Forensic Science Room 316

Mr. Pakowski’s Class Policies and Expectations

 

Welcome to Forensic Science! Please read through all the policies and expectations for the course and return the attached signature sheet.

Class Policies

Materials:  Students will need to bring the following to class each day:

·         Three-ring binder or notebook with pockets to organize class papers (for use in Forensics only!) This will be collected as a portfolio at the end of the semester.

·         Notebook paper or a spiral that will fit into the binder

·         Scientific Calculator

·         Black or Blue pens

·         #2 Pencils

These items are essential for the successful completion of this course.

 

Grading:

1.  Grading will be done on a point scale.  Your grade will be determined from points based on:

a.  Major Assessments (25%) – A minimum of two days notice will be given before any major evaluation.

b.  Laboratory Assignments (25%) – You will receive grades for laboratory technique, procedure, conduct, observance of lab rules, and lab write-ups.

c.  Final Assessment (15%) - Final exams will be given each semester.

d.  Quizzes (15%) – Periodic quizzes will be given in class to check the students’ understanding of the covered material.

e.   Homework (15%) – Homework is assigned to assist in the learning process, provide opportunity for practice and questions, and to help the teacher assess student progress. Homework assignments will be collected at the beginning of the period on the due date.

f.     Midterms (5%) – Midterm Exams will be given each semester.

 

The following grading scale will be used in this class:

100 – 90 = A

89 – 80 = B

79 – 70 = C

69 – 60 = D

Less that 60 = F

 

 

 

Excused Absences - If you are absent, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make up any missed assignments, tests, and/or quizzes.  You should check with the teacher at a convenient time to receive your missed assignments and arrange a due date.  Arrangements must be made with your instructor the day you return to school to make up missed tests and quizzes.

A student with an excused absence has one school day for each day absent to make up missed work, unless other arrangements have been made with the teacher.

 

Late Work – Late work will be accepted until the end of each unit. Each unit concludes with a unit test. Late work turned in prior to the unit test will be accepted with a penalty. Any work turned in after the unit test is completed will not be graded.  

 

Cheating – Cheating will not be tolerated. Students that have been found to be cheating will be disciplined as stated in the student’s handbook.

 

Tardiness – The tardy policy is as stated in the student’s handbook.

 

Extra Help – Office hours for those seeking extra help in this course will be Tuesdays before school or Thursdays after school. Other arrangements can be made by an appointment with the teacher.

 

Substitute Teachers – Substitute teachers are guests in our classroom and should be treated with the utmost respect.  If your name appears on a negative report, depending on the level of misconduct, you will be issued both a teacher detention and phone call home, or you will be referred to your dean.  All classroom policies and expectations are to be followed in the teacher’s absence.

 

Labs and Activities - For your safety and that of your classmates, it is imperative that all lab directions are followed.

·         Proper clothing and safety equipment (goggles and apron) must be worn during lab days. 

·         Shorts, open-toed shoes, and excessively loose clothing may not be worn during a lab day. 

·         Students will be informed of lab days at least one day in advance. 

·         Most importantly, never touch any lab materials and/or specimens in any room until you are instructed to do so.

·         Any student who fails to follow directions and/or acts in a manner that is considered dangerous by the teacher, will not be allowed to participate in the lab and will receive a grade of zero for the day. Further disciplinary action may be taken if safety policies continue to be disregarded including removal from the course. 

·          All safety guidelines are stated in the Flinn Safety Contract that all science students and parent/guardian must read and sign.  SAFETY FIRST!

Expectations of Classroom Behavior

 

The following expectations for classroom behavior have been designed to eliminate disruption in our science class, and to insure that all students have the opportunity to learn.

 

  1. Students must show respect for themselves, their peers, and their classroom environment.
    1. Do not interrupt the teacher or another student when they are speaking.
    2. Use appropriate language
    3. Respect all materials in the classroom
    4. Respect the opinions, ideas, and comments of your classmates

 

  1. Be in class and in your seat on time – no tardiness or truancy.  The bell does not determine when class starts or ends, the teacher does.  Work begins the minute you enter class and ends when the teacher dismisses you.

 

  1. Be prepared – bring your materials such as books, binders, pens, pencils, and paper to class every day. Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom to retrieve forgotten items from their lockers.

 

  1. This is a laboratory course. All safety rules specified in the signed safety contract are to be followed whenever a student enters the lab area to perform an experiment. Failure to follow these rules will limit a student’s further use of the laboratory and could result in other disciplinary action.

 

  1. Cell phones and all electronic communication devices are not allowed to be used during the school day. You will receive one warning from the teacher. After that warning all further discipline will follow the guidelines in the student handbook.

 

  1. Inappropriate behavior that violates school policies and rules will be handled according to the handbook discipline code.

 

 

 

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