Science Department Student Handbook
Welcome to the Kennett Science
Department! This handbook has been designed to help you understand some of the
basic information and guidelines used in science classes at Kennett. In addition to outlining the GENERAL policies
that apply to all science classes, this handbook includes specific information
your teacher has developed for your class this year. After reading the
handbook, keep it in your notebook and refer to it as needed. Have a great
year!
PART I - GENERAL POLICIES
LEVELING CRITERIA FOR COURSES
It is important that students and
parents understand that course prerequisites must be met and that teacher
recommendations are essential for satisfactory placement. In cases where a
student has been inappropriately placed the Science Department will notify the
Guidance Department in writing so that corrective action may be taken. Any
student pursuing a level of study not recommended by the science faculty will
assume the responsibility for such a decision. A letter clarifying the
placement irregularity will be sent to the student’s parents, guidance
counselor, and school principal.
ATTENDANCE
Class attendance will be very important
in determining your success in science. Laboratory activities, technical
information, and demonstrations are all an important part of any science
class. In order to guarantee your
success this year you MUST avoid unnecessary absences. After an absence, YOU have
the responsibility of making arrangements for make-up work within 24 hours. Work must be made up in a reasonable amount
of time as determined by the teacher. Should you fail to make such
arrangements, or not keep appointments, no credit will be given for the missed
work. Make-up work will not be permitted if the absence was because of truancy
or an unexcused absence. Remember, each time a class is missed, you have lost
valuable instructional time!
SAFETY IN THE LABORATORY
All students will need to sign two
copies of the Kennett High School Safety contract. Any accident, regardless of
severity, MUST be reported to the classroom teacher. The classroom teacher will
complete the appropriate incident or accident report form. An outline of major
and minor safety violations and their consequences is found on the reverse side
of the “Kennett High Science Safety contract”. Inappropriate behavior during
lab work will NOT be tolerated.
LABORATORY NOTEBOOKS
Bound quadrille notebooks are required
for ALL students. These notebooks will be issued by your teacher and must be
returned at the end of the school year.
TEXTBOOKS
All science textbooks issued to
students MUST be covered. Any book found to be uncovered will be immediately
confiscated and held by the teacher until a suitable cover is brought to class
and placed on the textbook. NO TEXTBOOK MAY LEAVE A CLASSROOM THAT IS NOT
COVERED!!!!!!! It is safe to assume that any science teacher who sees an
uncovered text will confiscate the book and turn it over to your teachers…so,
be sure your name is in the book. There will be a charge at the end of the year
for repair of damaged textbooks.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important part of all
coursework and must be completed. The amount and frequency of homework assignments
will vary according to course level. Realize that if no assignment is given by
the teacher it is still wise to study independently the material being covered
in class
BREAKAGE POLICY
Students are encouraged to handle all
equipment and materials with the utmost of care. Replacements are expensive and
often very difficult to secure. Inform your teacher immediately if you break
something. It is the policy of the Science Department to charge students the
replacement cost of any equipment or glassware broken due to careless
handling/treatment in the laboratory. Payment or payment arrangements must be
made within 48 hours of the breakage incident. Students will be issued a pair
of safety goggles for the school year. Loss or damage to goggles will result in
the student replacing the goggles. Damaged laboratory aprons must also be
replaced.
FIVE BASIC RULES IN SCIENCE
CLASSES
1. Work at
learning
2. Ask for help
3. Respect your
right to learn and the rights of others to learn
4. Be on time
5. Be prepared
Although there will be specific rules
for specific classes it is safe to say that by following the FIVE BASIC RULES
listed above you will have a very successful experience in science class this
year.