Class Policies for 7 th and 8 th Grade Science Mr. Cotoia

1. Class Policies for7th and 8th Grade ScienceMr. Cotoia

2. Be Prepared Bring the Following Supplies to Class Every Day and to Repeat Period Agenda Binder Pencil and Pen Colored pencils Novel

3. Your Notebook 5 Sections • Classwork • Homework • Vocabulary • Projects/Assesments Questions – On board everyday before start of lesson. Take good notes to help you with your homework and classwork in your composition notebook. Composition Notebooks may be collected for grading.

4. Stay Organized • Write your assignment in your agenda. • Put the heading on each paper. Don’t forget the date and page number! • Update your index. • Put your papers in your binder at the end of class. (DO NOT throw it in your notebook!) • Put your composition notebook back in your sleeve in the front of your binder at the end of class. • Check back with me when you are absent. (Study Buddy first!)

5. Take Pride in Your Work Put a Heading on your paper. Don’t forget to write the date. Do your work in pencil most times. Show complete sentences Make corrections in red pen.

6. Homework • Expect an assignment each time we meet. • Use your notes from class to sometimes help you. • On each assignment: • Use a pencil mostly, sometimes pen. • Attempt each question /assignment. • Show complete sentences- quality 7th and 8th grade answers • If your are stuck, see me the next day and try your best. Write down what confused you during the question. • Homework is graded on effort, not accuracy. Full credit ( 10 pts) only if above requirements are met. • Up to partial credit will be given for homework handed in the next day the class meets, if we didn’t go over the assignment on the due date.

7. Quizzes and Tests • Purpose - To demonstrate understanding and ability to apply concepts studied • Some quizzes are open book and/or open notes; others are not. • Study by reading over your notes, homework/classwork assignments. • 100 point grading system on tests. (worth 45%) • Don’t plan on corrections. Plan on full test/quiz retakes.

8. Unit Projects For 7th Grade • Project Specific Rubric or Assignment Handout will be provided • Hand in on time for full credit • 10 points off for each school day late • Not accepted on 3rd school day after due date or later • Projects/Tests that do not have a score above 70 may be redone and handed in to improve your grade within 2 weeks of the date handed back. The original rubric/checklist must be attached.

9. Project Assignments For 8th Grade • Project Rubric will be provided • Work Independently (no help) usually • Ask Mr. Cotoia for Hints, if needed • Hand in on time for full credit • 10 points off for each school day late • Not accepted on 2nd school day after due date or later • Some Projects may be redone and handed in to improve your grade within 2 weeks of the date handed back. The rubric/checklist must be attached.

10. Completing Work on Time • Homework will be accepted the next day the class meets for partial credit, if we did not go over it on the due date. • Unit Projects will have 10 points taken off for each school day late, up to 3 days. On or after the 3rd school day after the due date, these assignments will not be accepted for credit.

11. Absences • Get Homework Assignments - from a study buddy or athttp://www.jhewgscience.wikispaces.com • Turn in Projects – If any long term projects were due during your absence, be sure to hand them in on the day you return whether you have class or not. Attach the checklist with a note or doctor’s note. • Check with your study buddy – There should be an Absent Student Memo for each class that you missed with them. If not, see me. • Get Notes from a study buddy, maybe me. • See Mr. Cotoia if you are missing anything or need help • Make up Work (both classwork and homework) • Allowed 2 days for every day absent to make up work • Attach your Absent Student Memo to any work you are handing in • Make Up Quizzes or Tests – by appointment with Mr. Cotoia

12. Extra Help • At student request • Specific question or problem to work on • First, during repeat period or lunch • Next, an after school appointment is scheduled if the student needs more help • Appointment slip with parent signature must be handed in before the student may stay for help.

13. Grading Grades are calculated using a weighted average. Anticipated Weighting Percents by Task Type Weighting percents may be adjusted if there is little or no graded work of one or more task types during the quarter.

14. Improving Your Grade • Make sure your notes are complete and well organized, • Attempt all homework assignments, showing your work or writing specific questions, • Complete assignments on time, • Seek extra help, and • Take advantage of opportunities to revise assignments or retake quizzes. • No extra credit! AT ALL

15. Just Ask If you don’t understand something or you need help: • Write me a note, • Ask a question in class, • Ask to come for help during repeat period or at lunch time, • See me before school, • Talk to me after class, or • Send me an e-mail at nicholas_cotoia@hotmail.com