YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO fair and equal treatment.  In this classroom, it does not matter if you are male or female, Black or White or Oriental or Hispanic or of other racial group, who your brother or sister is what your parents earn, or in any other way.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO be safe in this classroom.  In this classroom, no one may cause you injury or discomfort.  This includes the right to have your property left alone and undamaged.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO hear and be heard in this classroom.  Others will be quiet as you speak and you will quietly listen as others speak.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO be respected.  You do not have to put up with unkind remarks or name calling because of race, sex, religion, physical strength, size, features, friendship groups, age, culture, handicap, financial status clothing, classroom performance, etc.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO learn in this classroom.  No one has the right to disrupt you or make it difficult for you to learn.  Teachers should be free to teach and students free to learn without being interrupted by inconsiderate or unruly students.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO learn what is means to be a responsible and successful student.  Guidance and direction are meant to aid you as a student and a citizen of this school.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO treat others with consideration, realizing that all of us are unique.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO make this classroom safe by following the safety rules and not causing injury to others or damaging/using the property of others without their permission.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO participate in classroom activities appropriately by listening, speaking, or writing.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO respect others, adults and students, and uphold their rights.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO LEARN.  You will prepare for class, be on time, pay attention, complete work, and not distract yourself or others.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO push yourself, keep trying, ask questions if you don’t understand.

I will give one or two verbal warnings to a student that is not observing his or her responsibilities and therefore, infringing on the rights of other in class.  If the student’s inappropriate behavior persists, I will, without interrupting instruction, place a yellow card down on his or her desk to serve as a visual warning, which will remain there until the end of the class period.  The print on the yellow card explains why the card has been placed there and that if he or she chooses to continue inappropriate behavior the teacher will turn the card over to the red side and he or she will be issued a demerit.    

I have planned class field trips as in past years, but something new this year is a Behavioral Agreement.   The purpose of this agreement is to protect the safety and well-being of our students.  This agreement must be signed by each student and their families indicating their support of the expectations in student conduct in order for the student to attend the field trips.      

Grading Policy

Students overall grade will be a combination of grades averaged for homework, quizzes, projects, labs, tests and participation.   For each chapter there will be at least one lab.  There will be a quiz at the completion of each chapter and a test at the end of the units.  It is my goal to cover an average of one chapter per week however, one or two days may be needed if the majority of the class needs additional time to master a concepts or skills.  School assemblies or special events might also present a need for extended time.  

If you are experiencing difficulty in science class, please come to me for assistance.  I will be in the science room to give help every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00-4:00 PM.  Once Science Olympiad teams are formed they will be meeting in the room at this time as well. 

Christine Pucillo