• Mr. Case’s Classroom Plan

     

    Dear Parent/ Guardian,

     

    I am excited that your child is in my science class this year.  With your encouragement, your child will participate in and enjoy many exciting and rewarding experience this semester.

     

    Since lifelong success depends in part on learning to make responsible choices, I have developed a classroom discipline plan, which guides every student to make good decisions about their behavior.  Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for their growth, and I know together we will make a difference in this process.  The plan below outlines our classroom rules, positive recognition for appropriate behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior.

     

    Procedures:    1)         Safety comes first in all situations.

    1. At all times, show respect for yourself, your classmates and the teacher.
    2. Respect the property of others and the school.
    3. Behavior that disrupts the learning process of others is not permitted.

     

    Classroom Expectations

    1. Come prepared, ready to learn (bring paper and something to write with)
    2. ALL work is uploaded to Canvas. ALL WORK!
    3. Be courteous
    4. Follow student handbook
    5. NO WHINING!

     

    Positive Recognition:

                To encourage students to follow classroom procedures, I will recognize appropriate behavior with praise, dropping the lowest quiz grade, give late work passes, class celebrations, “good news” notes home and positive phone calls home.

     

    Consequences: 

                If a student chooses to not follow class procedures or school rules, the following steps will be taken.

                1st time                        warning (verbal or written) and you will be contacted.

                2nd time                       Student will be sent to choices and you contacted.

                Severe disruption        Student goes directly to the principal.

     

    Academic honesty:

                Academic honesty is expected of all students.  Any breach of the academic honesty standard is serious and will be managed in accordance with the student handbook.

     

    Be assured that my goal is to work with your to ensure the success of your child this semester.  Please read and discuss this classroom discipline plan with your child, then sign and return the attached form.  Feel free to call me anytime you have questions or concerns about your child.  336-674-4250 at school.

     

    Sincerely,

     

     

    Mark H. Case, Sr., CEE

    Science Teacher

    A Certified Environmental Educator

    casem@gcsnc.com

     

    Mr. Case’s Laboratory Safety Agreement

     

    1. Follow all instructions carefully. Use special care when you see the word CAUTION.
    2. Never eat, drink or chew gum in a science laboratory or during field work.
    3. Never run, push, throw objects or engage in horseplay of any kind.
    4. Report all accidents or injuries to the teacher immediately.
    5. Keep your work area clean and uncluttered.  Leave the area cleaner when you leave as when you found it.
    6. Wash your hands with soap and water after labs.
    7. Do not touch any wild animals, whether they are dead or alive.
    8. Stay with the class or let the teacher know if your group has to go out of their sight.  Always work with your group.
    9. Do not go into any body of water unless directed to do so by the teacher.
    10. Try to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.

     

    Please read the above safety agreement with your student and discuss with your child.  Sign the attached form and return to me.

     

     

    BLANKET PERMISSION SLIP FOR OUTDOOR SCIENCE LABORATORIES

     

    Background:  Many science classes benefit from laboratory experiences conducted in the grounds surrounding Southern Guilford High School.  These experiences will involve a class leaving the building and going into the woods in the immediate vicinity of the school.  These are laboratory exercises and all laboratory safety rules are in effect.  Because we will be out of the classroom it is prudent to inform parents/guardians and obtain permission for student participation in these activities.

     

    Each activity is designed with a purpose and class related outcome.  (It is not free time).  Students will be supervised at all times.  There are slight risks such as insect bites, scratches, getting dirty, and even, at times, getting slightly wet.  I have not seen a poisonous snake in my many visits to the woods, but a copperhead’s native range does include this area.  Because of these risks, however slight, it is important that we are notified if your child has any condition that would preclude participation in these exercises.  An alternative, topic related, task will be provided for any student unable to participate and the student will be under normal teacher supervision.

     

    Action:  Students and parents are asked to read, sign and date this permission slip and return it to Mr. Case on the next class day.  Students will NOT be allowed to participate until this slip is returned (and will not receive credit for any lab activity missed).

     

     

    Mr. Case’s Academic Plan

     

    Course Objectives:

    • To develop an attitude of curiosity and an appreciation for science in daily life.
    • To think critically and become scientific problem solvers.
    • To learn scientific facts, concepts and principles in order to analyze, interpret and explain a student’s environment.
    • To handle, construct and manipulate materials and equipment in a safe manner and to develop the ability to measure, organize and communicate scientific information.
    • To become familiar with scientific issues and technology at home, in the workplace and in the world.

     

    Supply list:

                Students will need:

    • A way to take notes.  You choose.  You are a young adult.  Pick the method you learn best.
    • 3x5 index cards
    • During the semester, you will need additional materials from time to time.  You will be given several days’ notice.

     

    Students should come with something to write with every day to class.  Students that do not come prepared will not be supplied with pencils or paper.  They may purchase those items from the school machine located in front of the office.

     

    Evaluation:

    • The grading scale will follow the standard outlined in the student handbook.
    • The classroom grading system is as follows: 40% tests, 15% labs, 15% homework/class work, 15% quizzes. There are 4 special projects during the year.  These projects count for a total of 15% of your grade. These are research projects that take time to complete.  Start early and work on them weekly.
    • All work is offered AND submitted on Canvas.  The only physical assignment I will accept is projects.
    • Individual projects and reports will be assigned during the year and students will be made aware of their value.
    • A cumulative midterm and final exam will be given and count 20% of the student’s grade each.
    • Students will be advised of their grade periodically throughout the semester.
    • Late work will be accepted for a diminished grade.  Late work is defined to be turned in after the bell rings.  One day late is -10 %, two days late, -20 %, three days late -30 %.  Late work turned in after 5 days will earn a maximum grade of 50.
    • Cheating on assignments, tests, etc. will not be tolerated.  Students cheating will receive a 0 grade for that assignment or test and no make up will be allowed.
    • Extra Credit: students are rewarded for going above and beyond expectations.  Extra credit will be given often to supplement homework/class work grades.  Extra credit does not take the place of regular assignments, but it does help with grades.  In order to get extra credit, the regular assignment must be turned in, complete and an attempt to improve the earned grade completed.

     

     

     

    Absences:

                It is the responsibility of each student to make up all work missed during their absence, regardless of the reason for the absence. 

     

    Guidelines for Success:

    • Regular attendance is essential.
    • Come to class prepared, bring book, writing instruments and paper.
    • Follow directions, especially during labs.
    • As for help, ANYTIME you don’t understand something.  Please!
    • Turn in assignments, everything is graded.
    • Study, study, study.                            Take notes!                 PARTICIPATE!
    • Take a few minutes each evening to review the materials covered in class.  Was there anything on the news relating to what we are discussing?

     

     

    Tardy Policy:  This is per quarter!

     

    A student is considered tardy if they are not in their seat when the tardy bell rings. 

     

    We follow the school wide tardy policy.

     

    Phone use: We follow the school wide phone policy.  You must turn it in at the beginning of class to the storage bag.

     

     

    We also have a texting alert you may sign up.

     

    For physical science text @sgpsfl24 to 81010

    For honors earth science text @sgesfl24 to 81010