Joseph Temple Henley Middle School

Joseph Temple Henley Middle School

5880 Rockfish Gap Turnpike

Crozet, Virginia 22932

(434) 823-4393

Lisa Boyce, Mrs. Boyce

Life Skills, 8th Grade

Rooms 3 & 4

Hello Parents,

I am your child’s Life Skills teacher, Mrs. Boyce. Please read over the course syllabus and complete the short form at the end. Please know that I welcome your mentorship and volunteerism in any of our projects, and if you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me at the above listed email address!

This is NOT the Home Economics class of our childhood!

I. Course Description

Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course that provides a foundation for managing individual, family, work, and community roles and responsibilities. Relevant workforce readiness skills are a backbone of the course, and students will be given many opportunities to develop these skills through our class projects. Consumerism and sustainability are still prevailing themes, but students will have more opportunities to have a DIY approach to the class. Some of our activities will require volunteers to ensure everyone has support.

·  Cooking: Students will continue to learn how to use nutrition and wellness practices during the course. This will include cooking meals from other cultures and identifying the fresh ingredients that are prevalent through each type of cuisine. New this year will be explorations into food preservation. Basic gardening skills are now an option for us as we have adopted the school garden and greenhouse located in the 8th grade courtyard. This may allow us to make food-based gifts that could possibly be sold. Cooking in 8th grade will require a higher level of thought and group work. *

·  Textiles: Class explorations into textiles and color theory last year provide the background for this year’s projects, but we have increased the use of technology. Coding and design software will will be used to create fabric designs on the computer, and these designs will then be transferred to fabric that will be cut and sewn. Small electronics will be added to revamped items to create “e-textiles.” Sustainability is still very important, and students will use thrift store purchases to make them “new and improved.” Guest speakers will be available to show examples of their work.

·  Financial literacy: Financial literacy is very important as students begin to focus their thoughts on careers, part time jobs, and earning money. Students will explore costs as we move through our projects, and will become proficient at balancing a checkbook and understanding credit.

IV. Communication

Students should prepare to check their ACPS email and the Blackboard (Bb) landing page on a daily basis, as this will be how I communicate with them. Homework will be listed on our Blackboard (Bb) landing page, and students will be asked to review/remark upon some of the unit materials prior to coming to class. This will be done via the Discussion “tab” or through uploading assignments. I will model these procedures.

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Back Portion To Be Signed,

Removed and Given To Mrs. Boyce

II. Material Requirements

Students will have a few material expenses throughout the course, but these will be minimal and advance notice will be given. Initially, students have an option for the two-pocket fastener folder needed for class. I am able to loan them a folder that will be kept in class for any non-electronic handouts and notes during class time. These folders will have a label for their name, but should not be decorated in any way. Students that like to doodle or draw may benefit from providing their own folder or purchasing the folder from the class for $1.00. Students will need to be prepared for each class with a writing utensil, lined paper, their laptop (7th), headphones or “earbuds”, and a flash drive. If they keep all of their things together, they have a greater chance of earning up to100% on any quizzes given throughout the semester.

III. Internet Requirements & Photographs

We use technology often, and our class is considered “flipped” in that accessing files and video clips before class will allow students to feel better prepared. It will also give them opportunities to contribute to richer class discussions, and synthesize the information through hands-on projects and activities.

Sharing successes: I love to share photos of our activities with parents and students! Your permission for photographs on the technology use form is appreciated.

V. Grading Policies and Procedures

Henley’s grading scale, explained in the student agenda, will be followed for this course.

Grading

·  Participation & Behavior – worth 5 points each class period*

·  Assignments – worth 15 points

·  Classwork – Worth 10 points

·  Quizzes – worth 25 points

·  Projects & Kitchen Labs – worth up to 40 points

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* High participation points = Cooking Time, and earning two DR’s during the week of a cooking lab may result in a withdrawal from the activity and a loss of the lab grade

Extra Credit: There will be a few extra credit opportunities announced throughout the semester.

Respect: This class is built around teamwork and rotating groups, and the main expectation is to be respectful in all facets of the class, including me, classmates, supplies, equipment, etc. Some of our equipment (ex: sewing machines) is expensive, and intentional disregard or destruction of these items may result in a request for financial assistance to repair or replace it.

Late Assignments: Points will be taken off for each class period an assignment is late. Late work will be accepted at full credit with an excused absence. Homework that is not turned in (electronically or otherwise) will be given a zero. Missed quizzes, etc., will need to be made up during STING and by appointment.

*Food Project Labs: Students will be expected to come during STING the day of a cooking lab to prep.

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I have read the Life Skills Syllabus with my student and we understand the requirements of the class.

Student’s Printed Name: ______

Student’s Signature: ______

Parent’s Signature: ______

E-mail address: ______

Best number to contact you during the day: ______

I am interested in volunteering in the area of ______