ÒõAPPµ¼º½

All the information you need about my class is provided below, including recommended supplies

I am looking forward to working with students and communicating with parents and guardians. In 7^th-grade science, we learn about the atoms, molecules, matter, ecosystems, earth science, and many other interesting topics. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. I will be working closely with students to make sure that we have a good learning experience.

Class Expectations:

1. Be in class every day
2. Be in your seats when the bell rings with your materials ready to go
3. Bring binder, paper, pens, and pencils every day (see me if that’s a problem)
4. Be respectful to the teacher, your fellow classmates, and school property
5. No Food, Drink, or Gum in Class. You may have a bottle of plain water only.

Materials: (please see me or call me if this is a problem)

1. Three-ring binder with separate divider or a folder for science class
2. College-ruled filler paper (lined notebook paper)
3. Pencils with erasers every day
4. Black or blue pens every day
5. Colored pencils, pens, or crayons at home for finishing classwork

Science Journal:

Students will be supplied with two folders (one now and one in January) that will be their science journal. Much of what we do is also online on Google Classroom and using the Google Suite. This is a large part of their grade and usually stays in the classroom, although students may take it home to complete work or to study for tests. If your student loses or destroys their journal, they will need to bring in a new folder. Students should use science journals for required work only.

Homework:

Homework is assigned every Monday and is due Friday at the beginning of class, except for a few exceptions. I do not accept late homework. If you are absent, homework is due the day you return. You need to be responsible for handing it in on time. You may also need to finish classwork at home if you have not used class time wisely. 

Grading Policy ÒõAPPµ¼º½: Science grades are divided into two parts: The first part is an effort grade, which includes classwork, homework, and science units. Many students work hard and complete assignments, and this shows in their effort grades.

The second part is an academic grade, where students write claim, evidence, and reasoning (CERs) and complete assessments/projects that show progress toward proficiency in the state science standards. The academic assignments are meant to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the science standards. Mastery is the ability to show skill or knowledge of a concept. Because learning is a work in progress, students may always improve their grades. Please encourage your student to redo assignments using the instructions they receive in class. Some assessments have retakes, such as quizzes. Some can be completely redone, following the Instructions for reassessment on Google Classroom under Important Resources. 

If the assignment shows as MISSING, your student did not turn it in. Please encourage them to complete the assignment and turn it in for credit. Missing academic assignments are marked as 50% until turned in. 

Makeup Work: Students are responsible for all work missed during absences. All work that is not made up within one week of the absence will count as a zero, unless the student or parent has discussed with me.

Late Work: Late work is marked in the gradebook as late and will be reduced by a percentage. 

Grading: Effort grades are a straight percentage: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, <59%=F. Missing work is counted as 50%. If it is turned in with an attempt made, it will go no lower than 60%. Academic grades are standards-based. An A is considered above and beyond proficient on the standard, a B is proficient, a C is approaching, and a D is emerging. Progress reports are sent out on a regular basis. Students receiving a D or an F in the class must return a signed progress report. You can also contact me for an update on your student’s progress or check the online gradbook for current grades at any time. Contact the school office for a password, or go to my school website and use your student’s ID to access their grades.

Behavior: Science should be a fun class where students learn more about their everyday world. Safety can be a concern when we perform certain activities like labs. Respectful behavior, good communication, and honest effort are expected from all students. Behavior problems will result first in a time out or time away, followed by a student/teacher conference. If behavior issues continue, I will contact parents or guardians by phone, email, or a note sent a home. Further issues may need to be resolved with detention, class suspension, referral, etc. My goal is to help students solve behavior problems early on and I hope parents, guardians, and students can assist me in that process.

During Class: Eating, socializing, and personal grooming (hair, makeup, etc.) should be taken care of during lunch or passing periods. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the classroom. Classroom clean-up duty and/or detention is available for students who do not follow these rules. Please use the bathroom before or after class, during passing periods. You will not leave the room while I am talking to the class or during a quiz, test, or lab.

Cheating Policy ÒõAPPµ¼º½: If a student is caught cheating on their homework, they will receive a zero on the assignment and serve a detention. After a second offense, parents will be contacted. Copying someone else’s homework is cheating. In the event that a student is caught cheating on a quiz or test, they will receive a zero on the assignment with no opportunity to make up the score. Parents will need to sign the quiz or test and the student will also receive a referral along with a 30-minute detention.

Technology: Students will have access to Chromebooks in their core classes. Technology rules will be shared, posted, and discussed in class. If a student violates any rule, the privilege of technology will be temporarily removed. Further violations will require parent contact and involvement.

Contact: The best way to contact me is through email (nidak@cajonvalley.net). I read it daily and will usually respond within 24 hours. You can also call the school office (619-588-3092 x101) and leave a message as to a good time to return your call. If you would like to receive regular classroom email newsletters and student homework, please be sure to provide an email address. I am looking forward to a great year with your students!

Science Ground Rules

For successful learning, the following ground rules apply:

• Follow directions 
• Work Bell to Bell
• Be respectful
• Be safe

Negative Consequences: Time out, time away, or student/teacher conference; phone call, email, or note home to parents or guardians; classroom detentions, referrals, or in-school suspensions.

Positive Consequences: Positive phone calls or notes, encouragement, personal pride, higher grades, learning more, enjoying school, confidence, privileges, prizes, raffle tickets