Ms.

Helwegs Chemistry Classroom Management Plan

Welcome to chemistry! This year will bring a lot of learning through hands-on labs and applicable
activities. I look forward to an exciting, chemistry-filled year with each of you!
Philosophy:
I believe in student-centered learning where every student has a say in the classroom to help develop a
sense of ownership for their work and their actions. It is my opinion that every student has the ability to
learn and succeed at chemistry. By allowing students to utilize their individual strengths, students can
participate in meaningful collaboration and inquiry-based learning with peers. I believe in fostering an
informal, respectful environment in which students feel comfortable asking questions, expressing
opinions, and discussing with peers. I plan to use modeling to help support student growth throughout
the year, demonstrating proper learning and lab techniques as well as respectful behavior toward
superiors and peers. Students will be expected to put forth a high level of effort and strive for excellence
in every task assigned to them.
Course Description:
This is an inquiry-based, student-centered class focusing on the chemistry of matter, periodic
relationships, and inorganic compounds. We will explore both physical and chemical changes of matter
and how these properties provide us with energy and make life possible. We will also briefly explore
biochemistry and biology models in ways they apply to chemistry concepts. All content that is presented
to the class conforms to the Next Generation Science Standards and Virginia SOLs.
Guidelines:
1. Be respectful and considerate of your instructor and your peers.
2. Be an active participant by using class time productively for chemistry related activities.
3. Be on time to class every day.
4. Bring the necessary materials to be able to participate in class activities.
5. Practice safe lab procedures as outlined in your science safety contract.
6. Phones and other devices should be off unless permitted by the instructor during an activity.
7. All school policies are in effect in the chemistry classroom and lab.
Rewards:
My classroom will be based on positive reinforcement. As a teacher, my role involves shaping students
to be good learners and good citizens. I believe students should be praised and recognized for the good
work they do, both academic and personal. By using verbal encouragement and affirmation, I believe
positive attributes can be amplified.
Consequences:
1. Students must return a signed safety contract before they can participate in any labs.
2. Minor classroom misconduct will be handled in three stages.
a. First, a verbal warning will be given.
b. Next, another verbal warning followed by a conference with the student.
c. Finally, the student will be given detention.
3. Rules outlined in the student handbook will be followed and misbehavior will be dealt with
according to the handbook.
4. Late assignments will be docked 10 points per day and after three days will not be accepted without
proper documentation or conference with the instructor to setup a reasonable due date.

5. Makeup assignments and assessments will not be offered unless discussed with the instructor before
the assignment was originally given if absence was known ahead of time.
6. With any science class, safety is a major concern while working in the lab. Students who misbehave
or who refuse to follow proper safety procedures, will be removed immediately, sent to the office,
and parents/guardians notified. Consequences will follow the guidelines in the student handbook and
the lab grade will be recorded as a 0 in the gradebook.
Attendance:
1. Students without a note from a teacher/school official will be considered tardy after the bell rings.
2. When absent, the student should schedule a make-up day for any assignments, activities, tests, or
quizzes missed.
3. When absent on a day when a test/quiz/project was assigned to be taken or is due, the student is
expected to take the test/quiz and turn in the project the first day they return unless the instructor has
granted an extension.
4. Students who are scheduled to miss class due to a field trip or athletic event are to tell the instructor
as soon as they know of the event and receive the assignments they will miss. All work will be due
upon student return from the trip.
Grading:
A: 90-100

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: Below 60

Homework and class work will be assessed through several methods:

1) spot grades by checking for completion and/or accuracy of certain questions, 2) turning in review
work on days of quizzes/tests, 3) checks where the student may use his work during the check.
Students will be informed at least one day ahead of time if homework will be collected or if there
will be a check. Students may only use their own homework or class work for any assessment.
Labs will be collected and graded for a combination of completion and accuracy.
Students who do not prepare ahead of time for lab will be expected to complete any pre-lab work
before participating in the lab. If the work cannot be completed quickly enough to participate in lab
during class, the student will have to arrange with the instructor an alternate time to complete it.
Tests and quizzes will be given throughout units and will be graded for accuracy.
Projects will be assigned throughout the year and assessed in accordance with the provided rubric.

Cheating policy:
Students are expected to practice academic integrity. Cheating will not be tolerated. The consequences
for such actions will follow the student handbook.
If there are questions or concerns by the student, parent, or guardian at any time during the school year,
please feel free to contact me.
Student: I have read and will adhere to the policies stated in this classroom management plan.
STUDENT SIGNATURE: ____________________________________DATE: _____________
Parent/Guardian: I have read the above policies including the student handbook policies and
understand that my child is expected to adhere to all of the policies within.
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: ___________________________DATE: ____________