Dr. V. Tandon’s SyllabusTable of contents

1. Absences………………………..…………………………………………..………………….Page 52. Academic integrity…………………………………………………………………………. Page 6 3. Accountability sheet……………………………………………………………………… Page 154. Chemistry-How do we define it……………………………………………………. Page 15. Course description………………………………………………………………………. Page 26. Course outline…………………………………………………………………………….. Page 67. Class expectations………………………………………………………………………. Page 28. Classroom management…………………………………………………………….. Page 39. Detentions…………………………………………………………………………………… Page 310. Edmodo……………………………………………………………………………………… Page 111. Electronic usage in class……………………………………………………………. Page 612. Google instructions……………………………………………………………………. Page 313. Grade calculations……………………………………………………………………… Page 414. Homework policy……………………………………………………………………… Page 5 and 915. Laboratory rules and lab write up……………………………………………… Page 7 16. Make-up/late work………………………………………………………………….. Page 517. Materials needed…………………………………………………………………….. Page 418. Newsletter………………………………………………………………………………. Page 819. Note on PAP Chemistry………………………………………………………….. Page 220. On-line class communication…………………………………………………… Page 621. Parent conference tomes…………………………………………………………. Page 122. Remind 101……………………………………………………………………………… Page 223. Succeeding in PAP Chemistry…………………………………………………… Page 524. Tardy policy……………………………………………………………………………. Page 525. Teacher’s phone number………………………………………………………… Page 126. Teacher’s email………………………………………………………………………. Page 127. Textbook on line……………………………………………………………………. Page 328. Tutorials………………………………………………………………………………… Page 129. Tell me about you form…………………………………………………………. Page 11-1330. Tell me in a million words or less form…………………………………… Page 1431. Type of learner form………………………………………………………………. Page 12-1332. Volunteer form………………………………………………………………………. Page 10

IMPORTANT NOTES

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Manvel High School

Pre-AP ChemistryCourse Syllabus 2016-2017

Teacher: Dr. Vanita TandonParent Conference times: Monday-Thursday from: 10:15 to 11 AM.

Tutorials: Mondays: 2:50 to 4:50 and Thursdays 2:50 to 3:20 PM and by appointment.

Tutoring: Tutoring times for the science department will be available. I encourage all students to take advantage of tutoring, especially if they are having difficulty in class. My tutorial times are Wednesday before school, Thursday after school and by appointment. There are other chemistry teachers who offer tutorials at different times if you cannot make my tutorial times.

School Phone: 281-245-4364

Email: vtandon@alvinisd.net

Edmodo website: www.edmodo.com

Edmodo has a free app for tablets and smart phones that is recommended for easy access to announcements, files, agendas, and assignments.

Chemistry:On the simplest level, we say that chemistry is “the study of matter and the transformations it undergoes.” On a more intellectual level, we realize that chemistry can explain (or try to explain) such things as the myriad chemical reactions in the living cell, the transmission of energy by superconductors, the working of transistors, and even how the oven and drain cleaners we use in our home function;.

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The study of chemistry is required for students in many other fields because it is a major unifying force among their other subjects. Chemistry is the study of matter itself. In other disciplines, particular aspects of matter or its applications are studied, but the basis for such study rests in a firm foundation in chemistry.

Course Description: In Pre-AP Chemistry, students conduct lab investigations and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students will investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. This Pre-AP course is designed to be rigorous and intellectually challenging.

A Note Concerning Pre-AP Chemistry

Many students find Pre-AP Chemistry to be a challenging class. We move quickly and cover a large number of topics. Chemistry Pre-AP is a math based science class. The math needed is an extension of Algebra I; however, some of the math concepts are from Algebra II. Students who did not master algebra should be prepared to come to tutorials weekly and spend extra time outside of class improving their math skills.

Classroom Expectations to ensure SUCCESS

Come prepared with tablet, notebook, and completed homework.

Heed procedures—start/end class per teacher; tardy slip and sign-in; make up work when absent.

Everyone participates. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow.

