Keeping Up with What's Going On... This school year we're using Google Classroom to as a "Learning Management System." The students will be using this across most of their classes, so all of their course information and files will be tied together. Parents will have a window into Homeroom, but I'm not sure what it looks like yet. PLEASE feel free to ask your students to show you Homeroom if you're interested in tracking their activities.
Tutorials Tutoring is available every morning. I will be available every morning except Fridays. Mr. Lim is also available when I'm not. Students are also welcome to schedule an appointment with me to come in during C lunch or after school. I can also help students during Wildcat Time most days.
Learning to Be an 8th Grade Science Student This class is unique, because most of the practice work is strongly encouraged, but optional. As new topics get introduced, we will work on them in class, and the students will have lots of practice available. I will be working with the students to develop a healthy self-assessment system to determine whether or not they need "more practice." This skill takes time to develop, so we often see the students grow in this area once they see the work ethic needed to be successful. We have LOTS of learning checks along the way, so they get plenty of timely feedback to help gauge their progress.
Helpful Hints Skyward & Family Access: My hope is that both students and parents check Skyward often - at least once a week. 0 = assignment not turned in/missing * = score not yet entered (A zero in the gradebook means that the student has not yet completed the work. Zeros can be fixed, just have your student come see me!)
Absences & Make-Up Work: Students have one day for each day missed to make up work. Please note that this extension does not apply to school-related absences (field trips, sports early dismissals, etc.); if students will miss class due to a school-related event, work/quizzes should be turned in or taken before class that day. It is the student's responsibility to get any missed work or notes and keep track of any extended deadlines. Students have several ways to find out what they've missed while out of class. 1. Check Google Classroom - updated daily by the end of the school day if there are new assignments 2. Check with trustworthy peers 3. Attend tutorials
My Goal in Supporting Student Advocacy: Students learn far more than each subject's individual curriculum during any given school year. In addition to the many skills and concepts we'll introduce this year, please know that your child's team of teachers are actively working to help every student build upon his ability to advocate for himself. In this spirit, you should see that your children are encouraged to make the best use of the multitude of resources with which they are surrounded and take as much responsibility for their role in their own learning as possible. Parents, if you see that your child has a question about an assignment, concept, or even a procedure, please encourage him/her to consult with trustworthy peers, check teacher websites, and seek help through tutorials and any other times teachers are able to dedicate to one-on-one or small-group interaction. If you have a question that your child can/should be able to answer or can ask her teacher directly, asking her to do so and following up with her to find out what she learned will go a long way in terms of preparation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, this will take one less item off the miles-long to-do lists that you face as parents (and it gives us more positive face time with your kids, which we appreciate!).