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Mr. Dunn |
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What are the basic rules and expectations Mr. Dunn has for me (or my child)? CLASS RULES 1.) Every student has the right to learn. 2.) No student has the right to do anything that may prevent another student from learning. 3.) Keep a positive attitude. *CONSEQUENCES* 1.) Warning 2.) 5 points off behavior grade** 3.) Detention (i.e. D-Hall) & Phone call to parents in class. 4.) Phone/Personal Conference with Parents 5.) Referral to an Administrator * More extreme behaviors such as fighting, talking back, violence, or repeated misbehavior may result in removal from class, immediate conference with an administrator, ISS, or OSS (out of school suspension). ** You will receive 100 points for a behavior grade to start each 6 weeks. Provided you dont lose any points, you will have a 100 or Conduct Grade of E (100-95), 90-80 S, 75-65 N, and 60 and below is a U. This grade is only part of your Conduct Grade. How should I head my paper? When do I use a pencil or pen?
How do I know what my homework is? What do I do if I forget? Agendas/Planners: Students will be required to use their agenda/planner to record assignments and class activities for each day, and for leaving class for bathroom emergencies. You will have time at the beginning of class each day to fill out your assignments in your agenda/planner. The agenda/planner should be a tool to keep you organized and responsible, so use it wisely. These agendas/planners must be kept up to date and include the homework for that day or what you did in class that particular day. I will write on the overhead each day EXACTLY what you should write in your planner. So, simply writing nothing, no homework, or leaving it blank, is unacceptable. I will check these agendas/planners 1-2 times per 6 weeks to make sure you are staying organized and on top of things. When I check agendas/planners, I will be looking to see that days or week's science work is filled out exactly like what I wrote on the overhead. The 1-2 agenda/planner checks will count as Lab Grades. * If you are absent and unable to record your assignments you can log on to Mr. Dunns website and find out what they are at: www.teacherweb.com/TX/CrossTimbersMiddleSchool/MrDunn/ What goes in my science section of my notebook & how should I organize it? Notebooks: All assignments, class work, notes, and handouts should be kept in your Science 3 ring binder. By keeping those items in the 3 ring binder, they will be secure, less likely to fall out, and will allow you to be organized. I will post an up to date Table of Contents in class and online and instruct you precisely on how to organize your materials in your 3 ring binder. It is important that you keep your notebook organized according to the Table of Contents I post on the board and online. I will give a Notebook Test at least 2-3 times per six weeks. Having an organized notebook will insure success on these Tests. At the end of each grading period (6 weeks) we will clean out our notebooks and put the materials in one of the two folders you were asked to have for Science. At the end of each semester these materials can be used to study for the First and Second Semester Exams. What is the first thing I do each day when I come into class? Every single day that you come into this classroom, the first thing that you need to do is prepare yourself to work, then read the directions on the homework overhead, do what the directions instruct you to do, have your homework out on your desk, and copy your homework assignment down into your planner. If you have completed all of this, work quietly at your seat while waiting for the rest of the class to catch up. Do not wait for the bell or myself to tell you to get started. What is P&A? How is homework graded and how often is it assigned? Participation & Accountability (P&A): (Homework/Class work) 30 % of your grade Participation and accountability, or P&A is designed to benefit each student. P stands for participation and A stands for accountability. Each student is expected to participate in class and is responsible for completing their science homework. Students are held accountable for completing their homework and turning it in on time. Science homework is intended to enrich subject matter and/or to practice concepts covered in class. This leads to better understanding and comprehension of the material and therefore better performance on tests and assessments. Every student starts with an A or 100 for their P&A grade. Five points are deducted from the P&A grade each time a homework assignment is not turned in on the day it is due, or when an assignment is not completed satisfactorily (below 80% is unsatisfactory- welcome to Pre-AP!). Three points will be deducted from the assignment if it is turned in late with a completed late work slip ONLY on the SAME day it was due, until 4 p.m., and it must have a completed attached Late Work Slip. At my discretion I may request that you get the Late Work slip signed by a parent before I accept the late assignment. Any homework not turned in by the end of the day its due is recorded as a zero and cannot be made up. Homework is to be out on your desk where I can see it as soon as you are seated in class. I will come around and check it as you work on copying your homework into your planner and warm-up activities. If it is not out on your desk when I come around to check it, I will assume you