Make good choices

Involve in all class activities.

Safety first.

Treat classroom and lab materials with great care.

Read and follow all instructions.

Your opinion counts, give feedback

REMIND 101

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Dear Students we will use remind 101 to send messages. Please do the following to join. To : 81010 Message @drvtand Send

Google Instructions for Students:

1) Go to www.google.com2) Click Sign in button at top right of page3) Enter your school gmail address (ID#@students.alvinisd.net)4) Password is: firstinitiallastinitial4digityearofbirth00 (ex: jc199400)

The Google options you have access to be in the black bar across the top of the page. Drive is your Google Docs. If a document has been shared with you, it will be in your Google Drive under Shared.

Classroom Management:

While in class you should have respect for yourself, the other students, classroom materials/equipment, and myself. All students are expected to participate in the planned activities during class time.

Detentions: Lunch detention or after-school detentions are assigned for inappropriate behavior. Students are supposed to do the assigned work during detention. Failure to follow instructions during detention will result in parent contact or referrals. For each classroom infraction (especially violations of the safety contract) up to 10 points will be deducted from your grade. Other suitable punishments or removal from class may be assigned. Repeat problems will result in a parent/teacher conference.

Please ask questions! However, it would be appreciated if you do NOT ask these:

1. Did I miss anything important when I was gone?2. If I turn this in, will it raise my grade?3. Is there anything I can do for extra credit?4. Do I need to know this for the test?

Textbook: Required Textbook: Texas Chemistry Matter and Change 2015 ISBN 978-0-07-896417-6

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We will have a class set of textbooks. Below is the online access code to access the book from home.Online textbook: www.connected.mcgraw-hill.com Student Login:The student’s logins are: aisdxxxxxx (xxxxxx = student ID). Their password is there initials and year of birth: chxxxx (4 digit).

Materials Needed:

1. Composition notebook—Very often I will post warm-ups on the board and we will do classwork, having your composition note book with you will make discussions and activities much more understandable.

2. Lab Book—there will be extensive lab work throughout the course and these activities must be done in the lab book if they are to be graded.

3. Calculator—Students will need a “non-graphing” scientific calculator in class daily and during tests. Graphing calculators, tablets and laptops are not acceptable for obvious reasons.

4. Three ring binder—throughout the school year you will be given many handouts. You will find it very helpful to keep a notebook for studying/organization.

5. Red pen, Blue or black pen and a few pencils with erasers.

Grade Calculation:Tests 40%: There will be three to four major tests per nine weeks. All tests must be completed during the allotted class time. Students should be prepared to take the test on the assigned day even if they were absent the day before. If you are absent on test day you will take the test the next day during class. Students are only allowed to retest once per semester according to the pre AP contract.

Labs 40%: Lab grades are based on completion of pre-lab assessments, participation during lab, adherence to safety regulations, housekeeping, and the written assignment. Pre-labs should be done prior to coming to class. This will help ensure the safety of all who will be working in the lab. Any students with long hair should ALWAYS keep a tie in their backpacks for lab days/activities.

Failure to comply with behavior expectations can result in removal from the lab activities and a zero for a lab grade. A safety contract must be signed by the student as well as the parent/guardian. These documents will be kept on file and are needed before a student can participate in any lab. There will be a zero tolerance policy concerning poor behavior during labs. Student safety is the number one priority.

Daily Grades 20%: This includes homework, quizzes, and class participation. Class participation is vital for success in chemistry and will affect test grades.

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Homework: Homework will be due at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated. Late assignments will be accepted for the first nine weeks only per the pre AP contract. Students will lose 20 points per day. Absences such as field trips, dentist appointments, ISR, OSS, etc. where the student is aware that they will miss class ahead of time, must see me for details prior to the event. Failure to do so will result in an automatic zero for the assignment. Unexcused absences from class will automatically result in a deduction from the nine weeks grade. Students should plan to spend approximately 20-30 minutes per night reading, reviewing and completing homework problems from their Chemistry textbook, notes and packets given by the teacher or other resources to reinforce understanding of science concepts and vocabulary. Complete all assignments daily to avoid falling behind. Homework time should be free from non-educational activities, duties or other distractions.

