Parent Involvement

What? Why? Where?

What? They don’t want us to embarrass them! I believe in a hands off approach! I work! We are so busy! There is too much homework! I’ve got a life, too!

Why? Statistics show that students whose parents are involved do better!

Where? School Activities – Family Nights – Holiday Gatherings PIC Conferences: Formal & Informal! Homework

Why have homework? Homework is intended to extend, re-enforce, or prepare for skills and knowledge learned in school. It is often discussed in class the day it is due. Notes will be taken! Questions answered! It is imperative that it is completed on time!

Shouldn’t they do it themselves? Yes! But… Sometimes they need help finding it! Or getting started! Or staying with it… Or finishing it… Then not losing it, before it gets to school!

How do you help? How do you help? Be involved in their work by helping develop strong study habits.studyhabits

Encourage your child to develop habits of responsibility and good study skills. – Grades are often a reflection of a student's ability to follow directions (both written and oral) and turn in assignments on time. – If your child is doing poorly, it is almost certainly due to deficiency in one or more of these areas.

3 Steps I’ll show you in three steps: 1. Place 2. Check 3. Organize

1. First step… Provide a quiet, comfortable place to do homeworkplace

Sometimes their room may NOT be the best place!

1. First step… Provide a quiet, comfortable place to do homeworkplace Make sure it is free from distractions No siblings, pets, TV and other interruptions. Click on Study Skills - Preparing to StudyStudy Skills - Preparing to Study

2. Then check… Student’s planners (assignment books) andplanners Check that assignments are completed on time. Click on: Study Skills – Managing Time

View the planner your child should be maintaining, and compare it to my homework web page. Assignments are given on Friday for the following week. Your signature on their Study Guide and Test is an acknowledgement that you have reviewed their assignments and grades to date.

Typical Assignments Reading text – Written R&V with Section Reviews & Vocabulary Chapter Review written SCIENCE FOLDER – Stores everything written – Carries everything everyday home school

Typical Assignments Preparing a Lab – Scientific Method Writing the Question, Background, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures & Variables Writing-up a Lab – Scientific Method Reflecting by typing tables, creating graphs, Doing an Analysis, Conclusion, Recommendations – RUBRIC

Rubric Printed copies in classroom Download from my web page Uses – Checklist… is everything included? – Improve write-up while doing it… is it the best it can be? – Grade yourself… do you understand what needs to be done? Have parent sign!

Lab Rubric CATEGORY4321 Appearance/ Organization Lab report uses graphics/ WordArt. It is typed and headings and subheadings visually organize the material. Lab report is neatly typed and uses headings and subheadings to visually organize the material. Lab report is typed, but formatting does not help visually organize the material. Lab report is handwritten and looks sloppy with cross-outs, multiple erasures and/or tears and creases. Question The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is clearly identified and stated. The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is identified in a somewhat unclear manner. A partially identified purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is stated. It may be in an unclear manner. The purpose of the lab or the question to be answered during the lab is erroneous or irrelevant.

