WELCOME To Mrs. Pursley's 8th Grade Science Class
The new Georgia Performance Standards are difficult. Basically, all 8th graders will be expected to complete typical Algebra I standards. If your child is having difficulty in class, he/she is welcome to come in and get extra help.
If you have questions about your child's grades, please email me and I will send you an update. My email address is mpursley.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us. Class syllabus is below.
You can receive weekly emails from Mr. Lusk about weekly acivities at HMS by subscribing the the HMS news at http://www2.catoosa.k12.ga.us/hms/mailing_list/default.asp.
Team Success Teachers:
Mrs. Higgins (Math) http://teacherweb.com/GA/HeritageMiddle/CHiggins/apt1.aspx
Mrs. Walker (LA) nwalker.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Nichols (GA Studies) mnichols.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Coteachers with Pursley:
Mrs. Crichfield lcrichfield.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Mr. Lankford blankford.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Mrs. Pursley
8thGrade Science
HeritageMiddle School
Textbook: Georgia Physical Science: Holt Science and Technology
There is only a classroom set but students may check them out if they need to borrow one.
Topics: We will cover the Georgia Performance Standards for 8thgrade Science. These standards can be found athttp://www.georgiastandards.org
Concepts to be taught in 8thGrade: (this is a brief overview)
- Atoms and elements
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Periodic Table
- Energy Types and their uses
- Newton’s Laws (force, mass and acceleration)
- Light and Sound
- Kinetic and Potential Energy
- Electricity
Supplies to be brought to class EVERYDAY:
Agenda Paper Writing Utensil Homework
Homework:
I do not give a lot of homework. However, class work will become homework if not completed during the class period. I hope students turn their work in on time. However, if homework is late, I follow the HMS 10 point rule. For each day a paper is late, I will deduct 10 points.
Warm-ups:
Each day there will be a warm-up on the board. Students are expected to copy the warm-up from the board and answer the question provided. The answer to the question will be discussed at the beginning of class. These warm-ups will be collected and counted for as a grade. There is no reason a student should receive a grade less than an A on this as long as they copy the question and write an answer. Failure to copy the question or write and answer will result in a poor grade.
Make-up Work:
In the even of an excused absence, students will be allowed the opportunity to turn in missed assignments. However, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to see me for these assignments and turn them in TO ME in a timely fashion. I will try to keep a notebook of daily warm-ups and class work.
The school make-up policy states: Students have the number of days absent to make up work missed. Students are expected to take the initiative in getting make-up work completed. Assignments for students who are absent may be obtained by checking each teacher’s website. Mine ishttp://teacherweb.com/GA/HeritageMiddle/MaryPursley.
You will also be able to access it through the school website. Lesson plans will be found here as well.
Projects and Labs:Most projects are to be done IN CLASS. I may give students a list of things they need to collect outside of class to do the projects, but I prefer the projects are completed during class time. We will do some labs in class and students are expected to take care of the materials properly. Horseplay will not be tolerated and will result in an alternative assignment, after school detention or office referral.
Grading Policy and Procedures:
My grading policy is such that Tests count two times and daily work counts once. Labs will count as a daily grade and Projects will count as test grades.
The school grading policy is:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 74-79
D = 70-73
F = 0-69
Please note HMS test retake policy whose purpose is to give students an opportunity to retake a test where they did not meet expectations while at the same time teaching them responsibility so as not to abuse the policy.
1. Students are allowed one test retake per nine weeks. This means a student could make up a test in 4 different classes each nine weeks. However, they cannot make up two in the same class in a nine week grading period. Students would not be allowed to carry over the make up if they did not use it in the previous nine weeks.
2. Retakes can only be taken during morning detention, after school detention or Saturday school. If transportation is an issue, the administration will make arrangement to transport the student home, or I will make other accommodations for the student to take the test.
A student will receive the higher of the two grades once the retake has been graded. The student is allowed to retake the test ONE time.
If at any time you would like additional help or information on the class progress, please call or email us at mpursley.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us . lcrichfield.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us or blankford.hms@catoosa.k12.ga.us
Email is a great way to get in touch with us. I am available most afternoons until 3:45.
I look forward to working with you and I know this year will be a successful one.
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