Coordinated Science 
Ms. Heli Venkov
Phone 425-385-7633	
hvenkov@everettsd.org
	
Welcome to coordinated science! I have a deep passion and excitement for science and learning and hope to impart that excitement for science throughout the school year.  I am looking forward to a fun and productive year filled with learning and discovery.  I hope your students find science as fun and interesting as I do!

This will be an exciting, safe, and productive year for everyone. Together we will create a learning environment which will allow students to discover new ideas, concepts and passions.  After reading please sign the attached safety contract. Please sign and return it by Wednesday, September 12th.  I look forward to meeting you at Curriculum night.  If you have any questions or concerns before then, please feel free to email, call or send a note. The first two pages are for you to keep.

Course Description 

Accelerated Coordinated Science is a fast paced class that covers the 8th grade science standards and the 9th grade science standards in one year. While there is some overlap between the concepts and activities in 8th grade and 9th grade curriculum, this class is essentially two classes in one. The class is homework intensive and designed for students that are very strong academically, including mathematical skills. Students will earn high school credit for a year of Coordinated Science. Upon completion of the class, the typical student will enter AP Environmental Science in 9th grade and be on track to take up to three advanced science classes in high school.

Student Support

Coordinated science is a fast moving class with daily homework, including weekends.  Talk to me immediately if, at any time, you feel you need extra help or are struggling on an assignment or science concept.  Below is my designated study support time, but I can also be available before and after school until 3:15 on most days.

Study support: Students may come in to make up missed labs, complete and grade homework, and general help. 
			Monday from 2:55-3:30 and Wednesday from 2:55-4:00 *(except for the first Wednesday of every month)
Grades

•	Traditional grading system where students will be held accountable and receive a grade for labs, worksheets, note-taking, and even homework, in addition to the quizzes and tests.  
•	Missing work counts as zero, but most work can be turned in late with a 30% reduction in score. 
•	Grades will be available online and will be updated every two weeks.
•	There is no extra credit. 
•	Science Grades will be established using these criteria:
•	
•	Classwork/Homework 25%	
•	Notebook Checks 5%	
•	Assessments: Test/Quizzes/Projects/Final 70%

Homework/Late Work/Absences
•	Students will have regular homework assignments (including weekends). In addition, any work not finished in class is expected to be completed as homework. 
•	Students will have access to textbooks on line. A link to these recourses can be found on my website.
•	Missed lab activities must be made up either after school or during lunch within one week of absence.
•	Late work will be accepted until the end of the unit for 70% of grade earned. Students must come in during support hours to grade their late work to receive credit. 

Classroom Expectations

•	Be Prompt
•	Be Prepared
•	Be Polite
•	Be Productive
•	Be safe

My goal is to make each student aware of their behavior and help them to be responsible for themselves. If a student does choose to behave inappropriately, then:
•	Step 1: He/she will receive a warning and a request for him/her to change the behavior.
•	Step 2: He/she will be sent to a buddy classroom and create a “plan of improvement”. 
•	Step 3: If the above steps do not change behavior, the office and administrators may become involved.

Assignment Standards
All assignments are expected to meet the following High Quality Work Standards:

•	Assignment shows understanding of   concept.
•	Assignment is complete and directions are followed.
•	Paper has name, date, and period.
•	Paper is neat and writing is readable.
•	Drawings are accurate and labeled.
•	Straight edges are used for lines.
•	Spaces are skipped between questions.
•	Use pen or pencil.

Assignments not meeting quality standards or understanding of the concepts will be expected to be redone or grade reduced. 

Cheating Policy 
All people involved in cheating will receive a zero score for that assignment or test, and parents will be contacted.  It is not acceptable to allow someone to copy the work you have completed.  In addition, it is considered cheating if you use the Internet or other recourses and claim the work as your own. In addition to receiving a zero grade, plagiarism may result in loss of credit for the course. 

Communication
Communication with parents is a priority of mine. Please feel free to email, phone or send a note if you have any questions or concerns that come up throughout the school year.  Assignments can be found on my website in the Coordinated Science Calendar tab.  

Information Sheet

(Please sign and return this page by Wednesday, September 12th)

        First Name                                                                   Last Name

Student Name (Print Neatly)____________________________________________________

Student ID_______________________	         Science Period: ________

For Mother/Guardian

Mother/Guardian Name (Print) ___________________________________________________

Cell #____________________ Home #___________________

Email (Print Neatly) ____________________________________________________________

For Father/Guardian 

Father/Guardian Name (Print) ______________________________________________

Cell #____________________ Home #____________________

Email (Print Neatly) ____________________________________________________________

Math Class Enrolled in: 
	_____ Geometry
	_____ Algebra
	_____ Regular 8th Grade
	Note: Math skills expected to understand are: proportions, linear relationships and solving equations.

If internet access is a concern, please let me know and I can supply other resources. 

____ We have reliable internet access
____ We have internet access but is sometimes unreliable
____ We do not have internet access 
Other comments: Is there anything you think would be helpful for me to know about your child? 

Lab Safety Contract

Purpose
Science class is fun and involves hands-on laboratory activities.  However, it requires responsible behavior because many labs involve potentially hazardous chemicals and materials if used improperly.  To ensure a safe environment, please read and sign this safety contract BELOW.  Further instructions on lab safety will be provided in class and as necessary.  You and your parent/guardian must read and sign the contract before participating in any lab activities in class.

General Guidelines
1.	Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times.
2.	Read all procedures before beginning an assigned lab activity.  If procedures are unclear, ask before 
      proceeding.
3.	Perform only those experiments authorized by the teacher.
4.	No food, drink, or gum is allowed in a laboratory setting.  DO NOT consume any food or liquid that 
     has not been authorized by the teacher.
5.	Absolutely no horseplay in the laboratory.
6.	Goggles will be worn at all times when chemicals, and or heat are being used.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
7.	Report any accidents (spills, breakage, etc.) or injuries (cuts, burns, etc.) to the teacher immediately, 
      no matter how trivial it seems, and don’t panic.
8.	Observe good housekeeping practices.  Work areas should be cleaned and all equipment should be 
      cleaned and put away when lab is complete.

		                     											

I have read and accept the terms of the “Coordinated Science Letter” sheet 
AND the “Lab Safety Contract” 

  Parent/Guardian Name (PRINT) ___________________________________________

                                     Signature____________________________	Date_________ 

        
                Student Name (PRINT) ___________________________________________
 
                                    Signature___________________________	Date_________