Contact Information: Room 135
Phone: 407-847-1400
Email:
Class Website: imaginescienceisfun.yolasite.com
School Website: kissimmeecharteracademy.com
Welcome to Science class! Throughout the year, we will be studying a broad range of science curriculum, with a particular emphasis on physical science. While learning and applying specific science concepts is important, mastery of the scientific method of problem solving is the primary objective of the class. Students will have daily opportunities to work cooperatively with their peers as they complete class activities. My goal is to provide a variety of hands-on learning activities and inquiry-based lesson to help you have fun learning, and show you how science can be valuable in your life. An important reason for meeting together in classes is to share information and experiences; your participation and cooperation are vital to making this class a positive experience for all of us.
Instructor
My name is Linda R. Williams and I was born in Hollywood, Florida; however I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago Illinois. I have 3 beautiful children; ages 17, 12 and 5. I graduated from Iowa State University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, with course credits for a minor in Chemistry. Before relocating backhome to Florida, I was a Bacteriologist in Iowa State’s Veterinarian Diagnostic Laboratory. Since relocation, I have been a Senior Environmental Chemist for approximately 10 years before I transitioned into teaching. Holding a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as three state of Florida teaching certificates; one in Middle Grades Science grades 5th-9th , Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, and Chemistry grades 6th- 12th. This is my 6th year teaching with Imagine Schools.
In my free time, I love to read, exercise and play sports. Currently, I am coaching cheerleading with Kissimmee Youth Football AAU League for the Kissimmee Kowboys. Previously, I was the Cheer Director/Head Coach of the award winningImagine Panther Cheerleaders, the Cheer Director for the Kissimmee Kowboys Pop Warner League and the Osceola Boys and Girls Club.
I believe through community involvement and education we can make a difference in today’s youth and I welcome any opportunity to make a difference in any child’s life.
Classroom Procedures
Entering the classroom
*Students are to enter the classroom quietly, sharpen pencils if necessary and take their assigned seats.
* The homework assignment as well as class instruction, i.e. bell work will be written on the board and/or projected
on the whiteboard.
* Students are to copy down their homework in their agendas and then begin followingthe class instruction.
* There is NO TALKINGupon entering the classroom.
Exiting the classroom
Prior to the bell students will be asked to assemble their belongings, straighten their desk, and adjust their school uniforms. Students are dismissed by the instructor, NOT THE BELL.
Within the classroom environment
* Students shall have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
* Students shall be in their seats, following listed class instructions at the beginning of class.
* Students shall listen quietly and carefully.
* Students shall follow all directions the first time they are given.
* Students must raise their hand and WAITfor permission to speak.
* Speaking out is NOT PERMITTED.
* Students must stay in their seats unless given permission to do otherwise.
Class Rules
#1 FOLLOW DIRECTIONS QUICKLY
#2 RAISE YOUR HAND FOR PERMISSION TO SPEAK OR TO LEAVE YOUR SEAT
#3 LISTEN WHILE OTHERS ARE TALKING
#4 MAKE SMART CHOICES
#5 RESPECT EVERYONE
#6 KEEP YOUR DEAR TEACHER HAPPY
Students are expected to follow the 3 P’sStudents are also expected to follow the 3 R’s
Be PromptRespect for self
Be PreparedRespect for others
Be ProductiveResponsibility for actions
**Students should come to class on time with all of their materials and homework and STAY ON TASK.
Rewards
* Praise (daily)
*Imagine Bucks (at random)
* Positive notes or phone calls home (at random)
* Stickers (at random)
* Various snacks and treats (at random)
* Free homework passes (at random)
Consequences
Students are responsible for their own behavior and are expected to follow the classroom rules and procedures. If the student chooses not to abide by the classroom rules and procedures one or more of the following may occur:
* Verbal Warning
* Lunch detention and/or written assignment (paragraph or essay) in reference to their behavior.
* Note and/or call home to the parent
*Notation to student discipline card which may also include: a one hour after school detention, a twohour Saturday
detention or two hour Saturday work detail.
* Office Referral
* Denial or participation in class/school reward
Additional Class Policies:
* No student will be allowed to leave class during neither the first 10-minutes nor the last 10-minutes of class.
DISCLAIMER: ** Students are also expected to follow all policies in the 2010-2011 Parent Student Handbook and the Osceola County Student Code of Conduct.
Assessment
Students will be assessed on the following:
*Classwork, Homework, Science Binder, Science 3-subject Notebook, Station activities, Laboratories, Class and group projects, Individual projects, Science Fair Project, Quizzes and Test
Make-up Work
Make-up work IS ONLY accepted in the case of an EXCUSEDabsence. Students are allowed one day for every day the students is absent for an excused reason, to make up their work, however pre-assigned assignments/projects are due the day the student returns. It is the students’ responsibility to request and turn in the missing assignments.
Late Work
All homework, reports, projects, and class work are due on the date assigned by the teacher. Given assignments are considered late if not turned in on assigned date and will receive a 10% penalty for each day the assignment is late. After the fifth day the student MUST attend the next scheduled after school detention until assignment is completed and turned in to the teacher. Failure to attend scheduled detention or detentions will result in an in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension. Students will receive a maximum of a 50% for any late work completed after the fifth day.
Academic Dishonesty
Remember it’s ok to give help or hints, but it is NOT ok to give the answers. Always show your integrity. If I catch someone cheatingall the people involved will earn a ZERO on thatassignment and may be referred to the office.
Grading Scale:
Letter grades are determined on the following scale:
90-100%A
80-89%B
70-79%C
60-69%D
0-59%F
I look forward to working with you and your child in this upcoming school year!!!
Sincerely,
Ms. Williams
Parent Signature: ______Student Signature: ______Date: ______