Mrs.

Tompkins x 2411
(ltompkins@castaicusd.com)
Dr. de Lemos x 2414
(jdelemos@castaicusd.com)
Room S1

Welcome to 7th grade Life Science!

We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with you this year. This school year
the Castaic School District will continue to utilize the Next Generation Science Standards
(NGSS) which is an extremely hands on technique to learning. Using real world phenomena
and occurrences, NGSS is an innovative approach which combines science content, engi-
neering practices and cross-cutting concepts while focusing on critical thinking and problem
solving. The NGSS topics we will be concentrating on this year include:
How Energy Flow through Matter Cells
Photosynthesis Body Systems
Cellular Respiration Genetic
Ecology Evolution

You will also be engaged in a variety of project-based learning activities (PBLs) to get your
creative juices flowing. The skills and knowledge you will gain in this class will prepare you
for high school and beyond, as well as help you to better understand and appreciate the
world around you.

HOMEWORK
Should take 10-20 minutes to complete.
Will be recorded and awarded points to contribute to your overall grade.

CLASS PARTICIPATION
Come to class on-time (we have lots to do and every second counts).
Come to class prepared (you will be rewarded in the long run).
Come with a good attitude (and a sense of humor).

LAB WORK
You will participate in many laboratory exercises this year. However, before you can take
part in the labs you will be required to pass a lab safety quiz. This quiz will take place in
the first few weeks of school. To keep you and your classmates safe - there is a zero tolerance policy
for horseplay in the science classroom.

ABSENCES
This year Life Science is going to be so awesome that you wont want to miss a minute.
However, if you are really sick, get well, then rejoin us. When you are absent, you will still
be held accountable for the learning that has taken place while you were out. You can find
the missing assignment(s) in your classroom as well as on Jupiter Grades. Please come
and talk to us if you need any help locating, understanding or finishing these assignments.

GRADING
Your grade will be determined by the total number of points you accumulate during
a grading period.
Your grade will be based on:
Assessments Class Participation
CERs (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Homework
Lab Reports and Activities

You and your parents can check your grades daily by accessing Jupiter Grades, the
district-wide online grading program.

Suggested Classroom Supplies

3 Ring Binder
Lined Paper
Pencils/ Portable Sharpener
Colored Pencils
Highlighter

We expect this to be a great year for all of us, and are looking forward to meeting
your family, August 24th, at Back to School night.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Tompkins
Dr. de Lemos
Mrs. Tompkins
Dr. de Lemos
Grade 7 - Life Science

Classroom Contract

Student: I have read the classroom expectations and do not expect to have any problems
in meeting them.

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Student name (print) Period

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Student signature Date

Student: Please share something interesting about yourself.

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Parent/s: Please assist your child with organization and good study habits as junior high
can be a bit overwhelming at first. If you have any questions or concerns, email is the best
and fastest way to contact us. ltompkins@castaicusd.com and jdelemos@castaicusd.com.

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Parent/s name (please print) Phone #

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Parent/s signature Parent/s email address

Parent/s: Is there any information that you would like to share that will help us to work
more successfully with your child?

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**This sheet is due back by_________________**