7th Grade Information Packet Students: Please review with your parent/guardian and return the signature/contact information page to your homeroom teacher by

______________________

7th grade Teacher Contact Information

Teacher Websites can be accessed through www.canyonsprings.dvusd.org Click on “Staff Websites”

Ms. Andrea Nix

7th Grade Science

Email: andrea.nix@dvusd.org

Phone: 623-376-5233

Room#: 301

Office Hours: See Website

Ms. Britnee Abrams

7th Grade Social Studies

Email: britnee.abrams@dvusd.org

Phone: 623-376-5234

Room#: 302

Office Hours: See Website

Mr. Tobias King

7th Grade Math

Email: tobias.king@dvusd.org

Phone: 623-376-5238

Room#: 401

Office Hours: See Website

Mrs. Chelsey Laningham

7th Grade Language Arts

Email: chelsey.laningham@dvusd.org

Phone: 623-376-5239

Room#: 402

Office Hours: See Website

Student PowerSchool Information

Student Username:_______________________

Password:_______________________________

Parent Username:_________________________

Password:________________________________

7th Grade Information PacketTable of Contents

7th grade Information………………………………………………………………pgs 2-7

Language Arts Syllabus...……………………………………………………………..pg 10

Math Syllabus…………..…………………………………………………………………pg 12

Science Syllabus..………………………………………………………………………..pg 14

Social Studies Syllabus…………………………………………………………………pg 16

Textbook Contract (Sign and Return)..............................................pg 18

Contact Information/Signature Page (Complete and Return).........pg 19

7th Grade Schedule

Period Time

1st 8:15-9:05

2nd 9:05-10:10

3rd 10:10-11:15

4th 11:15-12:20

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5th LUNCH 12:20-12:50

6th 12:50-2:15

7th 2:15-3:00

Welcome to 7th grade! Dear Parents and Students,

The 7th grade team is excited to begin another exceptional year at Canyon Springs STEM Academy! In order to ensure your student has a successful year, the 7th grade team has created one packet that contains all information that applies across all core classes. Please review this information with your student and return the required signature pages to your child’s homeroom teacher.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Parent Involvement is all about the children. Participation in your child’s education is proven to boost his or her achievement in school. We are committed to treat parents as partners while keeping lines of communication open and focused on the needs of your child. Mutual trust and respect between parents and teachers is required to maintain a positive learning experience at any school. We believe that your trust in Canyon Springs STEM Academy is required to ensure your child’s success.

Canyon Springs Behavioral Expectations ● Students are to follow the Canyon Springs Behavior Matrix, which each teacher aligns their

classroom rules to. ● The Expectations Matrix/Behavior Flow Chart is included for your review on the following pages.● Every attempt will be made to contact parents to discuss school problems before their child gets

home.

Incentive ProgramCanyon Springs STEM Academy - Way To Go WolvesThis Incentive Program is designed to have the students ALWAYS strive to display their very best. It was designed to show ALL students that they can be a great example for others. This program is not only focused on student’s behavior but also their responsibility toward their school work.Tickets may be passed out for things such as:

Great behavior

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Displaying any of the 6 PillarsResponsibilityFairnessCaringTrustworthiness Respect Citizenship

Or any other time a student is displaying their best

The goal is to have every student strive to receive as many tickets as they can throughout the year. There will be a drawing every other week. There will also be a Grand Prize drawing at the end of the 1 st Semester and the end of the year.

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Communication

● Region-WidePlease reference the Boulder Creek Region Protocol Flow Chart on previous page

● School-wide● Website ( http://canyonsprings.dvusd.org ) ● Monthly Principal emails & call-outs● Teacher Websites

▪ All 7th grade teachers update their websites weekly. Teachers utilize their websites to post important information, upcoming dates, weekly lesson plans, handouts, homework, and assignments. If you have a question about homework, or what is going on in your child’s classroom, the 7th grade websites are the best place to find all that information and more!

▪ Contact Details ▪ Contact Details for 7th grade core teachers are located on the front page of

this packet for quick reference.▪ Important Note: Please schedule specific times to meet with us, as we need

time to communicate effectively. The 7th grade teachers often have professional duties directly before and after school hours. Please understand that we will not be able to meet or discuss issues while we are teaching or supervising students. However, we will contact you as soon as we can.

