Welcome Letter to Parents
Welcome to 8th Grade Science! I look forward to being your child’s science teacher this year.
This year we will be concentrating our studies on physical science. Part of our class includes hands-on lab work, which will be done both individually and in lab groups. We will be studying:
- Matter and Energy
- Heat
- Climate
- Chemistry
- Physics: Forces & Motion
The students have been asked to bring in materials that will facilitate our learning together. At McCourt, all subjects are color coded so it is easy to tell if students have the right materials in class. Science classes use GREEN materials. The list of materials needed includes:
- Folder with pockets – GREEN
- Spiral Notebook – GREEN
- Pen and Pencil
- Colored Pencils
- Highlighter
- Covered Textbook
I also recommend:- 3-Ring Binder with some loose leaf paper ( 1 inch or 1.5 inches) – GREEN
(if you cannot find a green binder, you can get one with a
clear front insert pocket and insert a green cover)
- 3-Ring Binder with some loose leaf paper ( 1 inch or 1.5 inches) – GREEN
This is not required, but throughout the year I will distribute handouts that are three hole punched and the binder is an excellent way to keep these materials and resources organized.
In addition to these materials, glue sticks and tissues are always welcome!
Student should expect to have homework 3-4 nights per week. I ask students to spend approximately 20 minutes on their science homework. I do not always expect that they will finish every activity, but do expect that they spend 20 uninterrupted and focused minutes doing their best work. I realize they have homework in other subject areas, as well as other activities, and know they must manage their time effectively. All I ask is that they put forth their best efforts.
I reserve some time at the end of each class for students to write their homework assignments in their agendas. I write the homework assignment out on the board every day. Parents can look at the agendas to know what the homework assignment is for that evening. I also plan to post assignments on my SchoolRack site.
When students are absent it is their responsibility to show me any homework that was due while they were out as soon as they get back. I do not track students down for missing work. McCourt policy allows the same number of days as the student missed to make up any work that was assigned while he/she was absent.
I hope that this answers some of your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for sharing your child with me this year!
