Rules and Guidelines

For 8th grade science with Mrs. Bousquet

Class of 2016 Form download here

What is the grading policy?

In Mrs. Bousquet’s class no grades are given, they are earned. Grades are calculated based on your performance on tests, quizzes, labs, projects, your notebook, homework, and class participation. Tests will be given after each chapter is completed. To be considered for Honors Biology at NHS in 9th grade, students must maintain a 90 TEST average on all year, and have good homework and project effort. Announced quizzes may be given at any time. All tests will be announced at least two days in advance so that you may prepare for them. Grades are broken down as follows:

35% - Tests (Final Exam will count for one test in Term 4)

+ 20% - Quizzes

+ 20% - Projects/Labs

+15% - Homework

+10% - Classwork & Science Journal

100% - Final Grade

What should I do when I get to class?

Come to class prepared with your homework, textbook, science binder and agenda every day.
Take your homework out to be collected or checked.
Look up at the front message board and copy down the homework assignment into your agenda.
Next copy the science journal question into your science journal and begin working on it quietly.
In eighth grade, I expect you to do this every day, even if I am not in the room.

What is the homework policy?

Homework should be expected nightly, and should be kept in the homework section of your notebook.
Homework assignments will be posted on the daily message board; it is your responsibility to copy the assignment into your agenda. Additionally, I will post the homework on my teacher website, but do not rely on the website exclusively! My teacher website is a backup to your copying the homework assignment into your agenda.
If you do not finish an assignment in class, assume it is homework due the next day unless you are specifically told otherwise.
Homework is due at the beginning of class each day.
Homework will be scored based on the following rubric:
- 5 = outstanding – full credit
- 4 = means good, could be better
- 3 = incomplete, incorrect, or late
- 2 = less than half completed, half correct, and/ or very late
- 1 = very little attempt, or very late AND mostly incorrect
- 0 = not attempted or passed in too late to be considered (after the end of a chapter or unit)
For a score of “5, all homework assignments require the use of full sentences, proper English, good handwriting, and the proper heading. Failure to meet all of these requirements could result in a loss of credit.

What happens if I miss a homework assignment (without being absent)?

You may receive partial credit for the missed homework assignment once it has been made up. (Late homework will not be accepted once the chapter has been completed).
If you choose not to complete your missed assignments, it will be seen as a lack of effort and you will receive a grade of zero for that assignment.
If you miss 3 or more homework assignments in a term, your parents/guardian will be notified. You will be expected to stay after school for a team teacher to make up work.

What do I do if I am absent?

If you are absent, you are responsible for making up all work that was missed. It is not my responsibility to chase you for make up work. Homework & classwork will be posted to my website, and thus may be completed during an absence.
Upon your return, check the Science Agenda Book near the Missed Work Folder for your class period for the missed assignments. Copy missed assignments into your agenda book.
Homework that would have been due on the date of your absence is due on the day you return.
You have the same number of days as your absence to makeup your missed assignments (i.e. absent for 3 days, you have 3 days to make up your work). Failure to make up missed assignments will result in a grade of zero for the missing work
If you are absent on a quiz or test day, you are expected to be ready to makeup the test on the day you return.
If you miss a test or quiz due to an extended absence, you must makeup the test within one week.
If you are absent for three days in a row or more (or know you will be), your parents may contact your guidance counselor to pick up your missed assignments to work on at home. Note that if we (your teachers) go through the trouble to send work home, you are expected to pass it in completed upon your return, or within a reasonable amount of time based upon the length of your absence.

What if I need extra help?

I will be available for extra help at least one day per week after school, and usually more. If you cannot make it on my scheduled day, please see me and we will schedule another time.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. I can arrange to help you during lunch time, before, or after school.

What happens if I get caught cheating?

Any student that is caught cheating will automatically be given a grade of zero for the assignment and the parent/guardian will be notified.
Any student that allows another student to copy their work is also guilty of cheating and will receive a zero.
Copying another student’s homework inside or outside of class will result in a grade of zero for the assignment for both students.

PARENT/ GUARDIAN:

Science is a "hands on" subject – regular attendance is essential for success. Absences may result in needing to make up labs after school. My goal for your child is to provide many opportunities for investigation, excitement and learning. Your support at home is sincerely appreciated. Please call if you have any concerns. I check email throughout the day at kbousquet@norwood.k12.ma.us.

STUDENT:

The concepts you will learn this year are more challenging than those learned last year. If you are having difficulty, don't panic! Come after school for extra help. Knowledge of science can be very rewarding in your future. Many occupations depend upon an understanding of scientific concepts, such as electricity, force, motion, chemistry, the earth, and other areas. I hope you will find our time together interesting and informative! Have an enjoyable, rewarding, and successful year.

Parent/Guardian signature: ____________ Student signature: ____________ Date: ____________