What should I bring to class every day?

Every day every student should bring to class the science 
textbook, BMS planner, three ring binder for the day with 
looseleaf, the SOL Bell Ringer Notebook, 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 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.  However, 
Dr. Rogers has provided the science department 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.  

Thank you, Dr. Rogers, for making this available so every student 
can do every lab every time.

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Are homework and classwork graded?

Homework and class work are part of the notebook and must be 
complete for the notebook checks.  Absence is not an excuse for 
not having all assignments completed.

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Do you grade notebooks?

Yes, I do grade notebooks at least once each quarter.  Notebooks 
are graded for organization, completion, and following directions.

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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 and textbook 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 
expected to ask to copy the bell ringer question for that 
day and answer it in your SOL Bell Ringer Notebook.

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What do I put the bell ringer questions in?

The bell ringer questions are to be copied into the SOL Bell 
Ringer Notebook which you are given on the first day of class.  
It will be checked periodically and counted as a quiz grade.  If 
you are absent, you are still responsible for getting the bell 
ringer question(s)you missed.

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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 
notebooks or homework, you are expected to give it to me upon 
your return.  Homework is on this web site and also on School 
Net.  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).  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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What are the special projects during the year?

Students are expected to complete a portfolio each nine weeks.  
Information will be given to students regarding the contents to 
be placed in the portfolio.

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