HONORS Earth and Environmental Science Syllabus
Mrs. Spurling Check out our class website!
Room 206 704-476-8331 ext. 3501 [Link]
kmspurling@[Link]
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to Earth & Environmental Science! I am excited about this class and hope that you are too. I plan
to make this course as interesting as possible so that we all learn together. It is very important that students and
parents understand that this Earth and Environmental Science course is a requirement for graduation from high
school in North Carolina, and includes a state Final Exam test which counts as 20% of the student’s final grade.
Students who do not earn a passing grade for this class will not receive the Earth/Environmental Science credit.
What will we be learning? NC Essential Standards for Earth/Environmental Science:
★ EEn.1.1: Explain the Earth’s role as a body in space.
★ EEn.2.1: Explain how processes and forces affect the lithosphere.
★ EEn.2.2: Understand how human influences impact the lithosphere.
★ EEn.2.3: Explain the structure and processes within the hydrosphere.
★ EEn.2.4: Evaluate how humans use water.
★ EEn.2.5: Understand the structure of and processes within our atmosphere.
★ EEn.2.6: Analyze patterns of global climate change over time.
★ EEn.2.7: Explain how the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere individually and collectively affect the
biosphere.
★ EEn.2.8: Evaluate human behaviors in terms of how likely they are to ensure the ability to live sustainably on
Earth..
Tentative Unit Test Schedule
Unit Test Date Unit Test Date
Unit 1: Astronomy Unit 5: Hydrology
Unit 2: Physical Geology Unit 6: Meteorology
Unit 3: Plate Tectonics Unit 7: Climate
Unit 4: Environmental Geology Unit 8: Ecology
MIDTERM ASSESSMENT
What supplies will help me to be prepared for class?
Required Materials: Recommended Materials:
- One 2” hard-back binder with 10 tab dividers - ‘Pencil Pouch’ for carrying writing utensils,
- Notebook paper, pens/pencils Erasers, Markers, Highlighters
- Index Cards with case, Weekly Planner
How am I graded for my work?
9 Weeks Grades: Final Grade Grading Scale
st
Grades are calculated by a percentage ● 80% of final grade is the average of 1 A = 90-100
and divided into categories of and 2nd 9-weeks grades (Semester Long) B = 80-89
Classwork/Homework (25%), ● 20% NC Final Exam C = 70-79
D = 60-69
Labs/Projects (10%), Quizzes (25%), and
F = <60
Tests (40%).
How am I expected to act at school and in the classroom?
1. Respect yourself, fellow students, and teachers by following directions and keeping your hands/feet to yourself.
2. Raise your hand before speaking or leaving your seat.
3. Respect all classroom furnishings, supplies, and equipment.
4. Abide by all school rules and policies.
5. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom during LABS or when electronic devices (Chromebooks) are in use!
Otherwise, drinks must have a screw-on lid.
6. Keep all cell phones, headphones, and other electronic devices t urned OFF a
nd put AWAY. It is my personal policy
that headphones be removed upon entering the classroom.
Positive Consequences: Negative Consequences:
● More time at the end of class to work on assignments or ● Verbal Warning
to take a break ● Relocation/separation within classroom
● More opportunities for hands-on and experiential ● Chill Out/Detention
learning (fun labs), as well as fun activities, ● Referral to Office Administrators
demonstrations, and games ● Other appropriate disciplinary action as
● Other appropriate rewards as determined by the teacher determined by the teacher
*Note: T
he above consequences will be enacted according to guidelines of the CHS school-wide PBIS Policy.
Restroom Policy
Students are allowed 6 restroom “passes” or sign-outs throughout the ENTIRE SEMESTER. Rather
than physical passes, I keep a sign-out sheet on which students record the date and time of their exit. Once
you have used your 6 restroom sign-outs, N O EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE! This means you must use your
sign-outs sparingly and only at times of n ecessity or e
mergencies. Students with documentation of health
issues that may conflict with this policy will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
When you arrive for class…
Students are expected to be in their seats with materials ready to begin class when the bell rings. (That
means sharpening pencils, going to the water fountain, getting paper, etc. should all be done BEFORE the
tardy bell rings!) If a student arrives to class after the tardy bell rings, he/she will report to Mr. Pettus in “Chill
Out” to obtain a pass to class. In such case, students are marked tardy and will be assigned lunch detention.
