8/27

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to 7th grade science! This is my seventh year teaching 7th grade science and my fifth year teaching 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, invertebrates, and vertebrates

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. A student’s grade will consist of:
i.Tests and quizzes (~ 40%)
ii.Individual and group projects (~ 10%)
iii.Labs and in-class activities (~ 20%)
iv.Homework (~ 20%)
v.Notebook (bellwork) entries (~ 10%)

IV. Assignments
A.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.

B.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.

C.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 two days after the assignment was due. If any late work is turned in without a homework pass OR is more than two days late, it will receive no credit.

D.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, notes, or handouts from the “make-up work” folder at the front of the room.

V. Materials Needed for Class
A.One subject spiral notebook (to be used for science class only)
B.Three-ring binder OR folder (a binder will probably provide better organization!)
C.Assignment notebook

VI. Classroom Expectations
A.Be respectful of yourself and others
B.Listen to and follow instructions
C.Be in your seat when the bell rings
D.Come to class prepared
E.Work independently on assignments unless otherwise instructed

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 in this class, 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 a problem arises 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 remainder 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.