Back To School Night 2017 – 2018 School Year

Expectations and Standards

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

Not Following Expectations Warning (verbal or non – verbal) Refocus Sheet Email to Parent Conduct Referral Parent Meeting

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.

8th 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

8th 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

Grades Students will be graded on the following types of assignments: Classwork (2 – 15 points) Homework (5 – 15 points) Notes / Notebook Checks (2 – 10 points) Tests / Projects (50 points) Labs / STEM (25 points) 100% - 99.5A+ 99.4 – 93.5 A 93.4 – 89.5 A- 89.4 – 86.5 B+ 86.4 – 82.5 B 82.4 – 79.5 B- 79.4 – 76.5 C+ 76.4 – 72.5 C 72.4 – 69.5 C- 69.4 – 66.5 D+ 66.4 – 62.5 D 62.4 – 59.5 D- 59.4 & below F

Late / Missing Work ABSENT Work (Absent: not in classroom during class time; regardless of reason) Student’s responsibility to gather missing work and see teacher if they need assistance (not during instruction time) Pick up worksheets in the “Absent” drawer for their grade Students have the number of days they were absent to turn in any assigned while they were gone Turn into the math or science drawer – write “ABSENT” at top of paper 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 (math or science) for their grade The assignment will have 10% of their score deducted.

*see school website for detailed directions Raising their Grades Retake Test Study Set up time with Mrs. Arroyo 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 *see school website for detailed directions

GRADELINK Passwords were sent home earlier this week Please have your student check weekly Can set system to email 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 21st – September 8th Will take on Monday

Responsibility Focus for the children to learn to be responsible THEY bring supplies, problem solve when they forget something, be prepared It is okay to not be perfect all the time Parents, take a step back from the classroom Give chores Check gradelink with your student Check agenda with your student

How to Contact Me: School Phone Number: (661) 259-8254 Email: OLPHMS7@gmail.com *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.