MS.

ZEMMELS SCIENCE CLASS SYLLABUS

JENNINGS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
*This information may change as deemed necessary.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
I envision students to be collaborative learners, community advocates, and critical
problem solvers. They will be seekers of knowledge and deeper understanding. They will
question and explore their own understanding as well as those of their peers. Students will
value the opinions and thoughts of their peers and will demonstrate a sense of responsibility
for their education and community. They will have a sense of urgency when it comes to their
schoolwork because they know it will set them up for success in junior high school, senior high
school, college and careers, and beyond.
All courses taught by Ms. Zemmel are inquiry-based, which allows for observation,
discovery, prediction, problem-solving, theory usage, and an appreciation of the natural world.
By incorporating various types of technology in instruction, students will become comfortable
with and knowledgeable about a wide range of methods of scientific study.

TEACHER DUTIES
My role is to deliver the necessary content and skills for students to be high achievers in
science and as members of their community. I facilitate and guide students through their own
learning and growth.

STUDENT DUTIES
Participation in the class lesson is critical to learning and understanding. Students are
expected to actively participate in each lesson, complete class work and homework, and submit
assignments on time as determined by the classroom teacher.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.

perseverance (100% effort, 100% of the time / never give up)

integrity (honesty, good moral character)
compassion (treat others as you would like to be treated)
respect (between teachers & students, among students)

CLASS RULES
1.
2.
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4.

Be in your assigned seat silently working on the Do Now when the bell rings.
Bring all materials to class (pencil, notebook, HW folder).
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Track the speaker silently.

5. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.

6. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise.
7. Keep your limbs and objects to yourself.
8. No profane language or teasing.
9. No eating in class. Drinking only bottled water is okay.
10. No personal grooming in class.
11. Restroom breaks are not allowed, however, you have 3 emergency passes per quarter.
12. *Cell phone contract: Phones will only be used occasionally for very specific instructional
purposes. Otherwise, phones will not be necessary nor allowed for most class periods.
Phone should be silent and out of sight.
CLASS PROCEDURES
1.
2.
3.
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5.
6.
7.
8.

Entering and leaving the classroom quietly, orderly, quickly

When you arrive tardy place pass on front desk, sit down quickly, silently, and begin
Working on the Do Now begin before the bell rings, in Sci. Notebook
Writing down the HW in your assignment planner as soon as you finish the Do Now
Asking a question or making a comment silently raise hand
When you need help/require a conference silently raise hand
When you dont understand something silently raise hand
Switching out pencils raise pencil 1st, when Ms. Zemmel sees it & gives you a thumbs up,
silently get up and exchange the used pencil for new one
9. Leaving the room only with a note from another teacher/staff member
10. Restroom only get 3 emergency passes/quarter
11. Passing papers out and in, practice! down rows
12. HW folders take home each afternoon and return to school each morning
13. When youve been absent see Ms. Zemmel during lunch, before/after school or get from
class website
14. Interactive Science Notebook, to be kept at school manage headings & Table of Contents
DISCIPLINE PLAN
Students must make smart choices that benefit them and their peers so the class as a whole
can maintain a successful learning environment. There are many levels in this list and therefore,
there are many opportunities for students to correct their behavior.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

redirect behavior &/or verbal warning

seat change, possibly to desk at front of room
take-home reflection sheet, to be signed by family member + plus phone call home
after-school detention with Ms. Zemmel + phone call home
office referral

GRADE BREAKDOWN
The standard weight and categories for grading students is as follows:
Classwork 30%
(includes Do Now & projects)
Homework 10%
Quiz 25%
Test 35%

GRADING SCALE
Academic and exploratory classes will be graded as follows:
A
Excellent
90-100%
B
Superior
80-89%
C
Average
70-79%
D
Inferior
60-69%
F
Failing
59% and below

ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY

COME TO CLASS!!!!! EVERYDAY is IMPORTANT! I cannot teach you if you are not here!
I understand that several things can come up in the morning, so if your child will be late, please
contact the secretary, Ms. Savage at 314-653-8150. If your child is excessively late or absent, I
will contact you as the parent/guardian, to ensure their safety.
*5 tardies per quarter will result in an after-school detention.

HOMEWORK / LATE WORK

Parents should expect their child to have homework on a regular basis. Students are
expected to record homework assignments in the Student Agenda which is provided by the
school. Students will be given homework daily. It will always be written on the board and
students are responsible for turning it in to the appropriate location in class. If a student misses
class, it is THEIR responsibility to pick up the homework and get the notes. I will NOT be keeping
track of missed work. Late work will be accepted but 10% will be deducted for each day that an
assignment is late.

MATERIALS NEEDED
#2 pencils
1 box of Kleenex OR 1 roll of paper towels

I look forward to working with each of you and I am sure we will have a productive year.
Feel free to contact me via email at ZemmelD@JenningsK12.org or 314-653-8150 x 7628.