do not have your homework, and it is then late. That means that you will automatically have 3 points deducted from your 5 possible points that the homework assignment is worth. Homework is sometimes assigned on Fridays, however, you will have something to do almost every other single weeknight. On average you will have assignments 4-5 nights a week. When one is not given, you need to be reviewing your notebook, organizing it, and reading over material we went over in class. You ALWAYS have something you can be doing or working on. Most of my assignments will take less than 25- 30 minutes to complete at home. Please do not spend more than 5 minutes or so on any one question. Answers should be easy to find from our notes in class, the book, or previous assignments. If you're not able to find the answer, it may be a poor question, one I will change, or one we will go over in greater detail later. I realize you have other work each evening to complete, so please don't spend hours on a particular question. Put down your best answer and move on, then be sure to ask about it the following day in class. Make sure you answer every question on each homework assignment though. If you try you at least have a chance of getting it right, however, if you leave it blank and don't try, you are guaranteed to miss it. Sometimes you will have class time to begin assignments. Homework is an easy way to keep your average up. How much do labs, diagrams, & Quizzes count? How often can I expect them? Labs/Quizzes/Diagrams/Projects: (30% of your grade) * Labs will occur weekly usually on Wednesdays and will give us an opportunity to apply hands-on experience and application of the material we read and discuss in class. Labs will consist of demonstrations and experiments done in class and a write up, summary, or worksheet that accompanies the lab to show your understanding of the scientific principles demonstrated by the lab activity. (100 pts). * Quizzes are given every two weeks, usually on Fridays on the same weeks and days as Notebook Tests. Quizzes are almost always multiple choice, taken on Scan-Tron (bubble) sheets, and usually between 15-20 questions. Quizzes will cover all of the material on a topic that we've covered from that week in class. I will NOT provide a review for Quizzes, but I will direct you specifically about which notes and worksheets you need to use to help study and prepare for the Quiz. I will also help you study by pointing out specific topics and concepts that you will need to know and understand for the Quiz. (100 points) * Diagrams/Projects will be assigned on a regular basis for each unit of study we undertake. They can include creating diagrams, graphs, charts, and writing to explain or elaborate on what we are studying. (100 points) What is on a typical science test? How often are they given? Unit/Chapter & Notebook Tests: (40% of your grade) * Unit/Chapter tests are given at the end of each unit or chapter when all material has been covered. Most tests will be multiple choice and given on Scan-Tron bubble sheets (similar to TAKS) and generally between 40-50 questions long. Although almost all tests will be exclusively multiple choice, there can be true/false, modified true/false, matching, completion and even essays added to the test (100 points). They will be given on average about once every 2 weeks or every other week, generally on Fridays, although some fields of study may take longer and/or circumstances may arise to necessitate changes in this schedule. When we cover any material I will give you a list of objectives or notes of what we will cover in that section. Using these, worksheets, old quizzes, labs, and projects we do in class, you will be expected to know all of this material, understand it, and be able to explain it by the end of the section. There will be no surprise test questions. All Unit/Chapter Test questions will come straight from notes, old quizzes, worksheets, homework, Labs, and projects which we covered in class, read about, and discussed, so pay close attention, participate, and dont be afraid to ask questions when you dont understand. "One who asks is a fool for a moment, one who never asks is a fool forever." A review will also be given two days prior to the test and we will go over questions on the review the day before the test. A sample test will also be available for most tests online at Mr. Dunn's website. What is a Notebook Test? How do I prepare for one? Unit/Chapter & Notebook Tests: (40% of your grade) * Notebook Tests will be given primarily on the weeks that we do not have a Unit/Chapter Test, on average about once every 2 weeks or every other week. Questions will come straight from the sheets that I tell you to include in your notebook for that particular Test. I will post a Table of Contents in class and on my website which will be updated as we add assignments or items to your science section. You will be expected to keep your copy of each assignment listed on the Table of Contents in youre the science section of your 3 ring binder in the specified order and obtain your own copy of the Table of Contents copied from the board in the room or printed from the website. Each Notebook Test is generally 10-12 questions with a bonus question. Each question comes straight from the Table of Contents and the items that are supposed to be in your science section of your notebook which weve gone over and corrected together in class. This will count for a Test grade (100 points). If your science