Physical Science

Mrs. Brooke Jackson

Kastner Intermediate School
Policies and Procedures
Welcome to my classroom and to the 2016-2017 school year! I am very excited to
be here teaching Physical, Earth, and Life Science. I am looking forward to sharing an
exciting year of discovery, learning, and success with you. Together we will work hard
and enjoy our scientific investigations and learning.
This course will be focusing on the newly adopted Next Generation Science
Standards. We will be following units will be covered throughout the year:
Unit 1: Forces Interacting
Unit 2: Motion and Energy
Unit 3: Waves
Unit 4: Far Away
Unit 5: Long Ago
Unit 6: Change Today
*Please see Curriculum Calendar for more detail and for more information on the Next
Generation State Standards please check out the website:
http://www.nextgenscience.org/. All sections will include a benchmark exam, technology,
review quizzes, inquiry based labs, class work, lectures, and homework.
Individual Classroom Supplies
Recommended Student Supplies List
Adequate supplies of #2 pencils and erasers
A highlighter
A spiral bound notebook for class notes & assignments. This will be crucial in
order to be successful in Science class. It will ultimately contain everything
we do in Science & will be graded. It should be college ruled and have 200
pages minimum. 1-3 Subject Spiral notebooks are acceptable. I also
encourage a notebook with a heavier cover if possible.
College-ruled, lined paper

Homework, Labwork, and Projects

Each academic unit will consist of the following items which will contribute to the
students grade:

Unit Introduction activity/notes/reading

Daily Starters
Homework (will vary)
1+ Lab Activity
1 Performance Task Exam/Test

Homework and projects are due at the beginning of class on the due date. All
work turned in is to be done neatly on lined binder paper in students spiral notebook
(not torn out). Unless otherwise allowed, work is NOT to be turned in electronically.
Late work will be accepted however it will receive reduced credit. If a student does not
complete assigned assignments on time, (s)he will be assigned lunch homework lab or
detention to complete it for late credit.
You should keep your notebook neat, organized, and current all year long. This is your
evidence to counter any errors that may arise in calculating your grade for the class.
Please contact me as soon as possible, if you suspect errors in your grade.
Tardies and Absences
Students are expected to be in class, on time, each day school is in session. Work
missed because of legal absences can be made up. Students will be allowed one day for
each day of excused absence (C.U.S.D. Policy). It is the responsibility of the student to
arrange for make-up work and exams. His make-up work is to be completed outside of
the normal class time. It is the responsibility of the student to discuss the assignment
with the teacher at an appropriate time and turn in the work.

Grading
A final grade will be determined by a combination of exams, quizzes, homework and
classwork, lab activities, and projects.
Grade Determination
Grade Categories

Grading Scale

Exams.50%

A = 100 90%

Quizzes..20%

B = 89 80%

Labs, Homework/Classwork, etc..30%

C = 79 - 70%
D = 69 60%
F = <60%

I will be using objective and criterion-referenced testing in my classes. If a student

achieves < 80% on an exam, a corrective exam (retake) will be taken. Corrective exams
will be given during the subsequent block day following the initial exam. The highest
grade a student can achieve on a corrective exam is 70% (if initial score was <70%) or
80% (if initial score was between 70%-80%).
Important Contact Information
I am here for your child and you. I believe fully in open communication. If you have any
concerns, or questions please call me at Kastner 327-2500. If you leave a message, I will
return your call at the earliest possibility. The best, and quickest, way to reach me is via email
here at Kastner. As the school year begins, and schedules get settled in, I will establish some
times when I will be available for office hours. I am also always available to meet by
appointment to answer questions and offer assistance.
My email address is: brookejackson@cusd.com
I check this email daily. I strongly encourage you to have a current email address on file with
the Kastner Office. I will communicate general and important information throughout the year
with our parents through the Zangle system as well as through individual email.

Student/Parent Signature Page

Please read and discuss these policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please
contact me for clarification and discussion.
Please sign and return this page indicating that you are aware of my policies and procedures and
the Kastner Science Department Homework Policies.

Student Name (Printed)

Student Signature

Date

Parent Name (Printed)

Parent Signature

Date