Classroom Rules & Procedures


​Class Rule -  Make smart choices!  
Smart Choices include:
  • Doing ALL of your class work on time to the best of your abilities
  • Using class time wisely (from the first minute to the last) 
  • Bringing your materials (pen/pencil, HDSN, charged laptop) every day
  • Participating in class discussions and activities
  • Treating others (and their property) with respect 
  • Put your cell phone in the classroom caddy at the start of each class. (Goes off in class?  Goes to the office!)
  • Don't disrupt class and make it difficult for others to learn or hard for me to teach.  
Not-So-Smart Choices include:
  • Copying answers from another student
  • Looking up answers on a quiz while you are taking it
  • Putting up your materials and waiting for the bell to ring
  • Forgetting your pencil or notebook.
  • Not charging your laptop.
  • Borrowing materials without asking.
  • Calling other students names or talking about them when they are not in the class.  
  • Keeping your cell phone in your pocket or bag.
  • Walking around the room to chat with a friend. 
Class Prompts:                                          

Class-Yes – If I say “Class”, you are to respond with “Yes” and wait quietly for me to continue. If you don't respond well, I will repeat the process until I have your attention.

Hands & Eyes – If I say “Hands & Eyes”, you are to put your hands on the table and look at me (not at your laptops or other materials). 

Got It? - If I ask this question, you should show me a thumbs up, thumbs down, or somewhere in the middle to show me how well you understand a concept or topic.

Grading Procedures

Grading Scale - Grades will be based on the percentages listed below.            
  • 90-100 A         
  • 80-89 B         
  • 70-79 C         
  • 60-69 D         
  • Below 59 F    
NOTE: Grades will be rounded.  For example, 79.5% would be an 80% B-, while 79.4% would be a 79% C.       ​


​How are grades calculated? 
  • Grades are based on total points. 
  • Assignments, quizzes, notes, & tests are worth 100 points each.
  • Homework and notes count as 1 grade, quizzes count as 2 grades, and tests/project grades count as 3 grades.
  • Grades are updated weekly and can be accessed at the Information Now website using the student login information provided on the first day of school. 
How do you earn good grades in science?
  • Attendance - Be here every day so you don't miss what we do in class.  If you are gone, be sure to get your  make-up work!
  • Participation - Participate in class discussions and activities. 
  • Effort - Give good effort on all class work, which includes reviewing for tests and doing corrections when you can.  Try to do your best on every assignment - not just getting it done, but to earn a good score!

Make-up Work: 
  • You will have 2 days for each day you were absent to make up the work assigned while you were gone. 
  • Any work that was due the day you were absent is due when you RETURN TO CLASS. 
  • If you have been absent, you need to check my classroom website and/or the chalkboard to see what you missed.  Extra copies of worksheets can be found in the top bin by the classroom computer. 
    Exception: I will provide copies of quizzes and tests, which must be done in my room during class or study hall.
  • It is YOUR responsibility to get the missed work and make it up in the time allowed.

No Cheating Zone
  • You are expected to do your own work!
  • Cheating will result in all the people involved earning a zero grade on that assignment, quiz, or test and possible referral to the office.   
  • Cheating includes giving or receiving answers, copying answers from the Internet, and/or looking up answers during an online quiz or test.  
  • Remember ... It’s OK to give help or hints, but it is NOT OK to give answers!

Late Work Policy
  • If you forget an assignment at home, leaves it in your locker, or just don’t do it at all, you  will receive a zero for that assignment.
  • You may earn 50% credit on a late assignment if it is completed and turned in by the start of the next day's science class. 
  • During 2nd quarter, each student will be limited to only 3 late "passes" per quarter.  All other late work will be zeros. 


Other Procedures/Policies

Excuse Cards 
  • If you forget to bring your materials (laptop, pen/pencil, notebook, etc.) to my class, you will have to fill out an excuse card as a pass to get your materials.   (Exception:  You may use your pass card to borrow earbuds instead of filling out an excuse card.)
  • During 1st semester, 5 excuse cards will earn you an after-school detention.  During 2nd semester it will only take 3 excuse cards to earn a detention.
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Corrections: 
  • No options for corrections will be available for quizzes and tests as students should be prepared prior to taking the quiz/test. 
  • Corrections may be allowed on homework assignment if sufficient effort has been shown on the first attempt and I feel you deserve another chance to show me what you have learned. 

Pass Procedure 
  • Each student will receive ONE pass card each semester with a total of 10 passes on it.
  • You need to ask Mrs. Tomm for permission to use a pass to visit the office, go to the bathroom, or get a drink BEFORE punching the pass card. 
  • You should  not ask to use a pass during a class activity or while I am teaching UNLESS it is an emergency. 
NOTE: You should only be at your lockers during homeroom, lunch, and after school UNLESS you have permission  from your teacher.

Do you use a textbook for your science classes?
  • I use a variety of activities and resources to help students master the topics presented in class, which includes online articles, EDPuzzle videos, my own textbooks, and in class presentations. 
  • Students will use a Handy Dandy Science Notebook (HDSN), which is my version of an "interactive science notebook" for all science classes.  All class worksheets and activities will be glued into the notebooks along with other information presented and/or discussed in class. 
  • The notebook should have everything needed to prepare for quizzes and tests.
  • The HDSN will be integrated with the 1:1 laptop program we are continuing this year. 

When should you see Mrs. Tomm for EXTRA HELP? You should ask questions during class  when we have time to work on assignments or make arrangements to come in before school, after school, or during RtI/study hall time. You should not wait until an assignment is due to ask for help.

What websites will  I use for your class? 


​What else do you need to know? 
Note:  If the link does not open or the video does not play, make sure you are signed into your school Google account.
Class Challenge
  • Each class will earn POINTS by being GOOD minions, which includes following the rules, giving good effort on all class work, and completing all their work on time.
  • Points will be DEDUCTED for poor behavior, wasting class time, not completing work, etc.  
  • Classes can earn rewards as they reach specific goals, such as candy/gum, free time, snack days, or teacher treat day (brownies!) 

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