7th Grade Science
Mrs. Rebekah Hitch
(606)738-8102
rebekah.hitch@elliott.kyschools.us
About Me
My name is Rebekah Hitch, and this will be my first year teaching! I have my Associate of Applied Science and
Bachelor Science degrees from Morehead State University, where I concentrated in veterinary technology and
agriculture science. With my undergraduate education, I pursued a career in veterinary medicine, in which I
have 7 years of experience as a veterinary technician. Last year, I returned to MSU to continue my education
to earn my Master’s degree in Middle Grade Science Education. I have been married for 5 years to my
husband, Dwayne, and we have a spunky two year old daughter, Savannah Gayle. I was raised in and
graduated from Elliott County, and I am proud to be back and excited to start my new career as the seventh
grade science teacher at Elliott County Middle School!
Course Description
This science course will cover a wide array of topics such as:
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The Scientific Method / Basic Science Skills
Energy Transformations / Energy Transfer
Interdependence within an Ecosystem
Species Endangerment / Extinction
Earth’s Layers and Processes
Genes and Chromosomes
Reproduction
Heritable Traits
Fossils
Elemental Properties
Atomic Structure
Chemical Reactions
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
Gravity
Forces and Motion
We will be utilizing new technology, performing many hands-on activities and demonstrations, conducting
research on various topics, and journaling during the course of the year.
Textbook
This year students will be using Glencoe Science: SCIENCE – Level Green (Kentucky Edition) textbooks. Each
student will be assigned a book to be used in the classroom. Textbooks are to remain in the classroom at all
times!
I realize that in the event of absences and make-up work, students may need to take a book home. In this
circumstance, a student can check-out a similar paper-back workbook, which covers the same curriculum as
the textbook.
Class Expectations
The following rules hang in my classroom and will be taught and expected on a daily basis:
1. Be respectful – I live by this and expect my students to as well. Students will be respectful to me, each
other, and themselves.
2. Be on time – We have a lot to cover this year and little time to accomplish our goals. I expect students
to be in their seats when the tardy bell rings. If students are not in the classroom when the bell rings, a
tardy will be given. The only exceptions will be those students with a note from the nurse, office, or
another teacher.
3. Be prepared – I expect students to bring pencil and paper to class daily and be ready to learn /
participate in class!!
4. Be encouraging – This somewhat goes along with respectfulness but takes things a step further. None
of us know everything (myself included), so I would like to create an environment where students
“cheer” each other on.
5. Have school spirit – Be proud to be a LION!! I want students to be proud of who they are and where
they come from. Being from Eastern Kentucky has meant a great deal to me over the years and Elliott
County is a great place to grow up and learn! GO LIONS!!
School policies will be followed in enforcing these rules as well as rules for dress code and cell phone use.
Please consult the Student Code of Conduct Handbook for further details and violation consequences.
Absences and Assignments
If a student is absent, missed work can be found in the “Absent?” crate at the back of the classroom. It is the
responsibility of the student to go to the “Absent?” crate, locate the days they were absent, and find the work
labeled with their name. I will not remind students to do this. Students will have two days for every day absent
to complete work and return it to me for full credit. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to borrow notes
from a reliable friend to copy and / or schedule an appropriate time to make up exams / quizzes.
Late Work
Students must take responsibility in getting their work in on time. Late work will be accepted within ONE day of
the original due date without consequence. After an assignment is TWO days late, students will receive a letter
grade deduction (on the specific assignment) for every day it is late unless other arrangements have been
made. Absences will be handled as explained above.
Grading Policy
Grades will be distributed based on points earned by students on exams, quizzes, activities, homework, inclass assignments, Science Notebook / Vocabulary Notebook, and participation in class discussion.
Exams will always be announced at least two days in advance. Quizzes may or may not be announced.
Many, but not all, major projects and assignments are cooperative group efforts. No student will be permitted to
jeopardize the group’s performance of an assigned task. Any student who is repeatedly disruptive or who
misused class time / materials will receive a zero and appropriate discipline.
