7th Grade Science
Ms. DeLong
Classroom: JM 204
Email: mdelong@esusd.k12.ca.us
Phone: 310-615-2650 x6204
Rules1. Be ready and prepared to learn
2. Create a productive learning environment for yourself and others
3. Treat people and property with respect
4. Follow all school rules
Consequences1. Visual and/or verbal warning
2. 15-minute detention during snack
3. Administrative detention and a phone call home
4. Parent-student-teacher conference
Rewards1. A positive, productive learning environment
2. A good participation grade
Materials1. A three-ring binder with five divisions to be labeled as follows:
a. Vocabulary
b. Opening Assignment
c. Notes
d. Labs
e. Tests and Quizzes
2. Either loose leaf paper OR a separate notebook (for the notes and opening assignment section of your binder)
3. Two pencils and two pens
4. A four-function calculator
5. Optional: color pens or pencils
TextbookFocus on Life Science: California (2008). Boston, MA: Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc.
This book can be accessed at http://www.phschool.com
Class Preparation and AttendanceAlways bring your assignment planner, binder (with paper or notebook), pencil, pen, calculator and homework. At the start of each class, you are required to be seated, in your assigned seat (unless directed otherwise) and working on the opening assignment. The opening assignment is given daily and is to be worked on in the first 3-4 minutes of class. All opening assignments are collected at the end of each trimester and graded for effort and completion.
Attendance is taken immediately after the bell rings. If you arrive after this time, you will need to have a signed pass to be excused. Consequences will be assigned for frequent unexcused tardies.
ParticipationParticipation includes your presence, preparedness, contributions (answering/asking questions) and behavior (during class discussion, group work, and labs). Please be aware that your daily class participation also affects your academic performance.
HomeworkHomework (worksheets, reading, studying, etc.) will be given on a regular basis. You are responsible for writing the assignments listed on the board in your planner before leaving class; assignments will also be listed on SchoolNotes (http://new.schoolnotes.com/msdelong/) as a backup. Homework will be graded for effort and completeness, unless specified otherwise.
Tests and QuizzesTests will be given at the end of each unit. Several quizzes will be given, intermittently, between tests; I recommend using returned quizzes as a tool (but not the only tool) for test preparation. Tests and quizzes will be announced in advance. In addition, a cumulative final exam will be given at the end of the year. I HIGHLY recommend saving all papers and materials that you have accumulated throughout the school year.
Lab Reports and ProjectsLabs and other hands-on activities will be performed regularly. Lab reports may range from answering a few questions to a full-length lab report; point values will reflect the amount of effort required. Please be advised that a pre-lab and/or the completion of a lab report may be assigned for homework. A variety of projects, such as models, presentations, computer-based work, and research papers, will be assigned throughout the year. Format requirements and grading expectations will be described for each assignment.
GradingYour grade will be calculated using the following point system:
Tests = 30%
Quizzes = 20%
Lab Reports/Projects = 30%
Homework = 15%
Participation= 5%
The scale used will be:
A = 100% - 90% B = 89% - 80% C = 79% - 70% D= 69% - 60% F = below 60%
Grades will be posted in PowerSchool (http://education.esusd.k12.ca.us/public/) on a regular basis so that you and your parents/guardians can be informed of your progress.
AbsencesIn the event of both unexpected (e.g. illness) and expected absences (e.g. music lessons), it is YOUR responsibility to turn in any assignments that were due on the day(s) of your absence and to make up any homework and/or classwork that was assigned on the day(s) of your absence. It is YOUR responsibility to check the “This Week/Last Week” board in the classroom for the classwork and to check SchoolNotes for the homework that was missed. You should also talk to a study buddy immediately following an absence and come see me before school, after school, during snack or during lunch if you have any questions.
Study Buddy 1: ______________________________ Phone: _________________________
Study Buddy 2: ______________________________ Phone: _________________________
Make-up and Late WorkThe amount of time given to complete make-up work (work missed due to an absence) is twice the number of days absent (i.e. If absent one day, you have two days to complete the assignment). If you are absent on the day of a quiz, test, or lab you will be expected to make it up within two days of your return; failure to make up the quiz, test, or lab will result in a zero
All assignments are due on the date assigned. Work will be accepted late; however, late homework will receive a 50% loss of credit and labs/projects will receive a 10% loss of credit each day that the assignment is late. Any homework missing after two days and any labs/projects missing after one week will receive a zero. Consequences will be assigned to students with excessive zeros.
Academic IntegrityCheating, of any form, will not be tolerated. Consequences will be determined by a school administrator. Parents will also be notified.
Extra CreditThroughout the year, there will be several opportunities offered for extra credit, worth up to five points on a current assignment. These opportunities can take various forms and are to be completed within the timeframe specified. Extra credit will not be given upon request.
Extra HelpExtra help is available everyday during snack, lunch, and after school (except Mondays). I am also available before school, but advance notice is preferred. Please come see me if you are confused or need help. No question is too big or too small, and I am here to help you.