Welcome to SCIENCE!
Mr. Blass
Gold Team Science
Conestoga Valley Middle School
Room 414
Contact information
E-mail: Andrew_Blass@conestogavalley.org
Phone: (717) 397-1294, ext. 2414
Class website: Blass.wiki.conestogavalley.org
Gold Team website:https://sites.google.com/a/conestogavalley.org/cvms-gold-team/
Hello Students, Parents, Relatives and Guardians!
Welcome to the Gold Team’s Science class at Conestoga Valley Middle School. I
graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Exercise
Science, and have a Masters of Education degree from Cabrini College. I am also a junior
high football coach and work with athletes in our fitness center. I am very excited about the
adventures of this upcoming year! Exploring our world and how we fit into it with students is
one of my greatest passions. I will teach to provide students with the tools needed so that
they can search and discover the world’s exciting features for themselves with my help. I look
forward to working with you to make this year a great experience.
Looking forward to a great year,
Mr. Blass
The Science Way of Thinking: The following skills will be used and
practiced throughout the year: Observing, Inferring, Predicting,
Measuring, Formulating, Experimenting, Recognizing Variables,
Interpreting Data, Communicating, Classifying and Developing Models.
During the year students will learn laboratory techniques and gain
scientific knowledge by focusing on inquiry and exploration.
A Team Approach: Science class is often set up in teams for
collaboration. Rarely is science done alone, so we model that in our
class with various team roles like manager, assistant, supplier and
reporter. The teamwork is mixed with individual, independent work.
Materials needed
Students must bring the
following to class everyday.
1. A binder with
dedicated science
Section or folder
2. #2 lead pencil
3. CVMS Agenda
4. Reading book
Assignments:
Assignments are posted on the board daily as well as the class website. Students are required to keep a
daily assignment list in the agenda book. Students are responsible for completing all science work
whether present in class the day the work is assigned or not. If a student is not in class, assignments
can be found on the class website and/or picked up from the “What did I miss?” box in class. LATE
ASSIGNMENTS should still be turned in for partial credit, which lessens each day it is late.
#1 Rule of successfully handling Middle School Assignments:
1. BE ORGANIZED – Students will be expected to keep a notebook in which they keep their
notes, labs, assessments, and other assignments in chronological order.
Grading Policy and Scale:
“I reveal the grade you’ve worked for; I don’t give you a grade. Your grade is what you’ve EARNED.”
Formative (Homework, Class work, Journal)= 15% Summative (Quizzes, Tests, Projects, Labs)= 85%
A
100-90
B
89-80
C
79-70
D
69-60
F
59>
Assessments:
You will be given a variety of evaluation measures over the course of each trimester. Every unit of
study will include practice and review assignments, lab activities, project based assessments, as well as
formal Quiz and/or Test assessments. MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE MADE UP or RETAKEN
with remediation if performance is initially poor. Assessments ARE NOT meant to punish you, they
ARE meant to evaluate you to identify your strengths and build on your weaknesses- This is good.
The Pieces of Success in Mr. Blass’ Science class:
In addition to the School-wide rules, the School’s Code of Conduct and the Science Laboratory Safety
Policy, the following are keys to success in Mr. Blass’ science class:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Be Positive – Show your smile, positive attitude, and encourage others
Be Prepared- For class, learning, and growing as a person
Be Polite- Show respect to all people and for all things in our room
Be Productive – Be engaged and on-task while we work to help you grow
School-wide Classroom Rules:
Classroom rules will follow the School Wide Positive Behavior Guidelines for every classroom.

SHOW RESPECT – for teaching, and learning, space, property, and other’s feelings

SHOW RESPONSIBILITY – for your school work, your actions, and your LEARNING

BE READY- be on time with needed materials, assignments, a learning attitude, and your best effort
In Science and the Science Lab, there is another vital rule:

BE SAFE – There will be NO EATING or DRINKING, in the classroom. This is for your safety.
We will spend more time in class learning how to participate in a safe science lab setting.
Student Conduct & Discipline
Students should refer to the Conestoga Valley School District website for a copy of the School Student
Handbook Code of Conduct for policies regarding acceptable student conduct in this classroom and
school. As well, students are expected to follow the School-wide positive behavior guidelines posted in
each area of the school.
POSITIVE behavior rewards:
1. Praise
2. Written comments on assignments
3. Positive notes, phone calls or e-mails home
4. Fun Friday participation
5. Principal’s target tickets (for prizes)
NEGATIVE behavior consequences:
1. Verbal warning, meet after class
2. Minor incident report (MIR)
3. Lunch Detention/ Parent Contact
4. Team meeting
5. Administrative referrals
Welcome and remember… SCIENCE IS FUN!