Bellflower High School

Bellflower Middle School Date: September 2016 To: Parents/Guardians and Students in Integrated Science 8 From: Mr. Vargas, Science Teacher: Room 909 Phone: 562-920-1801 Ext. 3909 Email: [email protected] Welcome to my Integrated Science 8 class. Please read the guidelines below and work toward creating and maintaining a positive learning environment in the classroom so that all students succeed. 1. Objective of the course This course will introduce students to the scientific method, chemistry, physics and astronomy. The students will also gain knowledge and skills in conducting experiments and correctly sharing information collected. This course is based on the California State Standards for 8th grade.

2. Student Expectations  Be prepared for class. The following items are required for class. Required Materials:  1 spiral notebook (college rule) 70+ pages.  Pencils/Pen  Highlighter (yellow or pink)  Mini Stapler (Optional)  Color Pencils (Optional) Following these rules is an easy task and will make class much more enjoyable for everyone!  Be in your seat and prepared to begin class when the bell rings.  Be respectful and courteous to the teacher and to other classmates.  Raise your hand to get permission to speak or leave your seat.  Follow ALL laboratory safety rules at all times!  No food, gum, or beverages (bottle water is permitted).  No grooming (make-up, hair-brushing, lotion, etc.)  No electronics of any kind (I-pod, headphones, cell phones, etc.)  No profanity, name-calling, horse-playing, fighting or bullying etc.  Do NOT put away work early. Stay seated and working until the bell rings.  Make-up assignments will be available to students with EXCUSED absences only. It is the responsibility of the student to find out about missing assignments. Failure to do make-up will result in a zero on that assignment.  If you are absent the day before a quiz or test, you will not be exempted from taking the test or quiz the day you come back.  Make up exams or quizzes must be taken during lunch or after school within two days from the day you return from an Excused absence. 3. Coursework Note taking, observation, participation (being in your seat when the bell rings is considered as participation), organization skills, and neatness are important to class success. You are expected to utilize class time effectively and efficiently. There will be regular classwork, homework, projects, test, quizzes, and a final exam to assess your understanding of the material. 4. Homework LATE WORK THAT IS TURNED IN AFTER THE DUE DATE, WILL RECEIVE A MAXIMUN GRADE OF ¾ CREDIT! It is the student's responsibility to turn in all assignments. If the assignment is not turned in when collected, it is considered late and may be handed in the next day for ¾ credit (work will only be accepted until two weeks after the due date, NO EXCEPTIONS). If student is absent the day the assignment is collected, it must be turned in the day he/she returns to receive full credit. Keep all graded homework for your records! 5. Grading Policy Points are given for classwork, homework, laboratory experiments, vocabulary, quizzes, test, projects, and other work assigned. Grading will be done according to the following guidelines and grading is determined as follows: Parents: Please Log on to parent portal to check your student’s grade at https://parentportal.busd.k12.ca.us/LoginParent.aspx?page=default.aspx

1st Semester Grade Breakdown 2nd Semester Grade Breakdown Classwork/Labs/Homework/Etc… 50% Classwork/Labs/Homework/Etc… 50% Test/Quizzes/Final Exam 32% Test/Quizzes/Final Exam 32% Notebook Check 9% Notebook Check 8% Projects 9% Science Fair Project 10% TOTAL 100% TOTAL 100%

A+ (100% -97%) A (96% - 93%) A- (92% - 90%) B+ (89%- 87%) B (86% -83%) B- (82% - 80%) C+ (79% -77%) C (76% - 73%) C- (72% - 70%) D+(69%-67% D (66% - 63%) D- (62% -60%) F (59% - 0%)

6. Discipline Action Plan You are expected to contribute positively to the classroom-learning environment. If you disrupt the class in any way, the following actions will be taken: 1st – Verbal warning 2nd- Detention after school (20 minutes) and phone call to parents 3rd- Referral to Assistant Principal of Discipline and parent contact 4th- Referral, class suspension and student/parent/teacher conference *Depending on the severity of the infraction, teacher reserves the right to skip several warning*

7. Teacher Availability If at any time you need help or have any questions please feel free to ask. I will be very happy to meet with you individually or in small groups at a mutually convenient time. You may email me at [email protected] or you can also phone me at 562-920- 1801 Ext. 3909 and please leave your name and phone number. I will try to return your call as soon as possible. Parent conferences are welcome and can be arranged. ===== For 20 extra credit points, return bottom portion by September 9, 2016 ======

September 2016

To Mr. Vargas, Science teacher,

We have read and discussed the above information about your Science course at

Bellflower Middle School and we understand what is required for maintaining a classroom-

learning environment and successfully completing this course. We agree to make every effort to

see that all of the assignments are completed, to see that classroom and its contents are kept in a

good condition and to always show respect for teachers, parents, and students as we work

together.

Student Name (print): ______

Student Signature: ______

Date: ______Period #: ______

Parent/Guardian Name(s) (print): ______

Parent/Guardian Signature(s): ______

To better serve this student’s needs, I would appreciate the following information:

Parent/Guardian daytime phone number(s): ______

______

Parent/Guardian email address(es) (Please print neatly): ______

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