Research Report : Science Fair Project "Review of Literature" Teacher Name: Mrs. Paluso Student Name: ________________________________________ CATEGORY7531 Quality of Information Comprehensive information clearly relates to the main topic. It is clear, focused and interesting, holding readers attention. It includes several supporting details and/or examples that enrich theme. Information clearly covers the main topic. It is focused but may not be captivating. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples but support is limited. Information clearly relates to the main topic but there may be major gaps in coverage. It is sometimes hard to follow. No details and/or examples are given. Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic or research has just begun. Amount of Information All topics are addressed and all questions answered in at least 4 pages plus a MLA formatted Bibliography (in order) and parenthetical citations used throughout. All topics are addressed and most questions answered in 3 pages plus a MLA Bibliography and some parenthetical citations. Few MLA format/order corrections needed. Some topics are addressed, and most questions answered in 2 pages plus Bibliography and a few parenthetical citations. MLA format needs major corrections. One or more topics were not addressed in only 1 page. Or there is no MLA Bibliography or parenthetical citations. OrganizationInformation is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. It enhances topic and is compelling, moving reader through text. Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. It is easily followed, but maybe organization is too obvious. Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well constructed. It is a struggle to follow. The information appears to be disorganized. Ideas and details strung together helter-skelter. SourcesAll 4 source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the MLA format in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Three (3) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations, but a few are not in the MLA format or a few citations are missing. Sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. Two (2) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, and Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and some parenthetical citations, but many are not in the MLA format. Many more citations may be needed. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Source types are not accurately documented. Citations or Bibliography may be missing. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. MechanicsNo grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It demonstrates a good grasp of writing conventions with few or minor errors that a reader can skim over. Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It may contain errors in conventions, but hey are not overwhelming. Some grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. Frequent convention errors detract from paper. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Errors make text is difficult to read. Paragraph Construction All paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Most paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Paragraphs included related information but were typically not constructed well. Paragraphing structure was not clear and sentences were not typically related within the paragraphs. Or structure appears to be plagiarized and not the students work. Voice & Word Choice The writer successfully uses several reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The writer successfully uses one or two reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. The writer attempts to make the reader care about the topic, but is not really successful. Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. The writer made no attempt to make the reader care about the topic, or writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. Word choice may not be the student's and may be unacceptably plagiarized. PresentationDetailed draft is neatly typed and creatively presented. It includes parenthetical citations and Bibliography. Draft includes Bibliography and citations and is typed. Draft includes most required information and is typed. Draft is missing required information, such as citations or Bibliography, or is difficult to read or not typed. Research Report : Science Fair Project "Review of Literature" Teacher Name: Mrs. Paluso Student Name: ________________________________________ CATEGORY7531 Quality of Information Comprehensive information clearly relates to the main topic. It is clear, focused and interesting, holding readers attention. It includes several supporting details and/or examples that enrich theme. Information clearly covers the main topic. It is focused but may not be captivating. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples but support is limited. Information clearly relates to the main topic but there may be major gaps in coverage. It is sometimes hard to follow. No details and/or examples are given. Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic or research has just begun. Amount of Information All topics are addressed and all questions answered in at least 4 pages plus a MLA formatted Bibliography (in order) and parenthetical citations used throughout. All topics are addressed and most questions answered in 3 pages plus a MLA Bibliography and some parenthetical citations. Few MLA format/order corrections needed. Some topics are addressed, and most questions answered in 2 pages plus Bibliography and a few parenthetical citations. MLA format needs major corrections. One or more topics were not addressed in only 1 page. Or there is no MLA Bibliography or parenthetical citations. OrganizationInformation is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. It enhances topic and is compelling, moving reader through text. Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. It is easily followed, but maybe organization is too obvious. Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well constructed. It is a struggle to follow. The information appears to be disorganized. Ideas and details strung together helter-skelter. SourcesAll 4 source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the MLA format in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Three (3) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations, but a few are not in the MLA format or a few citations are missing. Sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. Two (2) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, and Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and some parenthetical citations, but many are not in the MLA format. Many more citations may be needed. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Source types are not accurately documented. Citations or Bibliography may be missing. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. MechanicsNo grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It demonstrates a good grasp of writing conventions with few or minor errors that a reader can skim over. Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It may contain errors in conventions, but hey are not overwhelming. Some grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. Frequent convention errors detract from paper. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Errors make text is difficult to read. Paragraph Construction All paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Most paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Paragraphs included related information but were typically not constructed well. Paragraphing structure was not clear and sentences were not typically related within the paragraphs. Or structure appears to be plagiarized and not the students work. Voice & Word Choice The writer successfully uses several reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The writer successfully uses one or two reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. The writer attempts to make the reader care about the topic, but is not really successful. Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. The writer made no attempt to make the reader care about the topic, or writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. Word choice may not be the student's and may be unacceptably plagiarized. PresentationDetailed draft is neatly typed and creatively presented. It includes parenthetical citations and Bibliography. Draft includes Bibliography and citations and is typed. Draft includes most required information and is typed. Draft is missing required information, such as citations or Bibliography, or is difficult to read or not typed. Research Report : Science Fair Project "Review of Literature" Teacher Name: Mrs. Paluso Student Name: ________________________________________ CATEGORY7531 Quality of Information Comprehensive information clearly relates to the main topic. It is clear, focused and interesting, holding readers attention. It includes several supporting details and/or examples that enrich theme. Information clearly covers the main topic. It is focused but may not be captivating. