Little About Darin Hickethier Grew up in one of the Milton Hershey Middle School student homes for ~ 14 years (houseparents’ son). Am a product of DTSD, K-12. Graduated from HHS in Undergraduate at Messiah College

Quick Math ? for Hershey Kiss a) = ___ b) What is the name for the shape of a stop sign? c) ? What is the smallest prime number ¿

Math – Mr. Hickethier 2-Year Algebra Organizing Data Interpreting Graphs Area & Subproblems Looking for Patterns Writing & Solving Equations Ratios & Proportions Systems of Equations

Math – Mr. Hickethier Algebra I Graphing: Lines & Parabolas Problem Solving Solving Systems of Equations Pattern Invention w/ Parabolic Growth Quadratic Functions 1- and 2-Variable Inequalities Exponential Expressions

Math – Mr. Hickethier Geometry Transformations Angle Measurements Similarity & Congruence Trigonometry Probability Proofs

Math – Grading Students will be assessed primarily on work completed in class. Some assignments that are taken home will also be assessed. Quizzes and tests will account for a majority of the points earned. Homework quizzes will be administered to keep students accountable for homework (completion AND understanding!).

Math – Web Resources Homework Support College Preparatory Mathematics

Advisory Group of 10 – 12 students meet with a teacher once a week Opportunity for students to connect with one adult

Advisory “As you know, create a good climate, and you are going to have kids who perform at a good academic level.” From Middle School Journal Sept. 2009

Communication Arts Mrs. Hegge

5 Major Units of Study: Mythology Injustice Overcoming Obstacles Crime and Punishment Humor

Within each unit, students learn… Reading Strategies Writing Skills Grammar Vocabulary Author’s Craft Figurative Language Poetry Short Stories

Team Information Team NovaStar meets every Odd Cycle Day at approximately 12:45 p.m. Mr. Finkill is the team leader. Please contact him to set up a meeting or to discuss any team-related questions or concerns.

American Cultures Mr. Finkill

What we will study this year… Creation of our Nation The Constitution and Bill of Rights Early 18 th Century History of America and expansion The Civil War

What we will study this year… Following the themes of the Gettysburg Address We remember the past and the sacrifices made in order to work towards a better future

How to access class information Moodle web site is open for people to log in as a guest Symbaloo is a site with links to all important websites students will use in American Cultures.

Field Trips Philadelphia - Friday November 5 th Chaperones are needed for this field trip. Sign up tonight if interested. Gettysburg - Spring 2010 Clearances on file with the district office are necessary to chaperone any field trip.

SCIENCE Mr. Shay

What will we study? Major Units of study: - Weather and Water - Astronomy (mini unit) - Earth History - Force and Motion

Grading Procedures Most of your child’s grade will be based on Mid-Summative assessments and Final Unit Exams (Summative Assessments) Other class work and activities will be checked for task completion and accuracy (Formative Assessment: P,S,U)

How to access science class information Mr. Shay’s school web site. All unit information & assignments are posted on this site. (found at ) Unit multi-media materials (found at )

Critical Learning Skills The administration and faculty spent last year researching and developing skills in two reporting categories that will be reported to parents as part of the report card. Work Skills Interpersonal Skills

Work Skills Descriptors Uses tools/strategies to support academic success Uses time effectively at school Demonstrates skills necessary to become a self-directed learner

Interpersonal Skills Descriptors Exhibits appropriate conduct when working within the school community Uses effective communication skills with members of the school community Demonstrates teamwork skills necessary to be a contributing member of the school community

Reporting Scale Needs Improvement NIThe student minimally exhibits the skills SatisfactorySThe student exhibits the skills in a satisfactory manner ExcellentEThe student consistently exhibits the skills in an effective manner

Critical Learning Skills Scores for critical learning skills will be reported in each class every marking period. Check out pages 41 & 42 of the Student Handbook to learn more

BTSN Closing Thoughts Shift in many areas… Learning Success Wiki Team Novastar Wiki