Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to a new year at Lee Middle School. I would like to take this
opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Nikki DeSilva, and I will be
teaching 7th grade Life Science this school year. It is my hope that with
the cooperative efforts of the students, parents and myself, the 2007-2008
school year will be a successful and satisfying year.
My focus this year, is on developing a higher level of understanding and
application of science knowledge and methods.
We will cover the following California state content standards during this
school year:
All living organisms are composed of cells from just one to many
trillions, whose details are usually visible through a microscope.
A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that
specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental
influences.
Biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed
through gradual processes over many generations
Evidence from rocks allows us to understand the evolution of life on
Earth
The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals illustrate the
complementary nature of structure and function
Physical principles underlie biological structures and functions.
Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and
conducting careful investigations
Course Expectations
1. Students must come to class with the following material:
Agenda
3-ring binder
1 packet of dividers
Note-book paper
Pens, pencils, and erasers
2. Classroom Rules:
- Follow directions/Follow the Wildcat Way
- Use appropriate Language
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
- Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings
3. Students please note that NO food, drinks or gum is allowed in the
classroom. Also, NO electronic devices of any kind (such as CD players,
pagers, cell phones, games, etc.) will be allowed in the classroom.
They will be confiscated, if found.
4. Students are expected to be in the room and in their assigned seats
when the tardy bell rings.
5. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in homework on the day
that it is due. NO unexcused late work will be accepted.
6. It is the student’s responsibility to check the Homework Binder in
the front of the room for any make-up work when they are absent. All
make up work should be turned in within one week of returning from an
absence. You can only make up the work with an excused absence. If a
student is absent on a test day, they will have to take an alternative
exam. It is a student’s responsibility to make up a test. Make up
tests will be given either before school or after school.
7. Academic Honesty Policy:
Cheating on tests, plagiarism, or other dishonest practices will result
in an “F” grade for that assignment/test.
8. Grading Policy:
- Warm-ups = 10%
- Class work/Homework = 20%
- Labs/Activities/Projects = 30%
- Tests/Quizzes = 30%
- Notebook = 10%
Letter Grades:
90 – 100 = A
80 – 89 = B
70 – 79 = C
60 – 69 = D
59 and below = F
9. Students! Always keep in mind that the bell does not dismiss
you……..I do!