Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Do you give homework?
- How may you be contacted?
- What is the make-up policy?
- How about turning in work that is late?
- How is discipline handled in your classroom?
- Do you give extra credit work?
- If I miss a quiz, do I have to make it up?
- What about talking during a test or quiz?
- Why do you keep your room so cool?
- How much do various things count?
- Can I email the current events to you?
- Okay, just how important is the current events assignment?
- What do I bring to class?
- When are you available for conferences?
- How should I study for your class?
- Why is your class hard?
- **** Can I leave class to go to the bathroom, library, etc.?
Do you give homework?
Sometimes, as needed. It usually will not be excessive, because
I know students have other classes AND a life outside school,
just as I do. On Thursday of EVERY WEEK, a current event is due
(unless announced otherwise).
How may you be contacted?
My school email address is abell@btcs.org. I check it at least
twice daily. I may also be reached at the school number (652-
9449) or the team phone (652-9560)--just leave a message.
What is the make-up policy?
All missed work must be made up within 3 school days or it will
result in a zero. If a student misses my class, (s)he has missed
something. You are 8th graders now, so you should be responsible
enough to ask for your work. I will not come to you.
How about turning in work that is late?
If a student does not turn in homework/classwork when it is
called for in class, the grade will be a zero. For projects
turned in late, the policy will be stated when the project is
assigned (usually NO credit for late projects). Current events
will NOT be accepted late. **See my homework page for details.
How is discipline handled in your classroom?
The rules of the classroom are based on mutual respect. Students
giverespect, they'll receive it. The opposite is true as well.
NO EXCUSES: That's my motto.
Do you give extra credit work?
As a rule, NO. If a student does not complete assignments and
makes no effort to make up missed work, I will not give extra
credit work. I allow students to turn in an extra current events
assignment per six weeks for 20 bonus points on their cumulative
test, but it will not replace any not turned in on time. I
occasionally will give bonus questions on tests/quizzes, and I
have also been known to conduct review "exercises" which afford
bonus points.
If I miss a quiz, do I have to make it up?
If you miss a quiz, the next quiz will count as 2 grades.
What about talking during a test or quiz?
Per the Student Handbook, if a student talks to another student
during a test or quiz, the "talker" AND the "listener" will each
receive a zero on the test. No questions asked. I have no way
of knowing whether the conversation is about the test or Friday
night's date. This applies whether or not the student actually
still has a test in his/her possession or not. This is out of
consideration for others who are still trying to finish. My
classes are quite large, so any talking/whispering is a
distraction.
Why do you keep your room so cool?
I have been conditioned by my husband who cannot tolerate being
overheated. My philosophy is this: I live in my room...students
just visit. Wear season-appropriate clothes!
How much do various things count?
This will vary as necessary, but generally tests count 40%, six
weeks test counts 25%, daily/homework counts 10%, lab counts 10%,
and quizzes/current events count 15%.
Can I email the current events to you?
YES!!! Just cut and paste the link, copy the article into the
email, or send it as an attachment. Be sure to include your
source, summary paragraph, How's it science?/What kind of
science. Send it Wednesday night (or earlier) to make sure I get
it on time. However, an excuse of "my internet wasn't working so
I couldn't email it last night" will not be accepted!! [If you
email current events, I will try my best to reply that I have
received it....no reply, I didn't receive.]
Okay, just how important is the current events assignment?
If you do it, it can only help your grade!! It's an easy way to
earn the equivalent of five 100% quiz grades and at least a 100%
test grade. However, if you don't do them, your six weeks grade
can be impacted by as much as a 15 point drop, and that can be
the difference in attending summer school for science. Yeah,
it's THAT important.
What do I bring to class?
Blue or black ink pens and/or pencils, science binder (at least
2"),vocabulary/daily science composition book (wireless type),
science textbook....Come to class prepared to learn with proper
materials and attitude!!!
When are you available for conferences?
During my planning (8:20-9:30 PM), before school, and usually
after school.
How should I study for your class?
Read over the material we cover daily. Especially know the
vocabulary for theunit. Have someone quiz you on the notes and
hand-outs. If you think studying an hour the night before or
during 1st period the morning of a test will suffice, THINK AGAIN.
Why is your class hard?
I am preparing students for high school. They must pass the
biology Gateway plus several additional science classes
(including chemistry or physics) in order to graduate. They need
a solid foundation of knowledge in order to be successful at the
next level.
**** Can I leave class to go to the bathroom, library, etc.?
Generally, NO, unless it's an emergency for the bathroom or we
have a spare moment to allow time for the library. In either
case, take the appropriate pass with you (skeleton necklace for
bathroom, skull for everywhere else). However, if you forget
something in your locker or just want to roam the hallways.....
NO, so don't ask.