Welcome to class! Here is a look ahead at this week:

Monday: School policy review, PBIS, and Socratic Seminar. Introduce new bell schedule (longer classes and shorter transitions in between classes)

Tuesday: New PBIS rewards explained, rotate classes to meet teachers

Wednesday: Cold build, close read on Electromagnets, and questions

Thursday: Guided build and create TC (Target Concepts (notes))

Friday: TC from memory and electromagnet builds varying strength

 

This is draft of the upcoming year and is subject to change and adjustments as the year progresses.

This year will prove to be a transition year as we combine old knowledge, add new knowledge, and prepare for physical science and chemistry. It is more than just labs and assignments, but really having students develop their own projects while learning about the background principles related to that project. I ask that my students learn and memorize their target concepts. This will be a grade each unit.

Major Units of Study

1. Electromagnetism
2. Gravity
3. Classification/ Biodiversity and Adaptions
4. Acids and Bases
5. Fossil Records
6. Properties of Matter
7. Chemical and Physical Changes
8. Law of Conversation of Mass
9. Periodic Table
10. Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

Grades:

Grades consist of target concepts (from memory), quizzes (announced and unannounced), labs, assessments, and a homework grade. Some grades will be a combination of activities. Homework is assigned on Mondays and is due by Friday. There will be -10 points for each day turned in late. Students will use an on-line platform called Naiku for bell work and many of the grades.  Naiku can be assessed at home as well as at school. 

Makeup Work:

Students who are absent are responsible for conferring with the teacher to arrange a make-up schedule. Students will receive one make-up day for each day of excused absence.

If a student misses a test or quiz, the student will need to complete it on upon returning to school.

Tutoring / Intervention:

In order to help students succeed, tutoring sessions are held on an as needed basis throughout the school year.  Tutoring sessions will often be held before significant tests, and other sessions will be held for topics that students are having trouble mastering.  Several days notice will be given before tutoring sessions. 

Students who are struggling in general with the rigor of the class will receive extra intervention.  This will be established in a meeting with the parent, teacher, and student.

School Retake Policy

All students will be given the option to redo tests and quizzes; however, FIT requirements must be followed (see FIT policy on my website).

Zero Policy and Late Work:

If a student does not complete an assignment, a zero will be assigned, please check power school regularly. All papers must have a name on them to be graded. Late work will be accepted but it is -10 points for each day late.  After 5 days, a 50 can be earned if the work is completed and correct.

Target Concepts are learned from memory and then students practice the application of the concept.

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