Mrs. Hernandez - Classroom Expectations
Instructor: Tara Hernandez
Classroom: E12
Planning Period: 1
Contact: 817-282-2551 ext
E-mail: TaraHernandez@hebisd.edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/hebisd.edu/bhs-thernandez/home
Tutorials: Monday and Wednesday 4:05 - 4:35 pm.
IB Physics Expectations are below the Physics expectations.
Classroom Expectations:
All District and L.D. Bell High School Rules will be followed.
1. Talk only at appropriate times using appropriate language.
2. Follow all laboratory rules and procedures.
3. Respect yourselves, teachers/staff, others, and school property at all times.
4. Turn in your assignments on time.
5. Be in your seat and prepared to begin when the bell rings.
6. Be alert at all times.
7. Cell phones or earbuds are not allowed for the duration of the class period.
8. Put a proper heading on all papers.
Name
Period __________
Date
9. Class is dismissed only by the teacher or supervising adult.
10. Have fun learning!
The Laboratory:
The laboratory is a space for focused scientific exploration and must remain a safe environment for all students. Running, jumping, or any form of horseplay is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary consequences.
To maintain a safe lab setting:
No food, drinks, gum, or candy are allowed in the lab.
All laboratory safety procedures must be followed without exception.
Gross misconduct will be addressed seriously to ensure the well-being of everyone.
Dress Code for Lab Days:
Avoid open-toed shoes or heels.
Long hair must be tied back.
Shorts should not be worn; instead, opt for pants and fully closed shoes to create a barrier between your skin and any potential chemical exposure.
Scientific Integrity in Labs:
Lab grades are based on the process of scientific investigation—not the correctness of the outcome. We do not falsify data to achieve better grades. In science, it’s common for hypotheses to be proven incorrect; errors are part of learning and should be honestly recorded and reflected upon.
Cell Phone Policy:
In accordance with House Bill 1481, student use of cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and other personal communication devices are prohibited during the school day. Any parent communications during the school day should go through the front office. Failure to comply with this policy will results in consequences as outlined in the HEB ISD Student Code of Conduct. For more information regarding district policy, please go to this link.
Technology Expectations:
1. Laptops/Chromebook are a privilege and belong to the school district for your use. The right to use the laptops/Chromebook may be taken away at any time.
2. Students are subject to all district technology expectations as per the HEB Code of Conduct.
3. Laptops/Chromebook, as well as the charger, should be brought to class daily.
4. Laptops/Chromebook will be used only with the permission of the teacher or for a specified assignment by the teacher.
Bell Ringer Expectations:
1. Students are to use the restroom before class not during the Bell Ringer.
2. Students should have their materials and be in their seats when the bell rings.
3. Students should refrain from talking, passing notes, doing class work, or any other activity during this time.
4. All students are expected to respond during the 5 minutes of Bell Ringer time.
5. Students are to be in their seats for the duration of the Bell Ringer.
Supplies:
Students are expected to bring the appropriate supplies to class every day.
pen/pencil
folder with pockets and prongs (a 3 ring binder will be acceptable as well)
Scientific Calculator (recommended) - Students are provided basic calculators for use in class, or they may use their own. Students cannot share calculators on an exam or a quiz. (prefer TI-30xIIS, TI graphing calculators are also acceptable)
Loose notebook paper
Seating arrangements:
Students may choose to sit at any of the available student tables. At the end of each class, desks should be cleared of all trash and personal items. Writing on desks or removing school property is strictly prohibited.
Please note that seating arrangements are subject to change at the teacher’s discretion as needed to support a positive and productive classroom environment.
Passes:
The restroom should be used between classes. Students who need to use the restroom during class time miss valuable information. Passes are limited to three per trimester.
Consequences: All consequences are subject to change based upon the severity of the offense.
First offense: Warning
Second offense: Detention and parent will be contacted.
Third offense: Referral to the office.
Attendance and Late to Class:
A minimum attendance rate of 90% is required each semester. Failure to meet this standard may result in loss of course credit. Regular attendance is essential for success in this class, and students are expected to make every effort to avoid absences.
