Course Syllabus

2015-2016 7^th Grade Science Syllabus

Bexley Middle School

Ms. Emily Misconish

emily.misconish@bexleyschools.org

(Please use email for contact and expect a response within 24 - 48 hours.)

 

Welcome! I hope you have had a terrific summer and are ready to begin your 7^th grade year. I am looking forward to having each of you in my class as you embark on a new adventure in middle school! This year in science we are going to cover a variety of topics regarding earth and space science, physical science, and life science. A hands-on, inquiry based approach will be utilized throughout the course of the year. We are going to work hard and have a great year!

 

Classroom Expectations – Do your…                                           Classroom Rules - To help us...

Participate, be positive, and be productive.                            Look, listen, and follow directions the first

Ask and answer questions.                                                     time they are given.

Respect others.                                                                      Enter the classroom prepared and ready to learn.

Try your hardest.                                                                    Always use class time for class work.

                                                                                               Respect other.

                                                                                               Never give up.

                                               

Supply List (By Wednesday, August 19^th)

- 1 – 2 inch binder for math use only (can be a section of another larger binder too)

- 5 tab dividers

- Loose-leaf paper

- Sharpened pencils – always at least 2

- Folder than can be placed in binder

- Eraser

- Calculator (TI-30XIIS or TI-503SV) – same calculator needed for math class

 

Discipline Plan

If a student breaks a rule stated above, or needs redirected for being off task, the following consequences will occur*:

1^st offense: Warning

2^nd offense: Warning

3^rd offense: Name in the behavior book

4^th offense: Phone call home (used to discuss ways in which we can work together to ensure student success and avoid future occurrences)

5^th offense: Student/parent/teacher conference

6^th offense: Referral to administration

*Any extreme behaviors will result in immediate referral to the administration.

In addition to these, a team conference may be requested to collectively discuss solutions if necessary.

 

Grade Breakdown and Policy (100% Total Grade)                   Grading Scale

20%    Class work                                                                         A: 92.5% - 100%          A-:89.5% - 92.4%  

20%    Participation                                                                      B+: 86.5% - 89.4%       B: 82.5% - 86.4%     B-: 79.5% - 82.4% 

10%    Homework                                                                        C+: 76.5% - 79.4%       C: 72.5% - 76.4%     C-: 69.5% - 72.4% 

50%    Quizzes/Tests/Projects                                                     D+: 66.5% - 69.4%       D: 62.5% - 66.4%      D-: 59.5% - 62.4%     F: 59.4% - 0%

Homework                                                                                                  

Homework will be assigned throughout the week and typically will not be assigned over the weekend. Homework should not take more than 30 minutes to complete if the student is working diligently and used class time appropriately. Homework may not be made up, unless the student was absent, in which it is his or her responsibility to check the assignment from Canvas and obtain the notes from Ms. Misconish or a friend. Homework will be graded for completion at times and correctness other times, but that will not be indicated when assigned. All work must be shown to get full credit. Homework is essential for student success and if help is needed, the student must reach out to Ms. Misconish during study hall or make arrangements before or after school, before the due date. Each day homework is late, 10% is deducted and after 10 days, the homework will be a 0. Homework after 10 days will not be accepted.

 

Quizzes/Tests/Projects                                                                           

Quizzes will be given periodically throughout the unit. Unit tests will cover the current material, and sometimes previous material. Students will often be given study guides before exams and may stay after for extra help if needed and scheduled in advance. The goal for all assessments is 85% to ensure overall success in the class. If a student earns a low score on a quiz, it is encouraged that he or she retakes the quiz before or after school or during study hall at an arranged time, if all the homework for the unit has been completed. This can only occur when the unit is being studied, not after the unit test has been taken.

 

Grading Policy

All collected assignments will be graded and returned to each student’s hanging folder within one week. Grades will be entered into PowerTeacher throughout the week, but no later than Sunday evening. Please periodically check your student’s grades to stay updated on your child’s progress.

 

Attendance/Make-Up Work/Lost Work

It is the responsibility of the student to get the notes, complete the assignments, and turn them in. Students are allotted 1 day for every day absent to make up work. If help is needed, please arrange a time with Ms. Misconish to be taught the missed material. Students will not be asked for their work and until completed, it will remain a 0 in the grade book. All of these assignments can be found on Canvas. Furthermore, if a student loses an assignment and needs another, they must obtain it from Canvas themselves; late deductions will apply if it is not turned in on time. Missed tests and quizzes will be made up before or after school or during study hall, after arrangements have been made with Ms. Misconish

 

Retake Policy

If a student earns a low score on a quiz or test, they often have the opportunity to retake it. If the opportunity to retake a quiz or a test is available, a parent must first sign the assessment. Furthermore, they must have completed all the homework prior to the assessment. After homework is turned in and a parent signature has been recorded, a retake can be scheduled. Retake opportunities may differ depending on assessment. All of this must be completed within 2 weeks of receiving the graded quiz. 

 

Cell Phone Policy

It is understood that students will have cellphones, however, they will not be permitted for use unless approved by Ms. Misconish. All students will be asked to put their cellphones on their group tables and in the event that a student is using them for education purposes, the activity can be monitored. This ensures all students are engaged in learning and outside distractions are at a minimum. If a student is caught with their cell phone on their person and it goes off, it will be confiscated and sent to the office.

 

Restroom Policy

Students are allowed to use the restroom throughout class, given they sign in and out on the clipboard by the door. This ensures all students are safe and accounted for at all times. If a student is using the restroom 3 or more times in a week, parent contact may be made to arrange for appropriate restroom usage, as to not miss too much class time. Cell phones are not to be taken to the restroom.