6A Science-Ms.

Bronnenkants class
2014-2015
Ms. Kerry Bronnenkant, Middle School Science Teacher
Ms. Laurie Wasserman, LD/NBCT (Inclusion Teacher)
Ms. Lisa Surette, Paraprofessional

Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to the Andrews Middle School, Team A, and Ms. Bronnenkant class! (most students
call me Ms. B) I am looking forward to a year of learning and exploring together! All students have the
potential to achieve excellence in science-I hold high expectations for every student. In order for
students to be successful, students, teachers, and families must all work together as a team. The
following letter will explain the format of our Science class and will provide you with the tools for a
successful year.

Science Curriculum
1. Physical Science
2. Earth Science
3. Life Science
4. Engineering/Technology (will be integrated into the science curriculum units throughout the
year; also, 6th graders will spend a rotation in Tech Lab Exploratory during the year).

Materials
1 Binder (Students may use one large binder for all subjects or a small binder for science alone).
Supply of lined paper
Supply of pencils
1 package of Index cards
Recommendations: Pencil case for holding writing utensils (there is a pencil case designed specifically
for binders that can be placed right into the binder).
Note: If you have already purchased these materials you do not need to purchase anything additional.

Homework
Homework will be assigned approximately 3 times per week. These assignments are designed to
take most students about 15-20 minutes to complete. If your student is struggling with the homework,
please encourage your student to speak to me and I will work with your student on the difficulties
he/she may be having. Homework assignments will be posted on the board and students are given
ample time to copy the assignment into their agenda books. Assignments will soon be posted on my
web page for your convenience. Families are encouraged to check your students agenda books daily to
ensure they are keeping up with their assignments. Homework will be checked on the day it is due.
Students are required to complete all homework assignments, as completing the homework is essential
for success in my class. Should your student miss a homework assignment, they should complete it and
turn it in to me as soon as possible for partial credit. Students are encouraged to give their best effort on
homework, it is better to have incorrect answers than to leave answers blank.

If absent from school or class, students are responsible for making up the work that was missed.
Students should consult with me before or after class for any handouts, notes, homework assignments
missed. Students will generally be allowed 2 days for each day they are out sick to get any missed
homework in to me. If students have multiple assignments/projects to make up for other teachers
he/she may be allowed additional days to hand in missed assignments after speaking to me.
After-School Help:
After-school help is available on Tuesday and Thursdays, from 2:15-3:00. Students may sign up with me
for extra help, as needed.

Grading:
Students will be graded on performance each quarter, as listed below:

Tests/projects 40%
Quizzes 20% 10%
Homework/Lab work 20%
Classwork/Participation 20% 10%

The participation grade reflects a students ability to come to class prepared (coming to class
with the materials listed for this class as well as your homework) and to contribute to the learning
environment (sharing ideas and thoughts, actively listening, participating in group
projects/assignments).
The final grade of the course will be provided at the end of the year and is based on the grades
for each quarter and the Cumulative Final Exam.

Class Rules:
Students have created posters with our class rules. The class rules can be found posted inside
the classrooms. Students have also reviewed and signed a safety contract for lab activities. Students
who violate classroom rules or laboratory safety rules will be subject to disciplinary action. Students will
not be permitted to participate in laboratory activities if the safety rules are not followed. Any
detentions will be given with 24 hours notice.

Contact:
You can reach me by email at any time Kerry Bronnenkant: kbronnenkant@medford.k12.ma.us.
If you need to speak with me via phone, please leave a message with the school secretary or email me
with a contact number where I can reach you. I will return your email or phone call within 24 hours (or
as soon as possible).

It has been a great first few days of school. I have enjoyed meeting your students and I am
looking forward to a fun and productive year exploring and learning science!

Sincerely,
Ms. Bronnenkant