High School Chemistry Syllabus

Parents and Students:

Welcome to High School Chemistry at Orange Vista High School (OVHS), which is a college
preparatory course meeting A-G requirements for the physical sciences.
A structured classroom has been developed to maximize learning that fosters success in a safe and
supportive work environment. The expectation is that your child will follow the expected rules and
procedures to ensure their academic achievement and success. I hope we have a great year together!

Course Description:
Our OVHS chemistry department will transition to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
for science standards and Common Core for science literacy standards. Our focus is to deepen students
understanding of key concepts that help them make sense of the physical sciences. The key concepts that
will be taught throughout the school year include: Atoms, Elements, Compounds, Heat and Energy in the
Earth Systems, Combustion, Chemical Reactions, Carbon Dioxide and Climate Change, The Dynamics of
Chemistry.

Learning Activities:
* Interactive Science Notebook * Cooperative Learning * AVID strategies
* Bell work * Writing Strategies/Summaries * Projects
* Teacher Demonstrations * Lab activities with write-ups * Class Discussions

Grading:
There are several components that make up an overall grade. They include the following:
1. A Science Notebook, which includes just about everything that is done in this class (i.e. class work,
homework, labs, activities, quizzes, etc.).
a. Homework will either be assigned or will be the completion of in-class assignments
2. Bellwork is what you do every day when you enter in class and will help you get you thinking about
the days activities as well as review past concepts.
3. Quizzes/Tests
4. Midterm, Final, & Performance Tasks
5. Projects will be assigned throughout the semester.

Grading Policy/Categories
A= 100-90% B=89-80% C=79-70% D= 69-60% F= 59% -50
Category Percentag
e
Classwork/Labs/Projects/Homewor 50
k
Quizzes/Tests 25
Midterm/Final/Performance Tasks 25
Late work will also be accepted for reduced points (a loss of 20% from your assignment score). It is your
responsibility to complete and turn in any missed assignments. Late assignments are accepted up to the
end of each quarter (i.e. midterm, final). Extra credit will be given only after all assignments have been
completed.

Absences: Please ask for missed work ONLY after class, during lunch or after school.

Classroom Behavior Expectations

ALL students should know how to act, and that is maturely.
1. Treat people the way you like to be treatedGolden Rule.
2. No food or drink (water ok)
3. No cell phone use unless authorized by the teacher.
4. Respect people and school & class property.
5. Be responsible.
6. Follow all school rules.

Classroom Sequential Discipline

1. Verbal warning
2. Verbal warning & student conference
3. Teacher assigned consequence, low level referral & parent contact
4. Office Referral & parent contact

Classroom Materials Needed:

* Notebook * Writing Utensils * Highlighters (diff. colors)
* Colored Pencils * Pencil Sharpener * Glue/Tape
* Scientific Calculator

Honors Chemistry:
Please expect an accelerated pace for learning and more rigorous standards.

Thank you in advance for a support and a great year. Please feel free to contact me if you have any
questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
OVHS Chemistry Department
(951) 490-4660

Dara Aniol Jorge Espinosa John Conklin Julia Haeger

daniol@valverde. jjespinosa@valverde jconklin@valverde. jhaeger@valverde.

edu .edu edu edu

x33538 x33531 x33537 x33532

I have read and reviewed the above syllabus with my parent/guardian/student.

I will have the needed supplies. If I have trouble obtaining the needed supplies I will speak the
teacher ASAP.
Cell phones are not to be used during class unless authorized by the teacher.
 Music is not allowed unless authorized by the teacher.

Parent Name:
Parent Signature: ________________________________________________________
Phone #: __________________________
Parent Email:_______________________________________________________________________

Student Name:
Student Signature: ________________________________________________________
Student Email: _____________________________________________________________________