Tardy/: Pass Policy: Tardy includes: in the doorway, on your way to your seat, and running down the hallway. You must be in your seat and ready to work (paper, pencil, homework on

your desk, bell ringer activity started) when the bell rings. You will be allowed to use 5 passes per nine weeks if you need to leave class for any reason. This includes trips to the restroom or back to another class to retrieve a lost item for example. Passes will be subtracted for excessive tardies. Any unused passes will give the student 5 bonus points on a test or 10 bonus points in the quiz at the end of the nine weeks. So any student can earn up to 25 bonus points by showing up to class on time and staying in class. After you use your five passes, you will not be allowed to leave class. Also if you share your birthday with me I will give you some passes as your birthday gift.Absences: It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed. If an assignment was due and you were absent, then it is due the first day you return to school. If you are absent on test day you will take the test on your first day back in class.

Makeup and Late Work:

If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get all work that was missed. For each day you are absent, you have one day to make up the work.

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If you miss a test, then you need to make it up at an approved time within one week. If you know you will be absent, arrange to get the upcoming work before you leave. District policy on late work: one day late is 85 grade, 2 days late is 70%, 3 days late is

no credit.

Succeeding in Pre AP Chemistry: I want each student of mine to do well. The best advice I can give you is to spend some time on chemistry most nights. The topics in chemistry build on one another. After we cover a topic, you will be expected to know that topic for the rest of the year. 20-25% of each test will be over material covered in previous units. The course will get very difficult if you do not learn each topic well. So try not to fall behind and review your notes often as opposed to cramming for a test. You want to get these concepts into your long term memory and that will not happen if you only study right before the tests.

Electronic Usage in Class: Please note that any electronic usage during class must be approved both verbally and in writing by the teacher prior to usage of tablets, laptops, cell phones, mp3 players or any other device that uses electricity or batteries. Students who have any electronic device in view of themselves or other during an unapproved time will have the device taken away. In addition, if a cell phone is in view of students, makes a noise, or causes disruption to the learning environment, that device will be confiscated and delivered to the office for parents to retired after paying the $15 fee according to district policy. No exceptions will be made.

Online Class Communication: This course uses a website called Edmodo. All announcements, assignments, reminders, and other electronic communication (other than emails) will be done through the Edmodo site. Students are required to set up an account on Edmodo to access these documents and communication. A tutorial will be done during class to assist in this account setup.

Academic Integrity: Please review the complete Honor Code and Academic Integrity Policy. As a result of clear and compelling evidence of a student’s cheating on a major assignment:

1. A student shall receive a “0” for the school work, and is subject to a “U” in conduct and disciplinary action (including ineligibility for the next contest/game).

2. There will be no retakes for students who cheat.3. Students who are enrolled in advanced academic course (Pre-AP/AP) could be removed

from the advanced academic course and placed in the next lower level class.4. A student is not eligible for any final exam exemption.5. A documented finding of academic dishonesty shall be reported on the student’s college

application.6. Students in violation of the Honor Code shall be immediately removed from the

National Honor Society and any other Honor Society that is an organized school event.

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Course Outline/Topics

Fall Semester:

Lab Safety Scientific Method Matter and Its Properties Measurement and Math for Science Atomic Structure and Isotopes Electrons and the Electromagnetic

Spectrum Periodic Table and Its Trends Introduction to Chemical Bonding

Spring Semester:

Chemical Bonding and VSEPR Chemical Nomenclature Chemical Reactions Stoichiometry Gas Laws Solutions and Solubility Acids, Bases and pH Electrochemistry and Oxidation # Thermal Chemistry and Energy Nuclear Chemistry

LABORATORY: Our labs are conducted in the SJC college laboratory. See the lab safety contract for details. Students not wearing close-toed shoes or dressed improperly will NOT be allowed to participate in the lab and may receive a zero for that lab grade.

