DeMarco7th Grade Life Science

Welcome Letter

Dear Parents / Guardians:

Welcome to 7th Grade Life Science!  I am looking forward to meeting and working with your child this year.  Attached to this letter, you will be receiving a Google Form of my classroom expectations and procedures. The Google Form is to be read and digitally completed by at least one parent / guardian by Friday, September 1.

Website: https://sites.google.com/lvusd.org/science/demarco (there is also a link at linderocanyonmiddleschool.net) – here you will find access to the daily agenda which contains links to all notes/readings, assignments & due dates, documents, etc

Textbook: Bring Science Alive! (Ecosystems, Cells & Genetics, Adaptations), TCI

Supplies: Laptop (charged)

Reminder Binder

Writing utensils 

Folder/Binder 

Grading: The semester will be cumulative of all quarterly grades.

Practice ………………..…………………….10%

Labs ………...……………….…………….... 30%

Projects/Activities....………………………... 30%

Tests/Quizzes ………………………………. 30%

Scale:

General Expectations: Students will primarily be graded on summative assessments such as e-portfolios, labs, quizzes, tests, and projects. Formative assessments will include in class assignments, practice work and general participation. Students will be told which of the above categories each assignment will be placed into. Students are expected to retain all of their worksheets, graded work, in-class assignments, tests, quizzes, labs, etc. Students should keep all previous assignments. These assignments will be used for students to provide and reflect on as evidence of mastery of the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). All assignments, class notes, worksheets and other information will be posted and can be downloaded through the unit agendas. Tests will be given at the end of each unit. The best way to prepare for tests will be to keep and study the readings and practice assignments from each unit. If a student receives under 70%, they may schedule to take a reassessment. The two scores will be averaged out to no higher than a 70%. All students may complete test corrections for additional points. Reassessments & corrections do not apply to Quizzes. Good behavior is expected at all times, especially during labs. Labs will require lab write ups based on CER (claim, evidence & reason). We will begin most lab write ups together, but students may need to finish their lab write ups (conclusions/reasons) outside of class.

Absences: If a student is absent, they are responsible for obtaining all missed work (check class website/agenda/Google Classroom) and must go to the teacher to reschedule labs & exams. If a student is unable to print the assignments, additional copies can be found in the front of the room.

Course: The seventh grade curriculum covers the life sciences. We will be implementing the Next Generation seventh grade science content standards (NGSS) as the basis for what will be taught in class. Units covered will include cells, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

I am a strong believer in respect and responsibility. Students are expected to be prepared each day and ready to learn. I am also a strong believer in cooperative learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. I am sure that if we all work together this will be an exciting and successful school year! ☺

If you have any questions you can contact me at kdemarco@lvusd.org.

See you at BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT on Wednesday, August 30th!

Mrs. DeMarco

Link to Classroom Expectations & Procedures