Policies and Procedures

Sickness:​

• Class will be over Zoom if the mentor is sick

• If a student is sick they may join over Zoom, or the class will be recorded for later viewing

• Students should stay home if they have had a fever in the last 24 hours

• Students may choose whether to wear a mask in class.  It is suggested that you wear a mask if you have a cough.

• CDC and State of Oregon guidelines will be followed

Vacations:​

• As a homeschooler I recognize that family time is important.  For middle school and high school-level classes however, weekly work will still need to be completed, as each week builds on previous concepts.  Let me know in advance if you will be away and normally attend an in person class.  Students are able to watch live over Zoom or watch the class recordings. Other personalized plans can be arranged if necessary in order for students to complete the work missed while they are away. These options allow students to enjoy their vacation and still understand the concepts studied in class while they are gone and be prepared for when they return. 

Credit

• Discover Science with Sarah is not accredited

• A mentor-signed portfolio page for each student will be given at the end of the school year which will contain:

  • class description

  • list of concepts studied

  • list of work completed

  • list of books read

  • list of labs performed 

• For high school it is recommended that you keep an exam, or other written work, as evidence of work completed.  As a general rule, it is best for college-bound students to check with the college(s) of interest and learn the homeschool policies in order to prepare what is required.

• A Certificate of Completion will be given to students who have completed all required work

• A Certificate of Participation will be given to students who do not complete all of the required work

High School Policies​

• Grades are only given in high-school classes upon request.  While grades are often seen as a measure of how much a student knows, I believe that a willingness to learn, a questioning mind, and a determination to understand concepts are a vital part of overall science understanding and growth that are not easily measured by typical grading standards.  As such, grades are only offered upon request. A rubric for grading would be as follows:

  • Class Participation: 40%​​

  • Class Presentations: 20%

  • Class Preparation (required reading/problems): 20%

  • Exams: 20% (high school courses will have exams twice a year.  All students will have the opportunity to earn half their points back on a re-do)

• One presentation will be done via presentation slides, and one presentation will be done via tri-fold poster board​

Parental Concerns​

• If parents have any concerns about their child, please communicate with me, so I can be aware and help as needed.  I hope we can work together to give your child a positive experience with science.  

Personalized Education​

• Students will be expected to understand basic science concepts, and will be encouraged and supported in finding areas of science that interest them personally.

• If a student is struggling in class with reading/homework/ etc., let's discuss their needs, and find a path forward for them to feel successful in their science learning.

Course Trial

• If a science class does not appear to be a good fit for your child, you have until September 31st to request a withdrawal and receive a refund for any Class Fees that have been paid. Lab Fees are non-refundable as lab supplies are purchased in bulk and in advance before the first day of class.