Ms.

Sowards Science
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Welcome to another exciting school year. My name is Ms. Sowards and I will be teaching your 6th
grade science course this year. I have studied many fields within the sciences, with an emphasis
on biology. I earned my Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Washington. I am
currently working on my Masters in Science Education from the University of Washington. I'm
very excited to get to know each of you and help you learn the wonders of science! You may
contact me at anytime at jsowards@auburn.wednet.edu.
Our Classroom Rules:
Respectful: Respect each others opinions, space, and belongings.
Be on time: Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings (start and end of class)
Use Language appropriate for school
Cell Phones: Are allowed in class but should be on silent and put away, unless the
teacher gives permission to use your phone. When the teacher gives you permission to
use your phone, it will be used for academic purposes only.
Test taking: If you are talking your test will be taken away and you will have to come in
before or after school to retake.
Plagiarism: It is expected that all students will complete their own work, in their own
words. It is commonly believed that plagiarism is only copying and pasting information
from the internet, but it includes all of the following:
Copying another students work (homework, lab reports, papers)
Lab partners may have similar work, but it should not be identical
Taking information from the internet or another source without citing it
Taking credit for anyone elses work
In the case of plagiarism, a 0 will be given for any and all assignments with no exceptions.
Supplies: Each student is responsible to attend class with the following materials each day: 1)
Classwork, 2) Colored pencils, 3) Small scissors, 4) Ruler, 5) Highlighter And 6) A pencil.
Evaluation System: Students will be evaluated using the Standards Based system. Please
check evaluations on a regular basis. Parents/Students can sign up for Skyward, our online
evaluating system, from the school webpage or by visiting: http://family.auburn.wa-k12.net.
Login:
(PARENT LOGIN NAME)
Password: (PARENT PASSWORD)
System Help:
email: asdfamilyaccess@auburn.wednet.edu
Please understand that I provide evaluations of demonstrated knowledge of Reporting Standards
through physical evidence which requires student effort. Students can receive a 0 for a score in
both the Summative and in the Practice section of the gradebook.
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
C-

Percentage Range
93.0-100%
90.0-92.9%
87.0-89.9%
83.0-86.9%
80.0-82.9%
77.0-79.9%
73.0-76.9%
70.0-72.9%

GPA Equivalent
4.0
3.7
3.3
3.0
2.7
2.3
2.0
1.7

Ms. Sowards Science

D+
D
F

66.0-69.9%
60.0-65.9%
0-59.9%

1.3
1.0
0.0

You should contact me about your students grade when:

1. They have a grade mark of 80% (B-) or lower on any skill or as an overall grade for the class.
2. They never have any practice work (homework). (Most homework is work completion and
studying)
3. They cannot tell you what they are learning in class.
4. They cannot tell you how they are doing in class.
Absence, Make-up and Retake Work: Students are responsible for checking their evaluations
and making up missing work. In most cases, assignments will be attached on my class website
under the day it was started. For excused absences, due dates fluctuate in conjunction with
missed instructional days. Students should confirm the required due date with me. Students will
be allowed to correct work(labs, tests, other) but must be within 2 weeks of date entered in
grade book. Some assignments at the end of the quarter wont have 2 weeks to be redone.
6th Grade Science Curriculum Map, Reporting Standards and Assessment Dates
Course of Study

Reporting Standard

Start Date

Evaluation
Date

The Scientific Method

Scientific Method and Engineering

Practices

Sep 12

All Year

Newtons Law

Physical Science: Motion and

Forces

Sep 26

Oct 13, & 28

Magnetism

Physical Science: Motion and

Forces

Oct 31

Nov 10

Evaluate Experiment

Physical Science: Motion and

Forces

Nov 14

Nov 22

Heat transfer

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Nov 28

Dec 2

Water cycle

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Dec 5

Dec 9

Air Masses/Weather
Conditions

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Dec 12

Dec 20

Atmospheric & Oceanic

Circulation

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Jan 4

Jan 13

Earths Layers/Rocks
Cycle

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Jan 17

Feb 3rd & 17

Stratigraphy

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Feb 13

Feb 17

Plate Tectonics

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Feb 27

Mar 10

Ms. Sowards Science

Geoscience Processes

Earth Science: Earth's Systems

Mar 13

Apr 7

Ecosystems

Life Science: Ecosystems

Apr 17

Apr 28

Populations

Life Science: Ecosystems

May 1

May 12

Interactions among
Organisms

Life Science: Ecosystems

May 15

May 26

Energy Flow in
Ecosystems

Life Science: Ecosystems

June 1

June 9

Biodiversity

Life Science: Ecosystems

June 12

June 17

Note: All dates are subject to change +/- 5 days.

