The performance and classroom family success is of primary concern for all involved in the education of the student. Because each student is also part of a family at home which has plans outside the school community, there can be conflicts between the home plans and the classroom plans. We all wish to minimize these conflicts and the consequences of such. When they must occur, I have in place several safety nets to help protect the student: 

1. Tests are scheduled at least 7 days in advance. This, hopefully, will allow families to plan their schedule so each student will be in attendance on that day and will allow for study time the night before the test. Conflicts can occur which are unavoidable ranging from family emergencies to school events, consequently I will alter the lowest test score of the trimester to reflect the average of the other 
test scores in the final grade. 

2. Included in the class participation grade is a bonus of 5 points per week. These bonus points are earned by compling with the terms of the behavior contract. (in class, on time, ready to work, on task) 

3. There may be times when the student will have a lapse in focus and consequently will produce a product that is not consistent with their normal quality of work in this class. Some students are late bloomers and do not begin the class with their usual quality of work.  This can cause a student to become discouraged as they feel they can not bring their grade up to their expectations. When these behaviors happen, I will, again, look at the trends involved in their participation and adjust the grade according to the trend. Parent encouragement of their student throughout the year is absolutely paramount in prodoucing the success we all wish to observe. 

4. The student may do extra credit. This ranges from watching scientific programs on TV to participating in the County Science Fair (see the extra credit section in the yellow folder for other suggestions). Students may earn up to 100 points (approximately 5%) of the grade 
through extra credit. I encourage each student to participate in this 
program. Start early as only 10 points PER WEEK may be earned and it is NOT retroactive to the first week of the trimester! Please remember this is extra credit and it does not automatically raise either the academic or the effort grade.