Tardiness will result in disciplinary action to encourage punctuality:
First tardy: 10-minute detention (D-hall)
Second tardy: 20-minute D-hall
If the first D-hall has not been served: 30-minute D-hall
Third and all subsequent tardies: Immediate referral to the office
If you anticipate an absence, please plan ahead and communicate with me directly to avoid falling behind.
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. This course requires a strong commitment to scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
Submitting work—whether partially or entirely—that has been previously used without prior approval from the instructor.
Presenting someone else’s work as your own.
Using material from professional sources without proper citation.
Engaging in any form of cheating on assessments.
Using AI tools to outline, write, generate, solve, or revise any assignment submitted for a grade or for IB credit.
Violations of this policy will result in a zero on the assignment, parent notification, an automatic referral to the office, and may lead to additional consequences, including removal from the National Honor Society or the International Baccalaureate Program.
Tests (2x), Quizzes (1x), Projects (2x), Bellringers (1x) 50%
Daily Grades (1x), Labs (1x -2x), and Homework (1x) 50%
Trimester Grading:
Each Six Weeks 40%
Trimester Exam 20%
Grading Practices:
· Bell Ringers: A grade may be assigned for bellringer activities to ensure students are engaging with the academic start of each lesson. The grade will reflect the percentage of correct responses out of the total possible points. Students who are absent or tardy must complete missed bellringers to earn credit.
· Projects: Graded on various factors such as neatness, effort, content, and peer evaluations when applicable.
· Quizzes: Will cover selected problems and questions from reading assignments, vocabulary, and homework. Quizzes are a valuable tool for tracking progress and reinforcing learning.
· Assignments: Regular assignments throughout the year will be graded based on the number of correct responses relative to the total assigned.
· Labs: Assessed according to the scientific method. Students must provide evidence to support their conclusions.
· Daily Grades: May include activities, worksheets, homework, folder checks, oral assignments, and other relevant tasks.
Extra Credit:
Students can earn 1 extra credit point for each page of the test review that is completed correctly with all work shown. Additionally, select test problems will be marked with a star ★. Students who show correct work for these problems will receive 1 extra credit point per starred question.
Retesting:
Students are allowed to take a comprehensive test at the end of the six weeks that will replace the lowest test grade.
Late Assignments:
Work turned in after the due date will have a 15 point reduction up to 5 days or the unit test--whichever happens first.
Homework Expectations:
Homework is a vital part of the learning process and will be assigned occasionally—most often when classwork is not completed during the scheduled time. These assignments help reinforce key concepts, prepare students for upcoming labs, and provide practice for assessments.
Important Note: Copying answers from classmates or online sources is considered academic dishonesty and will result in appropriate consequences. Students are encouraged to seek help from peers, contact the teacher via email, or attend tutorials when support is needed.
Turning in Classwork:
There are labeled trays; each class has a tray specific to their class. Please place any work to be turned in, in the appropriate tray for grading.
Missed exams, labs and assignments:
Students are given one day per absence to make up any missed assignments and two days to complete missed lab work. All make-up exams must be taken at the next available opportunity following the absence, unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the teacher.
If additional time is needed, students must communicate with the teacher as soon as possible to agree on a new deadline. Failure to turn in make-up work within the allowed timeframe will result in a zero for the assignment.
If you know you will be absent, please notify me directly. When possible, please let me know in advance if you will miss class due to a school activity, as this will help me assist you in keeping up with the work you will be missing.
Classroom Expectations:
All District and L.D. Bell High School Rules will be followed.
1. Talk only at appropriate times using appropriate language.
2. Follow all laboratory rules and procedures.
3. Respect yourselves, teachers/staff, others, and school property at all times.
4. Turn in your assignments on time.
5. Be in your seat and prepared to begin when the bell rings.
6. Be alert at all times.
7. Cell phones or earbuds are not allowed for the duration of the class period.
8. Put a proper heading on all papers.
Name
Period __________
Date
9. Class is dismissed only by the teacher or supervising adult.
10. Have fun learning!
The Laboratory:
The laboratory is a space for focused scientific exploration and must remain a safe environment for all students. Running, jumping, or any form of horseplay is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary consequences.
