Julie Shackleford
5th Grade Science
Albany Middle School
Dear Parents and Students,
I am Julie Shackleford, “Mrs. Shack” and I am so excited to teach 5th Grade Science this year. This will be my tenth year at Albany Middle School and 19th year teaching. I graduated from Louisiana State University, married, have three grown children, two grandchildren, and a Toy Yorkie.
EXPECTATIONS:
I passionately believe life-long success depends on self-discipline. I have developed a Classroom Discipline plan that incorporates the expectations at Albany Middle School and affords every student the opportunity to manage his/her own behavior. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth.
Classroom Rules:
1. Have all materials ready for class. (blue folder, work, packet, pencil)
2. Pay attention, follow directions and complete all assignments.
3. Be respectful of people and property.
4. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
5. Have permission to speak or leave your desk.
Incentives:
Expected behavior at the end of each 9 weeks will be rewarded. This means student did not receive any infractions. If student does not have an infraction all year, they will be rewarded at the end of year by attending a day filled with activities.
Consequences:
Please see the handbook for behavior guidelines. Students that do not follow policies set forth will receive an infraction. Parents will be notified of the infractions through the system. After the third infraction the teacher issuing the infraction will contact the parent/guardian. Upon the 6th infraction the students will receive detention. Please see the handbook. Severe disruptions and zero tolerance behavior will result in an Office Referral.
UNPREPARED FOR CLASS
If student reports to class with missing materials (no pencil, folder, etc.) they will receive “Not Prepared” Sheet to be signed by the parent and the student. The student will complete a paragraph describing why it is important to be prepared for class. If the student does not return the form upon returning to class, they will receive an infraction.
MISUSE OF TECHNOLOGY
If student misuses technology the student will receive a form that will require a paragraph describing how to appropriately use technology. This form is to be signed by the parent and returned the following class period. If the student does not return the form it will result in an infraction.
MINIMAL EFFORT
If student demonstrate minimal effort in class, the student will receive a form that will require a paragraph explaining the importance of hard work, and describe how actions should look in the future. This form is to be signed by the parent and returned the following class period. If the student does not return the form it will result in an infraction.
MISSING OR INCOMPLETE WORK
If student is missing assignments due to an absence, they will receive a zero in powerschool until it is completed. It is the student’s responsibility to make up all assignments. If student is absent, they will receive a form that indicates what they missed in class. It is there responsibility to make up all test and quiz as well as update any information they missed in class. Student will receive a copy of the notes and any missed assignments. It is important for them to read the material and complete all missed work.
MATERIAL NEEDED: BLUE FOLDER, UNIT PACKET, INDEX CARDS, PENCIL
Students must have a BLUE folder which will be designated for SCIENCE ONLY. Students must also come prepared with a pencil or they will receive a “Not Prepared” form/task for not coming to class prepared. If the form is not signed and completed the student will receive an infraction. There is not a textbook for Science therefore it is important that students keep all notes and classwork in the blue folder. Students will receive a Unit Packet for each of the four units, the first page will include vocabulary and unit study guide. Students will be required to write vocabulary on an index card and complete the study guide in TTQA format (turn the question around) on lined paper by announced dates. It is important for students to complete assignments as this should help them be prepared for upcoming quiz and test. The due dates will be provided in the student planner. Students will update their planner each Monday, with given dates for assignment due date and upcoming quiz and test.
GRADING
The following grading scale provided by Livingston Parish will be followed:
93-100 A 95-92 B 75-84 C 67-74 D 0-66 F
A minimum of two grades will be placed weekly in Powerschool per week. Please monitor student progress by checking grades each week in Powerschool.
IMPORTANT
90% of Grade is based on Major and Minor Assessments that are graded for accuracy and correctness. This includes Test, CSA, Quiz, Labs, Constructive Response, Tasks, Exit Tickets, Journal, Projects.