What happens when I am absent from class?
Per Crest High School attendance policy, students are allowed 6 unexcused absences per class, per
semester. If the student accrues more than 6 unexcused absences, he/she may receive a failing grade for the
lease remember that 3 tardies and/or early releases equate to 1 absence. It is the student’s
course. P
responsibility to obtain from the teacher any work that was missed due to absence.
Handouts of class materials from the day(s) missed may be found in the class’ Absent Folders located at
the back of my classroom. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO RETRIEVE MISSED MATERIALS FROM
THESE FOLDERS! I will place missed work with the student’s name on it in the folders but will NOT distribute
the work to students upon their return after an absence. Failing to retrieve materials from the folders will not
be an excuse for incomplete work or unpreparedness for a quiz.
Late Work
Work is expected to be turned in on time. Late submissions are subject to 10% deductions per day late,
with the exception of work that is late due to excused absences. Missed work should be made up ASAP;
tests/quizzes should be made up within 5 school days. If a test or quiz is missed due to an absence, it is the
student’s responsibility to contact me about scheduling a day to make it up. T o preserve test credibility, tests
which contain short answer questions may contain different short answer questions on the makeup test.
*Parents, please understand that until the assignment is submitted and graded, the score in PowerSchool may
show a 0% regardless of the reason for the absence. I will adjust the grade on the late work as soon as I have it
graded.
My Schedule
1st - Biology *Tutorials are scheduled on Wednesdays and Friday during
2nd -Biology Charger Corral, but I am flexible and regularly open up my
3rd - Planning (12:07-1:31) classroom on other days as well, when possible.
4th - Honors Earth & Environmental Science
These cell phone/mobile device and dress code policies will be enforced both inside
and out of the classroom according to CHS and CCS policies.
NO EXCEPTIONS WHATSOEVER!
CCS Student Code of Conduct can be found at
[Link]
PARENTS…
Please discuss these rules of device usage and dress code with your child(ren) to ensure that they
understand the expectations and consequences of each offense. In terms of devices, unauthorized use
of cell phones in the classroom is not only disrespectful but also poses a distraction to learning of ALL
students. Furthermore, research continues to show the negative impacts that overuse of cell phones,
tablets, and other devices can have on student learning, memory, and the development of their brains.
If you have not already done so, I implore you to conduct your own research on effects that your child’s
devices are having on their brain development and cognition.
Lastly, PARENTS/GUARDIANS who need to contact their child during school hours should
do so by calling the front office (704-476-8331), as dictated by school-wide policy.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THIS SYLLABUS!
Let’s have a great school year!
Parental involvement is strongly encouraged at Crest High School. Please feel free to come by or
contact me with any suggestions/concerns that your might have. I can be reached any weekday at
Crest High School by calling 704-476-8331x3501 from 12:07pm – 1:31pm. I can also be reached after
school until about 3:30pm. Email is my best means of contact, so you may also email me at
kmspurling@[Link]
It is my goal to provide each student with the opportunity to learn in a relaxed, safe, and orderly
environment. It is my expectation that students put forth their best effort and conduct themselves
with honor and dignity. Parents, your child(ren) need your support in their academic performance.
Please be involved and help them to keep up with their assignments and do not hesitate to contact
me with any concerns regarding your child. Let’s have a great semester!
Parents and student please sign the following page and return to Mrs. Spurling. Thank you.
PRINT ___________________________________________________________
(Student Name)
I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the rules and expectations of Mrs.
Spurling’s Class.
Parent Signature:____________________________________________________
Parent Email Address:________________________________________________
Best Contact Number:______________________________________
Student Signature:__________________________________________________
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