The Physical Setting / Earth Science Enriched
Course Requirements and Procedures,
Mr. Williams
2014-2015
Dear students and parents/guardians:
I am looking forward to an exciting, fun, and successful semester. In order to ensure
success and efficient use of class time, it is important that the information contained in these
pages be understood and adhered to. I ask that the following procedures be reviewed, signed,
and kept as the first entry in your binder for quick reference. These procedures have been
established to encourage quality work, a safe and supportive environment, and continuing
parental involvement.
Required Materials for Class (Daily):
1. One 2-inch loose leaf binder with dividers is required for each
class meeting
2. Pens and pencils
3. One pocket folder to store “in-progress” labs (keep in binder)
4. Four function calculator (nothing fancy)
5. Earth Science Reference Tables (provided)
6. Earth Science: The Physical Setting Textbook
Note: Reviewing Earth Science review book (soft cover) is available for purchase
from the school bookstore (~$12.00). Optional
Classroom Procedures:
1. Be in your seat and ready to begin at the designated time.
2. Be prepared with supplies every day. (See above list 1-6)
3. Have assignments completed by the beginning of class.
4. Be courteous, patient, respectful, and honest.
5. Be prepared to use class time efficiently and completely.
Homework/Classroom Assignment Guidelines:
The demands of the Earth Science curriculum require that certain assignments be
completed at home. Occasionally, homework is checked or collected at the beginning of class
and can serve as an easy grade-booster. Homework not completed by the beginning of class
on the due date will only be accepted on the following school day for ½ credit (legal absences
excluded). Students who exhibit initiative by remaining after school to complete work due
that day, will receive compensation in addition to ½ credit. Students are responsible for
obtaining missed assignments (due to legal absence) from their teacher. Questions about
assignments may be asked in person or by email. (jwilliams@ws.k12.ny.us Subject: “Earth
Science Class”)
Lab Assignments:
1. You must complete 1200 minutes (20 hours) of PASSING lab credits in order to
be allowed to take the Regents Exam in June. This is a New York State
Department of Education policy.
2. A lab “hour” consists of sixty minutes engaged in laboratory activities. Laboratory
experiences will be offered regularly during the entire school year.
3. Individual laboratory activities may require from ½ to three periods each. Students
will receive one or more days to complete each lab report in addition to time
spent in class. Lab due dates will be announced when class time allocated for that
lab has expired. STUDENTS are responsible for keeping track of lab due dates.
4. Late labs will be downgraded at 10% of available points per school day. Labs that
receive a failing grade due to lateness may still be eligible for Regents credit
(toward the required 1200 minutes) provided the student has earned 65% or better
on the content of the lab paperwork.
5. Returned labs that are considered failing (below 65%) must be corrected before
Regents credit can be awarded.
6. If there are personal extenuating circumstances, please discuss your situation with
me privately so we can work out a fair solution.
7. Passing lab reports become property of the State Education Department and will be
securely stored in a student lab folder in the school. Students will maintain their
own lab folders in school and a lab folder progress report will be sent home for
review at the end of each marking period.
Scientific laboratory procedures require that students pay close attention to directions and
details. I encourage parents to assist students with proofreading and research skill
development. I also encourage students to work in groups during data gathering and in-class
investigations, but conclusions and follow-up discussion questions must be the work of
the individual student.
Test and Quiz Information:
Students will be notified of tests and projects in advance. Quizzes may be announced
or unannounced. Students are expected to be prepared for assessments at all times. All
graded work will be returned progress reports will be sent home following each major unit
exam. Students who fail a test should make an appointment with their teacher to discuss
possible opportunities to enhance their understanding. Most major unit exams will be
followed by a test analysis/corrections activity so students may provide evidence of mastery
even after the exam. I ask that these test analyses/corrections be reviewed and signed by a
parent or guardian so they may serve as a progress report.
Grading Procedures:
Grades are based on the following, and final marking period grades are weighted 5%.
Tests: 40%
Quizzes: 20%
Labs: 20%
Class Assignments: 15%
Homework: 5%
Final portfolio assessment details are forthcoming.
All points are earned or awarded. I do not “take off” points from scored work. Instead, any
score less than 100% is the result of the student falling short of earning the maximum points
available. My goal is for student grades to accurately reflect the degree of mastery of skills
and concepts. If students are unsure of their scores, would like to discuss their performance,
get extra help, or make up work, I make myself available after school regularly and enjoy
having company.
The Physical Setting / Earth Science- Accelerated/Enriched
Course Requirements and Procedures,
Mr. Williams
2011-2012
“You CAN excel in this course. Excellence requires that you try
your best, study regularly, complete all assignments, and stay
actively involved in your own education. I cannot GIVE you an
education. You must PURSUE and ATTAIN an education through
persistent effort and toil. This is a tremendous undertaking, but
your parents, friends, and I can help you along the way”.
“If you plan to spend most of your life on this Earth, it makes
sense to know a little about how it all works”
Course Requirements (Please return to Mr. Williams)
We have read the above document and acknowledge so by signing below. We also commit to
reviewing and signing the test analysis/progress reports that follow unit exams.
_______________________
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature(s)
_________
Date