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples but support is limited. Information clearly relates to the main topic but there may be major gaps in coverage. It is sometimes hard to follow. No details and/or examples are given. Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic or research has just begun. Amount of Information All topics are addressed and all questions answered in at least 4 pages plus a MLA formatted Bibliography (in order) and parenthetical citations used throughout. All topics are addressed and most questions answered in 3 pages plus a MLA Bibliography and some parenthetical citations. Few MLA format/order corrections needed. Some topics are addressed, and most questions answered in 2 pages plus Bibliography and a few parenthetical citations. MLA format needs major corrections. One or more topics were not addressed in only 1 page. Or there is no MLA Bibliography or parenthetical citations. OrganizationInformation is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. It enhances topic and is compelling, moving reader through text. Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. It is easily followed, but maybe organization is too obvious. Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well constructed. It is a struggle to follow. The information appears to be disorganized. Ideas and details strung together helter-skelter. SourcesAll 4 source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the MLA format in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Three (3) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations, but a few are not in the MLA format or a few citations are missing. Sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. Two (2) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, and Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and some parenthetical citations, but many are not in the MLA format. Many more citations may be needed. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Source types are not accurately documented. Citations or Bibliography may be missing. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. MechanicsNo grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It demonstrates a good grasp of writing conventions with few or minor errors that a reader can skim over. Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It may contain errors in conventions, but hey are not overwhelming. Some grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. Frequent convention errors detract from paper. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Errors make text is difficult to read. Paragraph Construction All paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Most paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Paragraphs included related information but were typically not constructed well. Paragraphing structure was not clear and sentences were not typically related within the paragraphs. Or structure appears to be plagiarized and not the students work. Voice & Word Choice The writer successfully uses several reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The writer successfully uses one or two reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. The writer attempts to make the reader care about the topic, but is not really successful. Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. The writer made no attempt to make the reader care about the topic, or writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. Word choice may not be the student's and may be unacceptably plagiarized. PresentationDetailed draft is neatly typed and creatively presented. It includes parenthetical citations and Bibliography. Draft includes Bibliography and citations and is typed. Draft includes most required information and is typed. Draft is missing required information, such as citations or Bibliography, or is difficult to read or not typed. Science Fair Project Review of Literature Rubric Category 7531 Amount of Information All topics are addressed and all questions answered in at least 4 pages plus a MLA formatted Bibliography (in order) and parenthetical citations used throughout. All topics are addressed and most questions answered in 3 pages plus a MLA Bibliography and some parenthetical citations. Few MLA format/order corrections needed. Some topics are addressed, and most questions answered in 2 pages plus Bibliography and a few parenthetical citations. MLA format needs major corrections. One or more topics were not addressed in only 1 page. Or there is no MLA Bibliography or parenthetical citations. Research Report : Science Fair Project "Review of Literature" Teacher Name: Mrs. Paluso Student Name: ________________________________________ CATEGORY7531 Quality of Information Comprehensive information clearly relates to the main topic. It is clear, focused and interesting, holding readers attention. It includes several supporting details and/or examples that enrich theme. Information clearly covers the main topic. It is focused but may not be captivating. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples but support is limited. Information clearly relates to the main topic but there may be major gaps in coverage. It is sometimes hard to follow. No details and/or examples are given. Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic or research has just begun. Amount of Information All topics are addressed and all questions answered in at least 4 pages plus a MLA formatted Bibliography (in order) and parenthetical citations used throughout. All topics are addressed and most questions answered in 3 pages plus a MLA Bibliography and some parenthetical citations. Few MLA format/order corrections needed. Some topics are addressed, and most questions answered in 2 pages plus Bibliography and a few parenthetical citations. MLA format needs major corrections. One or more topics were not addressed in only 1 page. Or there is no MLA Bibliography or parenthetical citations. OrganizationInformation is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs and subheadings. It enhances topic and is compelling, moving reader through text. Information is organized with well-constructed paragraphs. It is easily followed, but maybe organization is too obvious. Information is organized, but paragraphs are not well constructed. It is a struggle to follow. The information appears to be disorganized. Ideas and details strung together helter-skelter. SourcesAll 4 source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the MLA format in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Three (3) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and parenthetical citations, but a few are not in the MLA format or a few citations are missing. Sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. Two (2) source types (Book, Reference, Periodical, and Internet) are accurately documented in the Bibliography and some parenthetical citations, but many are not in the MLA format. Many more citations may be needed. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Source types are not accurately documented. Citations or Bibliography may be missing. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. MechanicsNo grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It demonstrates a good grasp of writing conventions with few or minor errors that a reader can skim over. Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. It may contain errors in conventions, but hey are not overwhelming. Some grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. Frequent convention errors detract from paper. Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Errors make text is difficult to read. Paragraph Construction All paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Most paragraphs include introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence. Paragraphs included related information but were typically not constructed well. Paragraphing structure was not clear and sentences were not typically related within the paragraphs. Or structure appears to be plagiarized and not the students work. Voice & Word Choice The writer successfully uses several reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, and the choice and placement of the words seems accurate, natural and not forced. The writer successfully uses one or two reasons/appeals to try to show why the reader should care or want to know more about the topic. Writer uses vivid words and phrases that linger or draw pictures in the reader's mind, but occasionally the words are used inaccurately or seem overdone. The writer attempts to make the reader care about the topic, but is not really successful. Writer uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety, punch or flair. The writer made no attempt to make the reader care about the topic, or writer uses a limited vocabulary that does not communicate strongly or capture the reader's interest. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning. Word choice may not be the student's and may be unacceptably plagiarized. PresentationDetailed draft is neatly typed and creatively presented. It includes parenthetical citations and Bibliography. Draft includes Bibliography and citations and is typed. Draft includes most required information and is typed. Draft is missing required information, such as citations or Bibliography, or is difficult to read or not typed.

