Pine View School
1Python Path • Osprey, Florida 34229
(941) 486-2001 Fax: (941) 486-2042 http://www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/pvs/
Stephen P. Covert, Ph.D., Principal Sue Fair, Assistant Principal
Tricia Allen, Assistant Principal of Curriculum Alison Rini, Assistant Principal
Tara Spielman, Assistant Principal
EARTH and SPACE SCIENCES
Course Description & Expectations
Teacher: Dr. Bell Grade level: 6
Textbook: Florida Earth Science Geology, The Environment & The Universe
(McGraw-Hill Education)
Introduction:
Students will study fundamental concepts in astronomy, geology, oceanography, paleontology, and meteorology.
For standards see: http://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewCourse/Preview/4319
Supplies:
- All general material for 6th grade (PV website)
- 2'' binder with dividers for:
- 3 sections (Class Notes, Homework and Knowledge Checks, Labs/Activities)
- Loose leaf notebook paper (college ruled)
- Black pen
- Red Pen
- 1 ream of white copy paper (Donation)
Grades: Grades are based on the following:
1. Tests and quizzes (50%)
Tests are always announced at least a week in advance. Tests typically include about 10 vocabulary questions, 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions, and 2 essay questions. Quizzes are based on recent homework or video presentations and are often unannounced. An appointment to make up a test or quiz must be made immediately after returning from absence.
2. Labs and Notebooks (20%)
Lab activity papers are generally due no sooner than 2 school days after the class work portion is completed, but will incur a 10% penalty for each day it is late because lab equipment is often shared among teachers and the activities are coordinated to reinforce a sequential curriculum.
Students are required to keep a 3-ring binder for science. Notebooks are checked several times during each marking period, and should include each of the following:
A. class notes
B. all returned homework and class work papers
C. lab reports
3. Homework and Knowledge Checks (30%)
Homework will be assigned about 4 times per week (reading assignments and/or worksheets). Worksheets not receiving a percentage grade will be graded as follows:
- A - completed with reasonable effort shown
- B - completed satisfactorily
- C or D - incomplete or substandard
- F - not submitted
Text book readings will be graded for comprehension with open-note Knowledge Checks at the beginning of each class (5-10 questions). Homework must be done on time to be prepared for class activities. One-day late worksheets, therefore, will be worth 50% off per day.
Participation in class, including answering questions and working well in group projects. Students are expected to arrive to class on-time. Tardiness results in a deduction of employability points and cuts into the student’s time for the Knowledge Checks given 4 times a week. Follow school rules and conduct.
Conduct:
When class is scheduled to begin, students should be in their seats with their homework, text, pencil, and notebook out, ready to begin. Disruptive behavior deprives the entire class of their education and is, of course, unacceptable. The following progressive discipline plan will be followed:
1. Student is issued a specific, individual, verbal warning.
2. Student is assigned lunch detention, which includes the completion of an Action Plan Worksheet.
3. Office referral, parents notified. In the unlikely event of truly gross misconduct, steps may be bypassed.
Cell phone and laptop usage:
Cell phones may be used for instructional purposes only. Instructors will direct students to take out and put away their device as needed. At all other times, cell phones and ear buds should not be visible during the instructional period. Teachers may elect to collect cell phones during assessments or as a part of their classroom procedures. Unauthorized cell phone use during class time may result in a discipline referral.
Laptops are only allowed to be used in class as needed for completion of projects/assignments. Students who do not follow this policy will have their cell phone collected and will need to pick it up from the office at the end of the day.
Make Up Work: When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain ALL missed work. Please check Dr. Bell's website for any handouts given during class and assigned homework. See Dr. Bell to schedule make up assessments and labs. You are given one day for each day missed to get your work made up. (See policy in student handbook.)
Class Rules:
1. Arrive on time, or with a pass in hand.
2. Stay in your seat during class (except to sharpen pencil, or during some lab activities).
3. Raise your hand to talk (when appropriate), except sometimes during group work.
4. No disruptive behavior (cell phone, talking, note-passing, throwing things, etc.)
5. No vandalism (like writing on the desk).
6. Come to class prepared - have notebook, text, pen or pencil, completed homework.
7. No food, drink, or gum-chewing in class. This is a school-wide policy.
Parental Contact:
Parents will be contacted when a student’s grade falls below 70%, although day to day progress can be monitored online, and can be accessed through the county’s website. Conduct issues may also result in parental contact.
Academic Honor Code:
Students are expected to uphold the honor code and understand the consequences of choosing academic dishonesty.
Dr. Bell doesn’t take kindly to cheating, and violators will be treated accordingly.
Lab Donation:
A $15.00 donation (checks made out to Pine View School, no cash please) is requested to help offset the cost of lab materials and equipment. Donations are not required but are greatly appreciated.
Student Communication: If you have questions while working or studying at home, please send me an email. I will get back to you within an hour on most occasions if you email between 8:00 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you have emailed me, go ahead and move on. Don’t stress and worry while you wait.
Teacher Contact and Office Hours (preferred email):
Dr. Bell can be contacted by phone at school during the following office hours:
10:10AM-11:05AM.
Please allow 24 hours for calls that were not made during office hours to be returned.
tel. # (941) 486-2001
Email: Dylan.Bell@sarasotacountyschools.net
Please sign below signifying you and your parent has read and understand the above material:
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Student name (printed and signature)
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Parent name (printed and signature)