Policies+&+Expectations*

Mr. Ramalho's AP Environmental Course Expectations and Policies

**__ AP Environmental Science __** Welcome to APES! This course is all about helping you develop an understanding of the natural world. We pay particular attention to interactions and relationships among the components of the natural world and human impacts on them. We use scientific principles, concepts and methodologies to identify and analyze environmental problems, risks developing as a result of these problems, and possible solutions or prevention strategies. After taking this course, you should be equipped to make independent and informed decisions about the consequences of their actions on the environment, both as a citizen and a consumer.


 * __ As a student in my class, I expect you to: __**


 * 1) ** Have A GOOD ATTITUDE ** (respect for everyone else in the classroom & appropriate classroom language and behavior) **EVERY DAY.**
 * 2) ** STAY ON TASK ** for the entire period.
 * 3) **Keep handouts, returned work, and notes in a place you can always find them.** (I never make extra copies, so if you lose something I will not have another one to give you. Also, if you are defending the worth of this class to a college or university who isn't sure they'll give you credit, showing them an organized notebook of all the work you've done over the year is a great way to prove you deserve the credit.)
 * 4) ** Respect the classroom and everything in it. ** This means caring for equipment and always cleaning up.

Students must use electronic devices APPROPRIATELY during class. Inappropriate use of an electronic device will result in the device being confiscated and the student will be assigned a detention.
 * __ I __****__ n-class Cell Phone Policy __**__ : __

Environment, 5th Ed. by Raven & Berg, Harcourt College Publishers, 2006. Please keep your textbook at home to complete homework assignments. We have a set in the classroom for use during class or study hall.
 * __ Textbook: __**

40% tests (one per month, same format as AP exam) 30% labs 30% quizzes, classwork, homework, class participation & behavior
 * __ How your grade is determined: __**

If you stay on task, are fully engaged in what is going on in class, and behave appropriately, I expect you will get your classwork done and earn a good classwork average. Expect me to subtract points from your classwork grade if your participation or behavior is not satisfactory.
 * __ Here's how class participation and behavior works __**__ : __

These assignments are designed for students who remain on-task during class, are responsible enough to regularly complete homework assignments, and are looking for deeper knowledge and a small boost to their grade.
 * __ Extra credit opportunities are sometimes available. __**


 * __ Late work policy: __**

I will accept late assignments only until I have graded the class set of that assignment. 10% of the grade will be deducted for each day late. For graded projects, you will have until 3pm to get it to me after that it is late.


 * __ Makeup labs and tests: __**

If you miss a lab or a test, you are responsible for approaching me to schedule a time to make it up. Makeup tests can only be taken after school, during your lunch, or during study hall (not during our class time). Makeup tests must be taken no more than one week after your return to school. Labs may be made up during our class time only if you have completed and handed in the current day's work and other students are still finishing it.


 * __ Makeup homework and classwork: __**

You are responsible for checking with me or another student to get classwork and homework if you have missed class. Your due date for these assignments is one week after your return to school.