Class Information:

Darin D. Kerr (Room #46)

Bryant Middle School (2025-2026)

6th Grade Science

e-mail: kerrd@dearbornschools.org

 blog: https://iblog.dearbornschools.org/kerrd/

 Suggested Supply List:

• Pencils, pens, & checking pens (various colors)
• Coloring supplies (markers, colored pencils &/or crayons)
• Highlighters (various colors)
• Loose-leaf & plain computer paper
• Glue sticks (like lots)
• Ruler
• Scissors
• 2 composite notebook (THIS IS MANDATORY)
• 3 hole 1” binder (suggested for organization)

 

*Internet Access with technology device (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.)

 

*I do have many supplies and do not mind sharing, but there will come a point within the school year that when they are gone they are gone and I will not replenish them.

 

*Also, please donate a few Kleenex boxes, Clorox Wipes, Paper Towels & no. 2 pencils (these are like gold) .  I will store them within the school year and ration them out.

 

6th Grade Science Curriculum:

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/K-12_Science_Performance_Expectations_v5_496901_7.pdf

 

https://mi-star.mtu.edu/

 

Dearborn Learning Expectations for Middle School Students:

• Students are expected to be ON TIME for their classes; tardiness is tracked in Mi-Star. FYI having 5 tardies in any individual classroom is a detention.
• Students are expected to attend their assigned classes every day that school is in session during the scheduled If a student is absent, the teachers are expected to mark A in Mi-Star.
• Students are expected to participate in learning and review assignments.
• Students are expected to adhere to the Dearborn Public Schools’ Code of Conduct during every class and activity. (see discipline)
• Students are expected to advocate for themselves with teachers.  
• Students are expected to respond to communications from their teachers and email through their student email account if they have questions.
• Students are expected to be respectful to themselves, fellow students, and teacher(s).
• Students are expected to attend all classes, complete all assignments, and adhere to the calendar of classwork and due dates assigned by the teacher.
• Students are expected to share their learning with their parent(s).
• Students are expected to submit activities as instructed by his/her teacher.
• Students are expected to review all graded assignments that have been returned, make any requested revisions and be available to converse with the teacher if needed.
• Student grading criteria will reflect A-F marks calculating the GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Students are expected to be honest and do their own work.  
• Students are expected to always cite sources and not plagiarize.

 

 Parent/Student Communication:

• I prefer e-mail kerrd@dearbornschools.org I will usually get back with you within 24-48 hours on the weekdays. (I will not reply on the weekend

 

Use Proper E-mail Etiquette:

• For all students and parents please introduce yourself when you use e-mail… that means full name, grade, and class period. This is super important.  Also, do not use all caps, or demand; be polite yet direct with the concern that you need resolved.  Allow for ample time for me to respond with a solution.

 

 Retakes for Summative Assessments:

• It is district policy for ALL summative assignment students to be given the option to retake tests and or quizzes; however, there will be prearranged times made by teachers that are not normal class times such as before/after school, lunch, during advisory, etc. There will be a Retake Ticket given to the student that must be filled out and have a parent signature to take the retake along with test corrections and/or completed study guide to gain admittance.

 

• Only summative scores that are 89% (B+) or below will be allowed to take the retake.

 

• Grading at Bryant follows the 80/20 rule (80% summative & 20% formative) (also see grading scale)

 

No Name Policy:

• Some assignments will be turned in virtually however I have an area for student’s papers that do not have names on them. You must include your full name, period and date.  It is always the student’s responsibility to seek their “no name” paper out and will be listed as a zero until done so.  I am sorry but I do not play detective.  You will also lose one point for not putting your name on any assignment after the student claims it.

 

Homework & Late Policy:

• All homework will be collected and/or submitted virtually on prearranged due dates. If a student does not turn their homework in by the end of the school day; then 25% will be taken off for every day, it is late for a maximum of 50%, but if it is within another quarter or passed the card marking it will be a zero.

 

• Remember some credit is better than no credit. For optimal performance in each class, all assignments should be turned in on time and in advance of the summative assessment given for that unit of study.

 

Absent Policy:

• When a student is absent more than one day then parents/students may request homework from me via e-mail. If a student misses one day and that day is a test that student must take his or her test the next day.  If the student misses more than one day a make-up time will be scheduled with the teacher and must be done within 5 days of the student’s return.  All absent work will be marked a zero online until it is made up.

 

• There is an area in my classroom where I place missing work and print off agendas.

 

• Students are responsible for all their own absent work. And should see me before or after class to resolve any issues.

 

8th Grade & 7th Grade Bryant Grading Scale:

 

A	94 – 100
A-	90 – 93
B+	87 –  89
B	84 – 86
B-	80 – 83
C+	77 – 79
C	74 – 76
C-	70 – 73
D+	67 – 69
D	64 – 66
D-	60 – 63
E	Below 60

 

My Discipline:

Participating in class and helping create a positive environment for everyone in the classroom is expected.  Students are to participate and to do their best of their abilities.  If any concerns arise that may involve disciplinary action and/or consequences.  Here is a list of possibilities…

 

• Sincere verbal or written apology for teacher and/or classmates
• Private conversation out in the hall
• Stay after school
• Phone call and/or email home to parents
• Disciplinary referral to administration
• Detention
• Schedule a parent meeting
• Removal of preferred classroom and/or school privileges (PBIS)
• Lunch with teacher
• Respect & Responsibility Room

 

If I am disciplining a fellow student, do not look or acknowledge that student in any way… continue about your business.  You wouldn’t want other students looking at you if you were in trouble; so, don’t look at the others in the same situation.  I will try very hard not to embarrass anyone and always consider your feelings.  I expect you to do the same.

 

Technology:

I have a computer cart in my room; each student will be assigned a number at the beginning of the year and can ONLY use that assigned computer unless given special permission.  I expect that the computer will not be vandalized, broken or used in any inappropriate way.  If so there will be consequences and be reported to the administration.

 

Bathroom Policy:

Students will use their Planners (or physical pass) as their bathroom/hall pass which must be signed by a teacher.  I will only allow one student at a time unless it is an emergency.  There is a signout clipboard as well.  Students also can leave my classroom the first 10 minutes of class or the last 10 minutes of class.

 

Cheating Policy:

• A student will not plagiarize, cheat, gain unauthorized access to, or tamper with educational materials and/or records.  Disciplinary measures may include sanctions and/or other forms of discipline.

 

• (First offense)  If a student is accused of academic dishonesty, the classroom teacher will notify parents.  The student will be required to redo the assignment for a lesser grade and a detention will be assigned to the student.

 

• (Repeated offenses)   If a student is accused of academic dishonesty, the student will be referred to the office and parents will be notified.  The student will be required to complete the assignment and a consequence will be assigned to the student (for example, Respect and Responsibility class, multiple days of detention, suspension from school, etc.) by an administrator.

 

Do keep this however in mind… I will give you what you need, not always what you want and treating everyone the same is the most unfair thing I can do as a teacher.

 

Thank you for your support…Let’s have a fantastic school year! –Mr. Kerr