For more detailed information about my classes, lesson plans, and homework access my website at:

              http://gotphysicalscience.wikispaces.com

I am looking forward to educating a new group of wonderful students! This year will surely be exciting and fun! Continuing to utilize block schedule for classes will enable us to have time to focus intently on the objectives while engaging students to accomplish each task.

You will find information concerning expectations for my classes below. I have designed my class to promote student involvement within my lessons.

Those who are in my Physical Science and Georgia Studies classes will be given a user name and password to use the online resources for our textbooks.


STARTERS:
Physical Science - SMART START:
We will begin each class period with a question of the day for CRCT prep. These will be recorded on a handout that I give to them. After two weeks, I will take these up and grade. We will go over them together in class each day. This should be an easy 100. Parents, please check on a regular basis to avoid a poor grade!

GA Studies – SMART START:
We will begin each class period with a question of the day for CRCT prep. These will be recorded on a handout that I give to them. After two weeks, I will take these up and grade. We will go over these in class together daily.

TESTS/QUIZZES: We will have periodic quizzes of lessons followed by unit tests. All assignments and upcoming quizzes/tests will be posted on my homework website.

CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK: Many times assignments will be started in class and finished as homework. I will post all homework assignments on the website listed above. You should check the website each night for updates since assignments may sometimes change after class has concluded each day.

PROJECTS: These will be assigned at random times throughout the school year. Due dates and detailed information will be given to students as needed.

EXPECTATIONS: I expect each student to come to class prepared with materials in hand. Dealing with children who come to class unprepared wastes valuable time. Every student should be responsible enough to do his/her part.

CALCULATING AVERAGES: Grades for each nine weeks will be based on quizzes, tests, classwork, homework, projects, and participation. Grades are calculated based on points earned divided by total points possible.

HOMEWORK AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Acceptable homework must be legible and written in pencil , blue or black ink, or typed. It is imperative that students do their homework EACH night. Students and parents may view these assignments and due dates at any time on website. Assignments are expected on the date that they are due. Assignments that are turned in late will receive a maximum grade of 50. Late assignments may be turned in no later than one week prior to midterm progress reports. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS FROM THE FIRST HALF OF THE NINE WEEKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER MIDTERM PROGRESS REPORTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. Late assignments for the second half of the nine weeks may be turned in no later than one week prior to the end of that term. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS FROM THE SECOND HALF OF THE NINE WEEKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER REPORT CARDS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.

CHEATING/ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. This cheating policy is not meant to discourage collaborative learning. However, students must recognize the difference between cooperative learning and cheating. Each student is responsible for their own work.

Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
• Direct copying of in-class work or assigned homework.
• Any cheating on an exam/quiz (including inappropriate use of notes, copying another’s test, cell
phones).
• Copying from any print or internet source without a proper citation.
• Allowing another student to copy your work.
Cheating is punishable as follows:
• The first violation results in a 0 on that particular assignment and parental contact (via phone or email)
• All subsequent violations result in referral to Friday School.

EXTRA CREDIT: If your grade is low because you haven’t done your homework or studied for quizzes and tests, then you don’t have time for extra credit. However, I do offer extra credit opportunities to my classes as a whole on occasion.

DESCRIPTION OF STANDARDS: Georgia Performance Standards for 8th grade Physical Science and Social Studies will be the driving force for instruction in this class. Please refer to the Georgia Performance Standards for a detailed listing of standards (www.georgiastandards.org).

MOVIE PERMISSION: I would like to show films throughout the year that relate to our curriculum. Please sign the movie permission separately on the last page of the syllabus in order for your child to watch the films. Students not having permission on file will be given alternate work to complete in lieu of the movie as it relates to the topic of the film.

SAFETY: Our classroom contains equipment that can harm you, others and the facilities themselves. Do not turn on or use equipment without the teacher's supervision. All students will be required to sign a standard science safety contract. Always ask me if you are unsure about how to safely use any classroom equipment.


Alicia Conley-Allen
Physical Science
Georgia Studies