Class Policies and Procedures

All rules in the G.I.H.S. Student Handbook are expected to be followed in class. 

Required Materials: Each day, you are expected to bring your textbook, 3 ring- binder (1 inch or larger), paper, writing utensil and agenda. 

Coursework and Grades:

Since this is a college-preparatory science course, it is important that you are organized and on task.  You will be graded on homework, labs and tests.    The grades will break down as follows:

Tests/Quizzes- 60%        Labs- 25%        Homework- 15%

• The grade from these percentages will be applied to the unified grading scale. 
• You get two chances for a late assignment and it must be turned in within 2 days.  Once you’ve used those chances, late assignments become a zero. 
• Tests will be given periodically.  You will be expected to take a test if you were present on the day it was announced. 
• All work (assignments, tests, etc.) from an excused absence must be made up within one week.  After one week, missing make-up work will be considered a zero.  (Long-term absence work schedules will be arranged if needed.)  Tests and labs may be completed before or after school or during lunch.  These must be pre-arranged times- don’t assume I’ll be available as we have meetings or other conflicts frequently. 
• Work is your responsibility to keep track of.  If you miss a day, you probably missed something.  It is your responsibility to find out what you missed.  You can get a homework request from the office or email me to find out what you need to make up.
• In many cases, homework may not be officially collected until the day of the test.  This does not mean it is not due the next day!  I may walk around to check that it’s finished. 
• Always do your homework! Homework is your chance to try out questions and get them wrong without penalty.  It is important that you do these problems and check the answers, as you will see them again on a test. 
• Notes will not be collected.  They are, however, your best advantage for studying for tests.  I strongly encourage you to take notes!!!

Class Policies:

1. You are expected to be responsible and respectful at all times in this class.
2. You are expected to listen and follow all directions. 
3. You are responsible for your grade.  This includes making sure all work is completed and turned in on time and asking for work when you are absent.
4. It is expected that your book will be covered at ALL times.  Fines will be charged for any damage incurred while the book is assigned to you. 
5. You are expected to have an organized 3-ring binder, textbook, agenda, writing utensil and paper each day in class unless instructed otherwise. 
6. You will need to leave the following items at home or in your locker- mp3 players, games, food or drink, backpacks or work for other classes. 
7. No obscene language will be permitted.  One warning will be given and then detentions will be assigned for each infraction after. 
8. You will be expected to show respect for yourself and those around you.  This includes verbally and physically.  This also includes property that does not belong to you.  (Please ask before touching someone else’s things, including mine!)
9. Leave the room as you found it or better.  Recycle or throw away your trash.  You may recycle any white paper with no marker or staples. 
10. Respect safety precautions while in the classroom as there are many breakable supplies in the lab. 
11. When you need help, ask.  If I know you are struggling, I can help.  If you don’t tell me, I may not know until it is too late!  
12. Passes to leave class must be kept to a minimum.  You must use YOUR agenda if you need to leave class.  If you do not have your own agenda, you cannot leave class. 

A great attitude can only help you in class.  I am here to help you.  Please ask for help when you need it or have questions.