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Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Finley Junior High and Ms. Johnson’s science class. I am looking forward to teaching you and I hope to make my class memorable and fun as you explore the world around us.
Contact information:
Phone: 972-923-4680, extension 104
E-mail: kjohnson@wisd.org
If you prefer to meet with me in person, I am available by appointment before or after school. Also, I am available during my conference period (2nd period) from 9:14 – 10:02 a.m.
Lab Assignments and Safety:
Hands-on laboratory investigations will be conducted as often as possible throughout the year. Safety is extremely important in any science class. Improper behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. If a student engages in inappropriate behavior during labs the student will be asked to return to their seats and will given book work to make-up the grade and/or receive an office referral.
Class Work and Grades
Tests – Tests will be given at the end of each unit. We review in class for all tests. Test grades are 55% of your overall average grade. Students who receive a failing test grade will have five days to re-test for a maximum grade of a 70.
Labs – Labs will be conducted regularly throughout the year. Lab grades will usually count as a test grade. If you are absent on lab day – you will do an alternate assignment.
Daily Assignments – Daily assignments include journal checks, quizzes, and all written assignments. Daily work will count as 35% of your overall average for each nine-week grading period.
Homework – All homework assignments, including bellringers and gradesheets, will count as 15%. Work not finished in class such as labs or daily assignments will still count for their percentage.
Late and/or Make-up Work
Make-up work will be given for all absences; however, it is the student’s responsibility to ask for and complete all missed assignments. All effort must be made to turn in assigned work when it is due. Assignments that are turned in after the due date will have a maximum grade of 70. Per the student handbook – late work will NOT be accepted more than 5 days after the due date! Missing assignments are by far the number one reason why students fail.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available in the morning from 7:50-8:20 a.m. (M, T, W, & F) and during advisory (3rd period each day).
Cell Phones
Cell phones are not permitted inside my classroom – EVER! If your student is caught with it out – I will take it up and they will be allowed to retrieve it at 3:55 pm that day – and not before. If we use technology in class – I will provide it. They may keep earbuds with them but out of site for use with technology if they choose.
Honors
For the Honors classes – every student is required to complete a project that counts as a major test grade each nine weeks. The second nine weeks’ project will be a science fair project that will be entered into the campus science fair December and then in the district fair in February.
Classroom Expectations
Supplies
All students:
Folder with pockets and brads
Pencils and a red pen
Notebook paper
Map-colors