7th Grade Handbook
7th Grade Team
Mr. Paul Pierce, Social Studies
Ms. Brittney Batten, Science
Mr. Michael Powers, Math
Ms. Kathie Lawrence, English Language Arts
Welcome to the 7th grade! Our job is to get you ready for eighth grade by increasing the rigor and accountability that comes with being a successful student. Benson Middle School 7th grade students come to school well-prepared, turn assignments in on time, ask for help when they are struggling with a concept, check their grades regularly on PowerSchool, and practice good attendance. Fidget spinners are not allowed. Dress code will be enforced.
Your teaching team has compiled a list of supplies you will need this school year. This list will ensure you have the necessary materials in order to be successful.
Supply List (bring to homeroom)
2 - three-ring binders, 1 1/2 inch w/ dividers
College ruled lined paper
6 composition books (non-spiral)
6 two-pocket folders
5 subject Notebook with plastic cover, minimum 100 pages
Pencils #2 (purchase throughout year)
Pencil Sharpener - hand held
Erasers
Flash Drive (memory stick)
Pens - Black, Blue, and Red
Colored Pencils
Dry erase markers - thin line/fine tip
2 or more glue sticks
Calculator
Shatterproof ruler
4 facial tissue
Classroom size hand sanitizer
Athletic clothing and Athletic shoes for P.E.
Class Descriptions:
Science: This year’s science class will focus on lab safety, the Scientific Method, the Solar System, Lunar Phases, Galaxy, and Universe. We’ll learn about the Earth (seasons, layers, landforms, etc.), Lithospheric Plate Movement, the Rock Cycle, and the Ecosystem! Student’s will learn adequate note taking skills and be provided hands on learning opportunities in the lab.
Social Studies: The state standards for 7th grade focus on modern United States history, starting with the causes of the Civil War and progressing all the way to the attack on Pearl Harbor. While learning history, we will incorporate geography skills, economics, and political science. Students will prepare an interactive notebook throughout the year which is graded on completeness, organization, and neatness at the end of each unit of study. Extra credit will be available at the end of each unit if needed.
Math: The state standards focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
English/Language Arts: The state standards focus on furthering students foundation in writing, fiction, drama, poetry, mythology and literary nonfiction this next year. Students will begin to observe connections between literature and the arts, while looking at major forms and genres (short story, novel, poetry, drama, epic poetry and literary nonfiction). Classes will consist of reading, writing, seminars, research and investigating philosophical and literary questions that arise in texts.
STAY ORGANIZED AND BE PREPARED
P.R.I.D.E. stamps (Personal Responsibility InDaily Efforts)– Every student will receive an agenda planner which contains stamp sheets, calendar, and hall passes. Students must have their agendas with them at all times. PRIDE stamps are given daily in every class, including electives; students will receive a “Yes” stamp for
- having their agenda filled out with daily objective and/or homework.
- having their class materials – pens, pencils, bellwork, notebook, homework.
- being seated and working on bellwork when the tardy bell rings.
Students will receive a “no” stamp for failing to meet one or more of the above criteria. Students with missing stamps or no stamps may be assigned lunch detention for early offenses, and up to in-house suspension and loss of privileges for repeat offenses. Students who receive all “yes” stamps will be eligible for rewards such as prize drawings, PRIDE Plus cards, homework passes, and academic celebrations.
Team Rules:
1. Be Safe!
- Keep hands and feet to yourself.
- Backpacks and gym bags remain in lockers.
- Walk between classes.
2. Be Respectful!
- Treat others the way you want to be treated.
- Don’t talk over each other.
- Accept different points of view.
3. Be Responsible!
- Do your own work to the best of your ability.
- Be on time.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Bring a pencil
Grading: Grades are weighted, with test scores and projects accounting for 60 percent of the grade. The remaining 40 percent is comprised of bellwork, homework, participation, class work, etc. Benson Middle School uses the standard ten percent grading scale:
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 59% and below
How Parents Can Help:
- Check your child’s agenda for important assignments, tests, and dates.
- Check their grades on PowerSchool.
- Review their class notes with them.
- Encourage them to read 20 minutes a day.
- Restock school supplies regularly.
- Communicate with your teachers on a regular basis. (Email works best)
How to contact us:
Teachers are reached most easily by email through the district website. http://www.bensonsd.k12.az.us/staff-resources-8ab59a9e. We check our email on a consistent basis and will respond within 24 hours. You may also call the front office at 520-720-6800 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.