section of your notebook is organized properly, this should be a fairly simple exercise and an easy 100. If not, this will be more difficult for you and potentially a drain on your grade. There is no such thing as kind of organized, its either organized or not. I will also check to make sure the science section of your notebook is properly organized on the day of the test. If it is not organized, you can still take the Notebook Test, but I will deduct 20 points 1st semester and 30 points 2nd semester for not organizing your papers in your science section of your notebook. I will help everyone in class organize their notebook before the first Notebook Test, but thereafter it will be your responsibility to organize on your own. If you ever need help organizing or have questions, I am available to help you during Wolf Pack or before or after school and I am happy to assist you and clarify how notebooks should be organized. There is also a sample notebook on the Organization Station in my room that you may use anytime as a reference guide of how your science section should be organized. How does your grading system work? All Homework, Unit/Chapter Tests, Notebook Tests, and Labs/Quizzes or Diagrams/Projects that are not turned in or taken by the end of the six weeks are recorded as zeroes, whether you are absent or not. All of the grading will be done objectively, not subjectively. Students will receive grades on homework and class work frequently based on completion. Project/Diagram activities will have a rubric scale, to remove subjectivity as much as possible. Grades will be broken down into three categories: Unit/Chapter & Notebook Tests 40% of total grade Labs/Quizzes/Diagrams/Projects 30% of total grade Participation/Accountability 30% of total grade EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF YOUR SCIENCE AVERAGE FOR A PROGRESS REPORT/REPORT CARD Unit/Chapter & Notebook Tests: Avg. = 85 x 40% (0.40) = 34.00 Labs/Quizzes/Diagrams/Projects: Avg. = 87 x 30% (0.30) = 26.10 P&A: Avg. = 80 x 30% (0.30) = + 24.00 Total (Your Grade) -> 84.10 or 84 B This grade was lowered primarily due to the P&A grade. The student started the six weeks with a 100 average in P&A and through not doing work or unsatisfactorily completing it, they whittled their P&A average down to an 80. An 80 is not bad you may say, after all it is still a B and the student has a B average on everything else too, so whats the big deal? Lets suppose this student had completed all of their homework assignments and received a satisfactory on all of them as well, so that instead of a P&A average of 80 they had a 100. That would mean that instead of adding 24.00, they would add a 30.00 to the 34.00 points they earned on Unit/Chapter & Notebook Tests and the 26.10 points from Labs/Quizzes/Diagrams/Projects. Re- adding the new total (34.00 + 26.10 + 30.00) this student now ends up with a total of 90.10 or a 90 A average. See what a difference P&A can make? Its up to you to stay on top of P&A and be responsible. The choices you make can and will directly influence your grade! CAUTION! Dont get yourself in a hole. Its difficult to catch up when you get behind. If you use the system I have in place you should have no problem maximizing your potential in my class! What is the procedure for late work? What do I do if I am absent? Late/Absent Work: Five points are deducted from the P&A grade each time a homework assignment is not turned in on the day it is due, or when it is incomplete. Three points are deducted if it is completed unsatisfactorily (below 80% is unsatisfactory). Three points will also be deducted from a homework (P&A) assignment if it is turned in late ONLY on the same day it is due, this also includes forgotten/misplaced homework (ex: I left it in Mrs. Bottermans room, my locker, etc). When its turned in it must have a completed Late Work Slip (parent signatures only required at Mr. Dunn's instruction). Work turned in any day thereafter is recorded as a zero. All homework turned in after I check it at the beginning class should be turned into your period's work tray located at the Organization Station. For other assignments such as Labs/Projects there will be a larger than letter grade deduction (20 points) for every day it is late up to 2 days. After 2 days the assignment is a zero. Absent students have one day for every day they are absent to make up work. Absent work turned in after this without prior notification of Mr. Dunn will result in point deductions or no credit (0). If you require more time due to special circumstances, it is your responsibility to work this out with Mr. Dunn in person. You can get all absent papers from the Absent Work Drawer for your period, get assignments copied into your planner from the Sample Planner, both located at the Organization Station, and see Mr. Dunn in person for clarifications, directions, procedures, and due dates for absent work. If you miss a test or lab you will need to come in after school or before school to make it up. If you make up a lab, you must arrange for another student to stay with you and help you complete the lab, as no one is allowed to work in the lab alone due to safety considerations. If you turn in work of any kind late, either because of absence, forgetfulness, lost paper, or for any other reason, you will be required to fill out a Late Work Slip. With the exception of absent work or work turned in the same day it was due late, the Late Work Slip must be signed by a parent. These