Science with Mr. Jones
Classroom Goal
I believe all students have a great capacity for learning about and exploring our world. My goal
is for students to value that ability and use it to positively shape their lives and the lives of those
in our community. We will be using science to inform students’ understanding of how the world
works, to teach critical thinking skills, and to impart the value of education. It is my hope that
through their learning in this class, students will be better able to explore the world and make a
positive impact as a part of it.
Necessary Supplies
--A designated section in a multi-class binder OR one three ring binder specifically for
this class
--one composition book
--Loose leaf paper
--Pencil or pen (no red ink please)
--Textbook: Holt Science and Technology
Classroom Expectations
All Blackman Middle School rules will apply in our classroom. I also expect students to:
--Act respectfully towards fellow students, teacher, and school
--Listen when others are speaking
--Follow directions the first time they are given
--Come prepared to class
Procedures
At the beginning of class:
1. Come in and be seated quietly.
2. Take out any assigned homework.
3. Begin working on the day’s bellringer.
During class:
1. Sharpen your pencil at an appropriate time (not when someone is speaking).
You do not need permission.
2. Bathroom/water/nurse policy:
a. Raise your hand or come see me at an appropriate time. Students who
consistently ask to leave class may need to schedule a conference with
me. You must have your agenda signed by me in order to leave class.
b. Students should not ask to go to their locker once class has begun.
Come prepared to class with all necessary materials from your locker.
3. Save all trash until the end of class.
At the end of class:
1. Pack up your belongings only when the class has been given permission to do
so.
2. Please clean the area around your desk before leaving.
Policies
When classroom expectations are not met
First violation: Warning
Second violation: Student will be isolated within the classroom to prevent further
disruption, and/or student will be given a write-off.
Third violation: Parent contact
Fourth violation: Detention and parent contact
Fifth violation: Administrative referral
If a student consistently does not meet the classroom expectations (repeat first and
second violations), his/her behavior will be noted in my behavior logs so that
students who may accumulate violations can be dealt with effectively.
***Gum is not allowed in class. It will be treated as any other violation of
classroom expectations.
Homework
When homework is assigned, I will check to see that it is completed during the
bellringer time. If your homework is not on your desk at this time, it will be
treated as a late assignment.
Late work
The highest grade that can be received on late work is a 75%. Students are
allowed to turn in two late assignments per 9 weeks grading period. After the 2nd
late assignment, I will not accept any more late work; it will be recorded as a 0.
***When you are absent, you will have five days to make up any missed work, in
accordance with BMS policy.
Re-Do
Until Christmas, students will be allowed to redo homework, class work, and
quizzes that were fully complete and turned in on time but earned a grade lower
than 70% (this does not include tests or projects). After Christmas, students may
only redo one assignment of this type.
Tardies
Students are expected to be in their seat, prepared, and working on the bellringer
at the start of class. The school tardy policy will apply:
1. 1st and 2nd tardy: warning
2. 3rd tardy: phone call home
3. 4th tardy: one day timeout
4. 5th tardy: one day ISS
5. 6th tardy: two days ISS
Absences
With an excused absence, you may make up any missed work for full credit. The
day you come back, it is your responsibility to both check the make-up work bins
at the door and see me at the very beginning or end of class for missed work.
Grades
We will be using a cumulative point total to calculate grades. Divide points
earned by points possible to determine grade. Assignments in general will be
roughly worth:
Classwork/Homework: 10-20 points
Quizzes: 20-40 points
Projects: 30-100 points
Tests: 30-75 points
Extra Credit: Students may earn extra credit in a couple different ways.
Some points will be available throughout the year for various assignments,
project extensions, and exemplary displays of responsibility. Also,
students may earn points by reading teacher-approved books. Simply
bring the book you’re reading to me, have it approved, and then write a
one-half to one page book review to receive credit. If you would like, I
will post your review to the reading blog http://jonesreading.blogspot.com. Points will be determined by difficulty/quality of
the book and its relation to science content on a case-by-case basis. Extra
credit points for reading will be capped each grading period.
***Student grades will be posted online and linked from my website.
Parent/Guardian, if you have any questions or concerns, would like to visit the classroom,
schedule a conference, or volunteer, please contact me at jonesbr@rcs.k12.tn.us or (615) 9043860.
Student Agreement
Signature___________________________________________________________
Students:
New beginnings are times to re-focus and re-dedicate ourselves to what we hope to do in
life. Take a minute to think about something you want to accomplish this year and write
it in the space below. This is your goal for yourself, so don’t worry about what others are
writing or what you think I want you to write. Be real with yourself and set an
achievable goal you believe is good for you. If you’ve had difficulty in science before,
think about committing to studying once a week. If you’re a science wiz, think about
committing yourself to building a model rocket or a working robot, or just finding more
out about that job where you can research and save whales. Here are just a few examples:
Turn in every homework assignment the first unit.
Study for the first test.
Show my parents the class website and keep them up-to-date on my grades.
Do one science experiment at home that is not an assignment.
Make two new friends with classmates I haven’t met yet.
Go on a hike and write down every animal I see.
Be creative! Remember that setting this goal is about achieving your potential and
envisioning your own dream; it is NOT about doing what someone else expects of you.