Agendas

● ALL 7TH GRADE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING AGENDAS TO EACH CLASS DAILY. All 7th grade core teachers utilize agendas daily. Students should be filling out their agendas with information from their core classes every day. Each core teacher gives time at the beginning of class for students to fill in homework and information.● If a student loses their agenda, the replacement cost is $5. ● Agendas are a great communication tool for parents to see what is happening in each of their

students’ classrooms and if there is any homework/projects assigned.

Homework/Grades/Assignments

● Research provides strong evidence that, when used appropriately, homework is essential for increasing and reinforcing student learning and achievement for course standards. Homework may be differentiated to the meet the needs of our varied learners. The intent of homework is to practice, extend learning, and provide opportunities for students to develop critical, independent study skills and self-discipline for their life-long educational journeys.

● Grades are a reporting tool utilized to reflect what a student knows and is able to do in a content area. We measure achievement, not effort or behavior, in our grading system.

● Canyon Springs school policy: 49% will be the lowest assigned grade for any tests, work, or homework.

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● Homework will vary in each of your core classes. If homework is assigned, it is posted on each teacher's board for students to copy into their agendas. It is also posted on teacher websites.

● Missing/Late Assignments: Missing assignments will receive an automatic 49% and an ‘M’ in the gradebook. Some assignments will not be accepted late (in-class essays, projects).

● Make-Up Work/Re-Takes: It is the student's responsibility to initiate any make-up work or re-take a test. Students may have to complete a study guide/re-take form per teacher discretion. Students will have to schedule a date/time to retake test with their teacher.

● Quality of Work: All students are held to high expectations and their work should reflect their best effort. Student Work should follow all assignment directions and be legible. Work that does not follow these guidelines will be returned to the student to re-do.

● Plagiarism: Plagiarism is copying work from another person or source and calling it your own. It includes sharing answers on worksheets/tests or copying information from the internet.

o If a student is caught plagiarizing on an assignment, they will receive a 50% on the assignment until original work is turned in.

o If a student is caught plagiarizing/cheating on a test, they will receive a 50% on the test and a re-take will be required.

PowerSchool

● PowerSchool is an essential resource for parents and students. It is not only a tool for communication regarding grades, it is a resource for our students and parents to check progress, missing work, and what is being taught/learned regularly. Please ensure that you and your child have access and even sign up for weekly email updates as an option in Powerschool.

● Parents: To obtain your PowerSchool login information visit the front office. Your PowerSchool information is the same from previous years.

● Students have their own personal login information for PowerSchool. The username is their school Novell log-in name, and the password is their ID number (lunch code).

● All 7th grade teachers input grades into PowerSchool weekly. ● Progress Reports are also sent home halfway through each quarter. Students at risk of

failing/falling behind are required to return their progress report signed by a parent/guardian.● PowerSchool Shortcut Key: These are common shortcuts used by teachers that can be found in

your child’s PowerSchool gradebook.‘M’= Missing Assignment (49%) ‘I’= Incomplete Assignment (49%) ‘ABS’= Student was absent the date the assignment was collected. Students have as

many days as they were absent to complete and turn in the assignment. If a student does not turn in the assignment, the grade will change to ‘M’ (49%).

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Supply List

Items needed for ALL classes(All materials are for student use and must be taken to each class daily)

Pencils Pens USB flash drive Glue sticks Highlighters Colored pencils

MathCalculator2-inch binderGraph paperRuler

Science1 Two-pocket folder1 One-subject spiral notebook (1st semester)1 One-subject spiral notebook (2nd semester)4x6 lined index cards (two packs)

Social Studies

1 Five-subject spiral notebook (college ruled)Black/Blue pensScissorsLoose-leaf paper (College ruled)1 Two-pocket folderGlue sticks

English Language Arts

1 Composition notebook (college ruled)3 Two-pocket folders1 pack of College ruled paper

Teacher wish list (optional donations for classroom/student use):

Kleenex College ruled paper

Spiral notebooks Colored pencils

Paper Towels Markers

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Smart Board Rules I understand the SMARTBOARD is in this classroom to help with my education I understand the SMARTBOARD is an expensive piece of technologyI will never touch the SMARTBOARD without permission I will make sure my hands are clean while using the SMARTBOARD I will never mess around next to the SMARTBOARD I will always use the tools for the SMARTBOARD correctly

I understand that if I do not follow these procedures, I will no longer be able to participate in using the SMARTBOARD.

