Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to Science-Grade 7 at MacDonald Middle School! My name is Maranda Brunner and I am one of the middle school science teachers. I am honored to have your child in one of my classes this year, and I am excited to work with you and your child throughout the year. I know that we will have a successful, exciting, and productive year in science. I look forward to being a part of the academic progress your child will make. I hope your student is as excited as I am and together I hope to make your student’s year a successful one. Your child will find that I have extremely high academic and behavioral expectations for my students. I expect EVERY student will learn to the best of his or her ability and allow their peers to do the same. This will be a very fast paced, exciting class. We have a lot of material to learn through the course of the year. Each student needs to arrive on time and ready to learn.
Because you are an integral part of your child’s education, I feel home-school communication is of vital importance. I would like to extend an invitation for you to contact me at any time. I can be reached through the main office at school or via email: [email protected], If you would like to talk in person, I am always available to schedule appointments before school, after school, or during my prep periods. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. There are many ways you can help your child succeed in my science class:
� Ask your child what he or she learned in school each day. This simple routine will help them review.
� Emphasize the importance of homework and hard work and monitor whether your student is completing his or her homework each night. Please help your child establish a regular time and place to complete their homework.
� Encourage your students to ask questions in class and come in for extra help when they need it. I am available before school, during lunch, and after school. Also, praise them for doing well…they deserve it!
� Ask your student to see their grades. This will help both you and them stay up date on exactly what grade they have in my class and what they need to do to improve it.
� Read aloud to your student. Statistics show that this simple task can help teens in so many ways!
To get started here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How is the class organized?
Classes meet every day for 54 minutes. Classes are a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on-activities. Attendance is, of course, mandatory and if absences are unavoidable, please encourage your student to check the class website and check the folders in class for any missing assignments. To view assignments, calendar, and other class information please visit my classroom website: http://brunnerscience.weebly.com.
What is the policy on makeup assignments, labs, and tests?
It is the student's responsibility to request makeup assignments. Makeup will be accepted no later than 1 week after the student returns to class for full credit. In the case of laboratory work, this may be impossible to provide, depending upon the availability of materials and the complexity of the experiment. Makeup tests will be given no later than 1 week after the student returns from an excused absence. Makeup laboratory assignments and tests must be done at times other than when the class meets. This may be before or after the student's regular school day. It must be done by prior arrangement with the teacher. No makeup tests or work will be given in the case of an unexcused (cut) absence. If students forget to complete/turn in an assignment, they may turn in the missed assignment late for a 25% deduction or turn in a responsibility sheet the day the assignment is due to extend the due date by one day for full points.
What materials are required?
Students are required, unless otherwise stated in advance, to bring the following to class on a daily basis: science binder, textbook (if applicable), pencil with eraser, work due that day, and a positive attitude.
What are the objectives of the course?
Research has shown that learning is enhanced by the hands-on approach, followed by questions and discussion. To learn something and then to apply this knowledge in another setting are the essential goals of science courses. The objectives of this experimental learning process are as follows:
· To develop skill in using materials and ideas.
· To develop skill in analyzing, organizing, and presenting scientific information.
· To use the methods of science to solve problems and to improve one’s ability to think critically.
· To develop awareness of the impact humans have on their environment.
· To provide the information necessary for selecting individual educational and vocational goals.
We move through information quickly in this course sometimes learning a new concept every day, therefore it is imperative that your child keeps up with the notes and the homework. Topics covered include: the scientific method, the study of life, cellular processes, heredity, chemistry and energy, and weather.
How are grades determined?
Grades include daily participation including preparedness, written work including laboratory work and homework assignments, tests, exams, and projects. See the class syllabus for a grade breakdown.
How can we meet to discuss the student’s progress?
The best way to contact me is through emailing me me at [email protected] or through the contact form on this website. Please indicate a phone number or email address and time I can reach you. I hope that this will be a productive and enjoyable school year.
