Student Name [Print]:

Pre-AICE Chemistry Syllabus

Contact Information:
Teacher Name: Ms. Morales Email Address: moralesc@duvalschools.org (Allow 24-48 hours
Classroom: 109 response)
School Phone Number: 904-573-1170 ext. 011109 Office Hours: Everyday 6:30-7:05AM and 2:00-2:25 PM
Tutoring: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2:25 pm – 3:30pm
Class Website: openmindswhs.weebly.com

Course Description:
This Chemistry course is an in-depth look at the fundamental characteristics and make up of matter. It is designed to promote scientific inquiry and
discovery. This is a course with real relevance in both academic and real-world applications. It encourages curiosity and provides opportunity for
students to learn through hands on lab activities and develop relationships through collaborative learning. Engaging in the study of chemistry
broadens the picture of the world around us.
First Semester Second Semester
Unit 1 – Matter Unit 5- Moles and Stoichiometry
Unit 2 – Atomic Theory Unit 6 – Thermodynamics
Unit 3 – Periodic Table Unit 7 – Acids and Bases
Unit 4 – Chemical Reactions Unit 8 – Gas Laws
Unit 5 – Moles and Stoichiometry Unit 9 – EOC and Final Exam Review

Course Goals
I encourage each of my students to demonstrate an academic mastery of 80% for each Learning Standard/Objective as defined by the Florida
Sunshine State Standards. Students will develop effective study techniques and uphold academic/behavioral integrity in their work, both inside and
outside the school atmosphere. Students will be expected complete rigorous coursework in class and at-home, prove their mastery of content
knowledge on rigorous assessments and demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility.

Grading Categories Percentages How are my Unit Assessment grades calculated?

Unit Assessments 40% Classwork will count for 10% and Quizzes will count for 90%
(Classwork Avg. x .10) + (Quizzes x .90) = Unit Assessment
Class Assignments/Home Learning 30%
Will I be allowed quiz/exam retakes?
Labs, Reports, Projects and Class
20% There will be NO retakes on quizzes or exams. Students are expected to study
Presentations
regularly to be prepared.
Quizzes 10%
Science Fair Project/Research Paper
Class Policies and Procedures  Students in Pre-AICE Chemistry will participate in the district Science Fair
Attendance / Absent Policy during Semester 1
Students are expected to attend class regularly.  Grades will count as both a Project (20%) and Unit Assessment (40%)
However, in the event you miss class it is your
responsibility to collect the missed notes and
assignments. All assignments are posted on the class website under Hall Passes – Students are expected to be aware of the school policy
chemistry (openmindswhs.weebly.com). Students will not be governing hall passes. Students are encouraged to use the restroom
excused from assignments due to unexcused absences. and handle all social business before coming to class to minimize the
need to ask for hall passes.
Tardy Policy
Do not be late to class. Any student reporting to class tardy will need Checking Your Grades – All grades will be updated in FOCUS. If
to provide a Tardy Slip or documentation from another teacher or you do not have access to FOCUS speak with your Guidance
administrator. Tardies will be recorded in the gradebook and kept on Counselor to get your username and password. This will be the only
file with the teacher. way for students to check their grades at their own convenience.
Progress reports and/or scholarship warnings will be sent home at
Classwork and Home Learning Policy each checkpoint listed on the student calendar.
Students will always have work to complete in this course. Home
Learning will be incomplete classwork activities or extra practice to Scholarship Warnings – Students will receive scholarship warnings
be for the student to complete to gain a deeper understanding of the to inform parents of their progress in the course. All students will
concepts taught in class. receive a scholarship warning when their grades drop below a 70%.

Missing Assignments
Missing assignments will always appear as a zero in the gradebook.
Students are allowed to submit late assignments with a penalty of 5%
per day. No late assignments will be accepted 10 days after the
assignment was due in class.
Cheating – Any form of cheating will result in an automatic zero for
the assignment. You will not be allowed to make up the assignment.
Cheating includes but is not limited to: completing another students
work, and plagiarism (improperly cited sources).

Classroom Rules
The following rules are non-negotiable and must be followed 100% of the time by 100% of the students.
 1. Refrain from the use of profanity
2. Keep all hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3. Refrain from eating or drinking during instructional time
4. Refrain from using personal electronic devices should be visible (e.g. cell phones etc.)
Offense and beyond: Students will be asked to hand over the device and it will be given to an administrator for the parent to pick-
up. (Behavior Referral and parent contact will accompany)
5. Use the designated area for large bags and belongings. Bookbags are not allowed in the classroom.
6. No heads down on desks. You will be asked to sit up and remain alert.

Rewards
Class rewards are based on individual and class academic progress. Students are encouraged to reach the goals for the academic year. Students are
aiming for 80% mastery of 100% of the assigned objectives.

Consequences
The following consequences will reset every 2 weeks. Daily behavior documentation will remain on file for teacher records.
1. Verbal Warning 4. Student-teacher conference/Parent-teacher conference
2. Seat Reassignment/Time-out in another class 5. Documented Referral will be sent to the Dean of Students
3. Parent phone call/Behavior Contract

Class Expectations
 Teamwork: Respect your room, your classmates, your teacher, and yourself.
o Understand that we will be working in groups a lot in this class. Everyone has an opinion and it matters. Respect is not just given,
it is earned. You will earn it by coming to class prepared, working hard, telling the truth, and treating others respectfully; let the
small stuff go and leave your problems at the door. I will earn your respect by being prepared, by being fair to all, and by
working as hard as I can to help you succeed.
 Determination & Perseverance: Work hard; do your very best.
o Mistakes are not failures; the only failure that springs from making mistakes is “throwing in the towel” and giving up. We all
learn in different ways, at different paces; limit your frustration by realizing mistakes are learning opportunities and by seeking
help when needed.
 Participation: Actively participate in classroom activities.
o By actively participating (i.e. asking questions, answering my questions, taking notes), I know that you are following the lesson
and pushing your minds for understanding. Knowledge is not given to you; learning is an active process and requires hard work.
 Scientific Curiosity: Be prepared to learn when you walk into the classroom.
o Come to class well-rested, on time, with all of your daily materials, including but not limited to complete home learning
assignments, enthusiasm, focus, and positivity.

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Please Print

1st Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________ 2nd Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________

1st Parent/Guardian Number: ________________________________ 2nd Parent/Guardian Number: ________________________________

1st Parent/Guardian Email: ________________________________ 2nd Parent/Guardian Email: ________________________________

 Place a check in this box if you would like to receive an invitation to sign up for the Parent Messaging List using REMIND. I will send
weekly messages updating you on class progress and important school related information. You can also use this as an alternate way to
communicate concerns or setup meetings with me .

I am excited and thrilled to work together with you towards your student’s success this school year. If you have any questions throughout the year do
not hesitate to contact me 904-573-1170 ext 011109. Please sign below to acknowledge you have read this document. Document will be kept on file
with teacher.

Student: Signature _____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________ Date: ______________________

2|P a g e
This document will remain on file with your child’s teacher. For a duplicate copy please visit the class website:
openmindswhs.weebly.com