Embedded Files
August 2025
Dear Parents and Students,
I hope you are enjoying the last wakeups of summer and are looking forward to a new school year as much as I am! I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and give an overview of the plan for this year in science.
About Me
My name is Mrs. Cara Johnson and I will be your science teacher this year. I have been teaching science for over 23 years and have been in the Sparta district for over 12 years. My hobbies include hiking, visiting zoos, softball, knitting, baking, playing with my pets, and playing cards and Bunco with my family. I have the best dog ever named Cooper who joined our family over five years ago, a very shy black cat named Luna, and a trouble-stirring cat named Oliver (Ollie).
Class Overview
This year, we will be focusing on understanding the different characteristics of organisms, how organisms interact with each other and their environments, and why and how certain traits are passed onto offspring and how these traits influence the population. Many of our lessons will involve activity centers (some are hands-on, watching related videos, worksheets, mini lessons, etc) that encourage students to focus on smaller parts of the topic.
Our focus will be on Ecology during the first marking period. Students will be investigating the many different ways organisms interact with their environment. Sparta is home to so many interesting organisms and offers a wonderful opportunity for students and their families to get into nature to observe these wonderful creatures.
My Classroom Expectations
Let’s keep this simple….I expect students to L.E.A.R.N.
L. - Listen to instructions (Instructions will be verbal and written)
E.- Enter and exit each lesson prepared (come to the classes with your materials,
questions, and a smile)
A. - Always try YOUR best (Be prepared that some activities, topics, or questions will be challenging, but try your best on all you do)
R.- Respect yourself and others (We all have different viewpoints and opinions, so be open to new views and be positive. All experts were beginners at one time and making errors is part of learning so do not be too hard on yourself.)
N.- No excuses (Speak with me after class, email me, or come to help sessions for assistance. We can also arrange another time to meet - I want you to be successful and I am here to help!)
Google Classroom
Be sure to join my Google Classroom for the class period you are assigned on your schedule. Assignments, announcements, videos, and other resources will be shared through this platform.
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Most assignments, assessments, announcements, and other classroom relevant materials will be posted here with directions, links, worksheets, and due dates. All assignments will be posted on the board in the classroom and students are expected to record assignments in the agendas daily
Parents can be linked to a student account through their email. If you are interested, email me and I will add you to your child's Google Classroom.
Parents can not see the student view of google classroom but will get an email update alerting them what has and has not been turned in.
Required Class Supplies:
Bring supplies to class everyday.
100-page composition notebook (this must be a composition notebook and will ONLY be used for science) ** --> you will need one for the 2nd half of the year also, so you might grab 2. Check to make sure the notebook is 100 pages or sheets --> less than 100 will be too small.
Blue or black pens
Pencils
A highlighter (your choice of color) You might even want several colors
Colored pencils
Headphones (recommended - keep in a labeled, small plastic bag, marked with your name)
Other suggested supplies:
A pencil case - that can hold all supplies
Index cards (3 x 5, 100 pack) Keep in your locker
Tips for Success
Create a weekly schedule to help you organize your assignments and due dates for all classes. Every school day, use your agenda and the Google Classroom to update your schedule.
Arrive to class with the class materials - science notebook (ISN), writing utensil, and any work that is to be submitted or worked on in class.
Read all directions BEFORE starting.
Write down all login and passwords for online websites (Gizmo, IXL, etc.). A good place to keep them is on a Google Doc or the front of your ISN (interactive science notebook).
Use resources provided by your teachers. Most assessments can be listened to via text-to-speech.
Reach out to your teachers when you need help as soon as possible.
Complete assignments on time.
Come ready to learn!!!
Helpful Google Extensions
Kami - PDF and doc annotations tool
Select and Speak - will convert text to speech
Snap and Read - Text reader that can be used for most websites/pdfs.
Visor - Screen dimmer and reading aid
Contact information
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/sparta.org/life-science-garnet/home
Email: cara.johnson@sparta.org
→ Include a note in the subject line. For example: “question”, “help”, “worksheet ABC”. This helps me to organize all the emails.
I look forward to meeting you all and wish you the best return to school. Again, please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I want you to have a wonderful 7th year.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Johnson
“Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.”
– Anonymous
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