Typical Assignments Preparing a Lab – Scientific Method Writing the Question, Background, Hypothesis, Materials, Procedures & Variables Writing-up a Lab – Scientific Method Reflecting by typing tables, creating graphs, Doing an Analysis, Conclusion, Recommendations – Complete & sign RUBRIC

Typical Assignments Study Guide Notes – Discussion Notes – Section Reviews & Vocabulary – Chapter Review – Lab Write-ups – Extras? – Complete cover sheet & SIGN STUDY for TEST orally with an adult

2. Then check… Student’s planners (assignment books) against web page and Check that assignments are completed on time.completed Study Skills - Managing Time

Encourage your child to be responsible and turn in all work on time! – Late assignments lose points… 20% for 1 day and another 20% for day 2. – While the assignment MUST be done, they will only earn 1 point for work more than 2 days late. – In later years, many teachers will give no credit for late work, thus students need to develop habits of responsibility and organization now.

3. Organize! Help organize student’s binder ! Tackle the book bag!

Special note…or motivation! Developing these skills is often as important as actually completing the homework assignment and Parents can help their children master these life long study habits. Do not miss reading more on study skills at the link on my homework web page!homework

Encourage your child to come for tutoring--I want them to succeed! – I am available for tutoring on a daily basis during lunch and after school (except for the days when I have afternoon meetings-- Science Club, weekly, or Faculty meetings about once every two weeks).

Encourage your child to do extra credit! – I have a liberal extra credit policy, and bonus work has been offered to all the students interested in raising their grade. – Correct all Reviews & Labs – Ask about “Science in the News”!

3 Steps 1. Place 2. Check 3. Organize

Web page – Google Science with Paluso me if you have a question or concern at You may also call me at

Remember 3 Steps: 1. Provide a Place to work 2. Check planner & assignments 3. Organize materials