Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What is my student's grade in your class?
- Do I have homework tonight?
- Is there any extra credit?
- When are you available for tutoring?
- How am I supposed to do my homework if I don't understand?
- What can I do to make sure my student succeeds in Chemistry?
- How should I study for the tests and quizzes?
- What is the study log? When is it due?
- What do I do if I am absent?
What is my student's grade in your class?
Please log in to www.k12planet.com in order to access your student's grades.
If you do not have a log-in ID, call the main office at 850-5000 for more
information. If you have a specific question, feel free to call or email me.
Grades are calculated as follows:
(total points earned / total points possible) x 100 = grade
Your student should be keeping their grade tracker up to date. It lists all
assignments, grades on each assignment, and what their grade is as of right
now. They can immediately calculate and see how their grade on each
assignment affects their overall grade for the class.
Do I have homework tonight?
YES! You have homework every single night!!! DO NOT FORGET!
And remember....do your own homework. Working in groups or with a friend may
help you get done faster, but they will not be able to help you on a test. DO
NOT COPY. Copying undermines your whole purpose of being at school and shows a
real lack of personal integrity.
Is there any extra credit?
Yes. Occasionally I will put a bonus question on tests or quizzes, but it
will truly test your knowledge of the material. Remember, your main source of
extra credit is from your sci-bucks. Hold on to them - they are worth it!
When are you available for tutoring?
I am available almost every day for tutoring. If you need extra help, you
must be there by 3:00 (or make other arrangements with me). Do not come in at
4:00 when I am getting ready to leave after staying to help other students who
arrived on time!
I unfortunately am not available for tutoring during the school day. My only
planning period is Green 1, and I need that time to prepare for classes and
set up labs. Please make sure that you make arrangements with me for AFTER
SCHOOL and that you sign up in the Appointment Book!
How am I supposed to do my homework if I don't understand?
This is a common problem students run into in this class. The most important
advice I can give you in order to make sure this does not happen to you is to
make sure that you begin your homework THE DAY IT IS ASSIGNED. If you put it
off until the last minute you will not be able to ask me questions about it.
If you need help, have you:
1. Looked at the examples in your notes?
2. Looked at the examples in your book?
3. Looked at the websites on the "Links" webpage?
4. Called a study-buddy?
5. Asked me for help?
It is important that you understand the problems ON YOUR OWN. Many students
feel like they understand everything perfectly in class and then have trouble
applying it at home. Homework is essential to learning and understanding
chemistry!
What can I do to make sure my student succeeds in Chemistry?
Chemistry is an abstract and difficult science for most people, and I realize
that many parents experience frustration in that they cannot recall any
chemistry in order to assist their student - what chemistry you may have
learned probably got the big /format C: a long time ago! I can promise that I
will make learning chemistry as easy as possible, and provide all the
assistance I can through class activities, handouts, availability outside of
class hours, the website, and any other crazy thing I can come up with. The
biggest thing that parents can do is to provide support and show interest.
Even students with good grades in other science classes often struggle with
Chemistry, so encourage your child and closely monitor their progress in the
class. A place for study in the home or at the library where interruptions
and distractions are minimalized is vital to good chemistry study habits.
How should I study for the tests and quizzes?
Make sure you are spending time studying Chemistry EVERY DAY. Do not wait
until the last possible minute before the test and expect to do well. A
successful chemistry student spends as much time as is needed studying the
material until they truly understand the concepts. Realize that this course
will require a HUGE time commitment from you - it will probably be unlike any
other class you have had before. Here are some things you can do in your
daily study time:
1. Make flash cards of all vocabulary words and important concepts covered in
the chapter.
2. Read the chapter in the book and work out all sample problems.
3. Go over your past homework and make sure you know how to get the correct
answers to problems you answered incorrectly.
4. Have a study buddy. Being able to explain concepts to a friend will not
only reinforce your knowledge of the material, but is infinitely more fun than
studying alone! By communicating material and concepts to each other, you can
pinpoint topics/areas you do not fully understand. If you can't explain it to
someone else, you do not understand it!
5. Make sure that you are fully focused during study time - no music, TV, or
IMming going on in the background!
6. Go over your notes! Sometimes, it may help to recopy your notes or make a
quick review sheet on a separate sheet of paper.
7. Use the links provided on the webpage to help you study!
What is the study log? When is it due?
The Study Log is a tool to keep track of what days you study and how long you
spent studying each day. It will help you to develop the good study habits
that are crucial to success in this class. Remember, you must study for NO
LESS THAN one hour each week. You must show that you have studied more than
one day a week (a good student studies every day)! Also, in order for that
time to count towards your one hour of study time, you must study for AT LEAST
20 minutes. Studying for 15 minutes four days out of the week will earn you a
0/10. If you study as required, you will earn a 10/10. There is no in-between.
Parents, please remember to sign your student's study log weekly. Your
signature verifies the amount of time your student has spent studying.
Students, please remember to ask your parents to sign it weekly!
Your study log is due the first time you see me for the week (which may be a
Monday or a Tuesday, depending on the week). If you are absent the day I
check study logs, it is your responsibility to show it to me upon your return
to class. I will not ask for it.
What do I do if I am absent?
First - you must turn in a note to the attendance officer from your parent
excusing your absence. I will allow you to make up work, but the absence
needs to be excused or you will not receive credit for the make-up work.
Unexcused absences count as skipping.
When you are absent, it is your responsibility to come to me the first day you
are back at school (not the next time you see me) to get any
handouts/materials you may have missed. You will need to turn in any work
that was due the day you were absent. Any work assigned during your absence
will be due the next day in class.