Computer/Ipad RulesNO FOOD OR DRINK AT ANY TIMEOnly use your teacher-assigned computerOnly view sites instructed by your teacherFollow all of your teacher’s instructionsIf there are any problems with your computer, please let your teacher know

I understand that if I do not follow these procedures, I will no longer have computer privileges and consequences may occur.

Science Lab Rules

NO FOOD OR DRINK AT ANY TIMENo running or rough play at any timeFollow all instructions from your teacherRead all lab information carefullyReport any accidents immediatelyClean up your station

I understand that if I do not follow these procedures, I will no longer have access to the science lab.

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Mrs. Laningham’s Language Arts Syllabus

Hello Parents and Students, and welcome to another school year! I am excited to have your 7 th grader in my Language Arts class this year. Please take some time to review this syllabus with your student, as it includes a brief outline of what we will be doing this year, as well as important information to ensure every student has a successful year in 7th grade Language Arts!

About Me: I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education w/ English Emphasis from Arizona State University! Proud Sun Devil! I am excited to continue my teaching career at Canyon Springs this year! Go Wolves!

Units of Study*Subject to change, check online calendar for exact assignments/daily lesson plans

All units are aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standardshttp://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/

1st Quarter:

Narrative Focus/Short Stories

(ADV: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)**

Reading Literature/Informative Texts

Expository Essay Writing

2nd Quarter:Reading Literature/Informative Texts

Novel Study: The Uglies** (ADV: The Outsiders**)

Argument Essay Writing

3rd Quarter:

Argument Essay Review

Poetry/Alternative Story Forms

Reading Literature/Informative Texts

Independent Novel Study

4th Quarter

Cumulative Review

Novel Study: Ender’s Game**

Final Project

**It is highly recommended that students purchase a personal copy of each novel to be read in class

Advanced Placement Expectations (applies to ADV students ONLY!!): While in an Advanced Language Arts course, students will explore the 7th Grade Arizona College & Career Readiness Standards with increased rigor and depth of knowledge within every assignment and text. It is a daily expectation that all students approach the course with a serious attitude and open mind for the discourse that will occur on a regular basis. Cooperation in this collaborative atmosphere is pivotal to understanding the essential skills that will prepare these students for future courses. To continue placement in Advanced Language Arts, students must keep their Language Arts grade at a 70% or above.

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Students who receive below a 70%, or have multiple missing assignments, may be removed from Advanced Placement.

District Testing

● There will be two district tests this year. These tests will be entered into the gradebook and will not be available to re-take. This tests are based off of the CCSS standards and are a ‘snapshot’ of how each student is progressing at that time. Each test will take two days, one day for the reading portion of the test, and one day for the essay writing portion of the test. The specific dates will be released at the beginning of the school year. It is important your child is present the day of the test. There will be make-up dates available for those absent during the testing dates.

Behavior Expectations

● Students will follow the Canyon Springs Expectation/Behavior Matrix (attached in 7 th grade packet)

● Mrs. Laningham’s Classroom Rules/Policies are as follows: o Come to class prepared and ready to learn o Follow directions the first time they are given o Participate positively in class o Be polite and respectful at all times o Be Productive

● Failure to follow the Canyon Springs Expectations or Classroom Policies will results in consequences:

o 1st: Warning/Seat Changeo 2nd: Lunch Detention/Reflection Sheet/Removal from class o 3rd: Contact Home, Minor Filled out o 3 Minors=Major (sent to office for administrator consequence)

**Steps can be skipped based on teacher discretion**Language Arts Grading System

● Gradebook Setup:o 40% Assessments/Tests/Quizzes/Long-Term Projectso 40% Composition/Writing o 15% Classwork/Mini-Projectso 5% Homework

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Mr. King’s Math Syllabus

Course Description:

This course is designed to meet the 7th grade math requirements of the Deer Valley Mathematics Curriculum and Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards.