To maintain a safe lab setting:
No food, drinks, gum, or candy are allowed in the lab.
All laboratory safety procedures must be followed without exception.
Gross misconduct will be addressed seriously to ensure the well-being of everyone.
Dress Code for Lab Days:
Avoid open-toed shoes or heels.
Long hair must be tied back.
Shorts should not be worn; instead, opt for pants and fully closed shoes to create a barrier between your skin and any potential chemical exposure.
Scientific Integrity in Labs:
Lab grades are based on the process of scientific investigation—not the correctness of the outcome. We do not falsify data to achieve better grades. In science, it’s common for hypotheses to be proven incorrect; errors are part of learning and should be honestly recorded and reflected upon.
Cell Phone Policy:
In accordance with House Bill 1481, student use of cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and other personal communication devices are prohibited during the school day. Any parent communications during the school day should go through the front office. Failure to comply with this policy will results in consequences as outlined in the HEB ISD Student Code of Conduct. For more information regarding district policy, please go to this link.
Technology Expectations:
1. Laptops/Chromebook are a privilege and belong to the school district for your use. The right to use the laptops/Chromebook may be taken away at any time.
2. Students are subject to all district technology expectations as per the HEB Code of Conduct.
3. Laptops/Chromebook, as well as the charger, should be brought to class daily.
4. Laptops/Chromebook will be used only with the permission of the teacher or for a specified assignment by the teacher.
Question of the Day Expectations:
1. Students are to use the restroom before class not during the question of the day.
2. Students should have their materials and be in their seats when the bell rings.
3. Students should refrain from talking, passing notes, doing class work, or any other activity during this time.
4. All students are expected to respond to the Question of the Day by the end of the day.
Supplies:
Students are expected to bring the appropriate supplies to class every day.
Textbook as requested
pen/pencil
Scientific Calculator (recommended) - Students are provided basic calculators for use in class, or they may use their own. Students cannot share calculators on an exam or a quiz. (prefer TI graphing calculators for the needs of this class, however it is possible to do the required curriculum using the TI-30xIIS)
Loose notebook paper
Large 3-ring binder
12 dividers
Students will also need to have the following available to them for projects:
Poster board (suggested: at least 2)
Scissors
Glue
Colored pencils/crayons/markers
Construction paper
** Note: While in the classroom, I will provide markers, map pencils, crayons, scissors, glue (while supplies last), and various other materials.
Requested Supplies:
Blue painters tape
Flex Rulers (metric)
Transparent metric rulers
Dry Erase Markers (Expo brand only please the others stain the boards)
red, purple, or green G2 pens or Sharpie gel pens
Post-it notes
9V Batteries
AAA batteries
D batteries
Black pens
Seating arrangements:
Students may choose to sit at any of the available student tables. At the end of each class, desks should be cleared of all trash and personal items. Writing on desks or removing school property is strictly prohibited.
Please note that seating arrangements are subject to change at the teacher’s discretion as needed to support a positive and productive classroom environment.
Passes:
The restroom should be used between classes. Students who need to use the restroom during class time miss valuable information. Passes are limited to three per trimester.
Consequences: All consequences are subject to change based upon the severity of the offense.
First offense: Warning
Second offense: Detention and parent will be contacted.
Third offense: Referral to the office.
Attendance and Late to Class:
A minimum attendance rate of 90% is required each semester. Failure to meet this standard may result in loss of course credit. Regular attendance is essential for success in this class, and students are expected to make every effort to avoid absences.
Tardiness will result in disciplinary action to encourage punctuality:
First tardy: 10-minute detention (D-hall)
Second tardy: 20-minute D-hall
If the first D-hall has not been served: 30-minute D-hall
Third and all subsequent tardies: Immediate referral to the office
If you anticipate an absence, please plan ahead and communicate with me directly to avoid falling behind.
Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. This course requires a strong commitment to scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
Submitting work—whether partially or entirely—that has been previously used without prior approval from the instructor.
Presenting someone else’s work as your own.
Using material from professional sources without proper citation.
Engaging in any form of cheating on assessments.
Using AI tools to outline, write, generate, solve, or revise any assignment submitted for a grade or for IB credit.
Violations of this policy will result in a zero on the assignment, parent notification, an automatic referral to the office, and may lead to additional consequences, including removal from the National Honor Society or the International Baccalaureate Program.
Artificial Intelligence:
Acceptable Use:
To create notes
To generate additional practice problems
To obtain additional information over a topic
To find journal articles or resources that can then be used
Unacceptable Use:
Use on anything that is submitted for a grade
To create materials or answer work that is submitted as one's own
Tests (2x), Quizzes (1x), Projects (2x), Final Internal Assessments (2x), Lab Reports (2x) 60%
Daily Grades (1x), Labs (2x), Rough Draft of Internal Assessment (2x) and Homework (1x) 40%
Trimester Grading:
Each Six Weeks 40%
Trimester Exam 20%
Grading Practices:
· Question of the Day: These daily activities may be graded at random intervals to ensure students are thoughtfully engaging with the academic start to each lesson.
· Projects: Evaluated on multiple factors, including (but not limited to) neatness, effort, content, and group member evaluations.
· Daily Grades: Include class activities, worksheets, homework, folder checks, oral assignments, and other relevant tasks. These will be scored based on the number of correct responses out of the total questions assigned.
· Laboratory Work: Lab grades are based on the scientific process. Students must provide supporting evidence for their conclusions, and every lab must include a full and complete write-up.
· Lab Reports & Internal Assessments: Graded using a provided checklist. Students will also receive exemplars and instructional videos to support their success throughout the process.
· Final Internal Assessment: Evaluated using the official IB rubric.
· Tests & Quizzes: Comprised entirely of IB-style questions and assessed using the appropriate IB markscheme to maintain alignment with program expectations.
Retesting:
A substantial curve is applied to each test to support student success; therefore, retesting is generally not necessary.
However, if the teacher determines that a retest is appropriate, it will be offered to all students outside of regular class time. The retest will cover the same content as the original test but will not be identical in format or questions. The retest score will be averaged with the original test grade.
Alternatively, the teacher may offer in-class test corrections to all students, with the expectation that they be completed either during class or at a designated time outside of class. For each problem corrected appropriately, students will receive half credit back.
Late Assignments:
Category B Assignments:
If not submitted by the due date and time, the assignment will be considered late and may earn a maximum grade of 70 if turned in the following day.
Assignments more than one day late will not be accepted and will be recorded as a zero.
Category A Assignments:
Late submissions will receive a 10-point deduction per day.
Assignments submitted more than 5 days late will receive a zero.
Homework Expectations:
Homework is a vital part of the learning process and will be assigned occasionally—most often when classwork is not completed during the scheduled time. These assignments help reinforce key concepts, prepare students for upcoming labs, and provide practice for assessments.
Important Note: Copying answers from classmates or online sources is considered academic dishonesty and will result in appropriate consequences. Students are encouraged to seek help from peers, contact the teacher via email, or attend tutorials when support is needed.
Turning in Classwork:
There are labeled trays; each class has a tray specific to their class. Please place any work to be turned in, in the appropriate tray for grading.
Missed exams, labs and assignments:
Students are given one day per absence to make up any missed assignments and two days to complete missed lab work. All make-up exams must be taken at the next available opportunity following the absence, unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the teacher.
If additional time is needed, students must communicate with the teacher as soon as possible to agree on a new deadline. Failure to turn in make-up work within the allowed timeframe will result in a zero for the assignment.
If you know you will be absent, please notify me directly. When possible, please let me know in advance if you will miss class due to a school activity, as this will help me assist you in keeping up with the work you will be missing.