What should I bring to class every day?

Every day every student should bring to class the BMS planner, 
three ring binder for the day with looseleaf, and several # 2 
pencils.  It might be helpful to get two binders and put the A 
day subjects in one and the B day subjects in the other or you 
may prefer to get one 3" binder and put all four subjects in that 
single binder.  It is especially important that you have your 
planner with you at all times as you may not go anywhere in the 
building, not even to the water fountain, without it.  Please do 
not bring markers or pens with you.  You do not need them.

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Do I need anything else for science class?

I provide colored pencils when needed.  I have rulers, scissors, 
glue sticks, dry erase markers, and almost anything else you may 
need for class.  Goggles are required for science labs.  The 
science department has been provided with three sterilizing 
cabinets for goggles so each science teacher has a class set of 
goggles and they can be ready to use again in ten minutes.  
Therefore, students no longer have to purchase science goggles.  

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Are homework and classwork graded?

Homework and classwork are graded.  Homework may be checked as 
complete or incomplete or it may be graded.  Classwork is graded 
on a percentage. Homework and class work are part of the notebook 
and should be kept in the notebook.  Absence is not an excuse for 
not having all assignments completed.
Students are expected to check the online teacher pages for the homework.

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What if I need extra help?

Extra help is available most mornings beginning at 8:15 AM in 
Room 503.  Please give me one day's notice that you are coming 
in.  Please keep that in mind if you plan to come in for help or 
make up tests.  When you come in for extra help, please bring 
your notebook with you and have specific questions 
for me.  When asked what you need help with, please do not ever 
say "everything" or "I don't understand anything."  If you keep 
up with your work and ask questions every time you do not 
completely understand the topic at hand, you will always be able 
to tell me exactly in what area you need more instruction.

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Why do I have to use # 2 pencils?

The reason I want only # 2 pencils is because of the tendency of 
students to write on the desks.  I have spent much time trying to 
remove ink amd marker from the desks' surfaces.  When it comes 
time to clean a desk, pencil marks are much easier to remove.

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What is a bell ringer question?

The bell ringer question is a question based upon the Standards 
of Learning for science.  If you are absent from a class, you are 
excused for that item.  Ten questions are added together to make 
one quiz grade.

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How is my notebook to be organized?

Each day the assignments are written on the board along with the 
day's date.  All pages have a number and a title which is on the 
board.  You should copy the information onto the Table of 
Contents.  When worksheets or information sheets are passed out, 
immediately put your first and last name, date, and the notebook 
page number in the upper right hand corner of the page.  If you 
do this each time, your notebook will be organized at all times.

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Do you give extra credit?

Those students who do their work completely and carefully 
and turn it in on time usually do not need any extra credit.  On 
rare occasions I will offer extra credit.

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What if I am absent?

If you are absent, you are expected to make up all work.  I have 
a sample notebook in the classroom so students may check it 
against their notebooks.  I also have the current Table of 
Contents on this web site under Physical Science Notebook or 
Earth Science Notebook.  If you miss a test or a quiz, you are 
expected to make arrangements to make it up.  If I have collected 
an assignment, you are expected to give it to me upon your return.  
Homework is on this web site and also on Teacher Pages.  Please 
check them often as you are responsible for the information.

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What are your expectations of me during class?

I expect my students to enter my classroom quietly and 
immediately answer the bell ringer question(s)and define the Word 
of the Day.  I expect them to be silent after the tardy bell 
rings.  I expect students to refrain from talking during class 
unless they are directed to do so and then it will only be about 
the work at hand.  Talking includes asking your neighbor a 
question or asking for a pencil or paper.  If I am called to the 
door, silence is expected.  If a substitute is taking the class, 
the same rules apply.  Students are expected to be polite and 
respectful to me, other adults, and to each other.  In class we 
use formal language in writing and speaking.  School is your job 
and mine.  I do my best and I expect no less than your best.

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Do you have classroom rules?

My rules can be found in the VBCPS Code of Conduct and the BMS 
Handbook/Planner.  I follow the rules and regulations in those 
two documents and I expect my students to do the same.  I feel 
students should know how to behave in a classroom and a school by 
this time.  Therefore, I do not expect to have any problems with 
behavior, dress, or cell phones.  

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