Ms. Natalie Gibbens

3rd – 6th Grade

Math & Science

Science & Math Academy

(225) 258 – 4600

Course Information

The Math curriculum emphasizes mathematic fluency, application, concept development, and student debriefing in the elementary grades and shifts to a focus on problem sets, exploration, discussion, and modeling in the middle school grades to help students foster deep conceptual understanding of standard mathematical practices. Students will be offered a variety of opportunities to investigate advanced mathematical concepts through a process of discovery and engagement that promotes a lifelong interest in the discipline. From developing multiple strategies for solving complex mathematical problems to using patterns and algebraic reasoning for making predictions, students will build a strong foundation to enrich their studies in mathematics.

The Science curriculum will provide students the opportunity to discover, interpret, and analyze the world around them. Through inquiry based learning, students will learn to ask questions and be challenged to explain their observations. Students will learn science processes as they work individually or in groups to gather and interpret data, and ultimately master scientific concepts.

Student Expectations
  • Bring all books and materials to class daily and be ready to learn.
  • Complete all assignments/homework on time and to the best of their ability.
  • Follow directions the first time they are given.
  • Respect themselves, others and their property at all times.
  • Always use respectful actions and language towards the teacher and fellow students.
  • Participate and cooperate in group and class activities
  • Use time wisely to complete assignments and projects.
  • Talk to the teacher about anything that will make their time at school easier.
  • Follow PAWS/PBIS guidelines.

Assessments
  • Math –A minimum of 8 grades per quarter will be taken from teacher made tests and projects, and mid-module and end-of-module tests from Eureka Math.
  • Science – A minimum of 5 grades per quarter will consist of tests and projects.
  • All grades will be equally weighted.
  • Tests will be scheduled at least if not more than 3 school days in advance. Check student’s planner for scheduled tests. Project deadlines may be given in advance or decided upon according to the progress of the student’s work.
  • Throughout the year, your child will be given assignments/performance assessments to complete during class time, with some at-home work possibly being needed. A detailed project description and rubric will be given for each assignment so that you will know of details and deadlines ahead of time. Thank you in advance for guiding your child’s learning and making sure that he/she is prepared with necessary supplies to maximize his/her school experience. Please encourage your child to give his/her best effort!

All assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit.

Each assignment turned in late will result in lowering of the grade according to the following district guidelines:

Number of School Days Late / Highest Academic Grade Possible to Earn
1 - 2 / B
3 – 4 / C
5 / D
6 + / F
  • Special circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In the event that “Extra Credit” assignments are given they will be due on the due date. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Grading Scale

The ten point grading scale is used in all gifted courses. The scale is as follows:

100-90 / A
89-80 / B
79-70 / C
69-60 / D
59 – 0 / F
Test Papers

Graded papers will be sent home for parents/guardians to review and sign. Papers should be returned to school the following day. For documentation purposes, it is very important that all test papers be returned to school. If a pattern develops of papers not being returned, papers will be held at school for parent viewing. Your help with this is appreciated.

Absences
  • If a student is absent it is THEIR responsibility to obtain missed assignments. There will be a designated area in the classroom for missed assignments, handouts, etc. If a student is absent they are to pick up their work and return it in a timely manner. Please remind your child to check for missed assignments upon their return to school.
  • Missed tests should be made up in a timely manner as well according to the district guidelines.

Parent Communication

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns about your child’s time here at school. You may send me a note or e-mail me at . If a conference is needed, I will do my best to accommodate parents either before or after school or during my planning/lunch period.

I look forward to a successful school year in a classroom setting that is conducive to learning at our utmost potential.

Sincerely,

Ms. Natalie Gibbens

PROCEDURES

A procedure is defined as a way of doing something. The following are procedures that will be implemented in my classroom so that we may enjoy an environment that is conducive to learning!!

Entering and beginning class

  • Enter the room quietly, sit in your assigned seat, take out materials, and begin “Walk-In Work”.
  • If I am not in class because of duty, etc., line up quietly against the wall until I or someone else allows you to enter the classroom.

“Walk-In Work”

  • Walk-In Work will be posted each day. It will consist of a writing prompt and/or daily proofreading.
  • Begin working on the writing prompt/proofreading immediately.

Moving into groups/Dismissal

  • I will count 1…2…3. On 1, students will get quiet, and check their surrounding area. On 2, students will stand up quietly and get ready to move. On 3, students will quickly and quietly move to appropriate places.
  • I will dismiss you!
  • Do not pack materials until told to do so.
  • Students must be seated and quiet before dismissal.

Disposing of garbage

  • All garbage should be held at the students’ desks until dismissal. Garbage can be disposed of when exiting the classroom.

Pencils/Temperature/Restroom (“Flashy Fingers”)

  • If your pencil needs sharpening while I am teaching, raise your pencil or index finger to signal to me that you need to trade for a sharpened pencil. I will trade your broken/dull pencil for a new one. During independent work times if your pencil needs to be traded you may quickly trade and return to your seat.
  • If you are “too” cold or “too” hot raise “two” fingers and I will adjust the thermostat. If you are often cold, please bring a sweater or jacket.
  • If you need to use the restroom raise three fingers. There will be designated bathroom breaks; therefore, only emergency situations or students with a doctor’s excuse will be allowed to go to the restroom.

Early Finishers

  • Students may begin working on homework.
  • Students that finish work early may go to the reading center to choose a book to read.
  • Early finishers may also work on Accelerated Reader or Accelerated Math.
  • There will be some times when early finishers may work on the computers as well.

Announcements/Visitors

  • Students will stop what they are doing and listen quietly when an announcement is being made.
  • When we have a visitor students should show respect and continue working or wait quietly with heads down or reading AR books until I am ready to resume class.

Tests

  • Pay attention to instructions and follow all directions.
  • When finished with a test turn it in and begin working on the next assignment.

Attention

  • When I need your attention I will raise my hand to “give you five”. This is your sign to get quiet…Stop, Look, and Listen. Stop what you are doing, Look up at me, and Listen to what I am saying. In response to me raising my hand you should raise yours to show me that you are ready.