Mrs. Harward

Science Disclosure 2009-2010

Class Goals/Curriculum

I like to have a classroom where all students can feel safe developing and expressing ideas. Students should enjoy learning and begin to develop their own ideas and opinions about the world and their role in that world. I emphasize critical thinking and problem solving, as these skills will be necessary to all students throughout their lives.

Course curriculum for all the classes I teach (7^th grade, 8^th grade, and Biology) can be found at http://www.uen.org/core/

Class Rules and Discipline (please note that school policy will be followed regarding dress code, appropriate use of cell phones and other electronic devices, etc.)

*Students should be on time. (This means students are in their seats when the bell rings.)

*Students should be prepared with paper, pencil, and assignments. Students in 2^nd and 6^th periods also need to have a reading book for DEAR time.

*Students will be respectful and responsible. Students need to be respectful to each other, to the teacher, and to the property in the classroom. Students will first be given a warning for any problem behavior; if the problem continues a parent or guardian will be notified and the student may be referred to the administration. Severe classroom disruption (fighting, vandalism, defiance, etc.) will result in immediate removal from the classroom.

Grading

Students will be given daily assignments, which may sometimes need to be finished at home. Assignments may be turned in one day late but will be worth only 50%. Work will not be accepted for any credit if it is over one day late. In the case of an excused absence, students have three days upon their return to complete and turn in the assignment(s); this includes making up quizzes/tests. It is the responsibility of the student to find out what he/she missed. Please realize that we do several activities/labs in class that are difficult to make up if missed. When students are absent, they may not have the opportunity to learn and understand the material as well as their peers. Dates of quizzes, tests, and project deadlines are posted on my website about a week in advance. A few extra credit opportunities may be available during the quarter. Generally, the total amount of extra credit available in a quarter is equal to one assignment. Please don’t ask for extra credit beyond what is offered to the entire class!

Citizenship grades

4 Honor (Fulfills requirements for a 3; also participates in class discussions, asks questions, etc., shows responsibility for his or her own learning; may have 1 tardy)

3 Good (Student is not disruptive, completes work; may have 2 tardies)

2 Satisfactory (Student is not disruptive; may have up to 3 tardies)

1 Poor (Student may be disruptive/show lack of respect, does not complete work, may have up to 4 tardies)

0 Failure (Student may be disruptive, show lack of respect for others, have unexcused absences; may have over 4 tardies)

*Cheating/plagiarism will result in an academic grade of 0 for the assignment

 and a citizenship grade of 0 for the quarter.

Peer Grading

Occasionally, I have students grade each other’s work. If you have any concerns about this policy, please contact me directly.

Required Materials

Students need a notebook that can be used exclusively for science. A simple single-subject notebook is great.

Schedule

Quizzes are given about every two weeks, and a cumulative test will be given at the end of each quarter (the CRT will take place of fourth quarter’s cumulative test). Please check my website for assignment and quiz dates (http://teacherweb.com/UT/EvergreenJuniorHigh/MissEdge/hf3.stm; or click on my name on the faculty list on the school’s website: http://www.graniteschools.org/jr/evergreen).

Motivational Movies

Over the course of the year, we may watch October Sky (8^th grade only) and/or Lorenzo’s Oil (7^th grade only). These are inspirational movies with an emphasis on concepts we will be learning in class. These movies are rated PG. If you do not want your student to view these movies, please contact me directly or send a note with your student.

Fees

We do several labs in my class, and to cover the cost, there is a $10.00 lab fee. Students will be receiving information on paying this fee about the third week of school. The fee is optional for students on fee waiver. Students who do not pay their fees will not receive a yearbook at the end of the year. Fees can be paid online with a credit card starting the third week of school. To set up your account: go to www.graniteschools.org/jr/evergreen, click on the web store link, follow the on-screen instructions (the username is your student’s ID number; the password is the first letter of the student’s name and full last name, ex: eharward), after paying, print a receipt and bring it to me so that I know you have paid. Let me know if you have questions.

Contact Information

Emily Harward   ◊   Room 8   ◊   801-646-5164   ◊   eharward@graniteschools.org ◊   teacherweb.com

(when linking to my website from teacherweb.com, look under the name “Emily Edge”)

Welcome to science. I am looking forward to a great year!

Please keep the disclosure statement for reference; detach and return this portion only.

I have read and understand the information given in Mrs. Harward’s disclosure for science.

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