Welcome to 8th Grade Science with Mrs. Thompson!

San Jose Middle School

gthompson@nusd.org Room B2
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, Welcome to Science 8! I am excited to explore science with you this year. In this class we will cover concepts relating to the scientific method and measurement, matter, chemistry, physics and astronomy. Throughout the year our scientific investigations, discussions, projects and activities will help to quench our thirst for knowledge and expand our ability to understand the world we live in! This course is designed to help students advance in science content as well as 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. To help facilitate good communication between teacher, student and parents, I am in the process of developing a class website. It will be updated throughout the year as I learn more about webpage design (this is my first one!). On the site you will find links to the online textbook (almost complete), as well as other resources such as project documents (once we start projects) and a link to the online gradebook Aeries.

www.sciencewiththompson.weebly.com
Please review the expectations for student behavior and academics below. Please return the last sheet of this form signed by both student and parent/guardian to indicate that you have read and are willing to comply with the policies of this course. Sincerely, Mrs. Thompson 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher

Class Materials:
Please gather the following materials and bring them to class by Tuesday, Aug 28. You must bring these materials with you each day to class. If you are unable to get these supplies, please contact Ms. Thompson by 8/27 and she will help you get them. An independent reading book must be in your backpack at all times. Several #2 pencils Hand held pencil sharpener Lined loose leaf binder paper 3 ring binder. Get one, sturdy, BIG binder for all your classes! BIG = 2-3 inches! Subject dividers label one divider Science Self-adhesive reinforcement labels (to repair holes in binder paper) o **Helpful to have: calculator, colored pencils, glue stick, scissors

Expectations for Students:

Student Responsibilities: BE RESPECTFUL AND BE RESPONSIBLE. Be seated and ready to work before the second bell rings.
Come prepared with materials and completed assignments. Engage in class appropriately and work hard!

Curriculum Responsibilities: You will be issued a state adopted science textbook and workbook. It is your responsibility to keep
this book for the year. You will be charged for missing books and damages. PLEASE KEEP IT AT HOME unless your teacher asks you to bring it. 1. 2. Focus on Physical Science. (2008). Pearson Prentice-Hall; Boston, MA. Focus on Physical Science: Standards Practice Workbook. (2008). Pearson Prentice-Hall; Boston, MA.

Grading Policy: Grades are weighted at 50% formative (practice) and 50% summative (mastery). Progress reports will be
accessible online approximately every five/six weeks. You may visit the class website at www.sciencewiththompson.weebly.com to access an Aeries link to check grades. Please get in the habit of checking this (student and parent together) weekly. Practice Classwork / Homework = 25% Practice Quizzes / Labs = 25% Mastery Content = 20% Mastery Critical Thinking = 15% Mastery Communication = 10% Mastery Collaboration = 5%

Students will have a 2 week science stamp sheet with them at all times behind the science section of their binder. Please look at this often with your student to see current assignments and to help your student track the scores they have received. This is graded with students in class and collected every 2 weeks for point totaling.

Behavior Policy: See SJMS planner for school behavior policy. Poor behavior may result in the loss of privileges in science class.
In general, students should be Respectful and Responsible at all time.

Homework: Homework is periodically assigned to help enhance curriculum that is being taught in class. Most often, homework is
an extension of unfinished work in class or an opportunity for students to further their learning. Generally, if a student uses their class time well, they will have minimal homework. Please refer to the science stamp sheet to see when various assignments are due.

Absence Policy: Students will be held accountable for all missed work. Once a student returns to school, they have as many days as
they were absent to turn in make up work. It is THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY to take the initiative to find out what they have missed. To do this they must look in the What Did I Miss? bin located in the classroom. On this there are instructions on how to obtain missed work. They could also ask a study buddy in class about what went on while they were gone. If a student needs to discuss assignments or needs extra help, they should make an appointment to meet with me. I am happy to help!

Tips for Success:

Use your SJMS Planner. Plan ahead and organize your free time accordingly. Do all assignments! This is not optional! Much of the material in this class builds on prior material. You will understand current work better if you have completed prior work. Dont let yourself get behind, and ask for help right away if you need it. I am available for extra help by appointment. Please dont hesitate to come see me! I want you to be successful and will do whatever I can to help you! Do your job as a student and become a member of the SJMS College Club! Be invited to fun events, get out early for lunch and be rewarded with free stuff! You have the opportunity to earn a college unit in each class, each day for being on time, prepared and engaged appropriately in class! Dont miss out on the fun! The best way to contact me is through email at gthompson@nusd.org. I will do my best to respond to you within 1 school day (not including weekends).

Your homework assignment: return the attached sheet signed by parent and student no later than Tuesday, Aug 27.