can be found at the Organization Station in Mr. Dunns room. The form must be filled out (1st & last name, date due, date turned in, reason for late work, & parent signature) and stapled to the late work in order to be graded. Any work being turned in late must be put in your periods work tray located at the Organization Station in Mr. Dunns room and have a completed Late Work Slip attached to it. What is the T.G.I.F. Shootout and how do I qualify? What can I win? T.G.I.F. (Thank Goodness Its Friday) Shootout: I will keep track of all missing assignments. Anyone having full credit on ALL assignments, and had all work turned in ON TIME for the week, and who didnt lose behavior points or have a Detention or Office Referral assigned in science, will be eligible for the TGIF Shootout (Nerf Basketball) and earn possible weekly rewards (ex: bottled water & ice cream from the cafeteria, bonus points on a test, homework pass, etc.). Each student will get one shot on the goal and as long as they make it they will advance to the next round. This continues until there is only one student left. The winner will get their choice of stated above prizes and a certificate acknowledging their achievements posted both in class and on Mr. Dunns website. Once a student has won twice, they are in the Hall of Fame and retired from winning, but still allowed to participate until everyone else has had a fair shot at winning. What's the secret to getting a good grade in Science? Learning is supposed to be fun, and it will be. However, it also requires a lot of thought and hard work. YOU WILL GET OUT OF THIS CLASS WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT! I will help you as much as I possibly can, but I will not do it for you. RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY are my two big things. At this point, you guys are young adolescents, not little kids-- and you will be treated as such. I expect respect and high expectations for my work from you as well. You have been given all of the tools and opportunities to make this an excellent year, now it is your job to use them. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to what happens to you! Have a great year and always try to keep a positive attitude! "When one door closes, another door opens; but we often look so long and regretfully on the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." -Alexander Graham Bell How can I contact Mr. Dunn? How can parents stay on top of class activities? Teacher/Parent Communication: Mr. Dunn loves to hear from parentsand students and welcomes questions, comments, and concerns! Parents and students may contact Mr. Dunn via the school phone number at (817) 251-5320, Mr. Dunns personal cell phone number (817) 456-7775, his email address nate.dunn@gcisd.net or his website. Mr. Dunn has a special feature on his website called NewsFlash which parents & students can register their email and/or cell phone numbers on and it will automatically add your number and email to his mailing list. When Mr. Dunn has special announcements, reminders, or class information he will send it through the NewsFlash feature and all parents and students who signed up for it will receive an email or text message with these special messages. Sign up for Newsflash on Mr. Dunns website: www.teacherweb.com/TX/CrossTimbersMiddleSchool/MrDunn/ What should I do if I do not understand something in Pre-AP Science? No question is a dumb one. If you are unsure about anything, or dont fully understand, please ask. More than likely youre not the only one with the same question. Knowledge is power! He who asks is a fool for 5 minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever. Old Chinese saying What is the expectation for students when Mr. Dunn is absent & has a sub? Behavior for a substitute is to be OUTSTANDING! A good report will mean an automatic 5 for a P&A grade or 100 for daily grade for all students in attendance that day and other possible reward and praise at Mr. Dunns discretion. Individual behavior problems will receive an automatic D-Hall and lose behavior points; extreme or continual misbehavior may warrant an office referral. How are grades for Pre-AP Science updated on Skyward Family Access? Posting of Grades on Skyward for Family Access: After the first Progress Report, through accounts created by each parent, families will have access to their student's grades in every class. Parents will only have access to grades that teachers record and designate as viewable by parents. Mr. Dunn will update all students' weekly homework average or P & A Average weekly. Tests are generally given in Mr. Dunn's classes every Friday, and when they are, Mr. Dunn will have new Tests grades added and available for viewing the following Monday by 3:30 p.m.. In the event that tests are given on days other than Friday, grades will be posted ASAP. Grades for labs, projects, and all other assignments will be posted weekly as soon as they are graded and made available for viewing. these assignments generally take more than a few days to grade and Mr. Dunn will make every effort to grade and post the as soon as possible. If parents ever have questions about their student's progress or grades in science, Mr. Dunn loves to hear from parents and welcomes their inquiries. Please call Mr. Dunn on his cell phone at (817) 456-7775 if you ever have grade or progress inquiries, or questions or concerns about anything in science! |
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