Mr. Jasso
email: rjasso@rivervalleyschools.org
Phone: 756-9541, extension 1110
Office Hours: M-F, 2:30 – 3pm, and by appointment
Please check out Pinnacle for homework/class assignments.
Pinnacle can be accessed by using the "Parent Viewer" tab at the top of the page.
7th Grade Science
Course Description: Students will continue to learn the fundamentals of general science, touching on all scientific fields, including life science, earth science and physical science. A primary goal of the course will be the development of a basic understanding of general science. The subject material will cover: waves and energy, physical and chemical properties and changes in matter, structures and processes of living things, fluid earth systems and human activities.
Course Format: Each class period is a combination of lecture, guided reading, application, and when possible lab demonstration and/or experiment.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Apply the scientific method to practical use in a lab setting.
- Describe basic cell structure and the function of the parts of a cell.
- Explain the steps involved in the process of photosynthesis.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human impact on the earth.
- Describe and explain the steps of the water cycle on earth.
- Develop an understanding of the importance of solar energy and how it affects the planet.
- Demonstrate an understanding of weather and climate.
- Describe the various methods of energy transfer through matter.
- Identify the physical and chemical properties of matter.
- Explain the difference between physical and chemical changes of matter.
- Demonstrate an understanding and describe the properties waves and energy.
Course Evaluation: Students will receive a semester grade based on each marking period grade and the semester exam.
MK1 Grade – 50%
MK2 Grade – 50%
Marking period grades are based on how the student performs on the following assignments:
Bell-work (10%): Each day prior to the beginning of class students will complete a short review/preview problem. This problem will cover previously learned material and/or will introduce new material for the day. It is important to note that bell-work is a credit/no-credit activity. Right or wrong is not as important as putting forth the effort to do your best.
Homework/Class Assignments (20%): For each section in the textbook there will be written assignments and/or worksheets designed to demonstrate understanding of the lesson material. Most assignments will be completed in class. However, some assignments may require the student to complete them at home.
Lab/Demonstration Assignments (20%): Lab/Demonstration assignments are designed to prepare the student for high school lab work and to teach them how and what to observe and record to complete a lab report. Most activities will consist of the class observing a lab activity performed by the instructor.
Chapter Quizzes (20%): Upon completion of a chapter, the students will be given a quiz covering the lesson material. These will be conducted in class and will be completed in a timed manner.
Unit Tests (20%): One orTwo unit tests will be given over the course of the marking period. Each unit test will cover 3 to 4 chapters and will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, short answer and short essay.
Citizenship (10%): Based on classroom behavior and following classroom guidelines.
Late assignments/Make-up: Late assignments will NOT be accepted after the due date and CANNOT be made up.
In the event of an excused or exempted absence the student will have 2 days to make-up the work as per the River Valley Middle-High School (RVMHS) Student Parent/Guardian Handbook. The instructor reserves the right to extend that time in the event of extreme circumstances and/or based on the length/difficulty of the assignment.
In the event of an unexcused absence make-up work will NOT be allowed.
In the event of an unexcused tardy, bell work CANNOT be made-up.
Extra-Credit: A student that completes ALL bell-work assignments given over the course of the marking period can receive up to 5% extra-credit toward their marking period grade.
Tentative Grading Scale:
A = 93 – 100% |
B = 83 – 86% |
C = 73 – 76% |
D = 63 – 66% |
A- = 90 – 92% |
B- = 80 – 82% |
C- = 70 – 72% |
D- = 60 – 62% |
B+ = 87 – 89% |
C+ = 77 – 79% |
D+ = 67 – 69% |
E = <60% |
Academic Honesty: Please refer to p. 29 of the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook, for guidelines and expectations on Academic Honesty.
Seating Arrangement: The instructor reserves the right to assign student seating to maximize student productivity, minimize behavioral problems, and maximize mobility and space around the room.
Student Expectations:
You as a student are expected to…
- Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
- Be prepared for class.
- Have your textbook.
- Something to write with. (pen/pencil)
- Something to write on. (notebook paper)
- RAISE YOUR HAND.
- To ask a question or make a comment.
- If you need to leave your seat for any reason. (sharpen pencil, restroom)
- KEEP YOUR HANDS, FEET AND OTHER OBJECTS TO YOURSELF.
You as a student may NOT…
- BRING ANY FOOD OR DRINKS INTO THE CLASSROOM.
- This includes gum.
- Water is acceptable.
- PLACE TRASH OR OTHER OBJECTS IN THE CLASSROOM SINKS.
- Wait until class is finished and use the trash can.
Consequences for choosing not to follow the classroom guidelines:
- A student who chooses not to follow the classroom guidelines will first be given a verbal warning.
- A second offense will result in a written referral sent home to the student’s parent/guardian.
- Upon a third offense the student will be issued a 1 hour teacher detention.
- Any offense thereafter will result in student dismissal from the classroom (snap-suspension).
- The instructor reserves the right to remove a student from class at any time for any action or behavior deemed necessary.
- Student dismissal will result in action according to p. 27 in the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook.
