Miss Edwards’ 6th Grade Science Class
Welcome to EXCEL Academy at Morningside Middle School for the 2012-2013 school year!
This year in Science class, we will explore the following topics: scientific inquiry, plants, animals, the
atmosphere, weather, and energy transformations. You should expect a challenging mix of hands-on
activities and inquiry-based assignments, along with group projects that will require you to think outside
of the box. I encourage you to give your best effort and to work together.
Grading
Class assignments are given to help you improve your science skills and to assess what you have learned.
Final letter grades will be based on the percentage
of the total number of points possible that you
have earned as shown on this scale:
100 – 93%
92 – 85%
84 – 77%
76 – 61%
61% or below
A
B
C
D
F
All work will be weighted in the following
manner:
30%
30%
15%
15%
10%
Tests
Labs & projects
Quizzes
Classwork
Homework
Tests and Quizzes
Students will be provided one week’s notice before a test. Quizzes should be expected once a week.
Homework
Homework will be assigned every night. The “No Zero Policy” states that if homework is turned in 1-5 days late,
10% will be deducted from the grade. If homework is turned in 6-10 days late, 20% will be deducted from the
grade. If homework is consistently being turned in late, the student will receive a lunch detention and I will make a
phone call home.
Progress Reports
Students will receive a progress report on Info Wednesday. Info Wednesdays are the first and third Wednesdays of
every month.
Lab Safety
Students will receive a lab safety contract. It must be signed, returned, and kept on file for the student to
participate in classroom lab activities.
Classroom Procedures
When students enter the classroom, they should drop off homework in the appropriate homework bin and grab
their lab folders and notebooks from the appropriate containers. Immediately, students should take their seats
and begin the Do Now activity. Students may raise their hand to ask a question. If a student needs to leave her
seat, she should raise one finger. If a student needs to use the restroom, she should raise two fingers and wait for
her restroom passport to be signed. If a student needs to use the water fountain, she should raise three fingers.
Organization
Daily science work is kept in the student’s science notebook. This notebook must remain in my room unless the
student has special permission to take it home. Loose papers and lab reports are kept in the student’s science
folder, which is also stored in my room.
Miss Edwards’ 6th Grade Science Class
Materials
Students should come to class every day with their pencils/pens, highlighters, paper, workbook, and textbook (if
necessary).
Caught Ya Being Good
Students will be rewarded raffle tickets for appropriate behavior, attitude, helpfulness, etc. The raffle ticket should
be placed in the correct Caught Ya Being Good jar by the end of Thursday’s class. On Friday, a raffle ticket will be
chosen and that student will be able to choose a prize.
Discipline
1 – Reminder: Student will receive a Stop reminder.
2 – Think: Student will be asked to move seats.
3 – Lunch Intervention: Student will eat lunch at the silent lunch table. (5 LI’s equal 1 referral)
4 – Phone Call: Teacher and/or student will make a phone call home to discuss poor behavior.
5 – Referral: Student will be written a referral and administration will take over.
Miss Edwards’ 6th Grade Science Class
Classroom Rules and Expectations
Yes to Respect!
In our classroom, we will use a respectful tone of voice when speaking to teachers, classmates,
and visitors to EXCEL Academy. Respecting yourself is also important. You can respect yourself
by doing your own work, making sure you give your best, and not take any shortcuts.
Yes to Responsibility!
In our classroom, you are responsible for yourself and your actions. You are responsible for
turning in all assignments when they are due. Accept the outcome of your behavior and be
honest. Being responsible is prepares you for both high school and college.
Yes to Ready!
In our classroom, you must come to class prepared to learn and work together. Follow directions
the first time they are given, listen to others, take turns, and be an active member of OUR
CLASSROOM. You must have a pencil, paper, your SOAP binder, and other necessary materials.
Your actions may not interrupt the learning of others.
Positive Consequences
We can always reward each other by saying good job or just by giving an old-fashioned high
five, but you can earn different incentives by demonstrating good behavior.
Class: Lunch outside, Choice day, listen to music while doing an assignment
Individual: EXCEL Cards, good note/call home, sit by a friend
Negative Consequences
We all make mistakes, but being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible is important in our
classroom. If you break a rule, there are consequences. Verbal warning
- Call home and behavior reflection
- Lunch detention
Severe infractions will result in an immediate referral.
How can parents and guardians help?
Classroom learning is a partnership. My responsibility as a teacher is to provide interesting and
challenging activities in a comfortable, well-organized classroom. Research shows that students
whose parents are involved in their learning have a higher success rate in school. You can help!
1. Organize a study place at home and a regular study time. Study should be a daily habit.
A student should still review important concepts even if she has “no homework.”
2. Plan short blocks of study so there is time for chores and relaxation as well as homework.
3. Have your student bring home an up-to-date assignment calendar each day and review
it together.
4. Praise your daughter for completing assigned homework well. All of us like to be
appreciated for work well done.
Please email or call me at school when you have questions about course content, your
daughter’s class performance, or behavior.
Phone: 843-745-2000 x23006
E-Mail: JORDAN_EDWARDS@charleston.k12.sc.us
Miss Edwards’ 6th Grade Science Class
I have very high expectations for us this year in Science. I expect that you give your best and
help others. You can do anything you put your mind to and you will succeed this year. I am
very excited that you are in my class and I look forward to working with you this year!
Sincerely,
Miss Edwards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------* I have read the classroom syllabus and reviewed it with my parent(s) and/or guardian(s). *
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* I have read the classroom syllabus and reviewed it with my daughter. *
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