Make up labs cover the same material, but will not be identical since labs take hours to prepare. Make every effort to attend all labs on regularly scheduled days.

Laboratory

1. In the lab, students should work in pairs or groups of three unless otherwise asked.2. Based upon the nature of a given laboratory assignment, the amount of time needed to

complete it will vary. Please pay close attention at the beginning of each lab, as its due date will be announced. Be careful with your time. Many of the labs are to be completed and written up in a single class period.

3. Most labs are worth 100 points. Labs handed in late will have twenty points (or 20%) deducted for each date late. Please do not be foolish; labs make up a substantial part of your grade. Please hand them in.

4. Labs are designed with safety in mind, but students will be working with hazardous materials and expensive equipment. I expect that all safety precautions be followed at all times. Incorrect lab procedures, unsafe behavior, or disruption of others in the lab is completely unacceptable and may result in removal from the lab and a reduction in grade.

5. Labs should be presented in the following form:

a. LABORATORY TITLE

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b. INTRODUCTION: This is where the purpose of the lab is explained; what do you intend to accomplish when the lab is completed?

c. MATERIALS: This is equipment used in the experiment.d. DATA: Any information collected in a laboratory exercise is to be presented in an

organized chart or table that is constructed using a straightedge.e. ANALYSIS: Here data is analyzed in the form of questions, graphs, or

calculations. Tables and charts are to always have the following: Title, and an appropriate axis including proper scale and labels. Graphs should be a minimum of a third of a page in size.

f. CONCLUSION: This is the most important part of the lab. Summarize all of the major points that you have learned or particular skills you were able to enhance. Also feel free to tell me if you liked the lab or if you think there might be a better way of doing it.

6. Cleanliness in the laboratory is important for several obvious reasons. Therefore, individuals or groups not taking responsibility for cleaning up their area and/or sink will have their lab score deducted. This deduction increases with each additional infraction.

7. If you are absent during a lab or know that you will be absent, you may still be required to write it up. Whenever you have missed a lab or know that you will miss a lab, always see me for details. Failure to do so will result in an automatic zero for the assignment or lab exercise.

NEWSLETTER: A biweekly newsletter with assignments, quiz, lab and test dates in the following format will be posted on my website or Edmodo every two weeks. Please pay close attention to deadlines and due dates.

DR. TANDON’S NEWSLETTER

Week of: The reminders, assignments, and important dates written below, along with anything else I assign during the week will be due on the date specified. Use this newsletter as a way to keep track of your assignments in my class. Feel free to write in extra work assigned, or important things you wish to study each night.

MONDAY, / /16TUESDAY, / /16WEDNESDAY, / /16THURSDAY, / /16FRIDAY, / /16

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My tutoring days are Tuesday and Wednesday before school and Thursday after school. See you in class!-Dr. Tandon: Email- vtandon@alvinisd.net, Phone- (281) 245-5176

Homework PolicyDear Parents/Guardians,

Why I Assign Homework: I believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility and helps students develop positive study habits.

When I Assign Homework: Homework will be assigned Monday through Friday nights. Assignments should take students no more than 20 minutes to complete each night. This does not include studying for tests, I will give student’s approximately one week’s notice to study for all tests.

Student’s Homework Responsibilities: I expect students to do their best job on their homework. I expect homework to be neat, not sloppy. I expect students to do the work on their own and only ask for help after they have given it their best effort. I expect that all assignments be turned in on time.

Teacher: Because I strongly believe in the value positive support plays in motivating children to develop good study habits, I will give students encouragement, and offer helpful feedback when they do their homework.

Parent/Guardian: Parents/Guardians play an important role in making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that parents/guardians make homework a top priority, provide necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment, set a daily schedule/time for homework, provide praise and support, not let children avoid homework, and contact me if they notice a problem.

If Students Do Not Complete Homework: If students forget their homework or choose not to do their homework I will talk to them to make sure they understand the assignment. The students who did not complete their homework will have to complete the missing assignment on

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their own time. If the problem persists, I will contact the parents/guardians to discuss possible solutions.

