Bryan
Bryan
Bryan
Bryan ISD
2016-2017
Teacher Information
Teacher: Nicole Heinrich
Campus: Stephen F Austin Middle School
Email: [email protected]
Conference: 9:22 am 10:12 am
Tutorials: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school (4 pm- 5pm)
Course Description
Students plan and conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods and skills that support
the continued development of critical thinking and problem solving. Students analyze data and make informed
decisions using scientific equipment, computers, and information technology to collect, analyze, and record
information. As students continue to develop their use of these skills, they also use acquired scientific
knowledge about the life, physical, and earth sciences. Hands-on, minds-on science instruction provides
learning experiences that extend prior science understanding developed in sixth and seventh grades. Students
observe, identify, classify, and/or investigate a number of relevant science topics.
Critical thinking skills are emphasized through more in-depth laboratory write-ups involving analysis, synthesis,
and application to the real world. Class lectures and discussions allow for drawing more extensive connections
between previously learned science concepts. The testing of students in the Pre-AP program involves higher
level thinking skills assessed through more essay-type questions. This is an advanced academic course, which
requires extensive out-of-class commitment. Course requirements may include lengthy reading assignment,
individual research, and projects.
Grading Policy
Grades are assigned as an indication of the level of academic development in an elementary, middle, or
secondary school subject, course, or class. A students daily or major grade shall not be penalized for
disciplinary reasons.
Reteaching/Reassessment
Reassessment shall be offered to allow a student another chance to show mastery after he/she has failed an
exam. After reteaching occurs, the reassessment option may include a formal or informal measure deemed
appropriate by the teacher/course level for evaluating the skill or concept. The teacher will make every effort to
allow the student to be reassessed as soon as possible. A reassessment must be completed prior to the next
exam.
Middle School students (6-8) who score below 75 will be given an opportunity to retest in order to earn up to a
75. If the reassessment is administered, the higher grade will replace the lower one with a maximum grade of
75. Students will have only one opportunity for reassessment per failing test grade. The reassessment option is
not available for semester exams or district STAAR benchmarks.
Daily Grades Maximum Penalty - The teacher may use discretion regarding the extension of the late
work rule due to extenuating circumstances. Late daily work will be accepted with a penalty of up to 10
points off a 100-point scale, which means up to 10 points per day, or if another scale is used, no more than
10% off for each school attendance day late. Late work must be submitted within the grading period.
Major Grades/Long Range Projects - The teacher may use discretion regarding the extension of the late
work rule due to extenuating circumstances. On long-range major projects or announced tests where the
due date is established well in advance, the student may be penalized up to 10 points on a 100-point scale, or if
another scale is used, 10% per day for each day beyond the due date. Late work must be submitted within the
grading period. Every effort should be made to complete the work for partial credit.
Course Information
Supplies: 2 Composition Books, Pencils, Pens, Erasers, Glue, Scissors,
Map Pencils, Kleenex
Class Expectations
My students and I will abide by the Social Contract we will create during the first week of school. If the Social
Contract is not followed, the following steps will be taken:
1. Warning
2. 30-minute Detention & Planned Discussion (parent notified)
3. Parent Conference
4. Referral
Stephen F. Austin Middle School has adopted the CHAMPS philosophy for establishing classroom
expectations. We CHAMP every activity to ensure that students are aware of expectations for their behavior
and participation. These expectations are designed to help students succeed academically and outside the
classroom.