Course Objectives:

There are 23 academic common core topics that will be covered in six Engage NY (“Engage”) modules:

● Proportional relationships● Unit rate and constant of proportionality● Ratios and rates involving fractions● Ratios of scale drawings● Addition and subtraction of integers and rational numbers● Multiplication and division of integers and rational numbers● Applying operations and rational numbers to expressions and equations● Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions● Solve problems using expressions, equations, and inequalities● Use equations and inequalities to solve geometry problems● Finding the whole● Percent problems including more than one whole● Scale drawings● Population, mixture, and counting problems involving percents● Calculating and interpreting probabilities● Estimating probabilities● Random sampling and estimating population characteristics● Comparing populations● Unknown angles● Constructing triangles● Slicing solids● Problems involving area and surface area● Problems involving volume

In addition to the above common core topics, this class will also focus on mastering fundamental math concepts and skills. Some days we will focus strictly on these fundamental topics.

With the new Common Core standards, many advanced topics that used to be covered in the high school math curriculum have migrated to the middle school. This class will move at a reasonable speed to assure student assimilation of material. The student’s job is to keep up with their assignments and ask questions so as to not fall behind. Please ask questions if you get lost.

Gradebook Breakdown:

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50% Tests 30% Projects 15% Quizzes 5% Homework

Online Textbook:

The Eureka Math curriculum is used by DVUSD. A link is provided to curriculum via my website. DVUSD will provide a copy of in-class notes and practice sets for each module covered.

Suggestions for Success:

● Keep a positive attitude! Ask questions and seek extra help if needed.● Do not miss class.● Do not interfere in the learning of others.● Make mistakes! That is how learning occurs.

Ms. Nix’s Science Syllabus

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Instructor:

Welcome to 7th grade Science. My name is Andrea Nix and this is my 12 th year teaching and my heart belongs to the WOLVES.I graduated from ASU with my Bachelor’s Degree in Education and my Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. I am a life-long learner and love to learn new things to bring into my classroom for my students. I have three children, Macie (24) who will be having my first granddaughter this year, Christian (23) who attends GCC, and Cameron (16) who currently attends Sandra Day O’Connor High School. I am excited for another school year and look forward to working with students and parents to make this year successful.

General InformationDescription

This course is designed to meet the Arizona State Standards as well as NSES.

Inquiry Process; Observations, Questions, Hypotheses, Scientific Testing, Analysis and Conclusions, and Communication.History and Nature of Science; History of Science, Nature of Scientific Knowledge.Science in Personal and Social Perspectives; Changes in Environments, Science and Technology in Society.Life Science; Populations of Organisms in an Ecosystem.Earth and Space Science; Structure of the Earth, Earth’s Processes and Systems, Earth in the Solar System.

Required TextWe will be using the following books throughout the year. A book will be checked out to you and you will be required to bring that book to class daily.

1st Semester“Earth’s Surface” McDougal Littell Science“The Changing Earth” McDougal Littell Science

2nd Semester“Space Science” McDougal Littell Science “Ecology” McDougal Littell Science

Homework/GradesResearch provides strong evidenced that, when used appropriately, homework is essential for increasing and reinforcing student learning and achievement for course standards. Homework may be differentiated to meet the needs of our varied learners. The intent of homework is to practice, extend learning, and

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provide opportunities for students to develop critical, independent study skills and self-discipline for their life-long educational journeys.

Tests/Quizzes = 70% of the grade Labs/Projects = 20% of the grade

Homework = 5% of the grade Classwork = 5% of the grade

Homework Assignment Procedures

(Format)Your Name (first/last)Period08/11/16 (Date)(Assignment Name)

How: All homework assignments must be turned in with a heading and the assignment name. No-name papers will not be graded until the students accepts the paper as their own. ALL work must be your best work.When: Homework assignment days will vary.Where: Homework assignments will be posted on the daily homework calendar on the bulletin board in case you were absent or missed class for any reason.Due Date: Homework will be due the following day unless otherwise stated by the teacher.Absent: If you are absent, please refer to the homework calendar for any missing assignments. If any handouts have been provided, they will be located under the homework calendar in the folders. Your assignment will be due the following day with no late penalty.Homework Examples:Some homework assignments may need the use of computer/printer access. There will be individual and group projects that may require you to work in class, as well as outside of the school day.

Current Events:You will be completing current events throughout the school year. You will be given a template for the current event to be completed. Current event articles must be at least 1 page in length, must be recent (within 2 months), must be a Science-related topic, must be appropriate for school, and must be a summary in your own words.