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9th Grade Science
Course Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of physical science, with a concentration on physics. A primary goal of this course will be the development of a basic understanding of physical science. The subject material will include the scientific method, motion and forces, work and energy, heat and temperature, waves, sound and light, electricity, magnetism, nuclear changes, and basic astronomy.
Course Format: Each class period is a combination of lecture, guided reading, application, and when possible lab demonstration and/or experiment.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Apply the scientific method to practical use in a lab setting.
- Describe basic physical and chemical properties of matter.
- Demonstrate an understanding of forces and motion and relationship between them.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between work and energy.
- Describe how heat and temperature are related and how they are used and applied to daily living.
- Construct a model of a wave and identify the parts of a wave.
- Describe the properties of light and sound.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how electricity works and is used and applied in daily living.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the concepts of magnetism.
Course Evaluation: Students will receive a semester grade based on each marking period grade and the semester exam.
MK1 Grade – 40%
MK2 Grade – 40%
Semester Exam – 20%
Marking period grades are based on how the student performs on the following assignments:
Bell-work (10%): Each day prior to the beginning of class students will complete a short review/preview problem. This problem will cover previously learned material and/or will introduce new material for the day. It is important to note that bell-work is a credit/no-credit activity. Right or wrong is not as important as putting forth the effort to do your best.
Homework/Class Assignments (20%): For each section in the textbook there will be written assignments and/or worksheets designed to demonstrate understanding of the lesson material. Most will be completed in-class, however, some assignments may require the student to complete them at home.
Lab/Demonstration Assignments (20%): Lab/Demonstration assignments are designed to prepare the student for AP/college lab work, and to teach them how and what to observe and record to complete a lab report.
Chapter Quizzes (20%): Upon completion of a chapter, the students will be given a quiz covering the lesson material. These will be conducted in class and will be completed in a timed manner.
Unit Tests (20%): One orTwo unit tests will be given over the course of the marking period. Each unit test will cover 3 to 4 chapters and will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, short answer and short essay.
Citizenship (10%): Based on classroom behavior and following classroom guidelines.
Semester Exam: Will be a cumulative exam that covers all subject material taught during the semester with a focus on the learning objectives for the course. The exam will be similar in format to the unit tests.
Late assignments/Make-up: Late assignments will NOT be accepted after the due date and CANNOT be made up.
In the event of an excused or exempted absence the student will have 2 days to make-up the work as per the River Valley Middle-High School (RVMHS) Student Parent/Guardian Handbook. The instructor reserves the right to extend that time in the event of extreme circumstances and/or based on the length/difficulty of the assignment.
In the event of an unexcused absence make-up work will NOT be allowed.
In the event of an unexcused tardy, bell work CANNOT be made-up.
Extra-Credit: A student that completes ALL bell-work assignments given over the course of the marking period can receive up to 5% extra-credit toward their marking period grade.
Tentative Grading Scale:
A = 93 – 100% |
B = 83 – 86% |
C = 73 – 76% |
D = 63 – 66% |
A- = 90 – 92% |
B- = 80 – 82% |
C- = 70 – 72% |
D- = 60 – 62% |
B+ = 87 – 89% |
C+ = 77 – 79% |
D+ = 67 – 69% |
E = <60% |
Academic Honesty: Please refer to p. 29 of the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook, for guidelines and expectations on Academic Honesty.
Seating Arrangement: The instructor reserves the right to assign student seating to maximize student productivity, minimize behavioral problems, and maximize mobility and space around the room.
Student Expectations:
You as a student are expected to…
- Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
- Be prepared for class.
- Have your textbook.
- Something to write with. (pen/pencil)
- Something to write on. (notebook paper)
- RAISE YOUR HAND.
- To ask a question or make a comment.
- If you need to leave your seat for any reason. (sharpen pencil, restroom)
- KEEP YOUR HANDS, FEET AND OTHER OBJECTS TO YOURSELF.
You as a student may NOT…
- BRING ANY FOOD OR DRINKS INTO THE CLASSROOM.
- This includes gum.
- Water is acceptable.
- PLACE TRASH OR OTHER OBJECTS IN THE CLASSROOM SINKS.
- Wait until class is finished and use the trash can.
Consequences for choosing not to follow the classroom guidelines:
- A student who chooses not to follow the classroom guidelines will first be given a verbal warning.
- A second offense will result in a written referral sent home to the student’s parent/guardian.
- Upon a third offense the student will be issued a 1 hour teacher detention.
- Any offense thereafter will result in student dismissal from the classroom (snap-suspension).
- The instructor reserves the right to remove a student from class at any time for any action or behavior deemed necessary.
Student dismissal will result in action according to p. 27 in the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook.
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Advanced PE
Course Description: This course is designed to improve the physical fitness and fundamental motor skills of a student athlete
Course Format: This class is structured to improve strength, endurance, conditioning, and flexibility with the student athlete in mind. Workout schedule will be based on the student’s sport and/or fitness needs.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
- Demonstrate understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.
- Participate regularly in lifelong physical activity.
- Achieve and maintain a health enhancing level of physical fitness.
- Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
- Value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.
