Things you should know:
1) Science Fair - experimentation is a valuable skill; let's get to work
2) Grading homework - homework is usually graded on completion (must attempt every problem and follow directions) If you're seeing zeros, it's because the homework wasn't even attempted. Talk to your child about turning it in for partial credit (see #3)
3) Late work policy - 3 school days for half credit, after that the zero cannot be made up. If you're seeing lots of 50%, that means the homework is getting done, but not on time. Encourage your child to show you the work the night before it's due. A few 50% won't hurt your grade terribly; a pattern of constant 50% for homework can be damaging.
4) Tests - no corrections or retakes, the make-up policy for absent students is found in the syllabus
-if your child misses a test, he/she should be ready to take the test the day they return to school
-if your child misses a test day, he/she should see their teacher the day they return to school to schedule a make up (even if their class doesn't fall on that day); sending an edmodo to your teacher is another way to make arrangements
5) Missing class - check the weebly BEFORE the next class; because some learning will take place at home (watching and taking video notes), it's imperative that students check the weebly before returning to class. If they don't, it could feel like they are two days behind (the day they missed and the day they returned because they can't participate because they didn't watch the videos)
6) Effort - this class takes effort. If your child needs help, encourage them to talk with their teacher as soon as possible. They can attend FIT, set up a personal tutoring session, get help from friends - they need to get help before they fail a test. All three teachers can tutor your child; we have tutoring Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings or by appointment.
7) Have your child advocate for themselves - we are chemistry teachers, but we are also hoping our students learn responsibility, ethics, and mature decision making. As sophomores, it's time for your child to start taking charge of their own education like they will be in college (while still having the support of teachers who care). If you see a questionable grade, ask your child first before turning straight to the teacher. Check the class blog and ask to see your child's homework. BUT, try to encourage them to make good decisions rather than doing the work for them.
8) Donations - paper (thanks!)
2) Grading homework - homework is usually graded on completion (must attempt every problem and follow directions) If you're seeing zeros, it's because the homework wasn't even attempted. Talk to your child about turning it in for partial credit (see #3)
3) Late work policy - 3 school days for half credit, after that the zero cannot be made up. If you're seeing lots of 50%, that means the homework is getting done, but not on time. Encourage your child to show you the work the night before it's due. A few 50% won't hurt your grade terribly; a pattern of constant 50% for homework can be damaging.
4) Tests - no corrections or retakes, the make-up policy for absent students is found in the syllabus
-if your child misses a test, he/she should be ready to take the test the day they return to school
-if your child misses a test day, he/she should see their teacher the day they return to school to schedule a make up (even if their class doesn't fall on that day); sending an edmodo to your teacher is another way to make arrangements
5) Missing class - check the weebly BEFORE the next class; because some learning will take place at home (watching and taking video notes), it's imperative that students check the weebly before returning to class. If they don't, it could feel like they are two days behind (the day they missed and the day they returned because they can't participate because they didn't watch the videos)
6) Effort - this class takes effort. If your child needs help, encourage them to talk with their teacher as soon as possible. They can attend FIT, set up a personal tutoring session, get help from friends - they need to get help before they fail a test. All three teachers can tutor your child; we have tutoring Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings or by appointment.
7) Have your child advocate for themselves - we are chemistry teachers, but we are also hoping our students learn responsibility, ethics, and mature decision making. As sophomores, it's time for your child to start taking charge of their own education like they will be in college (while still having the support of teachers who care). If you see a questionable grade, ask your child first before turning straight to the teacher. Check the class blog and ask to see your child's homework. BUT, try to encourage them to make good decisions rather than doing the work for them.
8) Donations - paper (thanks!)