Ms. Abrams’Social Studies Syllabus

About Me and My Teaching Philosophy:First and foremost, welcome! I am Britnee Abrams your Social Studies teacher. I am excited to help guide you through this journey into our U.S. history. With my help, I hope to instill a passion for what made this country we live in great!

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About Me:

● Bachelors in education with an emphasis in history from Arizona State University, Go Devils!● Born and raised in Arizona, love everything about it, including the heat! I enjoy sports (Go Gators!), my

dogs, being with family and friends, cooking, and arts and crafts.● I am the girls’ volleyball head coach and the assistant softball coach.

My Philosophy on Education:

I believe that my students should appreciate the importance of change over time and the importance of the context of history. They will have the opportunities to understand primary and secondary historical sources. Be able to participate in group and individual projects, as well as speak from and defend alternate viewpoints and come up with compelling conclusions. My students should leave my class with an understanding of not only the content, but why it is essential to learn about history. I will use the knowledge of our past to challenge my students to understand all sides of history and respect how it has led to where we are today.

Course Overview

Units of Study:● Pre Civil War● Civil War● Reconstruction● Immigration/Industrialization● Progressivism● American Imperialism● World War I● Great Depression

This course is divided into periods of time and emphasizes themes throughout American history. These themes include the economic evolution, social problems/identities, and American political policies. This will be a rigorous course, but it will be enjoyable! Hard work and attendance will be essential to success.

Arizona College and Career Readiness

The standards are informed by the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teacher and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn. Consistent standards will provide appropriate benchmarks for all students, regardless of where they live.

These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so they will graduate high able to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing academic college courses and in workforce training programs. The standards:

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v Are aligned with college and work expectations;

v Are clear, understandable and consistent;

v Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;

v Build upon strength and lessons of current state standards;

v Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and

v Are evidence-based.

Grades/Grading Breakdown

All assignments are graded on a point system. Points are totaled to determine the grade earned for each grading period. There will be plenty of chances to make up grades by the amount of in class assignments performed on a daily basis. The following scale will be used to grade:

HW/Classwork 10% 90%-100% = A Projects 20% 80%-89% = B Assessments 70% 70%-79% = C 60%-69% = D

49%-59% = F

Late-WorkTurn in assignments when they are due. For each day the assignment is late 10% is deducted, up to 50% credit. I will accept late work up to the end of each unit of study, after that the gradebook will be closed.

Canyon Springs 7th Grade Book Contract**DETACH, SIGN, AND RETURN**

The books issued to the students are the property of Canyon Springs STEM Academy. Students are allowed to use them for the duration of the school year. In order for there to be sufficient, well-maintained books for all students, we require that all students take responsibility for their textbook.

Terms and ConditionsStudents agree that the book is checked out at no cost to the student for the entire school year that he/she is enrolled.

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Social Studies and Language Arts textbooks are available online, therefore they are not to be taken from the classroom unless with written consent or for special circumstances.

Students will accept the role of being responsible for the condition of the book and returning it in the same condition.

Students are responsible for all replacement costs of books if damaged, lost, or stolen.

Students agree that if they are caught vandalizing or destroying the books they lose all privileges to use the books.

Each student will be assigned a book number and that is the book they are responsible for returning to the teacher.

I agree to use the 7th grade books with proper care and to return them in excellent condition.

Student ______________________________ Date______________

Parent _______________________________ Date______________

Information/Signature Page ---DETACH, SIGN, AND RETURN

___________________________________________________________

(Student Last Name) (Student First Name)

Mother/Guardian(First and Last name): Father/Guardian (First and Last name):

Phone: Phone:

Email Address (Home): Email Address (Home):

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Email Address (Work): Email Address (Work):

Do you (parent/guardian) check email daily? Yes NoDoes your student have access to a computer? Yes NoDoes your student have access to the internet? Yes NoDoes your student have access to a printer? Yes NoDo you intend to use PowerSchools to check progress? Yes No

No Zeros will be given for any assessment/assignment. If there is an “M” in the gradebook, that means the assignment has not been turned in and it is missing, and your student has a 49% for that grade. _________ (Parent/Guardian Initials)

I have read over the 7th Grade Information Packet and am aware of all of the expectations for my student.

_________________________________________ ______________________Parent/Guardian Signature Date

I have read over the 7th Grade Information Packet with my Parent/Guardian and am aware of all of the expectations during my 7th grade year.

_________________________________________ ______________________Student Signature Date

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