Middle School Science

Miss Targus
targusa@desalescatholicschool.org
Welcome to Middle School Science! I am excited to share my love for science with all of my students!
Science is all about doing so I expect each student to give their best effort, as I will always give my
best effort. We will all build our skills together and hopefully have some fun throughout the year. If you
put in the time then the grades will come! Notice that I have included Middle School in the title, this is
because I expect that we all behave and act like we are in middle school and take responsibility for our
own work! Notice the expectations below.
Teacher Contact
Both students and parents are encouraged to either email or call me whenever there is a question or a
concern. I will be happy to answer you in a timely fashion!
Student Expectations
-Come to class with required materials. (see below) Never come empty handed!
-Be in class by the time the bell rings with your homework out, ready to be checked or collected. When
the bell rings the talking ends. If you are late than a pass in required.
-Complete that days Question of the day in your notebooks
-Complete all assignments or projects given.
-Always give your best effort that also includes participating in every discussion or activity.
-Ask questions when confused or having trouble. I will not know you are struggling if you dont tell me.
-Keep all appointments made, or contact me if you cannot keep it.
-Do their own work. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated!!!!
-Work and respect each other. You dont have to like each other but I expect you to work together
and show each other respect!
Teacher Expectations
-I will listen to all of your questions and concerns and explain them to the best of my ability.
-I will try to be flexible with tests and projects.
-I will be timely in giving you feedback and grades on all assignments that are assigned.
-I will keep an accurate record of all your grades that you or a parent can check on Parent Portal or with
me.
-I will treat each student in a fair and equal manner.
-I will give help whenever a student needs it. Please set up an appointment with me after class. I am
available for extra help before school, during recess, or after school.
Required Materials
-Textbook
-2 Binder
-Loose Paper
-Notebook
-Required Assignments

-Pencils AND Pens

-Art Kit (when needed)

Grading
Grades and assignments are given to judge how well each student understands the material. The way my
grading is done, is to ensure every student have a fair chance to succeed. The breakdown of how I do my
grades is listed below.
Tests/Quizzes 30%
Homework 20%
Classwork. 20%
Labs/Projects. 20%
Participation.. 10%
Participation
Notice participation is part of your grade. Every day you have a chance to earn 2 points towards this
grade. Dont lose these easy points!! To participate in science means to actively answer and ask question,
come to class ready to go, look excited about science, complete homework, and be safe in lab.
Homework
In order to remember and master the material is science, homework is essential. It will be given at my
discretion, but never as punishment! Some days it will be collected, other days it will just be reviewed.
Students are expected to always complete their homework but if for some legitimate reason it could not
me, you are expected to see me first thing in the morning!
Late Work
Students are expected to turn in all assignments at the beginning of class on the day that it is due. The
following time line shows you how many points are lost for late assignments. Each day that an assignment
is late a student loses 10 points.
At the beginning of class Full points
By the end of the day. 2 points.
The next day. 10 points
Being Absent
When absent, students are responsible for their own assignments and grades and must come to me for
missed work which I will happily provide! I will not hunt down students who miss work for any reason. If
an assignment is not handed in during a reasonable time, the grade will become a zero. If a student is
going to be absent for a day, or a prolonged period of time, please contact me to let me know a few days,
or a day before. While I cannot promise to provide all work in advance (due to the flexible nature of my
planning and intense schedule), I will do my best to prevent students from falling too far behind. If
absences are frequent, I may recommend students get outside help to complete missed work.
Future Living Environment Students
Living Environment is a fun but advanced course offered to some 8 th Grade students based on
their performance in the previous academic year. How they perform in grade 7 science will directly
determine their eligibility for taking this course next year. Taking Living Environment will not be easy,
but will put any student who successfully completes the class a year ahead of others in science. Due to
the rigor of the course, the following are requirements for consideration. These requirements are not

negotiable so be sure to keep them in mind throughout this academic year. All consideration for Living
Environment will be at my discretion based on the following:
The student must maintain an overall average of 90% or above in science for each academic
marking period.
The student must attain an average of 90% or above on laboratory reports.
The student cannot have missed more than two assignments for each separate trimester.
The student cannot have more than one late assignment for each separate marking quarter.
The student must carry themselves well throughout the year. He/she must show exceptional
behavior, initiative, and a high level of interest in science.
Lab Safety
During the year, we will be using a wide variety of materials for labs and projects. It is extremely
important that students are safe and responsible at all times in the lab. Each student must assume
responsibility for the safety of themselves and those around them. The following safety rules should
help guide you in keeping our lab a safe place to work:

The science lab is used for serious work only. No horseplay will be permitted.
Do not perform unauthorized experiments. Always obtain your teachers permission before doing
any experiments.
Study your lab experiment carefully. If you are in doubt about any procedure, ask your teacher.
Use the safety equipment provided for you. Know their location and proper use.
Safety glasses must be worn whenever any substance is being heated or when mixing or pouring
chemicals.
Report all accidents, injuries or incorrect procedures to your teacher at once.
If clothing should catch fire, smother it with a blanket or coat. NEVER RUN!!
If you spill acid or other chemical, wash with water or ask your teacher for help.
Never taste any chemical or transfer chemicals by mouth pipette.
Never eat or drink in the lab.
Never inhale chemicals.
Keep combustible materials away from open flames.
Do not throw paper or other solid material into the sink.
If glass is broken, call your teacher for help.

NYS 8th Grade Science Exam

Currently, students taking middle school science are all required to take the NYS 8 th grade science test
at the end of 8th grade. This is a cumulative exam that covers all content taught in science grades 6-8.
All students will be ready for this exam at this time so long as they study hard, stay organized, and stay
active and respectful during class. The eighth grade science exam has two parts: A written test
(multiple choice and short answer) as well as a performance test (which tests science skills ). When the
time the exam comes the students will be more than ready for it!

Miss Targus Classroom Contract

By signing the following, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the policies for Miss
Targus science class during the 2015-16 school year.
Parent/ Guardian Name (print): ______________________________________
Signature:

______________________________________

Student Name (print):

______________________________________

Signature:

_____________________________________

Please rip this page off and return by September 11 th for a homework assignment grade!
Students keep the rest of the contract in your binders!