Back To School

Back to School Prayer Dear God, Thank you for the gift of children. Please watch over our children as they go back to school this year. Keep them safe every day. Help them to remember that you are right there with them in the halls and classrooms. Help them soak up good knowledge and to dismiss any negative or worldly messages they may hear. Help them treat others with kindness and respect, and to guard their hearts with the armor of Your Word. Give them joy and peace as they put their trust in you. Amen

Why did we start with a prayer?

Spiritual Development As a teacher at OLPH, I am concerned about teaching the whole child: spiritually, academically, physically and emotionally. The teachers instruct the students in faith formation using the religion standards. In addition to our regular prayers-morning, lunch, and closing prayers, we pray at the beginning of every block period.

My name is Mrs. Anne Marie Rudzinski My name is Mrs. Anne Marie Rudzinski. I am the 7th grade homeroom teacher. I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math and science. I have been teaching for 37 years. I have a Masters Degree in education. Every year I continue my education in order to be the best version of myself to assist the students in their academic career. I teach to the school-wide learning expectations, California standards and Archdiocese benchmarks. I also coach Academic Decathlon.

6th grade math is 11:30-12:15. 6th grade science is 1:00-1:45. 7th grade math is 8:15-9:00 except on Mass days-9:00-9:45. 7th grade science is 1:45-2:30. 8th grade math is 10:00-10:45. 8th grade science is 10:45-11:30.

What are SLEs?

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

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 purchased a new series for OLPH Middle School. The Advanced Pathway 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.

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

8th Grade Math Syllabus Big Ideas Math Algebra 1 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

What standards to we cover in ______ science?

6th Grade Science Standards 6.1 Plate Tectonics and Earth’s Structure 6.2 Shaping Earth’s Surface 6.3 Heat (Thermal Energy) 6.4 Energy in the Earth System 6.5 Ecology 6.6 Resources 6.7 Investigation and Experimentation I am also incorporating the new Common Core Science standards for middle school.

8th Grade Science Syllabus Chemistry, Astronomy, and Physics 8.1 Motion 8.2 Forces 8.3 Structure of Matter 8.4 Earth in the Solar System 8.5 Reactions 8.6 Chemistry of Living Things 8.7 Periodic Table 8.8 Density and Buoyancy 8.9 Investigation and Experimentation I am also incorporating the new Common Core Science standards for middle school.

Science Project This year the middle school students will conduct a Science Experiment in January. A timeline for the project will be handed out later this month.

Procedures The procedures for my classroom can be found on olphsc.org-7th grade-classroom support. It includes classroom procedures for arrival, Mass, absences, the classroom and dismissal as well as behavior and tardiness.

Why do we assign homework?

Homework Policy Homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. Homework reinforces what has been taught in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, and helps students develop self-discipline, responsibility and organizational skills. Success in learning like anything else requires practice for mastery.

Grades Students will be graded on the following types of assignments: homework quizzes tests projects science journals Notes Mastery drills other assignments I do not accept late work after the Friday of the week the assignment was due. Each day the assignment is late that week, I will deduct 10%. After Friday, that assignment is considered missing without redemption. Grades will be posted on Gradelink at minimum on the 1st and 15th of each month.

IPad We have four IPad in our classroom. Students can take AR tests as well as work on Sumdog and Mathletics. These activities will assist our students in reading and math as well as standardized testing.

Standardized Testing The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is now using Renaissance Learning STAR testing in Reading and Math for our standardized testing. The students will take the STAR reading and math tests four times a year.

Classroom Support Tuesday mornings-7:00-7:35 a.m. Two lunch periods during the week. By appointment.

What is the best way to communicate with me?

Communication The best way to reach me is by email: 7thgrolph@gmail.com Please email me any time. I will respond usually after school the same day.

Thank you for sharing your student with us this year Thank you for sharing your student with us this year. Together let us help him/her be the best version of themselves-spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally. God bless you.