Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
What should I do if I am absent?
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to make up work and TURN IT IN as soon as possible upon returning to school. Homework assignments are posted in the Homework section of this site. If you have questions about the assignment, email Ms. Reynolds or call a homework buddy. Missed assignments are excused for the same amount of days as your absence. In general, LATE WORK (not due to absence) will NOT be accepted. A written notice from a parent or guardian is required for extenuating circumstances.Back to Top
If you have concerns about your grade, please see Ms. Reynolds as soon as possible! Keeping your grade record up to date will allow you to calcualte your grade at any given time. Extra credit assignments are not given. Occasionally bonus points are given on exams.Back to Top
What is the point system? Can I make up a poor test grade?
The point system is used to keep a running tally of all student work. Each assessment has a point value. Students log in 5/5 points, 8/10 points and so on and add the numerator to the numerator and the denomenator to the denomenator as we go along. At any point, they can divide the numerator by the denomenator to find their percentage grade. 90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 60-69 D The point system TRULY allows every student to be capable of achieving a basic level of mastery (C) in our class studies because it accounts for both mastery of skills and effort. By completing homework on a regular basis - students receive credit for their efforts no matter what. Of course, we review homework assignments in class. Also, students are given a variety of informal assessments - including labs and projects.Back to Top
How can I be involved with my student's learning?
There are a number of ways you can aid your child's learning and check up on their progress!!! * Check their assignment notebook! Students copy daily and long term assignments into thier assignment notebooks. At the beginning of the year, I stamp notebooks daily - so parent communication can begin here. * Ask to see the actual assignments! * Ask to see the Grade Record Sheet (this is the first handout in their notebook) - this clearly displays your child's progress and current grade. If the sheet is not up to date, use the Homework Section of this site to update it right away. * If something seems off - don't delay! Please contact me right away. Email is the best way to reach Ms. Reynolds. * If you feel you have personal experience or information that may be relevent to our classroom explorations - please let me know, real world connections is what makes science exciting to the kids!Back to Top
In what ways are you preparing my child for MCAS?
The Middle School Science MCAS exam occurs mid-May, and covers the state mandated curriculum for grades 6-8. Your child's 6-8 teachers collaborate in using this curriculum as their guide for classroom studies. In Grade 8, the content areas covered include Earth Science and Introductory Physics and Chemistry. However, following April Vacation, we begin an intensive (and in many ways, enjoyable) review of learned material. Students keep a separate folder for review material only, which is worth a 100 point test grade, and also have quizzes on each branch of science. This is an extremely important time for your child to be in school! Please be aware of the importance of this month long review.Back to Top
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