Welcome to Honors Chemistry!

Instructor: Ashleigh Wilson (DeMartin) Email: demarta@pitt.k12.nc.us

Semester: Fall 2019

Materials/Requirements:
 5 subject notebook
 Pencils
 Pens
 Scientific Calculator (graphing Calculator not required but encouraged)
 Tape
 Scissors
 High Lighters

Course Overview:
This course is a problem-solving, Learning Focused course that is designed to
introduce the basic concepts of chemistry through Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration,
Organization, and Reading. Chemical formulas, equations, and mathematical
applications in problem solving will be emphasized. Laboratory experiences will be
structured and oriented towards inquiry and solving problems connected to a
central concept. Proper laboratory technique and principles will be taught and
strongly enforced. Students at the honors level will be required to complete 2
formal lab reports throughout the semester. Students will be expected to work
as a cooperative member of an assigned laboratory team and work independently in
problem solving situations.

Laboratory Practices:
Laboratory experiences are an essential part of any level of Chemistry education,
especially at the college prep level. Laboratory Safety will be emphasized and no
student may start lab work until that student and parent/guardian have read and
signed the student safety contract. Students need to also pass a safety quiz with 100
percent accuracy before starting any lab exercise. Lab work cannot be made up due
to equipment, time, and intensity due to absences. Therefore, students that are
absent during a lab, students will be given a separate written assignment to replace
the missed lab assignment. Students are responsible for paying for the replacement
cost of any equipment they may break or damage due to reckless/overly careless
use.

Interactive Notebook:
In this class, to help with organization, students will be keeping an interactive
notebook where all notes, activities and worksheets will be kept. Any loose papers
will need to be secured in the notebook using tape. Students will have to keep this
notebook in order according to the class notebook created by Mrs. Wilson. Students
will be subject to random notebook checks that will be graded to hold students
accountable for this notebook.
Grading:
Late missing assignment:
 If a student is absent, student will have 2 days for every day missed to
complete the assignments for those days to receive full credit before
assignment becomes late.
 Any other missing assignments will be scored a “0” until assignment is made
up.
 Late assignments will be marked off 10 points for every day it is late until a
50 is reached. After 5 days, an assignment will no longer be accepted.
 If student is absent on a test day, student must arrange to take an alternative
make-up test when he/she returns to school.
 If you know about an extended absence ahead of time; explain the situation
to your teacher and work out a make-up schedule in advance.

As always, special circumstances will be taken into consideration as they arise

as long as the student comes to the teacher about them.

Punch Cards: Students will be able to earn rewards through a punch card system
for being on time, not being on their phone, and other good behavior actions
throughout the class. This will be explained in detail on the first day of class.

Cell phone Policy:

 The cell phone policy is see it, hear it, take it. Students may not be on their
cell phones at any time during the class.
 If student is caught a 4th time, the students phone will be brought to the front
office and a parent/guardian must come and pick up the phone.

Grading Policy:
 70% Test
 20% Projects, Labs, Quiz
 10% Classwork, Homework, Learning log, Notebooks

Classroom Rules:
 Always follow LEARN: Listen to instructions, Enter and exit prepared,
Respect yourself and others, No excuses!!
 Keep up with notes and assignments in the interactive notebook.
 Bathroom breaks should only be taken when the teacher is not giving notes
or instructions. Always make sure you have enough time to complete your
work before choosing to use the restroom. (If you do leave to use the
restroom, your cellphone must be put on my desk. It will be returned upon
your arrival back in my classroom.)
S.O.A.R: This year, tutoring and enrichment will be done a little differently. South
Central will be using a SOAR block where students can attend in-school tutoring,
club meetings, enrichment, and more! With this, tutoring will work a little
differently.
 If a student scores below a 75 on any test, they must attend the next tutoring
block during SOAR.
 All test corrections must be done during SOAR as well.
 Students cannot stay after school without first, coming to tutoring during
SOAR.
 When tutoring is not being offered, there may be other opportunities offered
at that time and students need to pay attention when they are recognized.