Edmodo: Homework assignments will be posted on Edmodo under two week agenda. A parent/guardian should sign up for Edmodo and Remind 101 to get notification of homework assignments, test and quizzes. Your involvement can make a difference and can affect your child’s academic performance.

Please read and discuss this homework policy with your child. Then sign the accountability sheet and return in to me.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING MY VOLUNTEER FOR EXTRA CREDIT POINTS PLEASE FILL THE FORM BELOW AND RETURN TO ME

V.I.P. Classroom Volunteers! (Very Important People Classroom Volunteers)

Volunteer Name:

Home Phone: Work/Cell Phone:

Email:

Day(s) available to volunteer: (Circle all that apply.)Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Times available to volunteer:Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Clerical Work

Make classroom materials.

Assist with bulletin boards and displaying student work in the halls or classroom.

Other (things not yet thought of )

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Classroom Assistance.

Work with individuals or small groups (circle which applies) – Weekly or monthly

Is there a subject(s) area in which you feel most comfortable? If so please list it.

________________________________

Thank you for your dedication to our classroom. In order to get settled into the new school year and work out any possible kinks in the schedule, most volunteering will not begin until the beginning of October.

Name:

My All Time Favorites

Book: Movie:TV Show: Color:

Actor/Actress: Animal:Beverage: Day of the

Week:Food: Game:

Holiday: Place to Visit:Restaurant: Song:

Singer/Band: Sport:Subject in

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Tell Me About You

Welcome to my class! Getting to know you is important to me, and your answers to this survey will help. Your responses will be kept private, so please be honest. If you need more room to answer, you may use

School:

Some of the things that bug me are ______________________________________________________

I worry about _______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________.

Some of my good friends at school are _________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________.

School would be better if ______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________.This is what a teacher did last year that I really liked ______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________. This is what a teacher did last year that bothered or upset me ______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________.

One goal I’d like to accomplish this year _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________.

If I could learn one thing this year it would be __________________________________________________

I am a Visual, auditory or Kinthestic learner_____________________________________

I have the following intelligence(Pick what applies to you) Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”) Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations).  This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef.  It is also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup, and the like.  2. Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”) Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone.  This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners.  Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves.  They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.  3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart) Logical-mathematical intelligence is the

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ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations.  It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns.  Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives.  Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships.  They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments. 4. Existential Intelligence Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here. 5. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart”) Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others.  It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives.  Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives. 6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”) Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills.  This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence. 7. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart) Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings.  Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language.  Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles. 8. Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart”) Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life.  Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition.  It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers.  These young adults may be shy.  They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated. 9. Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”) Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions.  Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination.  Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming.

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In A Million Words or Less…

Welcome PAP Chemistry parents! You can help me by providing any information in a million words or less that will aid me in better understanding your child. Some things I am interested in include the following:

Important experiences that may be affecting your child’s state of mind (i.e. death in the family, a best friend moving away, loss of a pet, etc.)

Special medical needs Study habits at home Television viewing habits After-school activities and special interests Feelings toward school Conflicts among family members

Although I am interested in anything that could be affecting your child, it is not necessary for you to reveal personal information. Please know that anything you do say will be kept in the strictest confidence. You may use the remaining part of this paper (and the back too if needed ) to tell me about your child. Please have your child return thisto me. Thank you.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pre-AP Chemistry Class Name:_________________ Period:_________

Accountability Sheet

Go to my website, fill the following forms and submit. Bring this sign-in sheet back to class latest by Friday for a HW grades, this will make you earn 100 points towards your daily grades.

______ I submitted the safety contract on line.

______ I submitted the Pre-AP contract on line

______ I read the syllabus and brought the sign-in sheet back.

______I have read this homework policy and have discussed it with my parents.

Parent’s Signature Student’s Signature

__________________ ___________________ _________________ Student’s Signatures Parent’s Signatures Phone # and Email ID

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