Ms. Musselman's Home Page

the NEWS Team. This is her first year at Kennedy, previously she taught 7th grade math in San Bernardino, California.

She holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Illinois, and she is an avid Illinois sports fan. GO ILLINI!!!!!! This stems from the fact that she grew up in a small town twenty minutes from Champaign-Urbana.

Miss Musselman hopes her excitement for science will be an inspiration to the students on the NEWS Team. She can be reached at amusselman@naperville203.org or at 630-848-5610. The direct line to the NEWS office is 630-420-4061. The best times to reach her are from 8:00-8:50 and 1:24-2:05.

Science is a comprehensive process by which we continually refine our understanding of the universe. Scientific literacy enables us to make informed, responsible decisions that affect our daily lives. Using inquiry implies involvement that leads to understanding. The environment in every science classroom will have students actively constructing knowledge by being engaged in observing, questioning, investigating, problem solving, predicting, evaluating, and communicating ideas." (District 203 Science Philosophy)

Homework & Assignments:
Students and parents can find out what assignments are due by accessing our team’s blackboard web page. All assignments are due to following day unless otherwise noted.

The assignments I give students during class are important tools to assist in the learning of science topics. I expect the assignments to be complete, neat, and on time. If an assignment is 1 class period to 1 day late you will receive a maximum of 1/2 credit. If the assignment is more than a day late you will receive zero credit.

Students will participate in numerous science labs throughout the school year. It is extremely important that safety is a priority during lab activities. The students have read the rules for labs and they have signed a contract. If I see any behavior that is inappropriate or unsafe, the student will be removed from the classroom and receive a zero for the day. Students' goggles will not be needed everyday for class, so I encourage them to be stored in their lockers. I will inform the students 1-2 days prior to class if the goggles are needed.

There is 1 test for each science unit covered. I will notify the students at least 1 week in advance so the students know the day of the test. Periodically I will give quizzes during a science unit. I encourage the students to study throughout the unit, so they perform better on quizzes and tests. Tests and quizzes must be finished during the allotted time. Students must also have something to work on quietly when they finish.

If at any time a student does not understand a science topic or assignment I strongly encourage him/her to come see me. I am available before/after school and during supervised study.

I will grade all of the homework, labs, and tests on a point system. I try my best to be fair and consistent when I grade. If students or parents have any questions about a grade, please come see me or contact me to discuss the grade. I sometimes make mistakes so always double check the score.

The students will be recording all grades on a log sheet that will be kept in their portfolios. Portfolios will be kept in the classroom with all assignments, this portfolio can be brought home to study, however must be returned to class the following day.

If students are absent from class they need to see me when they return. The best time to do this is during supervised study or after school.

Students who are absent will have that many days to complete assignments. For instance, if a student is absent 2 days he/she will have 2 days to complete the missing work.