Joseph Temple Henley Middle School
5880 Rockfish Gap Turnpike
Crozet, Virginia 22932
(434) 823-4393
Lisa Boyce, Mrs. Boyce
[email protected]
Life Skills, 7th Grade
Rooms 3 & 4
Hello Parents,
I am your child’s Life Skills teacher, Mrs. Boyce. Please read over the course syllabus and complete the short
form at the end. Please know that I welcome your mentorship and volunteerism in any of our projects, and if
you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me at the above listed email address!
I.
Course Description
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course that
provides a foundation for managing individual, family, work, and community roles and responsibilities.
Relevant workforce readiness skills are a backbone of the course, and students will be given many
opportunities to develop these skills through our class projects. Consumerism and sustainability are prevailing
themes, and students will be utilizing tenets of financial literacy throughout the semester as they determine the
best prices for clothing, food, transportation, and other “want” items. Basic gardening skills are now an option
for us as we have adopted the school garden and greenhouse located in the 8th grade courtyard.
Class explorations into textiles and color theory provide the background for maintaining clothing and
designing eye-pleasing sewing projects. Students learn how to use nutrition and wellness practices during the
course, and cooking labs will focus on recipes from different food groups. Technology is utilized often, and
students will be able to participate in coding, 3D printing, and other computer-based activities to integrate
more high tech “making” in their projects. This is NOT the Home Economics class of our childhood!
II.
Material Requirements
Students will have a few material expenses throughout the course, but these will be minimal and advance
notice will be given. Initially, students have an option for the two-pocket fastener folder needed for class. I am
able to loan them a folder that will be kept in class for any non-electronic handouts and notes during class
time. These folders will have a label for their name, but should not be decorated in any way. Students that like
to doodle or draw may benefit from providing their own folder or purchasing the folder from the class for
$1.00. Students will need to be prepared for each class with a writing utensil, lined paper, their laptop (7th),
headphones or “earbuds”, and a flash drive. If they keep all of their things together, they have a greater chance
of earning up to100% on any quizzes given throughout the semester.
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Back Portion To Be Signed,
Removed and Given To Mrs. Boyce
III.
Internet Requirements & Sharing Successes
We use technology often, and our class is considered “flipped” in that accessing files and video clips
before class will allow students to feel better prepared. It will also give them opportunities to contribute to
richer class discussions, and synthesize the information through hands-on projects and activities.
Students should prepare to check their ACPS email and the Blackboard (Bb) landing page on a daily
basis, as this will be how I communicate with them. Homework will be listed on our Blackboard (Bb) landing
page, and students will be asked to review/remark upon some of the unit materials prior to coming to class.
This will be done via the Discussion “tab” or through uploading assignments. I will model these procedures
in class.
Sharing successes: I love to share photos of our activities with parents and students! Your permission
for photographs on the technology use form is appreciated.
III.
Grading Policies and Procedures
Henley’s grading scale, explained in the student agenda, will be followed for this course.
IV.
Grading
Participation & Behavior – worth 5 points each class period*
Assignments – worth 15 points
Classwork – Worth 10 points
Quizzes – worth 25 points
Projects & Kitchen Labs – worth up to 40 points
* High participation points = Cooking Time, and earning two DR’s during the week of a cooking lab may
result in a withdrawal from the activity and a loss of the lab grade
Extra Credit: There will be a few extra credit opportunities announced throughout the semester.
Respect: This class is built around teamwork and rotating groups, and the main expectation is to be respectful
in all facets of the class, including me, classmates, supplies, equipment, etc. Some of our equipment (ex:
sewing machines) is expensive, and intentional disregard or destruction of these items may result in a request
for financial assistance to repair or replace it.
Late Assignments: Points will be taken off for each class period an assignment is late. Late work will be
accepted at full credit with an excused absence. Homework that is not turned in (electronically or otherwise)
will be given a zero. Missed quizzes, etc., will need to be made up during STING and by appointment.
Food Project Labs: Students will be expected to come during STING the day of a cooking lab to prep.
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I have read the Life Skills Syllabus with my student and we understand the requirements of the class.
Student’s Printed Name: __________________________________________
Student’s Signature: _____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________________
E-mail address: ________________________________________________
Best number to contact you during the day: __________________________