Earth Science Disclosure Statement
                                                                            Email:  talewis@wsd.net

                                                             Welcome to your first year of high school!!

Supplies: A place to keep handouts, paper, and assignments.
Please have a 3-ring binder where you can store assignments, handouts, and blank paper to use for class. Keeping one in class is a good way to always have what you need in the class each day.
*If you, for any reason, are having trouble getting supplies, talk to me privately.
 
Chromebooks: Each student will be assigned a Chromebook. Textbooks are available online. Students who damage or misuse Chromebooks will be responsible for replacement costs.
 
Grading Percentages: The work done in my classroom falls into one of five categories. Each category is worth a different percent towards the 100% possible for the grade each quarter.

Tests -  40%
Projects - 20%
Assignments - 25%
Quizzes - 10%
Bell Ringers - 5%

Grades: This is the grade scale that will be used for the class.  Grades will be updated online, but I may be contacted via email, before or after school with any questions about a students grade.

A - 90% +
B - 80% - 89%
C - 70% - 79%
D - 60% - 69%
F - 59% and below

Tardies and Citizenship:
The attendance and tardy policy of Sand Ridge Jr. High will be followed in my class. Ask your student what the policy is and what the consequences are. The policy is also available to read on the school’s website as well. Tardies are also given for not being in your seat ready to work when the bell rings.

Cheating:
Any student(s) caught or showing intent of cheating, enabling cheating or guilty of plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment and will receive an automatic U for citizenship. The assignment CANNOT be made up. The students(s) may also be subject to possible school action.
 
Quizzes:
Quizzes are open note. The quizzes cannot be redone because students are expected to take notes over the material and have the opportunity to use the notes for the quizzes.

Tests:
Tests are one way for students and me to have an idea of how well they have learned the material. All tests can be retaken before/after school, or during advisory period. Students will have to correct all questions they missed by giving correct answer and explain how they know that is the correct answer.

Attendance:
There is a close relationship between attendance and success in school. DO NOT EXPECT GOOD GRADES IF ATTENDANCE IS POOR. Many activities such as group projects, interaction with other students, discussions, instructions, and videos are difficult, if not impossible, to make up.
 
Hall Passes:
Students who consistently use hall passes to leave class miss important information and essential work time. Hall passes will be limited. If your student has a medical issue and needs to leave the classroom, please contact the counseling office for a medical pass. Students will receive 4 hall pass coupons per term. Any unused passes will be turned in at the end of the quarter for 5 points (each) of extra credit.
 
Late Assignments:
All assignments are due no later than one week before midterm, or the end of the term. Any assignment that is one day late will have 10% removed from the total score.  Any assignments more than one day late will have 30% removed from the total score. Late work must be graded by the student. Students will need to come in before or after school to correct their late work before it will be given a grade in the grade book.

Absences and Make-Up Assignments:
When an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student to collect all missed assignments. Checking the assignment board is a great way for the student to see what they missed. Absent students have the number of days they are absent to turn in their work for full credit. The late work policy will apply when the missing work is not made up according to the make-up assignment policy.
 
Extra Credit:
There will be a class insect collection that may be added to for up to 10 extra credit points. If you bring an insect in to add to the collection that is not already included in the collection it is worth 1 point each, or if you bring an insect in that is already included in the collection, but is a larger size, that is also worth one point each. Insects must be in full, good condition (NO LEGS/ANTENNAE MISSING).
 
Class Rules:
1) Be in your seat by the time the tardy bell rings.
2) Hand in work on time.
3)Be prepared with your 3-ring binder, paper, and something to write with daily.
4)No food, candy, drinks, backpacks, toys, headphones, or phones may be used in class.
5)Treat everyone with respect; includes the teachers/school workers, yourself, and other students.
6)Do not cheat or aid someone else in cheating.
7)Follow all directions and stay on task.

Note: Students who repeatedly abuse classroom rules and bring distracting electronics (and other objects) will have them removed.  The first time an object (phone, toy, etc.) is removed, it will be stored in class during the period. On a second  infraction the object will be taken for the class period and your parents/guardian will be notified. On the third infraction the item will be taken to the office.  

*All policies and procedures in this disclosure statement are subject to change at teacher's discretion.