2016 – 2017 School Year

Morning Offering Angelus Afternoon Offering Our Father Hail Mary Angel of God Hail, Holy Queen

BS Mathematics: Math Education degree from CSU Dominguez Hills. Received Single Subject (Math) and later Multiple Subject Credential at CSUDH. Taught: 3 years at high school at a charter school At 2 Catholic elementary schools I attended a Catholic elementary and high school and feel a great sense of home on these properties. I look forward to joining this family as well About Ms. Geesing

Expectations and Standards

1. You don’t have to like everyone, but you do have to treat everyone with respect (adults and youth) 2. Be prepared 3. Any behavior that interferes with a teacher from teaching, and a student from learning will not be tolerated Classroom Expectations

School-wide Learning Expectations (SLEs) What students at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School are expected to achieve during their educational careers here at our school.

Standards Next Generation Science Standards Common Core (Math, ELA)

Next Generation Science Standards Research based standards that look at providing a solid foundation for students to enter into the competitive global world of science. These are internationally benchmarked Focus on the 4 disciplines: physical, life, earth/space, and engineering.

Common Core Standards The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

Math Curriculum and Standards In order to meet the math common core standards and provide a rigorous math program, we are using the Advanced Pathway This allows students to complete the Common Core State Standards for grades 6, 7, and 8 in two years. It prepares students for High School Algebra 1 in their 3rd year of middle school mathematics. Students who complete the Advanced Pathway will have the opportunity for conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application through the use of focus, coherence, and rigor. This pathway opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning, and inquiry that will serve students well not only in mathematics, but across all curricula throughout their academic careers.

6 th Grade Math Topics Big Ideas Math - Advanced 1 Numerical Expressions & Factors Fractions and Decimals Algebraic Expressions and Properties Areas of Polygons Ratios and Rates Integers & the Coordinate Plane Equations and Inequalities Surface Area and Volume Statistical Measures Data Displays Integers Rational Numbers Expressions and Equations Ratios and Proportions Percent

6 th Grade Science Topics MS – ESS1: Earth’s Place in the Universe MS – ESS2: Earth’s Systems MS – ESS3: Earth and Human Activity MS – ETS1: Engineering Design I am also incorporating the new Common Core Science standards for middle school.

8 th Grade Math Topics Big Ideas Math – Algebra I Solving Linear Equations Graphing and Writing Linear Equations Solving Linear Inequalities Solving Systems of Linear Equations Linear Functions Exponential Equations and Functions Polynomial Equations and Factoring Graphing Quadratic Functions Solving Quadratic Equations and Factoring Square Root Functions and Geometry Rational Equations and Functions Data Analysis and Displays

8 th Grade Science Topics MS – PS1: Matter and Its Interactions MS – PS2: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions MS – PS3: Energy MS – PS4: Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer MS – ETS1: Engineering Design I am also incorporating the new Common Core Science standards for middle school.

Homework Policy Homework reinforces what has been taught in class and prepares students for upcoming lessons. Additionally, helps students develop self-discipline, responsibility, and organizational skills. Success in learning like anything else requires practice for mastery. Have students review work, read, math facts, and write Yet, for the average student in middle school, their nightly homework should not take longer than 2 hours

Grades Students will be graded on the following types of assignments: Classwork / Mastery drills Homework Notes Quizzes Tests Projects / Labs 100% A – 93.5A 93.4 – 89.5A – 86.5 B – 82.5B 82.4 – 79.5B – 76.5 C – 72.5C 72.4 – 69.5C – 66.5 D – 62.5D 62.4 – 59.5D & belowF

Late / Missing Work ABSENT Work Student’s responsibility to gather missing work and see teacher if they need assistance (not during instruction time) Pick up worksheets in the “Absence” drawer for their grade Students have the number of days they were absent to turn in any assigned while they were gone Any assignment that is due on the day a student is absent, is still due. Thus if not turned in, then late work rules apply LATE Work Students have a week after the due date to turn in any assignment Submit in the appropriate drawer for their grade The assignment will have 10% of their score deducted.

Raising their Grades Retake Test Study Set up time with Ms. Geesing to retake test After school Before school New version of the test Higher of the two grades go in the gradebook Test Corrections Write each questions Correctly answer the question Show all work Attach behind the test Receives 50% of the points back for each right correction

GRADELINK Passwords were sent home earlier this week Please have your student check weekly Can set system to you if a grade below a certain percent is entered If there is a problem, please have the student discuss it with the teacher outside of instruction time

Standardized Testing (STAR) The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is using Renaissance Learning STAR testing in Reading and Math Done on the computer System will adjust test questions based on student response The students will take the STAR reading and math tests four times a year. The first testing window is August 22 – September 2

School Phone Number: (661) *Note; I spend most of the time I am on campus with the students. As such, I will not be able to respond to a message immediately. I will respond as soon as possible. How to Contact Me:

How to Help Room Parent PTO Treasurer 8 th Grade Banquet Auction Dinner Dance: co – chairs, live auction chair, silent auction chair, cashier Compassion Ministry Fall Fundraiser Hospitality

Responsibility Focus for the students to learn to be responsible THEY bring supplies, problem solve when they forget something, be prepared Parents, take a step back from the classroom Give chores Check gradelink with your student Check agenda with your student