Welcome Parents! 2016-2017 Scorpion Team

Introductions Erin Brown – Language Arts Brandon Bourne – Math 7 / Pre-Algebra Luke Tudor – Social Studies Tonda Luckey – Science Ben Jones – Language Arts Keith Ziolkowski – Orchestra Beth Hicks – Family & Consumer Science Kristy Stafford – P.E. & Wellness

Scorpion’s Philosophy and Rules Respect others and their property. Be responsible for your own actions. Be prepared for class; i.e.: bring completed homework, supplies, good attitude, etc. Be on time for class. Follow all school directions located in the student handbook.

Middle School Responsibility Middle school comes with a great deal more responsibility. The students are afforded many more freedoms than in past years. It is his or her responsibility to fill out their homework for every class and to pack their backpacks at the end of the day. The students are not escorted to their lockers at the end of the day and are solely responsible for staying organized. If you have any questions, please ask a member of the Scorpion Team.

Student Handbook: Avon Middle School North’s student handbook is available online on the AMSN webpage. Your student has reviewed the handbook with their Flex teacher. Please utilize this resource for rules and information.

Homework Policy The students are expected to turn in their homework on the day it is due. Avon Middle School North has an emergency late work policy. Each student receives one late pass per quarter per class. This will be used on the first assignment that is late. Subsequent assignments that are not completed on the due date will result in a zero. This is to be used for emergency situations and not simply to postpone an assignment. The late assignment is due on the next school day. If at anytime you have questions regarding missed work, please contact us.

Grading Scale and Policy B+ 87%-89% B 83%-86% B- 80%-82% C+ 77%-79% C 73%-76% C- 70%-72% D+ 67%-69% D 63%-66% D- 60%-62% F 0-59%

Absent Policy responsibility to obtain their homework when If your student is absent it is the student’s responsibility to obtain their homework when they return. The student has as many days as they missed to make up the work (if the student missed 2 days, they have 2 days to make up their work). This system is in place to instill responsibility in our students. If you have any questions please ask!

Where do I check for homework updates? Schoology is our learning management system in Avon. This is a one-stop-shop for checking what is going on in your student’s classes. Please utilize the calendar function to view everything for the day.

Safety Drills We regularly practice fire, tornado, and manmade drills at Avon Middle School North. The students have been trained in these procedures and we require their utmost cooperation during these times.

After-School Activities Avon Middle School North has a great deal of after-school activities that are open to our students. We do not send home paperwork regarding these clubs and activities. It is up to your student to listen to announcements every morning for information.

Math 7/Pre-Algebra/Algebra Curriculum Science Social Studies Language Arts Math 7/Pre-Algebra/Algebra

High Ability Requirements If your student is enrolled in a high ability class it is their responsibility to maintain a B- average in that class for the entire year. If that requirement is not met, they will be moved to a grade level class.

Science Seventh grade science is a STEM curriculum, based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM utilizes an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. The applications will focus on the areas of earth science, physics, and life sciences.

Social Studies This year in Social Studies we will discuss landforms, weather climates, latitude and longitude, ancient civilizations and many other exciting topics along the way. We will focus on the Eastern Hemisphere including Africa, Australia, and Asia.

Language Arts 7th grade language arts will allow your students to actively apply what they are learning in class with many different group activities and hands-on elements. We do a great deal of reading and writing as well as learning Greek and Latin roots. Our class is application-based and we expect the students to be able to apply what they have learned through projects, presentations, and written papers. We will be reading the novel, “The Outsiders” during 4th quarter this year. Please let either Mrs. Brown or Mr. Jones know.

Math 7 Math 7 is a mix of computation, algebra and geometry topics all leading to preparing your student for algebra at AHS. The grade for this class is weighted 50% for tests/quizzes, 35% for homework, and 15% for the final assessment. We will be computing with rational numbers, solving equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, working with applications involving percents, and studying geometry concepts. * Students will typically have nightly homework (10-20 problems). Each student is responsible for bringing paper, as well as a pen and pencil to class daily.

Pre-Algebra Pre-Algebra HA is a course designed to prepare students for algebra next year.  This course will cover much of the same Algebra content at a lower intensity. Students must maintain a course grade of B- or higher to remain in the class.  Students whose grade drops below that will be placed on academic probation and will need to have interventions put in place to attempt to increase understanding. Grades are weighted 55% for tests/quizzes and 30% for homework.  The final exam taken at the end of the semester will make up the final 15% of their grade. During this class we will be adding and subtracting rational numbers, writing and solving equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations and inequalities, and adding/subtracting/multiplying polynomials . We will have nightly homework and will move at a rapid pace. Students will be responsible for completing all assignments and for having all necessary  materials (pen, pencil, paper) daily.

Taught by either Mr. Quadri or Mrs. Burns Algebra High school class Equations, inequalities, graphing, functions, polynomials, quadratics, and data analysis Tests - 42.5%, Quizzes, 21.25%, Homework 21.25%, Semester Exam - 15%  Keys to success - Do all homework, learn from mistakes, and ask questions Taught by either Mr. Quadri or Mrs. Burns

Secondary Mathematics Learning is collaborative and social Ask your student how they worked with others to solve a problem. Understanding WHY: “How do you know?” Ask your student “How do you know?” when helping with homework. Conceptual Understanding: apply and adapt mathematical ideas to new situations, making meaning of mathematics. Ask your student to show multiple strategies to solve a problem.

Secondary Mathematics What do Parents and Families Need to Know? We are all learning together. Making mistakes is a natural part of learning. We will persevere through solving problems, using many different strategies to make sense of mathematical concepts. Students will be using high-quality resources to support their mathematical understanding Avon Community Schools Administration and Board of School Trustees fully supports Secondary Mathematics Teachers in the pursuit and pilot of conceptual understanding as a model for instruction.

Related Arts Classes 7th Grade Students will have a 9-week rotation of all four Related Arts classes – Art, Industrial Technology, Family & Consumer Science, Computer Applications. 7th Grade students will have Wellness for the full year.  It will be a combination of PE and Health.  7th graders also have a choice of either choir, band, or orchestra. This class will be taken all year.

How to contact us The best way to contact a teacher is to email us. We are very busy during the day, so it is difficult to reach us by phone. Our email addresses can be found either on the Avon North website or on our Schoology pages. This is important to remember for your student’s Q2,Q3, and Q4 Encore teachers. We do not have parent/teacher conferences at the 7th grade level. We can set up a team meeting with you if necessary.

Please email us with any questions or concerns. What’s next? Feel free to take a tour of our school and our classrooms down the Scorpion hallway. Please email us with any questions or concerns.

We are looking forward to a great year! Thank You Parents! We are looking forward to a great year!