1. What will I learn this year?
We will be learning Process Skills, Physics, Plate Tectonics, and Genetics.
2. Do you let me turn things in late?
No. I don't. I think that it is important to begin practicing the kind of work ethic you will need to show your employers when you are adults. I don't know too many bosses who let their employees get away with doing no work. Have you ever met someone who just got half-salary for a week because they were a day late with a presentation needed at work? Yeah. Me neither. That said...your work is due when it is due. No late work will be accepted. If it's late, it is a zero.
unless...
If you bring in a note from your parents stating that you need more time, I will give you an extra day and still accept your work for full credit. Why do I do this? You are still a kid and sometimes you can not control your own time. Maybe your family has plans that take the whole evening. Or maybe someone gets sick and you need to be with them. Family comes first. But by bringing me the note, you are showing me you are responsible and you earn the extra time to do your work.
3. How do I get my missing work if I get sick?
When you walk into my room, there are file folders on the top of the filing cabinets with the days of the week. Your papers will be in there. Also, I will be putting a lot of information on this blog. You can check that as well. And remember, our school says if you are absent 2 days, you get three to make up the work. Don't get behind. See me if you need help catching up.
4. Do I need my book every day in class?
Yes. We have a new book this year, and it is a workbook format, so we will be taking notes IN the book.
I also recommend you have a spiral notebook and a two pocket folder.
I recommend getting these in the same color so when you are at your locker, all you have to do is grab all the stuff that is the same color and go to class. :) Also, I have extra's I keep in class if you can not get one on your own.
5. Do you give homework every night?
Yes. Every single night. I started doing this a couple years ago, and I saw some remarkable things happen. Kids who "forgot" to do their homework stopped forgetting. I think when you can make a habit of something, it becomes easier. I also saw quiz scores rise. It seems that when you are thinking often about science, you retain it better. That said, don't expect to spend hours on my homework each night. Often, it will take you five minutes or less to do. Sometimes, it will take you more. I am a Mom of a middle-schooler. I understand you have a life, and I respect that.
6. What if I really just don't get it? Can you tutor me?
Yes! I am at school almost every morning by 8:10. Normally I use that time to set up my labs and get ready for the day, but if you need help, and your parents can bring you, I'm all yours. I can't stay after school very often, but if you really need me to, I may be able to work that out also. This year, I have 3rd period planning. If you have a study hall then, I will write you a pass, and you can spend the time with me. Also, I will write you a pass out of your study hall so you can sit in on any of my other science classes. Sometimes hearing it twice helps.
We will be learning Process Skills, Physics, Plate Tectonics, and Genetics.
2. Do you let me turn things in late?
No. I don't. I think that it is important to begin practicing the kind of work ethic you will need to show your employers when you are adults. I don't know too many bosses who let their employees get away with doing no work. Have you ever met someone who just got half-salary for a week because they were a day late with a presentation needed at work? Yeah. Me neither. That said...your work is due when it is due. No late work will be accepted. If it's late, it is a zero.
unless...
If you bring in a note from your parents stating that you need more time, I will give you an extra day and still accept your work for full credit. Why do I do this? You are still a kid and sometimes you can not control your own time. Maybe your family has plans that take the whole evening. Or maybe someone gets sick and you need to be with them. Family comes first. But by bringing me the note, you are showing me you are responsible and you earn the extra time to do your work.
3. How do I get my missing work if I get sick?
When you walk into my room, there are file folders on the top of the filing cabinets with the days of the week. Your papers will be in there. Also, I will be putting a lot of information on this blog. You can check that as well. And remember, our school says if you are absent 2 days, you get three to make up the work. Don't get behind. See me if you need help catching up.
4. Do I need my book every day in class?
Yes. We have a new book this year, and it is a workbook format, so we will be taking notes IN the book.
I also recommend you have a spiral notebook and a two pocket folder.
I recommend getting these in the same color so when you are at your locker, all you have to do is grab all the stuff that is the same color and go to class. :) Also, I have extra's I keep in class if you can not get one on your own.
5. Do you give homework every night?
Yes. Every single night. I started doing this a couple years ago, and I saw some remarkable things happen. Kids who "forgot" to do their homework stopped forgetting. I think when you can make a habit of something, it becomes easier. I also saw quiz scores rise. It seems that when you are thinking often about science, you retain it better. That said, don't expect to spend hours on my homework each night. Often, it will take you five minutes or less to do. Sometimes, it will take you more. I am a Mom of a middle-schooler. I understand you have a life, and I respect that.
6. What if I really just don't get it? Can you tutor me?
Yes! I am at school almost every morning by 8:10. Normally I use that time to set up my labs and get ready for the day, but if you need help, and your parents can bring you, I'm all yours. I can't stay after school very often, but if you really need me to, I may be able to work that out also. This year, I have 3rd period planning. If you have a study hall then, I will write you a pass, and you can spend the time with me. Also, I will write you a pass out of your study hall so you can sit in on any of my other science classes. Sometimes hearing it twice helps.