Course Evaluation:
Marking period grades are based on how well the student implements, progresses and completes his/her personal workout program:
Participation (30%): All students are expected to dress in appropriate gym attire and participate in the scheduled activities.
Appropriate gym attire is clearly defined under the Student Expectations section at the end of the course outline.
Students will receive a weekly participation grade worth a total of 10 points for each day of the week. Points can be earned as follows:
- Appropriate Dress – 3 points
- Participation and completion of warm-up – 2 points
- Participation and completion of workout program – 4 points
- Record workout data – 1 point
Program Goal (20%): Students will establish a reasonable program goal at the beginning of each marking period. The goal must be approved by the instructor and must be met to earn credit for completion.
- Examples of program goals may be:
- Increase upper and lower body strength by 20%.
- Lose 15 pounds of body weight.
- Improve resting heart rate by 5 beats per minute.
Personal Workout Program (5%): Upon setting a program goal a student will select a personal workout program (PWP). This will be done with the aid of the instructor, and will include the core and supplemental exercise activities the student will perform to achieve their goal. The PWP can be either sport specific or based on fitness needs. A document which explains the PWP in detail will be distributed in class.
3 Week Assessments (25%): Students will be evaluated two times each marking period to measure their progress toward their program goal. Credit for progress is earned based on their fitness level in eight exercises. Fitness is evaluated based on benchmarks and standards set by various professional and educational organizations. i.e.(YMCA, Presidential Physical Fitness Program etc.)
- A student may earn up to one point per exercise for a total of 8.
- That total is then translated into a final score.
- 8 points = 10/10, A
- 7 points = 9/10, A-
- 6 points = 8/10, B-
- 5 points = 7/10, C-
- 3-4 points = 6/10, D-
- 0-2 points = 5/10, F
Final Assessment (20%): Students will be evaluated at the end each marking period to measure their progress toward their program goal. During the final assessment the student’s overall fitness level is assessed and the student must at this time demonstrate that he/she has met or exceeded their program goal. The final fitness assessment is scored using the same criteria as the 3 week assessments.
Late assignments/Make-up: Injuries or illnesses are the ONLY acceptable excuses for non-participation. A Written Medical Excuse is required to verify such cases and must be presented to the instructor within one week of non-participation. Students with long-term medical excuses should see the counselor for a schedule change.
To supplement non-participation for an excused/exempted absence a student may choose to research a fitness based topic and write/type a paper, at least one page in length. A list of appropriate topics will be provided by the instructor. Written make-up work must be done by the student on his/her own time and CANNOT be completed in class.
Any written assignments must be turned in by the due date. I WILL NOT accept any late assignments.
In the event of an excused or exempted absence the student will have 2 days to make-up the work as per the River Valley Middle-High School (RVMHS) Student Parent/Guardian Handbook. The instructor reserves the right to extend that time in the event of extreme circumstances and/or based on the length/difficulty of the assignment.
In the event of an unexcused absence make-up work will NOT be allowed.
Tentative Grading Scale:
| A = 93 – 100% |
B = 83 – 86% |
C = 73 – 76% |
D = 63 – 66% |
A- = 90 – 92% |
B- = 80 – 82% |
C- = 70 – 72% |
D- = 60 – 62% |
B+ = 87 – 89% |
C+ = 77 – 79% |
D+ = 67 – 69% |
E = <60% |
Academic Honesty: Please refer to p. 29 of the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook, for guidelines and expectations on Academic Honesty.
Student Expectations: Class attendance and participation is mandatory. Appropriate dress for activity is required EVERY day. Appropriate dress is defined in this class as a T-shirt, with shorts and/or jogging pants, and non-marking running/tennis shoes. Gym attire must also conform to the school dress code outlined in the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook on p. 36. For safety purposes no jewelry except emergency bracelets is allowed. It is strongly recommended that students use an athletic strap for their glasses to avoid damage and/or injury.
Weather permitting we will be going outside as much as possible for activity. Therefore be prepared for all weather conditions. Just because it is cold outside does not mean we will not be going outside.
You as a student are expected to…
- Be ON TIME.
- Students are required to be in the gym by 10:53am.
- Be prepared for class.
- Be properly dressed for activity.
- Have any written work required for the day.
- ASK PERMISSION TO LEAVE THE ACTIVITY AREA.
- This includes using the restroom or drinking fountain, and/or going into the locker room.
- KEEP YOUR HANDS, FEET AND OTHER OBJECTS TO YOURSELF.
- USE THE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT PROPERLY.
You as a student may NOT…
- BRING ANY FOOD OR DRINKS INTO THE GYM/ACTIVITY AREA.
Consequences for choosing not to follow the class guidelines:
- A student who chooses not to follow the class guidelines will first be given a verbal warning.
- A second offense will result in a written referral sent home to the student’s parent/guardian.
- Upon a third offense the student will be issued a 1 hour teacher detention.
- Any offense thereafter will result in student dismissal from the classroom (snap-suspension).
- The instructor reserves the right to remove a student from class at any time for any action or behavior deemed necessary.
Student dismissal will result in action according to p. 27 in the RVMHS Student Parent/Guardian Handbook.
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