- 1 -

7
th
/8
th
Grade Science
Guidelines to Success

Welcome! Science is an exciting subject that helps us better understand whats happening in the world around us. This
course will challenge you. You will need to have a positive attitude about learning, be organized, work hard, and be willing
to think critically. Throughout the year you will be asked to work independently as well as collaboratively.

Contact Information: Our planning period is 1
st
period from 8:30-9:21 am. If you would like to speak to me, please
contact at 397-1000. A faster, easier way to contact me is by email at:
sonia.obregon@nisd.net

Course Description: 7
th
/8th grade science is an exciting course. We will be using a variety of means to learn
including, but not limited to, laboratories, research, projects, technology (web 2.0 tools), blogging and current news in the
Sciences. This course is also designed to provide the information needed for future academic success.

Materials:
Two composition books. One will be used the 1
st
semester, the other for the 2
nd
semester.
Pens/Pencils/Paper/Highlighter/Colored Pencils or Markers/2 sets index cards

Scholarly Behaviors: What is a scholar? A scholar is defined as one who attends a school or studies under a
teacher. Characteristics of a scholar are the following:

1. Thirsts for knowledge. 6. Sets goals.
2. Brings tools. 7. Exercises the intellect.
3. Sees from different perspectives. 8. Saves important information.
4. Asks good questions. 9. Ponders big ideas.
5. Accesses multiple sources of information.


Grading Practices:

Daily Work/Quizzes: 20% Major Tests/Projects: 40% Labs: 40%

Progress Reports: Progress reports will be issued to all students which will include missing and completed
assignments. Please take advantage of these updates by getting help BEFORE its too late.

Please scan the following using a QR Reader to send me
your contact information:


S. Obregon
John B. Connally Middle School
- 2 -
Make-Up Work and Tutoring: If you are absent, you should complete the missing work in a timely manner.
Generally, you will be allowed one make-up day for each day you were absent. See teacher immediately upon return for
missed work. You can also send me a message on Edmodo for your missing assignments. Its always best to make
plans to come to working lunch to pick up make up work and to get assistance with missing work.
Instructional time will not be used for make up work.
Tutoring: Students can receive tutoring and complete make up work before school in the HOPE center. Additional
tutoring is available during working lunch, or after school. Please see me for an after school tutoring pass. It is
the students responsibility to obtain a working lunch pass, an after school pass, or HOPE Center pass.
Homework: Homework is due at the beginning of class. It should be completed prior to coming to class and will be
collected at the beginning of class. It will be considered late once all papers have been collected. If homework was left at
home or if it is incomplete, students will be assigned working lunch for that day and will be required to attend. If
student does not show up for working lunch, he/she will receive an office referral.
Absent on the due date: If you are here for the assignment but absent the day it is due because of illness or
emergency, you are expected to turn it in the NEXT school day. If you are at school (such as participating in a band
activity, club activity, or other) but miss class on the day a lab or project is due, you are still expected to turn it in that day.
This means you may have to be proactive and plan ahead in order to get the project turned in on time.
Academic Integrity/Cheating/Plagiarism: At times you will be placed in groups for the purpose of cooperative
learning. Your tests and written work, however, are expected to be completed on your own. Students cheating or unfairly
assisting other students during a test will lose all credit on that test. Students may cooperate on lab write-ups, but
they may not copy each others work. If caught copying another students work, both students will not receive
credit for that assignment. Similarly, plagiarism will result in zero credit for an assignment and a referral.

Final Advice: You can succeed in this class if you follow these key steps.

Keep up with your assignments. Catch up after an absence as soon as possible.
Ask for help when you need it. Whether that means asking a question during class or after class.
Take advantage of opportunities to boost your grade corrections, retests, and extra credit.
Have a positive attitude about science. Work hard and use your brain!

Parent Volunteers: Parent volunteers are needed and welcomed to serve in an administrative capacity for the Science
Department. If you are interested in serving or have served and would like to continue serving please leave your name and
contact information in the P.T. A. mailbox in the front office. If you are not able to serve as a parent volunteer but would
still like to assist by making donations for student use and special projects (i.e. hand sanitizer, Kleenex, old magazines,
water bottle tops, empty tape spools, etc.) these items are welcome and most appreciated.



************************************************ Cut Here ********************************************************






Parent Name (print): __________________________ Home Number:___________________

Email Address: ______________________________ Cell Number: ____________________

Signatures below indicate that I have read and understand the Policies & Procedures for Mrs. Obregons Science class.