About Mr. C's Class

Introduction

Welcome Creative Learners and parents to Middle School Science or Math Intervention with Mr. Christensen (Mr. C for short)! I am SO excited to have you in my class this year and cannot wait to see all of the amazing things you do. I am passionate about teaching science because it allows us to answer questions about the world around us. Science can be a tool for social change. Learning to think like a scientist teaches us how to think critically, generate a hypothesis, and support an argument with evidence, just to name a few. I also believe that math is a crucial subject for students to master and a fundamental skill of today’s world. Excelling in math and science will also open new doors for students in the future, including opportunities for students to pursue a career in the STEM field.

I am originally from Oregon and started teaching in 2013 in Greenville, Mississippi through the Teach For America program. This is my eighth year in the classroom and fifth year serving at Young Audiences Charter School. In the past, I have taught science, social studies, math, ELA intervention, and coding.

Our "Big Goals"

Our big goal in my class this year are:

To be engaged citizens that think critically about the world around us.
Staying on the "R.O.A.D. to college."
Achieving objective mastery (80% or higher on all tests and quizzes) and growing by one achievement level on the LEAP 2025 assessment (Unsatisfactory to Approaching Basic, Approaching Basic to Basic, Basic to Mastery, and Mastery to Advanced) or remaining at Mastery or Advanced.

On the "R.O.A.D. to College"

Our motto in my class is that we are “on the R.O.A.D. to College,” where R = Responsible, O = Organized, A = Autonomous, and D = Determined. Since each science course builds on the previous one, it is important to me that you see the connection between your future and what we are learning each day. We will practice how to stay “on the R.O.A.D.” in class, but know that these four character traits will help you to be successful not only in my class but the future as well!

Scope and Sequence for Middle School Science

At Young Audiences we use an interactive science curriculum called STEMscopes. STEMscopes is built on an instructional philosophy that centers on students learning science through hands-on exploration and inquiry. Each lesson includes a series of investigations and activities to bring science to life for our students so that they can “learn by doing” and fully engage in the scientific process. 6th grade units include Forces and Motion, Potential and Kinetic Energy, Waves and their Applications, The Earth and the Solar System, Structure, Function, and Human Impact, and Ecosystem Interactions. 7th grade units include Chemical Reactions, Energy Transfer in Tempearture, The Role of Water in the Earth's Surface, Weather, and Climate, Organisms and Biodiversity, and Changes in Organisms Over Time. More information about STEMscopes can be found at www.stemscopes.com. At the end of the year, students will take the LEAP 2025 science test. Our goal is for each Creative Learner to grow by one achievement level (Unsatisfactory to Approaching Basic, Approaching Basic to Basic, Basic to Mastery, and Mastery to Advanced) or remain at Mastery or Advanced. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not clear whether students will be required to participate in LEAP testing this year.

Scope and Sequence for Math Intervention

The purpose of the intervention block is to support students with their unique learning needs in a small-group setting. Please be advised that the intervention block is in addition to regular math classes. The purpose of the intervention block is to provide data-based remediation to ensure that students are on track for success with the recent school closures. The exact scope and sequence of this course will depend on students’ diagnostic test data as well as the curriculum taught in their primary math classes. We will be reviewing concepts that students may have missed out on during the COVID school closure as well as addressing concepts from the current school year. At the end of the year, students will take the LEAP 2025 math test. Our goal is for each Creative Learner to grow by one achievement level (Unsatisfactory to Approaching Basic, Approaching Basic to Basic, Basic to Mastery, and Mastery to Advanced) or remain at Mastery or Advanced. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not clear whether students will be required to participate in LEAP testing this year.

Homework

Students will receive homework assignments through Google Classroom. My homework usually consists of a vocabulary practice and review from that week’s lessons. Because we have limited time at school, homework is a crucial part of my class and can quickly affect your student’s grade if they fall behind. Since we do not have class on Fridays, it is expected that students use those days to complete homework assignments. I prefer to not assign homework over the weekends. However, homework assignments will always be due on Sundays after the week they are assigned. Exact due dates are available in Google Classroom.

Grading Policy

It is my goal to help every child reach his or her academic potential in my course. The district grading policy is outlined in the student handbook. The graded work in my course primarily consists of: homework, exit tickets/quizzes, and tests. Students who receive below a “C” letter grade on a test may retake the test once (the highest grade they can earn the second time is a C). Late work can be turned in for reduced credit (10 points off per day for 5 days). Students who have an excused absence can make up work for full credit. I will keep you informed of your student’s progress throughout the quarter. The easiest way for you to stay on top of your student’s grade in my class is to check their Google Classroom assignments and grade in J Campus. If you need a login for J Campus, please contact the front office.

Arts Integration

As an arts-integrated school we are committed to providing unique opportunities for Creative Learners to learn science through artistic exploration. As part of the STEMscopes curriculum, students will have regular opportunities to engage with virtual and socially-distanced art activities this year. Examples from previous years include making an animation flipbook about forces and creating paint patterns using chemical reactions.

Parent Communication

All middle and high school teachers are using the Remind app for parent communication this year. Once connected you can receive announcements, see what homework has been assigned, and communicate with each of us individually. For more pressing matters, I will call or message you directly. I believe that working closely with parents is one of the most important roles of a teacher. Feel free to contact me if you would like to set up a phone call or virtual parent conference. My contact information and Remind codes can be found on my Contact page. Thank you for all that you do. I’m looking forward to an excellent year together!

Mr. Christensen

Young Audiences Charter School

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