Mrs. Combs

6th grade Science

Room 317

Class Description:  

During the sixth grade year, students will study the following units: Lab Safety/Scientific Method, Rocks/Minerals/Soil, Matter, Electricity/Magnetism, Energy, and Energy Resources/Conservation. 

Textbooks:

Each student will receive a science book which must be covered every day.  Cloth book covers are highly recommended. Students are responsible for taking proper care of their books.  Fines will be issued for damages/loss.

Instructional Formats: 

All types of instruction are used in this class. Students will be involved in lecture/discussion sessions along with note-taking. Frequently, students will work cooperatively in labs. They will also take part in individual/group work and use the computer lab/library.

Assessment Formats:

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways. These will include, but are not limited to, class work, pop-quizzes, quizzes, homework, tests, and projects. Please check Progress Book and Google Classroom weekly for upcoming assignments, tests/quizzes, projects, current grades, and missing assignments. Assignments are expected to be turned in on the due date at the beginning of the student’s science period for credit. Assignments must be with the student when the class period starts.

Grading Procedures:

All grades will be entered into Progress Book as percentages.  Tests and projects will be double weighted.

Homework – Students must complete the homework on time in order to receive credit. All homework assignments are posted in Progress Book and Google Classroom weekly. 

Absence Policy:

As indicated in the student handbook, “it is the responsibility of students who are absent for any reason to obtain their make-up work. Students are permitted one day of make-up for every day missed. A day's absence does not excuse a student from the responsibility for all previously announced assignments or tests on the day of his/her return.” If make-up work is requested prior to a planned absence, it should be completed upon return.  All information and materials from the days missed can be found on the homework board in my room and the unit syllabus is available in Google Classroom.

Tardy Policy:

Students must be in the classroom seats when the bell rings. If they are not, they are considered tardy. After the student accumulates three tardies, he/she will be given a detention. This tally resets at the beginning of each grading period.

Class Rules:

• Respect yourself and others.

• Arrive to class on time with the materials/assignments.

• Raise your hand to be recognized to speak.

• Follow directions the first time they are given.

• Follow school rules and procedures.

Consequences (not necessarily sequential):

• Verbal warning, after-school detention, call parents, parent/teacher/student conference, or referral to assistant principal or principal.

• Any serious behavior that interrupts students’ learning or my ability to teach, or puts others in danger, will be dealt with directly by the assistant principal or principal.

Requirements:

Students need to bring a 1” binder including loose-leaf paper on/before Monday, Aug. 28. This binder will hold all their science notes, worksheets, etc. and will be periodically collected and graded for organization and content. This binder, the student’s textbook, along with paper and a writing utensil are to be brought to class every day. Students are expected to have their materials/assignments with them when they arrive in class.  After forgetting materials three times, a detention will be assigned. This tally resets at the beginning of each grading period.

Projects:

A few individual and group projects may be assigned throughout the year. Students are always given ample time to work on these projects. The first day the project is assigned, an in-depth description is given to all students including a calendar and requirements.  Depending on the size of the project, the project grade may be lowered for every day it is late.  The project information and grade sheet will be available online.

Communication:

The most effective way to reach me is through e-mail.  I can easily respond during the lesson down time, between classes, or from my home.  My address is wcombs@revereschools.org. Or you can call and leave a message at 330.666.4155 ext. 633513.

Throughout the year, I will send class updates or important information weekly to biweekly through email.  I will originally set up my email list by copying/pasting the parent addresses from Progress Book into my address book.  If you have changed your email over the summer, please update it in Progress Book.  Also, please let me know if you change it sometime throughout the school year.

Also, I have a text reminder account with Remind101.  You can subscribe to my reminder texts by entering 81010 in the “to” window on your phone and text @388c7kc in the “texting” window.  I will send important reminders and deadlines using this app.