Mrs. Lisa Stephens
6th grade Fast Pace GT Science News
August 18, 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to explore the world of science with your child. Curiosity, exploration, and
discovery lead to a life of authentic learning and appreciation for the world around us. It is my goal to engage all students
in a challenging and nurturing learning environment and provide them with a variety of exciting learning opportunities.
South Carolina goals and standards for 6th gr , 7th & 8th gr science will be met by participating in classroom
seminars, conducting hands-on activities, creating projects, developing investigational studies, and assessing with
traditional exams. Your child will need to maintain a 78 by year end to progress to Fast Pace GT Science in gr. 7.The
following outline will provide you with a framework of scientific study during our school year:
1st Semester- Weather, Atmosphere, Natural Hazards, Air Systems, Sun, Earth & Moon, Space, Star
Cycle, Energy, Water in the Atmosphere, Simple Machines,
2nd Semester- Characteristics and Classification of Living Things, Cells, Bacteria, Protists, Cellular
Processes, Plants, Vertebrates & Invertebrates & Ecosystems, Energy Pyramids, Limiting Factors, Extinction,
Diversity & Adaptations
Each student will receive a science textbook that he or she may bring home as needed. Textbooks must be
returned at the end of the school year in the same condition as issued. There is also an online textbook available to
students with Internet access at home.
This year your child will participate in our Fast Pace GT program. In this science class, I will teach your child all
of the 6th grade standards and part of the 7th & 8th grade standards in one year. This will allow your child to take the
remaining 7th grade and 8th grade ones next year so that they can get the 9th grade Honors Physical Science high school
credit in 8th grade and go straight into Biology in high school. I have specifically picked the standards that naturally
coincide with the 6th grade standards and are appropriate for your child cognitively. This will require your child to put forth
their best effort in my class in order to be successful. This is an excellent opportunity for your child and a very first for
Glenview Middle School.
Parents can stay abreast of current topics and assignments by viewing our classroom web page .
http://www.anderson5.net/glenview.lisastephens.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your child. Please contact me by email or telephone, if I may offer
assistance or answer any questions that you may have: lisastephens@anderson5.net or (864)716-4060.
ASSESSMENT
Grades will be weighted as follows:
MAJOR: tests, projects
MINOR: classwork, homework, labs,
Quizzes, notebook checks
NINE WEEKS TEST (2nd NW only)
60%
40%
GRADING SCALE:
A = 93 – 100
D = 70 – 76
B = 85 – 92
F = 69 and below
C = 77 – 84
5%
Student Responsibilities
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Enter the classroom QUIETLY and begin
working on the bellringer activity BEFORE class
begins.
Bring all necessary materials and completed
assignments to class each day.
Use the restroom BETWEEN classes & lockers
during SCHEDULED locker breaks.
Sharpen pencils BEFORE class begins.
Follow technology device rules
Study current topics on a DAILY basis. Study
for quizzes and tests. Complete all work.
Remain on task at all times and listen to all
school authorities.
Return all signed progress reports and report
cards on time.
Do not leave the classroom without permission
and a pass.
Remain seated until I dismiss the class.
Do not touch any science or classroom
equipment without permission.
Abide by Science Laboratory Safety Rules.
All assignments are due on time.
Absentee work must be requested by the
student and submitted to the teacher
within 3 days of return to school. Late
work is subject to a grading penalty and
a maximum score of 70.
Required Science Materials
See Glenview website for
required materials
*Additionally: Clorox wipes,
hand sanitizer tissue and bags
of candy for rewards of grades
are always in need
CLASSROOM RULES
1. RESPECT for yourself,
others, and property
2. HONESTY and INTEGRITY
with actions, school work, and
homework
3. RESPONSIBILITY for
behavior, assignments, learning,
and attitude
4. DISCIPLINE and DESIRE to
DO YOUR BEST
CONSEQUENCES
1ST Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Loss of Privileges
(lunch detention)
3rd Offense: Parent Contact /
Conference
4th Offense: Office Referral