Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Course Description:

I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach your child social studies and science! This year in science your child will be learning about rocks, minerals, and soil, fossils, habitats found in Georgia, and heat energy. In social studies, we will be learning all about American Indians, Explorers, Democracy, and Economics.

Daily Instruction:

A typical day in my classroom will include many different learning opportunities. Your child will be able to participate in hands-on experiences through labs and investigations. Group work and independent work will take place depending on the learning task. Reading and writing will be important parts of our daily lessons. Students will be using interactive notebooks to document their learning.

Course Goals:

Both social studies and science courses will follow the standards and essential questions provided by the Georgia Department of Education. The standards can be found at www.georgiastandards.org.

Projects and Instructional Activities:

Students will be expected to complete a variety of projects and instructional activities. Many projects will be completed in-class as a required project grade. Additionally, students will receive the opportunity to complete take-home projects as a way to earn extra credit. Take-home projects are the ONLY extra-credit opportunities that will be provided and projects MUST be turned in on the assigned due-date.   Also, students will be expected to complete approximately six science labs per nine-weeks. Parents will be notified of major course projects prior to the due date.

Assessment Plan:

Students will be expected to show their learning through many different assessment formats.   Parents will be notified of upcoming tests and quizzes.  We will utilize Standards Based Grading. 

Classroom Expectations:

Your child will be expected to follow all school and classroom rules. This is necessary for our classroom to run in a way that is conducive to maximum learning. Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared for class. Students are also expected to show respect to themselves and others. I have high expectations for all of my students. This is not limited to their academic performance. Appropriate school behavior is also important.  We will be using "The Essential 55" by Ron Clark as our guide to appropriate behavior in school and in our community. These rules can be found here: https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=119575&dataid=150824&FileName=Ron%20Clarks%2055%20Essentials.pdf

Supplies and Materials Needed (Supplies are for all subjects):

5 Composition Notebooks (ELA, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Math)  Spiral bound are OK, but they do not last as long

2-3 sharpened pencils per day (students should try to sharpen pencils at home to cut down on wasted class time)

1 3-ring binder that will be used for all subjects

Dividers with folders (to be placed in binder)

1 pack of index cards

1-2 highlighters

1 pack of skinny markers

1 pack of colored pencils

Glue stick

Loose-leaf paper (to be kept in binder)

6 3-prong folders with pockets

Fabric pencil pouch (the plastic cases break easily and create a disturbance when dropped)

Homework Policy:

Homework will be given in the form of a choice board.  Students will complete homework throughout the week and turn in all homework on Friday.  A choice board will be provided for social studies and science each Monday for students to use throughout the week.  Students will choose 4 assignments that go along with the weekly topic.  During the week leading up to a test, the choice board will have a required completion of a study guide.  Study guides should be completed and turned in on the day of the test for an extra 5 points toward the final test grade.  Study guides must be neat, complete, and in the student's handwriting.  Study guides will not be accepted after the test. 

Extra Help:

Students will be provided extra help granted that they have put forth effort to complete the task or assignment. It is my hope that all of my students have a successful year. This means that we will work together to ensure that your child receives assistance, when needed. Extra credit will not be offered to individual students. In general, take-home projects will be used to provide an opportunity for your child to improve his/her grade while showing mastery of a given topic. Study guides can be completed for an extra 5 points added to final test grades.

Preferred Method of Contact:

Email is the most effective method of communication. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at: harleal@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us. You may also call the school at 706-481-1813 to leave a message. I will return your call at the end of the school day or before school begins on the following day. I can be available for parent conferences both before and after school. If you would like to stop by for a conference, then please send me an email so that I can prepare any necessary reports and/or materials. I will also be available for conferences along with Mrs. Salmons and Ms. Williams upon parent or teacher request. Please remember that we will be unable to have conference with parents during instructional time.  

I am looking forward to working with you and your child to make this the best year yet!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Harley