Honors Chemistry Classes

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year.

My name is Lou Polsinelli.  I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology at The University of California. I did my graduate work in Biochemistry at San Diego State University, and taught Chemistry there for two years. Prior to coming to Heights High, I was a Research Associate in Molecular Biology at Case Western Reserve University. In addition to this class, I teach Ungrouped Chemistry here at Heights High.

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While most of the reading material will come from a traditional Chemistry text, some will be taken from magazines, specialty publications, and non-traditional texts. This is the only way to get the most current information published in an area. Usually a study guide (questions to answer) will be given with all reading assignments.

Written work should always be in complete sentences. Spelling and neatness count! I will encourage students to write their essays in 5 sentence paragraph format--one introductory sentence--3 supporting sentences--one conclusion sentence. I frequently hear comments like "This is Science class, not English class.", but the fact remains that proficiency in reading and writing cuts across all subject areas.

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Your student must purchase a 3-ring binder for use exclusively in Chemistry class. That binder will contain all the work he/she does in class this semester, including homework, classwork, class notes, Lab notes/reports, exams, and handouts. The binder will therefore serve as a resource to be used all semester long. The Chemistry Notebook is an organization tool. It serves as a  "portfolio" of the work each student has done over the course of the semester.

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Students will usually have 5 homework assignments each week, Monday night - Friday night. Homework is due at the beginning of class each day. Late homework is accepted up to 2 days past the due date for half credit. 

To view the current homework assignments, click HERE. 

Your student will need a quiet place to complete homework. Radio, TV, and phone disturbances should be kept to a minimum. It is important that he/she have supplies at home, a bookbag/backpack to carry books to & from school, and a scheduled time when homework will be done on a daily basis. Please provide your student with two dictionaries, one for home and one for school.

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Tests are given every three or four weeks. My tests are multiple-choice, calculations, and/or short answer/explanation questions, whatever works best for the material.  I never try to trick students. Tests include vocabulary and cover what was done in class and assigned for homework.  When students study for tests, they should review their homework, class notes, labs, and activities.  They should review the vocabulary terms and reading articles.  Their Chemistry Notebook should contain all the information  needed to study for a test.   

Students should pack a couple of #2 pencils and a good bar eraser (erasers on pencils are junk--do not use them). 

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Most homework and classwork assignments are worth 25 points.  Labwork varies according to the lab. Tests are worth around 250 - 300 points.  It usually works out that test points are about half and homework, classwork, and labwork are about half. I never "curve"; you get what you earn. Generally, if a student completes the homework and participates in class, he/she learns a lot of Chemistry, does well on exams, and earns a nice grade. I have no quotas; everyone can earn an "A" or "B".  

My grading scale is:

Don't be fooled...I will expect lot of effort/work and I don't curve.

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The newsletter is my way of keeping parents up-to-date with what is going on in your student's Chemistry class. It generally will contain information about the class, homework assignments for the next two weeks, and your student's current grade. Your student must review the newsletter with you and bring back the signed tear slip--this is required, and worth 25 points.  Newsletters are handed out every other Monday.    To view the current newsletter, click HERE.

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Chemistry will be your student's first chance to marry concepts with calculations.  This involves thinking on a higher level than he/she has done before.  Working through a word problem that requires a student to first wrestle with the concepts involved, and then apply the correct mathematical formula, requires practice if one wants to do it well.  

Each week, there will be an "extra credit" problem set which the student may do after school during the scheduled "special help" period, from 2:50-3:45.  I will be available to help if the student gets stuck.  Thus, this is an opportunity for a student to become proficient in solving the types of problems required for success, and to boost his/her grade at the same time.  A Win-Win situation!

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The Student Rights and Responsibilities Booklet outlines the rules of the school district.
In my classroom, I expect the 3 R's:

RESPECT-- Respect yourself, your teacher, and the other students.
RESPONSIBILITY--Take responsibility for your own actions and your own education.
RIGHTS--Everyone has the right to a safe classroom where learning can and does occur.

I generally treat students as mature teens and they usually act and behave in a responsible manor. I deal with academic and behavior problems on an individual basis. I will call you if your student has problems in my class.

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Please feel free to contact me whenever you have questions about my class or your student's progress in my class. You can contact me in one of 3 ways:

1. Call me at home at 932-7630. I have voicemail so you can always talk to someone or leave a message.
2. E-mail me <LPolsi@yahoo.com> I check my e-mail several times each day.  When you e-mail, please put your student's name in the subject line -- Due to the increased number of e-mail viruses, I don't even open e-mails from folks whose names I don't recognize. A student name in the subject line will insure that I read the e-mail.
3. Call me at school at 371-7101.  This is the general phone for Cleveland Heights High School. The secretary will leave a message in my mailbox, and I will call you back.

***Note***
The school has a voicemail box for teachers.  I DO NOT use it.  Messages left there WILL NOT REACH ME !!!  I have voicemail on my home number & that is the one I use. (One can only check so many things.)