In order to create a pleasant and efficient learning environment in our classes, the following school philosophy has been established.

• No one has the right to interfere with the learning or safety of others.
• Do what is expected.
• Do it the best you can.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following classroom expectations.

1. Bring to class every day:

• a 3-ring binder (notebook)(shared with math)
• paper
• blue or black inked pen and sharpened pencils
• daily planner
• science book
• red pen or pencil--all correcting is done in red
• independent reading book
• science journal

2. Behavior expectations:

• be in your seat when the bell rings
• be ready to work when the bell rings
• do the daily warm-up activity
• read your independent reading book if you finish an assignment early
• use your daily planner
• clear your desk of everything except your daily planner for Make Your Day points and concerns
• follow the school dress code
• work cooperatively with partners
• no backpacks in class
• no gum, food, or drinks in the classroom

Grade meanings: "A" means advanced (above standards, goes beyond the standards). "B" means proficient (meets standards with confidence). "C" means basic (meets standards just at the required level). "D" means developing (below but approaching standards). Below "D" means beginning (below and not as yet approaching standards)

Grades will be determined from a combination of all aspects of the course:

Class work, Homework, Class Participation (during labs, projects, study time, class discussions, group activities), Tests, Quizzes, Labs, and Projects

Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the assigned due date. Due dates for homework assignments will be listed in the Voyager Daily Planner. In-class assignment due dates vary and are stated at the time they are assigned. Only assignments turned in on time will receive full credit. Students who are absent are responsible for obtaining missed assignments. If the absence is excused, students will be given as many days as they were absent to make up assignments. These assignments will be considered on time and receive full credit. Late work will be accepted for partial credit until the end of the current unit.

Citizenship policies will be in accordance with the Voyager Make Your Day Program (see student planner). Appropriate student behavior is especially important in science labs because of the nature of the course and the equipment involved.

Attendance is very important. Most of the learning that takes place occurs during class. Many experiences can not be duplicated for absent students. Irregular attendance makes success in this class difficult.

• all assignments need to be neatly written or typed
• missed paperwork from an absence will be in a file folder on the supply table (with your name on it) -- remember to check in there when you return
• late work will not receive full credit
• some graded assignments can not be made up -- it will have to count as a zero
• if you need help with any of the work, come see me after school, I'd be happy to help you
• my voice mail number is 356-1395 ext. 5037# (I try to return all calls within 24hrs)
• my e-mail address is adlerkr@mukilteo.wednet.edu (I try to return all e-mails within 24hrs)

We will have a classroom website. The current unit of study and previous units will be listed there along with other useful information. Please visit it often.

If you have any difficulty finding or understanding the website, please feel free to contact me.