I would like to take a moment and welcome you to the2015-16 school year. I am anticipating that this will be an exciting year full of new experiences and knowledge. I encourage you and your parent/guardian to continue to be very active in your learning experience.

Below you will find the expectations for this class. Please read each section carefully. The information section is to be signed by you and your parent/guardian and returned tomorrow acknowledging the information in the syllabus.

EVALUATION METHODS

Your grade at the end of the marking period will be determined as a result of the following: laboratory experiments and write-ups, quizzes, article reviews/reading assignments, class work, homework, projects, writing assignments, and tests. Material for tests will come from class discussions, student readings, and laboratory exercises.

Grading percentages will consist of an average of the following:

Homework10%

Class work/Quizzes15%

Labs25%

Tests50%

  • In addition, a State SLO Test will be administered in the spring.
  • Students will adhere to the SEHS make-up work and late work procedure.
  • If you are absent, it is yourresponsibility to get your make-up work from the daily folders in the front of the room on the first day when you return.
  • Missed tests will be an alternate version of the original test.
  • If you miss a lab while you are out and it is not one that can be repeated, you will be assigned a one-page paper over the topic presented in the lab. A bibliography is required when you hand in your paper. The paper will receive a zero until a bibliography is attached.

CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT

This environment should be conducive to learning at all times. Lab activities are designed to reinforce and enhance areas of study. Students will be working with a variety of lab equipment and must therefore conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times. Any misbehavior in the lab will result in immediate removal from this lab, and possibly the next lab depending on the severity of the offense. An alternate assignment will be given with a maximum grade of 70. A grade of zero will be recorded if the alternate assignment is not completed. The second lab offense will result in a parent conference and possible removal from lab work for the remainder of the semester. Misbehavior includes, but is not limited to: running, horseplay, use of water without permission, not following directions, leaving the assigned lab group, not wearing proper protective attireand food/drink in the lab.

RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

  1. All student handbook policies will be enforced.
  2. Show proper respect towards self, fellow students, the teacher, and school property.
  3. REQUIRED materials must be brought to class EVERY day. This includescomposition notebook, paper, and writing utensil.
  4. Drinking water with a screw top will be allowed in my class during non-laboratory situations. If trash is left, the individual will lose this privilege.
  5. A school hall pass is needed to leave the classroom. Students are given time between class to go to the bathroom, etc. Excessive time missed from leaving class with result in a phone call home.
  6. Electronic devices may not be used during class without teacher permission. Use of the electronic device for personal reasons may result in termination of this privilege.
  7. All kinds of live animals are in the classroom for your enjoyment after your work is complete. You must receive permission from the teacher to interact with one. You must also have your permission sheet turned in to the teacher. The animals will remain in the classroom as long as they are treated with respec.No ANIMALS MAY BE HANDLED IF I AM NOT IN THE ROOM.
Should you choose to break the rules…
  1. First time – warning.
  2. Hall conference and phone call home to parents/guardians.
  3. Referral to office/After school detention.
  4. Any serious offenses will go immediately to the office.

Notebooks

  1. A composition style notebook is required for this class and will be turned in for a TESTGRADE at the end of EACH semester. You should keep all handouts, homework, quizzes and notes until the end of the year.
  2. NOTE TAKING IS NOT AN OPTION. Taking notes is a proven way to learn and retain new information. Disciplinary action will occur if notes are not taken.

Opportunities for Success

The following practices have been put in place to help facilitate you success:

  1. Tutoring: Tutorial is available every ______in my classroom. In addition, the science department offers tutorial Monday – Friday. Please see me if you need to schedule a different time.
  2. Make-up Work: Five days of information (Bell Ringers, handouts, important dates, etc.) are available in the folders on the bulletin board at the front of the room at all times. Each folder will contain an agenda sheet that will specify the day’s assignments, handouts, and important dates. The agenda sheet is to be copied and placed back in the folder for the next student. If all handouts have been removed, please make sure to ask for a copy.
  3. Dates: Important dates are displayed on the overhead agenda each day as you enter the room.
  4. Remind 101: Student will have the opportunity to subscribe to Remind 101. I will be using Remind 101 to send out reminders about upcoming due dates. (This information will always be posted in the classroom.) While this is a free service, you may want to check with your cell phone provider about the number of texts that are included in your plan so that you will not incur any unwanted charges.
  5. Extra credit: There are many opportunities for extra credit, some of which may be offered during the class period. Extra credit may include, but not limited to: research, lab set-up/break-down, completing extra vocabulary bingo work, making review flip cards, creating items to enhance classroom learning, and current events. Extra credit is designed to enhance the learning environment, not to replace work that has not been attempted.

Making review flip cards:This activity should be completed only after all questions have been answered and should be in the order of the review when turned in. This exerciseis particularly beneficial to the kinesthetic learner and allows the student to review answers while identifying areas of weakness.

  1. Parent Portal: I will be sending out reminders on Parent Portal about upcoming test and projects. Please make sure you account is updated by filling out the information sheet provided at the beginning of the year.
  2. Books: Books may be checked out as needed, but must be returned in a timely manner. Students have time in class to complete vocabulary definitions; therefore, a book is not needed to complete the “Bingo” activity for homework.

Book Information

The textbook we will be using is Kendal Hunt Forensic Science for High School by Barbara Ball-Deslich and John Funkhouser. If you damage a classroom book, a fee will be charged to your name. The maximum fee will equal the current cost to replace this book (approximately $77.99).

Student Information Sheet

Please sign below to indicate that you understand the expectations that have been set to help you be successful in this course. Have your parents/guardian read the syllabus and sign this paper. Please PRINT e-mail information so I can be sure to make correct contacts.

Student’s Name ______Circle one: FRESH SOPH JR SR

Home Phone #______Student E-mail ______

CONTACT INFORMATION (Parent/Guardian)

Name ______Relationship ______

Best Contact Phone # ______Best time to call: ______

Custodial parent __ Yes __No E-mail ______

Name ______Relationship ______

Best Contact Phone #______Best time to call: ______

Custodial parent __ Yes __No E-mail ______

Special Considerations:(vision, hearing, or other which needs to be addressed)

______

Student Extracurricular Activities (including job, school activities, etc.) ______

I have read and understand the forensic course syllabus and student information sheet.

Student Signature ______

Parent/Guardian Signature ______

Animal Agreement

Do not sign this portion if you do not want your child to participate.

I, ______,give permission for my child to handle/feed classroom animals. (Parent/Guardian signature)

Respectfully,

Mrs. Cynthia H. Dean