Contact Information: email: jsowards@auburn.wednet.edu. Normally, I return a response
within 24hrs with the exception of weekends. I am looking forward to teaching, exploring, and
discovering the Sciences with your student.
Sincerely,
Jessalynn Sowards
PS - Thank you for your time in the following administrative tasks!

Science Video File and Animal Handling Permission Form

Student Name: _____________________________________________ Period: ______________
Date:______________
Science Video Clips: It is a district policy that I receive parent/guardian permission to show
video files that exceed a G rating. I do not show movies in my classes. All video clips shown, are
not rated and are educational in purpose. Many of the video clips presented in class are an
introduction to a scientific event, theory, law, principle or concept relevant to our teaching point.
Typically, they are between 3-20 minutes. For questions please feel free to contact me for further
clarification.
Animal Handling: I will be having classroom pets; no cats or dogs. Normally, I have one tank
in my class and students handle and care for the various living creatures within. It is necessary to
know if your student has any allergies to living organisms (animals) and if you have any
objections to your student petting or handling them. This form assists me in determining our
class pets for the year. Typically, I have fish, lizards, and frogs.
Your signature below indicates that you are authorizing your student to participate in media
viewing and animal handling in the classroom.
Parents Signature: ___________________________________________________

PS Almost done! One more on the back.

Ms. Sowards Science

MS. SOWARDS SCIENCE LABORATORY SAFETY RULE CONTRACT
The laboratory is an excellent place to work and learn science. I realize that many accidents are
caused by carelessness and being in a hurry. Personal and classroom safety is a must to create a
safe environment for all. The student and teacher must come to class prepared to be
responsible, agree to uphold and apply the safety rules listed below at all
Student Conduct:
will be a good role model for others, enforcing all safety rules and procedures at all times.
understand that there are no unsupervised students or visitors in the laboratory.
understand that no chemicals, samples, or products are allowed to leave the laboratory.
understand that there is no eating, drinking, texting, or practical jokes in the laboratory.
understand that there is no running or sitting on laboratory benches.
will keep my hands away from my face, eyes, mouth, and body while performing labs.
will secure jewelry, long hair, and loose clothing and will not apply cosmetics.
will wash my hands after removing gloves and before leaving the laboratory.
will always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and return them appropriately.
will wear shoes that cover the foot, shirts that cover the torso, and pants that cover the legs.

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Experiment Procedures:
I will work only on laboratories in the presence of the teacher and only as directed.
I understand that the performance of unauthorized experiments is strictly forbidden.
I agree to never leave experiments unintended and to turn off all equipment when not in use.

Classroom Housekeeping:
I will immediately report any spills, accidents, or injuries to a teacher.
I will keep spaces free of unnecessary items, not block exits or emergency equipment.
I will clean my laboratory work space at the end of the laboratory or experiment.
I will report all damaged equipment to the teacher and not use damaged equipment.
I will properly dispose of chemicals, waste, and hazardous items in designated areas.
I will remain knowledgeable of the emergency procedures.
I will know all of the exits in the laboratory and building and the emergency phone numbers.
I will know the location of and know how to use the following: Fire extinguishers; Alarm systems;
Fire blankets; Eye washes; First-aid kits; And the Deluge safety showers.
I will follow established emergency plans as explained by the teacher and act accordingly.
I have read the set of science safety rules and agree to follow them at all times.
Student Signature:___________________________________________________________ Date:___________
Eye contacts: No / Yes
Allergies: None
___________________________________________

/ Yes:

Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________________________________ Date:___________

Parent/Guardian Emergency Phone Contact:
______________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Person:____________________________________ Phone #:________________________

Ms. Sowards Science

All students must have a signed safety form on file to participate in laboratory
activities.