Plant and Land Science
2015-2016
Instructor: Ashley Hall
Email: ashley.hall@nicholas.kyschools.us
Phone: 859-289-6429 ext. 3116
Course Description: Plant and Land Science helps us gain a better understanding of
the soil that grows our food and the land our homes sit on. We will learn all about the
basics of soil components, soil horizons, bulk density, land judging, and much more.
Plant and Land Science is crucial in our survival and we will learn how we can improve
the land and soil that gives so much to us.
Supplies Needed
Student Binder or Folder- The binder/folder will be used to keep track of
students SAE hours. If a student is enrolled in more than one of my
classes, they will only need one binder.
Pencil or Pen
Notebook
Paper
Classroom/Lab Behavior
I set high expectations for my students while they are in my classroom. Students having
simple manners and showing respect for everyone will prevent almost all behavior
problems. This policy will be stressed to all students from day one and students will be
asked to follow these simple rules:
1. Be respectful. Any negative comments will result in returning 3
positive comments
2. No Cursing. I do have a push-up/sit-up policy for foul
language. Each specific word will result in a certain amount of
push-ups and/or sit-ups. If you have any questions about this
policy please feel free to ask. There is also an option to write a
3 page apology letter single spaced 12 pt. font or a disciplinary
infraction
3. TOBACCO USE IS PROHIBITTED! If I catch anyone with
tobacco it will be an automatic detention that will be served
with me and a visit to the office. If it looks like a tobacco ring
in your pocket I will take it. If it looks like a chewing tobacco
bag on your persons I will take it.
4. Cell Phones will not allowed to be out during class unless
specified by teacher. There will be times we use them in class
for learning. There will be times that you will be allowed to
listen to music. If there is an emergency where you must keep
your cell phone out please let me know before class or I will
take it. Any other time:
1st Offence- Cell Phone Jail until the end of class
2nd offence- Cell Phone to the office and returned at the end of
the day
3rd- Offence- Cell Phone to the office and your parent must
come and pick it up.
***Disclaimer: If you tell me you are texting your immediate family member
in class I will still take the phone. There is no reason why you can not text back during
the breaks. If it is very important call the school.
2. Safety Agreement— This class will be spending a lot of time outside the
closely controlled classroom environment and in the outside labs, students
will be expected to keep their safety and that of their peers in mind at all
times.
3. Open door policy—Students that are in need of someone to talk to for
any reason may come to me to speak. The conversation will be kept
private as long as the conversation does not imply anyone is in danger. I
understand that in high school issues arise where the student may not
think they can talk to anyone. My door is always open. If there is an issue
about missing work, grading, or a parent/guardian would like to speak with
me, my door is always open.
4. Special needs/ accommodations— Any student who requires special
accommodations or needs that I should be made aware of may come to
me privately or have a parent contact me to arrange those
accommodations. All students will be given a fair chance to succeed in
my classroom.
5. Classroom discussions —I encourage student feedback and discussion
of the material. To aid in an orderly discussion I will require students to
raise their hand and wait to be called before asking a question or making a
comment.
6. Academic integrity—Students who are caught cheating or using the work
of another student will immediately be given a zero for that work and it will
be reported to the principal. See the student handbook for more details.
Dress Code
This is an agriculture classroom where we will be involved heavily with experiential
learning. We will be getting dirty and we will be working. The guidelines are as follows:
Please bring a pair of closed toed shoes that you can work in. Keep them in your locker.
Always follow the school dress code and dress appropriately for certain activities.
Grading Policy
Standards based grading. Students will be graded based on specific standards. If a
student fails a standard or exam they will be able to retake it. However, students must
have all missing work turned in and attend a brief tutoring session with me before they
may retake the exam. If you have any more questions please contact me or refer to the
school student handbook.
Supervised Agricultural Experience Program
Supervised Agricultural Experience also known as SAE is a part of agricultural
education. Each student is required to have a SAE whether they work on a farm, in fast
food, water house hold plants, or own 100 head of cattle and 100 acres of soybeans we
will find something. If you are concerned that you don’t have an SAE come and talk to
me we will find something. Since your student is enrolled in agriculture education
courses they will be subject to SAE visits. Students can really excel with SAE’s if you
want to know more refer to the National FFA website.
Required signed forms
Students will be required to sign the last page of this syllabus. Parents are
required to sign the last page of syllabus along with the lab fee by Friday August 15.
RETURN THIS PAGE ONLY
This section is to verify that the student and parent has read the syllabus and agree to
the expectations outlined in the syllabus
I _____________________________(student name) agree to the expectations
outlined in this syllabus
Student signature __________________________________________
Date ___________
Parent signature ___________________________________________
Date ___________
Media Release
Highlighting student success if one of my favorite things. By agreeing to this release you
will allow me to submit class photos to educational magazines and journals, post on the
schools website, newspapers, and classroom social media pages.
I _________________________(parents name) agree to the allow Ms. Hall to
submit/ post photos that highlight student achievement.
Parent signature__________________________
Date_____________