BURKE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
6th Grade Earth Science
2015-2016
Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
Welcome to Mrs. Story’s science class! I look forward to getting to know you and your child, as well
as having a productive school year. In order to have a successful year, my classroom expectations are listed
below. Please discuss these expectations with your child and then sign at the bottom of the next page. We
will be learning through a variety of instructional methods, and your son or daughter will have many
opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement. Thank you being an integral part of your child’s sixth
grade year.
Course Description
We will cover the five main branches of Earth science throughout the year, which include geology
(the study of the Earth’s surface), hydrology (the study of water), meteorology (the study of the atmosphere),
astronomy (the study of space), and energy. The five branches will be covered in eight units, which are
listed below. Each unit will vary in length and prepare your student for the new GMAS assessment.
Unit 1: Geology
Unit 2: Weathering and Erosion
Unit 3: Inside the Earth
Unit 4: Hydrology
Unit 5: Meteorology
Unit 6: Universe and Solar System
Unit 7: Earth, Moon, and Sun
Unit 8: Energy
After the GMAS in April students will complete a seventh grade acceleration unit to prepare them for
learning in the next grade.
Classroom Supplies
 4 Folders (with 3 Prongs)
 Composition Notebook
 Notebook Paper
 Pencils
 Optional supplies include markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue, tissues, sanitizer, etc.
Science Folders
Your student is responsible for bringing four folders at the beginning of the school year, which they
will label as follows: Units 1-3, Units 4-5, Units 6-8, and Seventh Grade Unit. The purpose of the folders is
to keep students organized as we progress through our units. They will keep important papers, such as their
Bell Ringers, graphic organizers, notes, quizzes, and tests in their folders throughout the year.
Grade Percentages
 Homework- 10%
 Nine Weeks Exam- 10%
 Tests - 30%
Classwork- 30%
Quizzes- 20%
Homework Grade
Each student will begin a nine week period with a 100 homework average and if homework is turned
in on time, the student will maintain a 100 homework average. Each time a homework assignment is not
completed, ten points will be deducted from the student’s homework grade and a note will be stamped in the
student’s planner. No late homework assignments will be accepted, unless a student has an excused absence.
Requiz Request
If a student earns a score below a 70 on any science quiz, he/she may complete a Requiz Request
form, which requires them to explain the reasons they failed and three activities they completed to master the
concepts. Requiz Requests are not available for tests and must be signed by a parent. Once a new quiz has
been issued and completed, the student’s new grade will replace the original grade.
Science Journals
Students will be required to bring in a composition notebook at the beginning of the year, which will
be housed in our classroom. Throughout the school year they will describe and illustrate each of the twentynine science standards. They will work on their journal in class, though some work may be necessary at
home. The journal will be used as a tool to communicate student learning throughout the year, as well as
serve as a review for the GMAS. It will count as a test grade, and more specific details will be provided.
Classroom Expectations
 Students are expected to enter class quietly, get their materials ready, and begin the Bell Ringer
immediately.
 Students are expected to come prepared daily with their current science folder, notebook paper, and a
pencil.
 Students are expected to show respect for themselves by staying on-task and completing all of their
assignments in a timely manner.
 Students are expected to show respect for others by raising their hands before speaking and listening
when others are speaking.
 Students are expected to respect our classroom and building by keeping it clean.
 Students are expected to follow all school rules, including not chewing gum, not talking in the
hallway, and obeying the dress code.
 Students are expected to take responsibility for all of their actions.
 Students are expected to come to class to learn.
The vision of our school is excellence through teamwork, thus communication between us is vital to your
child’s success. I regularly update our class website, which can be accessed through the BCMS website or
by going to www.tinyurl.com/mrskstory, with homework assignments, important announcements, useful
links, and classroom documents. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at
kstory@burke.k12.ga.us or call the school at (706) 554-3532. I am looking forward to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Story
We have read and discussed the classroom expectations in Mrs. Story’s class for the 2015-2016 school year.
_______________________________________
Parent Signature*
_______________________________________
Student Signature
*Once Mrs. Story checks off that this was signed, please keep it for your records.