Welcome to 5th/6th Grade Science!
August 25, 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year! This year will be an exciting one as we
embark on a journey of discovery in science. This year, students will not only be doing
work using pen and paper, but will also use technology and computers to better their
learning. In addition, students are expected to be responsible critical thinkers.
I have created a classroom website at nunezclassroom.weebly.com. I will be updating
regularly and will post assignments and documents on the website as well as
classroom news. Please check this website regularly as it will be an important
classroom resource. In addition, I have outlined a few classroom policies in the
attached syllabus. Please read the policies thoroughly and sign and return the last
page by Wed, August 27. Also, please remember these policies are in addition to the
school-wide policies stated in the SFA Parent-Student Handbook.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to leave me a note or to call
the office at 323-665-3601. I can also be reached by email at cnunez@stfrancisla.com.
I will return messages and phone calls in a timely manner Thank you for your support
and cooperation. I look forward to working with you to ensure your child’s academic
success in science.
God Bless,
Mr. Nunez
5th and 6th Grade Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Expectations:
Students are expected to be F.A.I.R.:
Focused

Have goals

Stays on task

Keeps trying until reach goal
Attentive
 Actively listens
 Follows directions and rules
 Knows what needs to be done
 Participates in class
 Works with others
 Completes and turns in all work on
time
Respectful
 Encourages others to do their best
 Takes responsibility for their actions
 Treats others as they want to be
treated
Involved
Discipline and Conduct:
I prefer to give positive reinforcement to students who have shown great behavior.
Individual students will receive virtual points using the Class Dojo app (www.classdojo
.com). By earning these virtual points, students can earn extra privileges as well as
virtual badges.
The class will also complete as a whole to earn points. The class period earning the
most points at the end of the trimester will earn a reward.
Grades
In science, grades will be weighed and based on homework (10%),
classwork/quizzes/projects (40%), and assessments (50%). All grades can be seen on
Gradelink, our web-based grade book. Please be informed about your student’s
progress by logging onto Gradelink regularly as grades will be added on a weekly
basis. Report cards will not be a surprise if you continuously look at Gradelink.
Passwords and log-ins will be given out in the beginning of the school year.
Homework
All homework must be turned in on time (during that class period) for full credit. It will
be accepted only one day late for half credit. After one day, it will no longer be
accepted.
All homework that is to be turned in must be completed on college ruled paper that is
8 ½ x 11 or it will not be considered full credit (10 percentage point penalty). All
assignments must have the correct headings to receive credit:

Name and Student Number

Subject

SLE

Assignment

Date
Classwork
Classwork will be assigned daily and will cover the current lesson or any prior lesson.
Points will be determined based on completeness and accuracy. In addition, notes
and notebooks will be checked at random. If notebooks are not organized or not
marked appropriately, classwork grades will be negatively affected.
Tests
Students will be given at least a 2-day warning in advance for test dates. Students will
also be given either a study guide or a verbal review as to what will exactly be on the
test. In order to be successful, students need to understand that a good portion of
studying must be done at home. Also, students should review their work each day so
that they do not need to cram for tests.
Projects
Students may have to do individual or group projects. It is important that students
turn these projects in on time as they were assigned in advance. If students are
absent, arrangements must be made (by the student) to ensure the project is turned
in by the end of the school day. A 10 percentage point penalty will be given to
projects turned in late (no excuses). Students who were absent also must be ready to
present their project that day they return (again no excuses). Like homework, no
project will be accepted more than 1 day late.
If students are doing a group project and are absent, they must inform their group
members of their absence. Again, the absent student’s part of the project must be
turned in on time to receive full credit.
Absences
If a student is absent, It is also his/her responsibility to identify and complete missed
assignments. He/she will be allowed to turn in the missing homework for full credit.
The student will have the same amount of time to make up the work as days they
were absent. It is the student’s responsibility to get any missing notes from another
student.
Missed test/quizzes may be made up for full credit, but it is the student’s
responsibility to arrange a time to make them up, usually after school.
Open Hours/Tutoring
Generally, I am available for office hours for parents and students after-school from
3:15 pm – 4 pm. Keep in mind that we have faculty meetings every Wednesday so I
will not be able to meet on that day. Also, I will notify a tutoring schedule for students
who need it later as the school year progresses.
Technology
While every effort will be made to allow time for students to use the computer lab
during class, they may need to find time outside of class to use them. Students may
use the upstairs computer lab after school and the library lab during lunch and recess.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform me in advance so that I can open the lab
after school. Students may also lose their computer privileges at school if they do not
use the computers for school purposes.
The local public library and/or community centers may also have computers that
students may use for free outside of school hours. Assignments that utilize computers
or the internet will be assigned at least 2 days in advance so that students can make
arrangements to use a computer if they do not have one at home. All “published”
or final copies of projects, essays, and reports must be typed.
Changes
I reserve the right to make changes in classroom policies.
5th and 6th Grade Science
Syllabus 2014-2015
Please sign and return by Wed., August 27.
We have read the policies outline in the 5thand 6th Grade Science
Syllabus. We understand and agree to follow the policies as set for
in the syllabus. We also understand the policies may change at any
time by discretion of the teacher and administration.
Print Student’s Name
Student’s Signature
Print Parent/Guardian’s Name
Parent/Guardian’s Signature