Mrs. Ligon’s Class Procedures
Academic Chemistry 2013-2014
email address: pligon@wcpss.net
phone number at school: 856-3738
Chemistry is a building course. Each unit is based on previously covered units. It is essential that you
understand the concepts and build your knowledge base each day. There is a lot of memorization in
chemistry; however, in order to be successful, it is essential to understand the chemistry concepts and
be able to solve many math-based problems.
Classroom expectations:
1. Ask for help when needed. Participate in class.
2. Complete all homework.
3. Be prepared to work from bell to bell.
4. Be polite and respectful of equipment and other people.
Helpful Hints:
1. Read over new class notes each day. Read the text book.
2. Rework homework problems before tests.
3. Come for help if you do not understand.
**Help Sessions:
Tues (Room 162) from 2:30 – 3:15 pm
Thurs (Room 164) from 2:30 – 3:00 pm
Weds. (Room 351) from 6:30-7:15 am
*Required Materials*:
1. 3-ring binder (2 to 3 inches thick) with a set of 9 dividers labeled for each unit as follows:
Unit 1: Intro – Safety, Density, Conversions, Matter (The first test is on Sept 17/Sept 18.)
Unit 2: Heat and Phase Changes
Unit 3: Atoms, Electrons, Light
Unit 4: Gases
Unit 5: Chemical Composition and Solutions
Unit 6: Nuclear, Periodic Table, and Ions
Unit 7: Bonding
Unit 8: Nomenclature and Reactions
Unit 9: Stoichiometry, Acids, Bases, and Equilibrium
2. Eight pages of MSL reference tables. Print from Mrs. Ligon’s website.
3. Loose-leaf notebook paper and pencil
4. Scientific Calculator (needs a log function and exponent capability not a graphing calculator)
Absences:
1. Previously assigned work is due the day you return to class.
2. If you miss a test, you must make it up after school on the day assigned to make up that test.
The make-up day will be announced in advance for each test.
3. All work missed due to an absence must be made up upon returning to school. If you miss one
class period, the missed work is due at the beginning of the 2nd class after you return. (For
example: If you miss Monday and you come Wednesday, the work is due at the beginning of
the class on Friday.) If the work is not turned in at that time, zeroes will be given for the
missing work. Also, any work or tests due on Monday need to be turned on the day you return
Wednesday.
4. You are responsible for finding out what has been missed. Assignments will be posted at:
http://pligon.scribnotes.com/
Grading:
Classwork/Homework
Quizzes and Labs
WebAssigns
Tests
usually 5 points each
5 – 20 points each
usually 5 points each
100 points each (2 or 3 per quarter)
Your grade is calculated using a Total Points system. This means that the number of points you earn is
divided by the total number of points possible for all the assignments and then multiplied by 100.
Late Work: Be on time with your assignments! Homework is due at the start of class. Homework
that is checked during class may be turned in late, but will receive only partial credit. Assignments
that are handed in (i.e., labs) may be turned in for 75% of the grade you would have received in next
class, but only before the assignment has been returned to the class.
Honesty/Integrity Policy:
Broughton has a very explicit policy concerning academic honesty and integrity.
Student Statement of Integrity
“As a student of Broughton High School, I understand not only that I am entitled to an honest and exceptional
learning environment, but also that I have a personal responsibility to embody and promote honesty, integrity
and excellence. As the undersigned, I promise to uphold the integrity of the Broughton learning community and
acknowledge that I am aware of the Broughton High School Honor Code as well as the consequences I invite by
violating it.”
This policy will be followed in this class. It is important that work (lab reports, homework, tests,
quizzes, projects, etc.) is an accurate representation of the knowledge and skills you possess. Unless
specifically stated, your work must be done individually. It is okay to discuss the general concepts
with other students, but what you write down should be your own understanding. Two examples of
cheating are:
- copying homework from another student
- allowing others to copy your homework
It is likely that you will be working together to collect lab data during class, however, your lab reports
(and especially the conclusions for each lab) should be written individually, unless otherwise specified
for a particular lab.
Violation of the Broughton High School Honor Code is a Level II integrity violation. Level II
violations are punishable by a short-term suspension though punishment may be reduced or heightened
in the event of mitigating or aggravating circumstances. The Broughton High School community will
adhere to the following consequences:
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The teacher will talk to the student about the violation and coach the appropriate student
behavior or action.
The teacher will call the parent or guardian to discuss the incident.
The teacher will write a discipline referral documenting the incident.
The administrator will notify any extracurricular organizations of which the student is a
member; the organization will take action in accordance with their by-laws or codes of conduct.
The student will receive a zero on the assignment.
The student will be subject to punishment based on the severity (mitigating v. aggravating) of
the action.
Please return this signed sheet next class for full credit
Student’s name _____________________________________________
Student’s telephone number(s) _________________________________________________
Student’s email address _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardians’ name(s) ___________________________________________________
Parent/Guardians’ telephone number(s) _________________________________________________
Parent/Guardians’ email address(es) ____________________________________________________
I have received and read Mrs. Ligon’s Class Procedures handout. I have also read the safety
rules, understand the safety rules for science class/lab, and agree to follow these rules at all times in
science class/lab (especially the rules about safety goggles and open toed shoes/sandals). I accept the
responsibility for following these rules to prevent accidents that may harm others or me. I will ask
Mrs. Ligon about any statement on these two documents that I do not understand. In signing this, I
acknowledge that I have read these documents and I understand and agree with the rules and
expectations.
Print student name ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Student’s Signature
Date
Mrs. Ligon would like to know how best to contact you (the parent/guardian):
 Email me whenever; I check my email often
 Email me if not urgent; I check email 1-2 times per week
 Please don’t email me. Call me instead.
 Email or phone. Either is fine.
I have read and discussed the attached information with my child.
Print Parent name
_____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
Date
Questions, Concerns, or Comments:
Although interim reports and report cards are given out quarterly, parents/guardians are encouraged to
sign up for a SPAN account (if you need help with signing in, check the Broughton website for info or
contact the guidance office) so you can keep an eye on your child’s grades, attendance, etc. If any
questions or concerns arise, I encourage you to call or email me (email is preferred). My phone
number at school is 856-3738 and my email address is pligon@wcpss.net. I will return any call or
email as soon as possible. Thank you, Mrs. Ligon.