Teacher: Dr. Kimberly Paris
Email: parisk@jackson.k12.al.us
Classroom and course expectations: Welcome to 6th Grade Science! This year, we will study about the earth, including states of matter, various biomes, weather, oceans, types of energy, the moon and its different phases, and the solar system. Students are expected to keep a 3-ring binder science notebook. This notebook is essential to keep handouts, notes, and vocabulary organized. Students will need lots and lots of paper, pencils, and erasers for the class, because all work must be competed in pencil only. All supplies are to be brought to class every day. This includes the science textbook, science notebook, pencils, paper, erasers, homework, any signed papers or notes, a flash drive, and any other materials the student feels necessary to bring. Students are expected to follow all classroom rules as well as school rues at all times. The Hamilton County Grading Scale is used to calculate grades.
Class Fee: It is requested that a $5 class fee be paid for science classes. We use this to purchase laboratory supplies and other supplemental materials for the classroom.
Homework/Classwork:
Per CCA policy (p. 9 of your agenda mate), late work will not be accepted. Students should expect some kind of homework daily. All assignments are to be copied into the student’s agenda mated. If you are absent, the homework or project due the day of an absence is expected at the beginning of the next class period. A homework check will occur at the beginning of each block. Students that attempt all homework problems will receive a check for that assignment in my physical gradebook. Students that only attempt part of the problems will receive a P and students attempting none of the work will receive a zero. At the end of the quarter this will be tallied and for every zero, 4 points will be subtracted from the homework grade. For every P, students will lose 2 points from the homework grade.
**For example a student has 3 zeros and 2 P’s at the end of the quarter (everything else was a check). The student began with a 100, so subtract 3 x 4 = 12 and 2 x 2 = 4 from 100. 100 – 12 – 4 = 84% homework average for the quarter.
Class time:
Each student is expected to be in his/her seat working on the bell ringer by the time the tardy bell rings. Those who are not seated and beginning the assignment may be counted tardy. Upon entering the classroom each day, the student should turn in the previous night’s assignment (stapled, if necessary) into the designated homework basket. The student is not to wait until I ask for homework. I always want homework! Please note that I only accept work done in pencil.
**Please initial here if you understand your responsibility and consequences regarding assignments and late work.
Student ________ Parent __________
Agenda/Passes:
I allow three agenda passes per quarter; they should be used for emergencies only. To be granted a pass, it must be in your agenda: this means no loose pages, no borrowing agendas, etc. To earn the 4th quarter extra credit, the agenda must be the original one issued in August. If you must get a new agenda, the previous quarter’s pass count is voided. The 4th quarter extra credit is 5 points per pass not used which is averaged into your classwork grade for the quarter.
Absences and tardies: (Agenda p. 3-4)
Please see the agenda for the school-wide absence/make-up work policy. If you are out for several days, please ask for your work before you leave or call the office to have someone pick up missed work.After two tardies to my class, a parent will be notified. The third tardy earns an office referral. I try to place handouts for students with their name on it in the baskets/folders for students who have been absent. Assignments are recorded on the assignment calendar in the classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to look at the calendar for missed assignments. Questions about missed work should be asked at an appropriate time which is usually not the beginning of class. If you do not ask, you shall not receive. All make up work needs to be turned in within 5 school days.
*Technology:
Every student and parent must sign an Acceptable Use of Technology Policy; without it the student may not use a school computer or internet service. Before a student uses this technology in class, s/he must have turned in the Acceptable Use page and ask my permission.
I will confiscate devices if permission was not asked or if the student is off task (that is playing games, messaging, or other unapproved usage) and return it at the end of the day. The second time I confiscate the device, I shall hand it over to an administrator.
Please sign and return this syllabus to Dr. Paris by Monday, 8/11. I shall copy it, and then return it to you during the next class period.
THIS COUNTS AS YOUR FIRST HOMEWORK GRADE
**I have read and understand the policies in this syllabus on _____________________ (date).
Please print or write clearly.
Student’s name: __________________________________________
Signature:_______________________________________________
Parent or guardian’s name: ______________________________
Signature:_______________________________________
**Parents and Guardians: If you wish for me to contact you by phone or email, please include it.
Phone:____________________________________ Best time to call: _____________________
Email:___________________________________________
**I use Remind101 for text reminders to students about assignments and tests. Texting charges do apply if you do not have unlimited texting. If you and your student would like to sign up for it, please sign below. You can also sign up via email if you prefer. I will issue your student the directions to sign up when I have your permission via signature. Information about this app can be viewed at http://www.remind.com.
Parent or guardian’s name: ______________________________
Signature:_______________________________________
Questions for me?
