Course Syllabus and Classroom Procedures

Alanson Middle School

Mrs. Cheshire
th
th
6 , 7 , 8th Grade Science
7th Grade Social Studies
Course Description (Science):
These courses (grade dependent) are intended to teach students the science concepts set
forth by the State of Michigan in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science. Instruction will be focused on
developing an understanding of critical scientific thinking, scientific process, and integrated
earth, physical, and life sciences. These courses will show relevance to student learning and
understanding of science.
Course Description (7th Grade Social Studies):
This course is intended to teach students the 7 th grade social concepts set forth by the State
of Michigan. Instruction will be focused on students learning about the geography, history,
culture, government, and economics of much of the eastern hemisphere. This course will
show relevance to student learning and understanding the eastern hemisphere.
The Goal: To create a safe environment in which students learn, and enjoy the process of
learning
General Rules:
All students are expected to be safe, respectful, achievers both in and out of the
classroom.
Students are expected to BE respectful, responsible, and ready each day.
Our goal is Lots of Learning during class therefore students must show respect.
o Students are to show respect to adults by following directions without argument.
o Students are to show respect to their peers by treating them like they would like
to be treated (golden rule).
o Students are to show respect to the learning environment by staying on task
without disruption.
Materials for Class: Student are required to bring their class folder, Chromebook (once
distributed), pencil or pen, planner, assignment due (when applicable), and A POSITIVE
ATTITUDE, to each class unless otherwise directed.
Expectations for class:

Everyone has the right to, and should expect to, learn.
Each individual is worthy of respect.
Classroom orderliness is necessary for an effective classroom.
Hard work is necessary for learning.
Thinking critically and asking questions creates problem solvers!

Grading Rubric:
Daily Work~
Tests & Quizzes~
Labs & Projects~
Participation
& Organization~
2016-2017 Syllabus

25-30%*
25-30%*
35-40%*
10%

Daily Work: Daily work includes any work that is done together or individual both in and out of
class. Daily work is very important as it can introduce, review, and/or reinforces the daily
lesson. Students who use class time wisely should have little or no homework!
Tests & Quizzes: After many units a test or quiz will be given to formally assess each students
knowledge on the subject. Retakes and corrections may be allowed and are circumstantial.
Retakes or corrections will not be allowed for students who do not turn in a finished review on
the assigned date prior to the test or quiz.
Labs & Projects: Labs and projects are hands-on, supplemental learning activities. They may
also formally assess student knowledge. Labs and projects will be an abundant part of
learning during your time in my classroom. Labs will typically be done in pairs or small lab
groups. Projects will be assigned individually or in small groups. Generally time will be
allotted in class for labs and projects, but may need to be finished at home.
Participation & Organization: Participation and Organization are based on four factors:
Being on time and prepared for class every day, engaging in classroom discussion
regularly, effort in completing learning targets to your best ability, and keeping an
organized binder and notebook.
* Percentages will vary dependent on the semesters tasks.
Late Work:
It is critical to turn in all daily work, reviews, labs, and projects on time!
Everyday an assignment is late it will be marked down an additional 10%.
After 5 days the assignment is worth 50% of the graded value.
An assignment can be turned in up until the units final assessment. (Once we have moved onto
a different unit, work from a previous unit is no longer accepted.)
Each student will be allotted three homework passes each trimester.
o Homework passes do not excuse a student from an assignment, but allows extra time.
o A single homework pass allows an allotted extra day(s) (determined by Mrs. Cheshire) to
turn in the assignment without losing additional points.
o Assignments that I will not allow homework passes to be used, I will discuss when an
assignment is given.
o A homework pass may not be used for test or quiz reviews.
o Homework passes cannot be carried over from one trimester to the next. However,
students that always have their work done on time and do not use a homework pass will
receive a prize at the end of the trimester.
Missed Work:
It is the students responsibility to obtain the homework assignments, notes & any other
pertinent information that is missed during an absence.
Missed work due to an absence: Additional time (up to five school days) and full credit will be
allowed for each day of a verifiable and excused absence.. Exceptions will be made in unique,
deserving situations as determined by the teacher and/or administrator.
Homework: Due to the high standards of the state students are likely to have homework at times. I
most often allot time for students to complete the assigned task in class, however if students chose not
to use this class time to work on the task it will be expected to be completed on their own time (most
likely at home). There are also times that in order to complete a task in a respectable timeframe
students may need to complete work at home.
Remind is a program that I use to inform both parents and students (who sign up) of what tasks
are expected to be completed by the following day(s). Parents and students that attended open
house received a packet from your childs homeroom teacher with the information of how to
sign up for Remind. If you were unable to attend open house this information was sent home the
first day of school. We cannot sign you up from our end of the program you must sign yourself
up. If you are unaware of this program please contact me.
2016-2017 Syllabus

Online Learning: Students will be expected to use different forms of online learning including (but not
limited to) Schoology, Google Classroom, Kahoot, Weebly, Blogspot, Socrative, IXL, and Prezi. All
students are expected to complete these tasks as if they are traditional learning methods. In
addition, students are expected to follow all expectations online just as they would be expected to do
in the classroom. If students are unable to follow appropriate expectations certain online privileges will
be suspended until further notice.
Contact Information:
Please feel free to contact us at any time. You may reach us by calling the school office, or by emailing
me. My email address is as follows:
hcheshire@alansonvikings.net

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Mrs. Cheshires Syllabus and Classroom Procedures.
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2016-2017 Syllabus