Sincerely,
Maranda Brunner
7th Grade Science Teacher
Welcome to Science-Grade 7 at MacDonald Middle School! My name is Maranda Brunner and I am one of the middle school science teachers. I am honored to have your child in one of my classes this year, and I am excited to work with you and your child throughout the year. I know that we will have a successful, exciting, and productive year in science. I look forward to being a part of the academic progress your child will make. I hope your student is as excited as I am and together I hope to make your student’s year a successful one. Your child will find that I have extremely high academic and behavioral expectations for my students. I expect EVERY student will learn to the best of his or her ability and allow their peers to do the same. This will be a very fast paced, exciting class. We have a lot of material to learn through the course of the year. Each student needs to arrive on time and ready to learn.
Because you are an integral part of your child’s education, I feel home-school communication is of vital importance. I would like to extend an invitation for you to contact me at any time. I can be reached through the main office at school or via email: [email protected], If you would like to talk in person, I am always available to schedule appointments before school, after school, or during my prep periods. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. There are many ways you can help your child succeed in my science class:
� Ask your child what he or she learned in school each day. This simple routine will help them review.
� Emphasize the importance of homework and hard work and monitor whether your student is completing his or her homework each night. Please help your child establish a regular time and place to complete their homework.
� Encourage your students to ask questions in class and come in for extra help when they need it. I am available before school, during lunch, and after school. Also, praise them for doing well…they deserve it!
� Ask your student to see their grades. This will help both you and them stay up date on exactly what grade they have in my class and what they need to do to improve it.
� Read aloud to your student. Statistics show that this simple task can help teens in so many ways!
To get started here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How is the class organized?
Classes meet every day for 54 minutes. Classes are a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on-activities. Attendance is, of course, mandatory and if absences are unavoidable, please encourage your student to check the class website and check the folders in class for any missing assignments. To view assignments, calendar, and other class information please visit my classroom website: http://brunnerscience.weebly.com.
What is the policy on makeup assignments, labs, and tests?
It is the student's responsibility to request makeup assignments. Makeup will be accepted no later than 1 week after the student returns to class for full credit. In the case of laboratory work, this may be impossible to provide, depending upon the availability of materials and the complexity of the experiment. Makeup tests will be given no later than 1 week after the student returns from an excused absence. Makeup laboratory assignments and tests must be done at times other than when the class meets. This may be before or after the student's regular school day. It must be done by prior arrangement with the teacher. No makeup tests or work will be given in the case of an unexcused (cut) absence. If students forget to complete/turn in an assignment, they may turn in the missed assignment late for a 25% deduction or turn in a responsibility sheet the day the assignment is due to extend the due date by one day for full points.
What materials are required?
Students are required, unless otherwise stated in advance, to bring the following to class on a daily basis: science binder, textbook (if applicable), pencil with eraser, work due that day, and a positive attitude.
What are the objectives of the course?
Research has shown that learning is enhanced by the hands-on approach, followed by questions and discussion. To learn something and then to apply this knowledge in another setting are the essential goals of science courses. The objectives of this experimental learning process are as follows:
· To develop skill in using materials and ideas.
· To develop skill in analyzing, organizing, and presenting scientific information.
· To use the methods of science to solve problems and to improve one’s ability to think critically.
· To develop awareness of the impact humans have on their environment.
· To provide the information necessary for selecting individual educational and vocational goals.
We move through information quickly in this course sometimes learning a new concept every day, therefore it is imperative that your child keeps up with the notes and the homework. Topics covered include: the scientific method, the study of life, cellular processes, heredity, chemistry and energy, and weather.
How are grades determined?
Grades include daily participation including preparedness, written work including laboratory work and homework assignments, tests, exams, and projects. See the class syllabus for a grade breakdown.
How can we meet to discuss the student’s progress?
The best way to contact me is through emailing me me at [email protected] or through the contact form on this website. Please indicate a phone number or email address and time I can reach you. I hope that this will be a productive and enjoyable school year.
Sincerely,
Maranda Brunner
7th Grade Science Teacher