Mrs. Stephanie Pratt
Team 7A Science, Room C-7
Phone: (781) 273-7028
E-Mail: pratt@bpsk12.org
Grade 7, Life Science 2014-2015
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It’s time to start another school year! We have a busy year ahead of us. In the science classroom, I have high expectations for student achievement and I try to make learning science fun and interesting on a daily basis. Students will have opportunities to participate in independent and group activities and labs, projects and discussions. Seventh grade is a year of transition for many students and can be a very challenging year both academically and socially, therefore, the teachers on team 7A are committed to our students’ needs, are flexible and caring; but we also offer students the structure and support that they need at this age in order to meet their success.
My goal is to teach students to develop a variety of learning techniques and strategies which they will be able to use and apply to their own learning experiences on a daily basis; so as each student may achieve his or her potential in science. Here are some tips for student academic success:
Structure: Plan ahead for assignment due dates and test/quiz dates. Find a comfortable and/or quiet place to complete homework at home. Arrive to school each and every day on time. I can not teach to empty chairs. You can not learn if you are not here.
Organization: Pack up the book bag at night and put it by the door to go to school. Make sure you have everything you need to go back to school. Arrive to school prepared ready to learn and equipped with writing utensils, notebook, portfolio, and textbook each day---no exceptions! Complete daily homework (reading and writing) and be prepared to discuss in class. No late homework is accepted unless absent. Maintain a neat and organized portfolio. Use the homework/assignment folder provided to you. Write your assignments neatly and fully with due dates in your agenda.
Communication: Use your study buddy in case you are out or forgot something at school. Make sure he/she is reliable. Talk to the teacher when you are having difficulties understanding the assignment, topic, or concept. I can help! Ask questions (that is what science is all about) and participate in class or group discussions. Be an active learner! Check Edmodo site and my class blog for news about class.
Classroom expectations: All students are charged with the task of promoting the learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- No food or drink is allowed in the classroom, unless permission is granted.
- Arrive to school/class on time.
- Come to class prepared for the day’s activities.
- Be attentive and respectful of the other people within the learning environment.
- Missed work, due to absence will be completed in a timely manner and in accordance with the MSMS academic handbook (front of Agenda book).
Grading Policy: Grades will be determined in the following manner:
Written Work Project - 30%
70% of Grade Tests (x2)/Quizzes - 25%
Labs - 15%
Effort Participation grade - 10% - see rubric
30% of Grade Classwork/Homework & Portfolio grade- 20% - see rubric
- Rubrics, checklists outlining the way in which credit is determined for assignments, will be handed out throughout the course.
- Make-up/retake policy: All students who turn in an assignment on the due date will be given one week to make corrections to it to improve their understanding, and thus their score. Quizzes/Tests may also be re-done (refer to extra credit policies) within one week. Students may only take advantage of this policy for make-up/retake if substantial effort was demonstrated before the initial due date (i.e. all questions were attempted).
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized use of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own. This includes copying another student’s homework, report, project, lab report or test/quiz even though the other student allowed his/her work to be copied. This also includes cutting and pasting research from the internet for projects and reports and using resources for projects and reports that are not cited or improperly cited. The penalty for plagiarism is a guaranteed zero with no opportunity to make up the work.
Please keep in touch! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by phone or e-mail. Check my blog and Edmodo sites for school happenings! I am looking forward to an exciting year, as we all learn and grow together.
Sincerely, Mrs. Pratt
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