Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to 7th grade science! This is my fifth year teaching 7th grade science, and my third year teaching here at Lakeview. Below, I have outlined some of the major details of the class and my expectations for all students. Please take a few minutes to review the information, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns!
I. Science Topics Covered this Year:
Scientific method, cells and cell processes, genetics, evolution, botany, classification, bacteria and viruses, protists and fungi, vertebrates, and invertebrates
II. Textbook
A. Holt Science and Technology: Life Science
B. Students will be issued an older version of our current textbook to take home. This means that they are NOT required to bring their textbook to class each day. Their science text should remain at home in order to aid with homework! A classroom set of new textbooks will be provided for in-class and study hall use.
III. Grading Policy
A student’s grade will consist of:
Tests and quizzes (~ 40%)
Individual and group projects (~ 10%)
Labs and lab reports (~ 20%)
Daily work and homework (~ 20%)
Science binder/notebook (~ 10%)
IV. Assignments
In this class, each student is expected to keep a science binder/folder (for notes and handouts) AND a spiral notebook (for daily bellwork entries). The notebook, combined with class notes, provides a great way for students to study and to do their homework. The notebook will be collected and reviewed at the conclusion of each chapter, and it will be included in the student’s overall grade.
All homework must be completed before entering the classroom. If a student has a question about homework, it must be asked of the teacher before the class period that the assignment is due (before school or during study hall). If an assignment is not complete when the student enters the classroom, it will be considered late.
Each student will receive two “homework passes” per trimester. Each homework pass entitles the student to turn in a late assignment with no penalty. The homework pass must be stapled to the late work and turned in to the homework bin no later than one day after the assignment was due. If any late work is turned in without a homework pass OR is more than one day late, it will receive no credit.
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and make up the work missed when he/she is absent. Do not wait for Mrs. Wagner to approach you about your missing work!All assignments will be posted on the class assignment calendar, Homework Hotline, and the school web site. Students can pick up their make-up work and notes from the “make-up work” folder at the front of the room.
The number of days that a student is absent from this class is the number of days that he/she will have to make up a missed assignment.
Cheating of any kind will result in a score of “0” on that assignment, test, or quiz. On a serious or second offense of cheating, parents/guardians will be notified and further disciplinary action will be taken.
V. Materials Needed for Class
One subject notebook (to be used for science class only)
Three-ring binder OR folder (a binder will probably provide better organization!)
Assignment notebook
VI. Classroom Rules
Be respectful of yourself and others
Listen to and follow instructions
Be on time for class
No bad language (stated or implied)
Come to class prepared
VII. If a student chooses to break a rule, the following actions will be taken…
1. Student will receive a verbal warning.
2. Student will be removed from the classroom.
3. Parents/guardians will be notified.
4. Student will be referred to the office.
*Depending on the severity of the offense, the order of steps is subject to change.
Because lab safety is extremely important, students will be removed from the lab setting if procedures are not followed or in cases of student misconduct. The student will be given a primary warning if problems arise in the lab. On a second offense, the student will be removed from all lab activities for a month. On a third offense, the student will be removed from all lab activities for the rest of the year. Written notification will be sent home to parents/guardians and alternate assignments will be provided for students who have been removed from the lab.
VIII. Contact Information
A. The best way to reach me is via email at swagner@ccsd66.org
B. You can call me before or after school or leave a voice mail message at 630-783-5017
