proof of points earned on assignments and will be needed to study for your portfolio project as well as to study for the final. Save all notes. You will need them for your portfolio project as well as to study for the final.

VIII. Getting Extra Help

Tutoring is after school on Wednesdays from 3-4pm in the learning lab. Personal meetings by appointment only. Office Hours are after school on Thursdays from 3-4pm. You may make up homework, ask questions about grades, or serve detentions during this time.

IX. Contact Information Blog: www.ahqdinh.blogspot.com Email: mr.ahqdinh@gmail.com

****Read this over with a parent/guardian and keep this in your binder for the entire semester**** I have received, read, understood and accepted the expectations for Mr. Dinhs class. I understand that Mr. Dinh has very high expectations of me, not only in terms of classroom behavior, but also as a growing person and transitioning adult. I am ready to enter this classroom. I accept this invitation.

____________________ Student Name & Period

____________________ Parent/Guardian Name

____________________ Student Signature

____________________ Parent/Guardian Signature