Expectations & Policies

·       Chemistry is Fun!  We are going to have a great time in chemistry.  You will be challenged possibly more than any of your former classes.  However, the reward of learning something difficult has an incredible intrinsic value. Follow my instructions, take heed of my tips and warnings, and you will be successful.

·       Materials Required (everyday):

o      Scientific Calculator

o      Pencil & Pen

o      Approved Periodic Table (can get from website)

o      Binder for notes and labs

o      Textbook

o      A Smile

·       Attendance:

o       Due to the difficult nature of this course, attendance is a must!  I cannot stress the importance of coming to class everyday.  The number one reason students do poorly is lack of attendance.  It only takes one missing day to affect your performance!

o       All students who have no more than 3 excused absence and no more than 3 unexcused tardies will be rewarded. The primary reward will be an understanding of difficult concepts.  Secondarily, these students will get 10% added on to their final exam grade at the end of each semester!

o     When something arises, sports, activities, family vacation, band trip, etc., think twice about attending if it means missing chemistry!

·       Grading:

o       Grading is on a traditional scale, 90 – 100% - A, 80 – 89.9% - B, etc.  There will be NO rounding off of grades!

o       Any student who is exhibiting good attendance will be allowed to retake any major exam (except the 2nd semester final).  A student will have one week from the date that the exam is returned to retake and must attend AT LEAST one help session. (Second grade counts, no extra credit question)

o       There will be pop quizzes given at any time!

o       Exams ~ 50% of the total grade

o       Labs, assignments, pop quizzes ~ 35%

o       Homework ~ 15%

·       Homework:

Homework will be assigned through WebAssign.  This is an interactive online homework guide.  Students will enter answers and get scored through this subscription service. There will be a $6.50 technology fee to cover this cost.

·       Website:

Students are expected to obtain all information from the website.  I will not always remind you of due dates and homework assignments – that is all posted.  Students are expected to come to class with copies of notes or labs obtained from the website!

·       Miscellaneous:

o     No food, gum, or drink (unless water in appropriate container) is allowed in science class unless approved by the teacher.

o     Assignments are to be turned in the appropriate draw on the north side of the classroom.  They are to be picked up in the file cabinet.  Class time will not be used for this process.

o     NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS ACCEPTED.  Assignments are considered late if; 1) it is past the due date expressed on the website, or 2) Mr. Anastasia has taken the assignments out of the drawer for grading (this will only occur after expressed due date).  If you know you are going to be late with an assignment because of uncontrollable circumstances, you must email Mr. Anastasia, in advance of the due date, asking to turn in the assignment late.  You must clarify when you will be able to turn it in.  If you do NOT get a response, then your request is approved.

o     Students are expected to clean up after themselves when labs are done.  If a class leaves and materials are not put away properly and counters clean then I will assume you did not have enough time to finish.  This must be a direct result of not fully understanding the concept. Therefore, more practice must be needed.  Homework will be increased for that particular class!

o     We will be working with expensive and sensitive equipment.  Any perceived misuse of lab materials and equipment could result in a failing grade for that lab, possibly even a loss of lab privileges, and/or a fine to replace broken equipment.