Mr. Zonca’s Science Class

Welcome to Linden Middle School, Sixth Grade, and “The Talented Talons Team.” I hope that together we can make this transition smooth and enjoyable. I am excited with the prospect of sending another year in this beautiful facility

This year your child will continue with an integrated approach to science. We will be studying units in Life and Physical science. I try to relate concepts study to our every day lives. We will be using Glencoe Science textbooks for the fourth year and I will supplement with materials gathered over the last thirty-three years. We try to read and discuss the text together in class and will incorporate “hands-on” activities to reinforce learning. There will be periodic quizzes and a test at the end of each chapter.

GRADING PROCEDURES

Students will be evaluated in a number of different ways and will receive progress reports each week on Monday. Final term grades are calculated by averaging the grades on assignments, quizzes, activities and tests. Different weights are assigned to each category as follows: 30% Daily Work (Worksheets etc.), 30% Tests and Projects, 15% Labs and Activities, 10% Quizzes, and 10% Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. I do not normally give extra credit assignments. I feel that if students keep up with their daily work, they won’t need extra credit.

ASSIGNMENT COMPLETION

Your child will probably have an assignment to complete as homework two or three times a week. I usually give the students time in class to start the assignment. I expect “homework” to be turned in on the due date. Failure to do so will adversely affect their grades. However, I realize that things do happen, and a note or email will excuse a missed assignment.

Please encourage your child to use the Student Agenda by checking it DAILY.

We also ask that you sign it weekly. We have found that a behavior common to all of the successful students is the use of the planner. Assignment will be posted weekly on the team website; feel free to refer to it regularly to see what we are doing in class.

The textbook company offers the text and supplementary materials on a CD, if you wish to check one out for uses at home please fill out the form that your child brings home that first week of school. (It saves wear and tear on books, backpacks, and student’s backs).

If you have questions regarding science class, feel free to call 591-0776, leave a message if I’m not there or busy teaching and I will call you back. Or contact via email jzonca@admin.linden.k12.mi.us

Thank You,

Mr. J. Zonca