10% of grade is not graded for accuracy/correctness this includes completion of homework, completion of classwork, Bell-Ringer, Teacher Observation, Group participation, Completion of Exit Ticket.
I will usually place two grades in powerschool each week, one that makes up 90% of grade and the other 10% of the grade. Please note many parents overlook the fact that the grade that makes up 10% of grade does not carry the weight of the 90%. Please note 10% of the grade is just as important as the 90%. Working and giving the best effort will always lead to success. Assignments must be completed on time and submitted neatly.
HOMEWORK
Students will be provided due dates for completion of vocabulary and study guide. Dates will be given each Monday for students to write in their planner every Monday. Failure to complete work will result in receiving a Minimal Effort Form.
MAKEUP WORK
It is crucial for students to be at school as much as possible. Excess absences can negatively affect the ability to be successful in class. I understand that sometimes life happens, and class is missed due to an illness or doctor’s appointment etc. therefore make-up work is the student’s responsibility. Students will be given a copy of notes and a list of assignments missed. It is important that students read the notes and complete assignment. If you do not understand it is important to let me know so that I can help clarify any missed concepts. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. A zero will be placed in powerschool until work is submitted.
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
1st 9 Weeks
Unit 0 Scientific Method
Unit 1 Patterns of Earth and Sky
Chapter 1: Why don’t we see a lot of stars in the daytime?
Chapter 2: Why is the sun up sometimes, but not other times?
Chapter 3: Why do we see different stars at different times of year?
Chapter 4: How can we investigate why we see different stars on different nights?
2nd 9 Weeks Unit 2 Modeling Matter
Chapter 1: Why did the food coloring separate into different dyes?
Chapter 2: Why do some salad dressings have sediments, and other do not?
Chapter 3: Why can salad-dressing ingredients separate again after being mixed?
3rd 9 Weeks Unit 3 The Earth’s System
Chapter 1: Why is East Ferris running out of water while West Ferris is not?
Chapter 2: Why does rain form over West Ferris than East Ferris?
Chapter 3: Why is more water vapor getting cold over West Ferris than East Ferris?
Chapter 4: Why is there more water vapor high up over West Ferris than East Ferris?
Chapter 5: How can East Ferris turn wastewater into clean freshwater?
4th 9 Weeks Unit 4 Ecosystem Restoration
Chapter 1: Why aren’t the jaguars and sloths growing and thriving?
Chapter 2: Why aren’t the cecropia trees growing and thriving?
Chapter 3: Why aren’t the cecropia tress growing and thriving in the soil?
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Line up one block from the wall quietly in a single file line outside the classroom. Remember the hall is a no
talking zone. Failure to comply will result in an infraction.
• Enter the class quietly, sit in seat, get out materials. Update the planner every MONDAY.
• Do not leave your seat for any reason without permission.
• Place first and last name, date and period on top right-hand side of paper.
• Appropriate respectful behavior is always expected. (this includes whenever a substitute is present)
• Throw trash away at the end of class on your way out the door.
• If you must leave the classroom for any reason sign in and sign out at the table.
• If you are sick, please fill out sick slip and place on the door.
BULLYING
Is NOT tolerated EVER
• We will not bully anyone this includes cyber bullying
• We will help students who are bullied
• We will make it a point to include all students who are easily left out.
• When we know someone is being bullied, we will tell a teacher or an adult at home.
I am excited about the upcoming school year! If at any time you have questions or concerns about your child, please contact me by email at [email protected] or calling the school at 225-567-5231. I will return emails as promptly as possible after school hours. I have gone over the expectations with students to help ensure a successful year. Please return the form attached indicating that you have read and understand my classroom expectations and include your contact information. I am looking forward to an amazing year as your child’s 5th grade science teacher.
These expectations are to be placed in the front of the blue folder for future reference.
Please sign the attached sheet and submit the following class period with contact information.
Sincerely,
Juliette Shackleford “Mrs. Shack”
5th Grade Science
Albany Middle School
225-567-5231