Mr. Leighter’s Science Classroom Policies ’12 - ’13
In order to be a RESPECTFUL & RESPONSIBLE community member as stated on pg. 2 in the Spencer Butte Student Handbook, the following policies will be in effect in Mr. Leighter’s Class.
I) Class rules:
1) Follow the directions of the instructor the first time given.
2) Speak and act respectfully toward all staff and peers.
3) Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself unless instructed.
4) Be prepared for and on time to class.
5) Stay on task so that you can do your best work!
II) Consequences:
I follow the adage “let the consequence fit the infraction”. For example, a tardy, since it is a time infraction, should be followed with the consequence of owing time. As a result, failure to follow the class rules will result in a timely consequence that fits the infraction. Administrative referrals may be given at any time for serious violations.
See pp. 19-20, 24 - 27 in the Student Handbook.
III) Grading:
All assignments and projects are graded and points are awarded using four criteria; in on time, neatness, completeness and accuracy , I grade heavily on the first three criteria for assignments and class projects and heavy on accuracy for tests and quizzes.
All the points are added and given a percentage at the end of the semester and converted into letter grades A-F. The percentages for each grade are: 100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D & 59-0% = F.
Computer generated progress/grade reports can be accessed on my website:
http://staff.4j.lane.edu/~leighter
IV) Class / Homework:
*The themes this year are Life (Biology) and Physical Sciences. The first semester of 18 weeks will center around the scientific method, measurement and related physical concepts like mass, volume, density and chemistry. We will cover topics related to Life Science inclusive of basic organism needs and adaptation, Habitats, Cellulure structure and processes, Mendelian Genetics and DNA, Evolutionary Theory and Taxonomy.The last 18 weeks will center around projects like building and testing Solar Cars, Bridges, Catapults, Fire Making etc. which encompass many physical science concepts such as Newtonian Mechanics. We will also cover some additional Life Science concepts leftover from the first semester. Additionally, a percentage of the grade will be based on skills essential to success in high school, college and life. One such important skill is note taking and use. As such we will be employing the Cornell Note taking/studying method.
*Books (Life Science by Holt) are available to be checked out from the Library on a 2 day basis if there is a need. A set of 36 books will remain in my classroom at all times.
*Students will be notified of major chapter tests 1 week in advance. Vocabulary tests will be announced 3 days (72 hrs), in advance. No advance notice for pop quizzes.
*Projects will have 1-2 week advance notice and will usually be worth more than regular class assignments, (ie. 50 - 100 points).
*Class / Homework assignments are due on the date they are assigned to be due at the beginning of class. Assignments 1 day late (ie. not turned in on the date at the start of class), receive half credit (ie. 1/2 the total points) except in the case of illness. Assignments 2 or more days late may receive no credit.
*Any makeup work due to illness, vacation or field trip is the sole responsibility of the student. I do not give advance assignments. Makeup work (especially requiring instruction) will have to be arranged and completed before school. Labs and projects and all tests cannot be made up at home due to the equipment used, See Study Hall times.
*I will not accept late, missing or absent assignments 1 week prior to the end of any Semester Grading Period. Cut-off dates are 1 / 18 / 2013 & 5 / 31 / 13.
*All papers will be headed with full name, date and period in the upper right hand corner or will have a reduced grade including resubmitted for half credit.
*All work should be completed in #2 graphite pencil or typed unless instructed otherwise. No pen please. Colored pencils will be used to illustrate.
*I will not give “extra credit” assignments especially in lieu of regular work, but there will be opportunities for “bonus points” on class work, projects and tests.
V) Hats, Food, Drinks and Gum:
Hats come off and stay off in my class. Food will be eaten only at designated times and at my discretion; otherwise it is not allowed in the classroom. I only allow water in my classroom; no other drinks will be allowed. Gum is okay if I don’t see it or hear it.
VI) Appointments, Makeup work and Study Hall:
I can be reached Friday mornings from 8:00 - 8:45 am. Other times will have to be scheduled ahead. Study Hall is Tu. & Th. morning 8:00 am - 8:45 am on a drop in basis or can be arranged as early as 7:00 am.
E-mail : leighter@4j.lane.edu, Phone: 541-790-8300
VII) The Bottom Line:
“Be respecful and responsible and take science home, make it your own!”
Student(print)__________________________________________
Parent Signature_________________________________Date_____________