PS Chemistry
Mrs. Kotlowski
2016-2017
Regents Chemistry
OVERVIEW:
This is a lab course that has been designed to give a basic understanding of the fundamental principles
and ideas that define the science of chemistry. Chemistry, which is the study of matter and energy and
their interactions, plays a key role today in all fields of science and technology in many diverse areas
ranging from research to the application of new technology in our everyday lives.
GOALS:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Understand principles that define the science of chemistry
Develop and enhance laboratory skills
Enhance general knowledge of the physical world we live in
Develop and enrich general problem solving skills to explain real world problems/applications
Prepare to successfully pass the NYS Regents exam
TEXTBOOK: Chemistry: Matter and Change published by Glencoe
GRADING:
All assessments are assigned a certain number of points so each student’s individual assessment grade is
calculated by dividing the number of points earned by the number of points possible. The course final
average will be the average of all four marking periods and the NY State Chemistry Regents exam.
The assessment percentages for each quarter are as follows:




Tests
Quizzes
Labs
Homework
65%
10%
15%
10%
Tests: announced in advance and given upon completion of each major unit
Quizzes: may or may not be announced in advance; quiz questions may be from class
notes/lessons, textbook readings, assigned labs, and homework
Labs: each student must submit a lab report for every lab; all lab reports will be
graded; passing grade needed to qualify for NY State required lab hours
Homework: will be regularly assigned and may or may not be graded; graded assignments
are checked at the beginning of the class on the due date
Classwork: is not directly graded, but is essential to truly learn/understand the chemistry
content which is reflected in quiz and test grades
REQUIREMENTS:
1. each student should have a separate notebook for chemistry, writing tools and a
scientific calculator to be brought everyday for use in class
2. each student is expected to come to class physically and mentally prepared to work
 this includes arriving one time ready to work
3. each student is expected to complete all labs and prepare a final lab report for all labs
** students that do not complete the required number of lab hours will be barred
from the NYS Chemistry Regents exam **
4. each student should spend time each day reviewing/studying chemistry: this includes (but
is not limited to) reviewing class notes, reviewing powerpoint lessons, completing unit
packet worksheets, solving problems, completing labs, completing textbook reading
 It is always easier to keep up than catch up!
5. each student is responsible for ALL work/labs missed due to absence from class
 work is expected to be made up in the same number of days as the absence from
class; labs are expected to be made up on the assigned make-up dates; any work not
made up will result in a grade of zero
6. each student is expected to ask questions hen they don’t understand something
 I am here to help; weekly extra help after school sessions are available
PARENT CONTACT:
This is accomplished through the usual method of five and ten week progress reports.
Parents will be contacted if students exhibit patterns of chronic lateness, absences, missing
assignments and/or labs. I often contact parents when students are exhibiting great character
traits (some examples: working hard, always prepared, never gives up, encourages/inspires
peers). Look for JJ chem class e-mails which contain any important info (such as
midterm/Regents exam info).
To contact me:

e-mail: [email protected]
o to ensure that your e-mail is opened please put student’s name on subject line

phone: (845) 897-6700 ext. 30039
o answering machine in chemistry office is shared by multiple teachers so please state:
 name of teacher
 name of student
 phone number you can be reached at and best time to call you
The Success of your son or daughter is important to both of us!
I encourage, and look forward to working together to maximize your son’s/daughter’s success in
Regents Chemistry.
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HW credit given to students who return the signature page by Friday September 9, 2016
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Parents & Students: Please fill in AND sign this page, tear off and RETURN.
Keep the syllabus for future reference.
NOTE: A more detailed version of this syllabus can be found on my WCSD website
Thanks! Mrs. K
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By signing this you acknowledge that you have read and agree to abide by the rules stated in the
Regents Chemistry Syllabus for the 2016-2017 school year.
_______________________________________________
Student Name (please print legibly)
________
class period
_______________________________________________
Student Signature
_______________
date
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Parent/Guardian Name
(please print legibly)
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Parent/Guardian Signature
*
Parent e-mail address:
________________
date
[if you wish to receive JJ Chem class e-mails]
(please print LEGIBLY)