SYLLABUS:
Wilson Area School District Mission Statement:
Enter to learn… The Wilson Area School District will provide a variety of
learning experiences designed to allow all students to meet their fullest
potential, to become lifelong learners, and to become responsible and
productive citizens who will lead fulfilling lives. All students will have
the opportunity to acquire the necessary social, academic, and
vocational/work force skills to better face the challenges of a complex and
rapidly changing world. The district and community will form a partnership in
educating the students so that they may… Go forth to serve.
To Be Successful:
1. Respect the rights of all people (including yourself) and property.
2. Arrive to class prepared, on time, and ready to work when the bell rings.
3. Complete all assigned work.
4. Follow all school rules.
5. Keep a positive outlook.
Consequences May Include:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Detention
3. Parent Contact
4. Office Referral
Remember:
YOU are responsible for YOUR behavior.
1. Materials: Once you graduate from high school and get into the work force,
it is essential to be both organized and prepared. Therefore, since life
after graduation is quickly approaching, I would like you to practice these
integral skills now. Please come to class prepared every day. The following
materials are required for this class:
1. Notebook
2. Loose-leaf paper
3. Pencil, pen (dark ink)
4. Book, Lab Manual
5. Agenda book
2. Grading: Your grades will be based on a variety of assignments. Each
assignment will be worth a certain number of points. Below is a list of
possible assignments you may receive throughout the school year. There may be
other assignments added to this list.
1. Tests
2. Quizzes
3. Projects
4. Lab Reports / Essays
5. Presentations
6. Homework
7. Classwork
8. Overall Effort
3. Homework: Whenever a homework assignment is given, you are expected to
complete it. Not completing homework assignments on time can result in a
significant decrease in your grade. More importantly, our class activities
often require preparation in the form of homework, and if you come to class
without your assignment you are limiting your participation in class
activities. Frequent homework checks will occur in class, so make sure you
are prepared. If you think that you are missing any assignments, please see
me. If you are absent for any reason, you are responsible for making up
missed assignments.
4. Participation / Effort: We will often spend time in class doing group
work, giving presentations, and holding discussions. I expect everyone in
class to participate and put effort into his or her work. I know you all have
a lot to contribute to our class. I guarantee that your grade will reflect
the amount of effort you put into this class, so be sure to try your best and
share your thoughts.
5. Senior Final Exam Exemption: There are 2 ways to be exempt from the final
exam. First, you need to receive a “proficient” or better on the PSSA, pass
the midterm, and receive at least a “C” average in the class OR you need to
receive an 85% on the midterm and have an “A” average in each marking period.
6. Behavior: Appropriate behavior is expected of all students. I believe very
strongly in reciprocal respect. This is by far the most important way to
ensure success for yourself and your classmates. We can have a wonderful year
together if we maintain respect toward one another. For instance, when one
person is speaking, everyone else is expected to listen. Also, everyone
should be in their seats during class. Throughout the year, we will work on
communication skills together. We will learn that the only way to communicate
effectively is to learn how to speak AND listen. Please be conscious of this
in class.
7. Attendance: Please arrive to class on time. IF YOU ARE ABSENT FROM
SCHOOL, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT WHAT HOMEWORK AND/OR CLASSWORK
YOU NEED TO MAKE UP. I BELIEVE VERY STRONGLY IN DEADLINES. Please see me
promptly upon your return to find out what assignments you missed, or see a
responsible student in the class. My webpage will also include updates of
nightly homework assignments. If you know about a lab report, quiz, test,
project, and/or presentation, you are responsible for the assignment the day
you return to class. If you are absent the day a major paper or project is
due, you will be required to e-mail it to me or have a parent drop it off no
later than noon that day. Remember, I am always happy help you out with any
questions or concerns!
8. Plagiarism: Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course. If you are
caught plagiarizing, you will be given a grade of “0” for the given
assignment. You will not be given any type of replacement assignment or extra
credit at any point in the marking period to make up for this grade.
Naturally, your marking period and/or course grade could be seriously
affected by this depending on the assignment’s worth. Similarly, I will not
write a college letter of recommendation for a student who is caught
plagiarizing. Finally, I will inform all of your teachers and possibly any
colleges to which you have been accepted. Please examine Wilson Area School
District’s Academic Honesty Policy for further consequences regarding
plagiarism. You are being fairly warned.
9. Teacher Web: Nightly homework assignments, projects, school activities,
lesson plans, and more will be updated daily on my webpage. Please add it to
your favorites and check it frequently. On a regular basis throughout the
year, you will be asked to write blogs for a portion of your grade. If you do
not have a computer at home, please make time at school to complete your
blog. You are welcome to come in to my room to work on it before or after
school. My Teacher Web page can be located at
www.teacherweb.com/pa/wilsonareahighschool/burd.
10. Science Department Academic Intervention Program: In an effort to improve
academic performance in science classes, the science department will be
implementing an academic intervention program. The procedure for the program
is as follows:
1. Students whose current marking period grade falls below 70% at any point
in the term will be notified that they are expected to participate in the
program.
2. The academic intervention program will be offered before and/or after
school for 30 minutes one day each week. Students are expected to attend a
minimum of one session per week.
3. Students must come to program sessions with required classroom materials:
notes, textbook, writing utensils, etc. Any student who comes unprepared or
behaves inappropriately will be asked to leave.
If you have any questions regarding my expectations, please do not hesitate
to speak with me.