Welcome to my parent corner!
Please see my introductory parent Letter (.pdf)
EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY
I believe that all students must be treated with utmost respect and do not tolerate put downs. I enforce appropriate etiquette in the classroom and ask students to incorporate polite language and behavior. I explain to students that they have a right to the best education possible and when others are distracting or disruptive, it takes away from their learning. My goal is to impart the love of learning and encourage students to ask "why" and discover answers to their questions.
DISCIPLINE
If a student doesn't adhere to the rules, consequences will follow based upon the behavior. Consequences will logically follow the inappropriate behavior. I have found that emphasizing respect and learning time has greatly minimized behavior problems. If a student is creating a severe disruption, contacts will be made to the family.
ABSENCES
When a student is absent, they are responsible for completing all work. Students will have an "Absent folder" on their desk when they return to school. The student will have the amount of days they were absent to make up their work. For example, if Richard is absent two days, he will have two days to make up all work. Since much classwork cannot be completed at home (buddy activities, in-class groupwork, experiments, etc.) please make every effort for your child to attend school regularly.
HOMEWORK
Students will have homework every night of the week and will have class time to write down all of their assignments in their agenda. I emphasize that as secondary students, it is the student's reponsibility, to complete all homework assignments. Homework is an opportunity for students to extend their learning outside of the classroom with structured assignments. If there is an instance in which a stuent is not able to complete the homework, please send me a note. If there are other concerns, feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Subject assignments will be as follows:
Language arts:
- Read every day for at least 30 minutes. Periodically write a book report/book project.
- Two writing assignments will be given per week to be done at home.
- Daily Spelling study
- Vocabulary development- Latin and Greek root practice (student will create flashcards to study)
Mathematics:
- Alternate page of math facts to improve automaticity
- Math review page of lesson in class with explanation for parents (Harcourt RW page)
- Math problem solving page-more challenging but excellent word problem practice (Harcourt PS page)
- Excel math homework (two per week- due on Friday)
Social Studies:
- Fill in graphic organizer or reading assignment
- Outline information or visual representation
- Research reports
Science:
- Fill in graphic organizer or reading assignment
- Artwork to represent concepts ideas
- Research reports
ARTICLES
