1. Welcome to Earth Science!
Mr. Ruark
James M. Bennett High School

2. About me… This is my sixth year as an educator.
I have served in Prince George’s County, Md. and in Baltimore.
Enjoy sports, science, history, and being outside.
I’m a Baltimore Orioles and Ravens fan. No boos, please.

3. What will we learn in Earth Science?
We will learn: Period 1: Meteorology Period 2-3: Astronomy Period 3-4: Earth Processes

4. What will students need?
Required materials: Pencils, blue or black pens, a 3- ring binder with notebook paper.
We will be keeping a notebook this year. It is very important that all students keep work in a neat, orderly fashion as described in the Course Overview.

5. What are our rules?
Classroom Rules: These rules, in addition to school rules, ensure a positive experience for all.
1. Sit in your assigned seat and be ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Stay on task.
3. Raise your hand to speak.
4. Ask permission to leave your seat.
5. Respect the belongings, ideas, and efforts of others.
*Cell phones may occasionally be used in class for class for instructional purposes. However, on days that cell phone use is not permitted, all phones must be silent and out of sight. No texting, calls, Facebook use, etc. is permitted.

6. “Are you ABOVE the line?”
This is a poster and reference that I will use as a behavior reminder. Each child will receive a copy and they will be placed on desks as reminders. Essentially, being “Above the line” means doing the right thing.

7. How will students be graded?
Final grades are calculated as:
50% Assessments: Tests, Quizzes, Lab Assignments, Projects and Notebook Checks
30% Classwork: Group tasks, Worksheets, Warm- ups
20% Homework: Assigned frequently.

8. Final Grades are: Grading:
In accordance with county policy (page 14 student handbook), grades are given as:  
A %
B %
C %
D %
E- 0-59%

9. Absences, Late Policy
Students who are absent have 5 days to make up their work. Students are responsible for asking for make-up work. It is easily accessible in the back area.
Longer absence periods- contact me to work out a schedule.
I do not accept late work unless there are extenuating circumstances. I’m very understanding but responsibility is important.

10. Daily Routine: Enter classroom prepared and quietly.
Copy the objective, warm-up and homework immediately.
Review of any homework from previous evening.
Presentation, Readings, Activities
Exit when teacher gives permission to exit. The bell does not dismiss!
Our warm-up screen looks like this…

11. Thought of the Day- Why do we study the Earth?
Mr. Ruark’s Earth Science
Thought of the Day- Why do we study the Earth?
Warm Up: Take out your notebooks. Answer each question with a complete sentence. 1. 2. 3.
Daily Objective(s):
We will discuss behavior and academic expectations for this year.
Day 1
Unit 1: Introduction to Earth Science

12. Contact information:
I maintain a website for homework, additional resources, and announcements. This is to be viewed regularly. It is located at mrruarkearthscience.weebly.com . Check it out!
is best: I respond usually within 24 hours during the week.
For time-sensitive issues, call the school office. I’ll reply promptly. The school number is (410)

13. Parent-Teacher Relationship
Parents and teacher relationships are extremely valuable.
I want your child to succeed. It is my job to educate students and I take that very seriously.
Please contact me first for questions or concerns.
I will call home for a variety of reasons, especially positive ones. Those are the best!
Let’s have a great year together!