Monday, September 5, 2011

Introductory letter grade 8


 NEUSE CHARTER SCHOOL SCIENCE GRADE 8

                                                                                        
Welcome to eighth grade Science!  It is my pleasure to teach your child.  This year will be a year of discovery and exploration.  We will cover various themes over the semester:  The hydrosphere, geology, chemistry, microbiology, and cells.  Grade 8 is a tested year so your child will take the End of Grade test in Science.  Students will explore scientific concepts in a variety of ways:  by reading and questioning, assignments, multimedia, experiments, models, games, simulations, and other hands on activities.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Many students have already brought in supplies.  The school supply list may also be found on Neuse Charter school’s website:  www.neusecharterschool.org.  For Science, students will need two spiral notebooks, a hand held pencil sharpener, a Science folder, and a $5.00 Science fee.  The Science fee will be collected by Grades 5-10 and will be used to buy Science equipment and experiment materials.  Other materials to be replenished through the year are loose leaf paper, pencils, erasers, and pens (red/blue/black).  Wish list items for the Science are:  markers and colored pencils for the class, a class pencil sharpener, Lysol wipes, expo board spray, and Kleenex.

GRADING
Every effort will be made to ensure your child is learning, engaged, and thinking critically.  The vast majority of children do very well in Science and enjoy it very much.  However, if your child is falling below grade level – below 77% or C – then I will contact you and we will discuss ways to improve your child’s grade. 

GRADING
          I have very high expectations for your child and believe every child can learn.  My grading system is as follows:
50% tests
30% assignments and labs
10% participation
10% homework

TESTS:  Students will be allowed to rewrite one test per quarter if s/he receives 70% or below.  I will re-teach any concepts that are repeatedly missed on tests.  Concepts on tests are directly related to what your child will be tested on the EOG.

ASSIGNMENTS/LABS:  Many assignments will be done in class, but some, such as projects will also need to be worked on at home.  If assignments are turned in late they will receive a maximum late mark of 70% (a D grade).

PARTICIPATION:  Your child’s enthusiasm, participation in discussions, and discipline will determine his/her participation grade.

HOMEWORK:  Homework will be marked as complete or incomplete and 0.5 to 1% will be taken off each time it is not completed.  This includes if it was completed but students forgot to bring it to class.  If there is an extenuating circumstance, please write a note for your child and I will give him/her an extra day to complete the homework without penalty. Parents will receive an email or phone call if homework is not completed consistently.

Every effort will be made to ensure your child is learning, engaged, and thinking critically.  The vast majority of children do very well in Science and enjoy it very much.  However, if your child is falling below grade level – below 77% or C – then I will contact you and we will discuss ways to improve your child’s grade. 

CONTACTS AND SCIENCE INFORMATION
Weekly information on themes we are covering and when tests and assignments are due may be found on the Neuse Charter School website:  www.neusecharterschool.org.  Click on the “More…” tab and then the “Teachers Blogs” link.  If you have any questions or concerns you may email me at crennie72@gmail.com  or call the school at 919-938-1077. 

I look forward to exploring Science with your child this year!

Sincerely,

Christine Rennie



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