SEVENTH GRADE LIFE SCIENCE

Course Overview and Class Expectations

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome Back! My name is Heather Linsley and I will be teaching science for the STEM Academy here at Sutter. We will get to know each other well over the course of the year, but here are a few words about me. I am originally from Boston (a Red Sox fan through and through even when they aren’t doing so well…) and I have taught middle school math and science in Germany, Massachusetts, New York City and I’ve been here at Sutter since 2005. When I am not teaching, I enjoy biking, backpacking, traveling, reading, swimming, and skiing, although my almost five year old twins Lucas and Savannah don’t give me lots of free time. Their day care class enjoyed taking care of Bob, the tarantula, this summer and will miss him while he is in our classroom for the year. Check him out!

We will be spending our days together observing, questioning, and discovering our natural world and we will start today! This year in science we will be studying the human body, cells, genetics, evolution, and Family Life. We will start the year in the garden learning about the scientific method, plants and the classification of living things. Class time will be filled with labs, discussions, and activities and I expect that you will use time at home to synthesize what you have learned and demonstrate your understanding in your homework. Homework will be the majority of your grade so make sure that you always put forth your best effort and turn in your assignments on time. I try to give you plenty of time to complete each assignment, however if you and your parents feel a particular assignment is taking too long to complete then bring in a note with the work you were able to do.

A few words on class routines…

Attendance – Since we will be doing several lab activities or projects, attendance is crucial. If you are absent from school it is your responsibility to get any missed notes or handouts. Check my website for the assignments and handouts, ask a friend, or see me when you return.

Tardies – Be on time for class! Enter the room at the front, find your assigned seat, take out your science materials, and check the board for the “Please Do Now.” Students who are not in their seats and ready to work when the bell rings are considered tardy.

Late Work – Homework is to be done on time.

  • If there is a family emergency that prevents you from completing your homework on time, bring in a note from home on (or before) the day the assignment is dueand your homework will not be penalized for being late. (Please note that if this becomes a pattern, you will lose this privilege.)
  • Unexcused missing homework will earn you a place in Wednesday Lunch Detention. If you turn in the missing work before Wednesday, then you will not have to attend.
  • Unexcused late homework must be turned in within two weeks of the due date and will receive a grade no higher than a B- (80%).

Classroom Rules and Consequences–

RESPECT YOURSELF

  • Always do your best
  • Be in your assigned seat ready to work when the bell rings
  • Be willing to share your ideas and skills with others

RESPECT OTHERS

  • No put downs or profanity
  • Listen when others are talking by facing the speaker
  • Do your fair share of the work (also let others do their fair share of the work)
  • Before you speak about others: Think… “Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?”

RESPECT THE CLASSROOM

  • Clean up your lab table at the end of each class
  • Do not write on the desks or lab tables
  • Use the materials only for their intended purpose
  • Do not throw anything in the classroom

Consequences for not following the classroom and school rules will include (but are not limited to) conferences, seat relocation, detention, Due Process and class suspension.

When I raise my hand, that is your cue to: 1) stop talking or writing, 2) turn to face me, and 3) raise your hand as well. You are only responsible for yourself, however if the person sitting next to you is talking, please remind them quietly to pay attention. The first group to have everyone raising their hands, not talking, and facing me will receive a “Thumbs Up” toward your “Fifty Thumbs Up” sheet.

Fifty Thumbs Up Sheet – The Fifty Thumbs Up sheet will be given to you when you accumulate…no surprise…50 Thumbs Up. You earn “thumbs up” by paying attention in class, completing selected homework assignments, and working well as a group. This sheet entitles you to your choice of: 1) a good phone call home (I will only say nice things about you!) 2) a free homework pass on a daily assignment (not on projects), 3) an extra credit opportunity, or 4) a selection from the “box of surprises” (AKA cheap but FUN prize box)

Assessment – Your grade is based on the following:

  • Class and lab assignments
  • Homework (Challenge of the Week – COW)
  • Tests and quizzes
  • Assigned reports and projects
  • Class participation

Your grade is determined by adding up the points you received on each assignment and dividing by the total possible points for the trimester.

A90 – 100% B 80 – 89%C 70 – 79%D 60 – 69%F Below 60%

Materials Needed – Check your STEM supply list.

In Science you will use one section of one binder (labeled science), lined binder paper, your homework folder, and pen, pencil, colored pencils as necessary.

These should be brought to class every day.

We will be doing some fun things in our STEM Academy and I’m looking forward to a great year, so sit up, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready, because this is going to go fast!!!

Ms. Linsley

School: 294-9035 x320202

E-mail: (best method to contact me)

Feel free to call, email or come by if you ever have any questions. My door is always open for you!!

Student Name: Advisory:

Signature Page

We (student and parent/guardian) have read and reviewed the Science Course Overview and Expectations.

We have questions about the following:

We would like you to know this about me (the student):

Parents: We will be trying to integrate the use of technology into our classwork and communications, but we do not want to have students who feel that they are left out of the lessons or conversations due to a lack of access.

Please check one of the following:

  • We have access to a computer and the internet at home
  • We do not have access to a computer at home, but my child can use a computer at the library or school

Signed (student)

Signed (parent/guardian)