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 59 and below
Laboratory Safety
Throughout the year, students will be conducting small scale labs and demonstrations during lecture as well as
in their lab rotation. The safety rules will be reviewed prior to starting any lab or demonstration. It is extremely
important that students follow ALL safety rules and procedures. Safety goggles, aprons, and other necessary
equipment will be provided for students (when needed). It is the responsibility of the student to conduct
themselves in an appropriate manner. There may or may not be a warning for disciplinary action due to
inappropriate behavior during labs. Please realize some situations will result in no warnings and the offending
student must sit out immediately for their safety and the safety of others. Parents will be contacted if this
occurs. We will not be performing extremely dangerous labs; in fact, most of the labs could be conducted at
home with chemicals available in everyone’s pantry. However, students are NEVER encouraged to duplicate
any lab activities or class demonstrations on their own!!
Materials Needed for Class
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Items Provided by Student:
o (2) 1 to 1 ½ inch, 3-ring binders that will be used as “Science Notebooks” for my classes
(students will need one binder for lecture and one binder for lab rotation)
This notebook will be kept throughout the school year and will serve as a reference tool
for the students. Notes, diagrams, and some classwork will be kept in this notebook and
it will be graded monthly. Each class will have a designated shelf on which their science
notebooks can be stored so students don’t have to carry them every day. Instructions for
Science Notebook will be given in class.
o Paper and Pencils!!
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Items Provided by Me:
o ½ Composition Notebook
We will use these as our vocabulary notebooks. As part of my daily bellwork, students
will be given at least one new scientific vocabulary word that needs to be defined in their
vocabulary notebooks. Students can keep these notebooks stored inside their “Science
Notebook” binders.
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Suggested Items (NOT REQUIRED!!)
o Flash Drive – for saving student work when we are researching / working in the computer lab
o Coloring Pencils – I have SOME coloring pencils in the classroom, not enough for each student
to have their own set
Ticket Reward / Incentive Program
This school year I plan to try a ticket reward system with the students as an incentive to always try their best
and behave in my class. Students will earn tickets for attendance, good behavior, above average grades on
assignments, class participation, good deeds, school spirit, etc.
Each student will begin the year with:
 (3) tickets
 (2) emergency bathroom passes
o I encourage students to use the restroom between classes – if they must go during class, they
have to use their emergency passes. Students can borrow or trade with friends to get more
bathroom passes.
 (1) “Leave Me Alone” pass
o This pass is to be used only once during the entire year and will excuse the student from class
participation completely on the day of use – cannot be used on exam/quiz days and students
will make up classwork as if they were absent. Students who wish to use this pass will lay it on
their desk and can put their head down for the remainder of the class and I will not disturb them.
Students cannot borrow or trade with friends to get another LMA pass, each student will only be
allowed the use of this pass ONE TIME.
If students need a pencil or paper in my class, they will need to use their tickets to “purchase” these items;
students may also “purchase” more emergency bathroom passes. Each Friday, students can put their earned
tickets into drawing for small items such as pencils, notebooks, candybars, soda, popcorn, etc. If students wish
to keep their tickets until the end of the month, I will conduct a drawing for larger items such as iTunes gift
cards, Wal-Mart gift cards, McDonald’s gift cards, earbuds, movies, school spirit items, etc. And, if the students
wish to keep their tickets until the end of each semester, I will allow them to “cash in” their tickets for bonus
points.
I am excited to see how this ticket reward program works – hopefully it will be fun for the students and will give
them the intended incentive to do their best.
7th Grade Science
Mrs. Rebekah Hitch
(606)738-8102
rebekah.hitch@elliott.kyschools.us
Parents/Students,
Please sign and date below that you have read and understand this syllabus. Only return this sheet to me.
Students – Please keep the syllabus in your “Science Notebook” binder for future reference. Parents – Please
do not hesitate to call me with questions or concerns. Email is the best way to contact me; but, if I am not
teaching, I will be happy to talk to you over the phone.
Also, I would love to see parents in my classroom! If you get a chance, drop by and see what your child is
learning! Communication is a top priority to me, and I plan for you to hear from me at least biweekly. Please let
me know if you prefer text message or email (please indicate below the option that is best for you). I will try my
best to have a class website up shortly that I will update on a regular basis. I appreciate your patience as I get
my procedures and ideas finalized. It is going to be a great year!
Student Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian E-mail Address
Home Internet Access (Y/N)
Parent/Guardian Contact Number
Do you text? (Y/N)