Parent Orientation MR. STEPHENS 2009

ABOUT MR. STEPHENS Mayfield Heights resident since January 1993Mayfield Heights resident since January 1993 Married 21 years. 2 children Brian (Marietta College) and Cassie (Junior at Mayfield HS)Married 21 years. 2 children Brian (Marietta College) and Cassie (Junior at Mayfield HS) Originally from Seville in Medina County (heard of it?)Originally from Seville in Medina County (heard of it?) B.S. from Union College in Middle Grades Education with specialties in science and social studiesB.S. from Union College in Middle Grades Education with specialties in science and social studies M.Ed form Cleveland State in Science Curriculum and InstructionM.Ed form Cleveland State in Science Curriculum and Instruction 17 years of experience ALL at Mayfield Middle School!17 years of experience ALL at Mayfield Middle School! Coach of the MMS football and track teamsCoach of the MMS football and track teams

Science Units Based on ODE standards The nature of science/Properties of MatterThe nature of science/Properties of Matter Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Science Weather and ClimateWeather and Climate Motion, Forces and EnergyMotion, Forces and Energy

Folders : Students will need a new folder for each major unit of study.Students will need a new folder for each major unit of study. The folder should keep all science work in the pockets.The folder should keep all science work in the pockets. The prongs in the middle are for the course overview, knowledge map, and the continuous improvement graphs.The prongs in the middle are for the course overview, knowledge map, and the continuous improvement graphs.

Daily Materials Materials :( to be brought every day) Science folderScience folder Science notebook (composition book)Science notebook (composition book) Pencil pouch with materials in itPencil pouch with materials in it MMS Agenda bookMMS Agenda book Science book will be kept at schoolScience book will be kept at school The book is available on line to use at homeThe book is available on line to use at home –Contact me if your child will not have consistent internet access and you would like a copy to keep at home.

Classroom Environment Student Expectations/ Daily Procedures: 1.Enthusiastically participate in all activities. 2.Be seated and get your homework out. 3.Write down homework from assignment board 4.Follow all Discovery Team general rules 5.Follow all rules and regulations outlined on the Lab Safety agreement.

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT "That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.“ ~Ralph Waldo Emerson"That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.“ ~Ralph Waldo Emerson “Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” ~Shaquille O’Neil“Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” ~Shaquille O’Neil I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles. ~Sam SneadI figure practice puts your brains in your muscles. ~Sam Snead

LEARNING CHECKS  Based upon the 100 facts to know for 7 th grade science called the knowledge map.  The list is in their science life journal in their folder.  I will quiz them EVERY Friday throughout the year it will be called “a Learning check”.  The quiz is 10 questions from the entire list.  Not for a grade…just to monitor progress.

LEARNING CHECKS (CONT.) Graph individual results on a Student Run Chart. (kept in science folder)Graph individual results on a Student Run Chart. (kept in science folder) Class data will be posted on the front boardClass data will be posted on the front board To Prepare, read through the list twice a week (and when ever there is no other science homework).To Prepare, read through the list twice a week (and when ever there is no other science homework). They will be quizzed, for a grade, once each quarter on the facts they have learned up to that point in the year.They will be quizzed, for a grade, once each quarter on the facts they have learned up to that point in the year.

Layered Curriculum What is it? (Oversimplified version)What is it? (Oversimplified version) –List of assignments, some which are required from which students choose to complete. –3 levels (“C”, “B”, and “A”) –students complete assignments worth varying amounts of points until they have reached the desired level

Layered Curriculum (cont.) Lowest layer generally contains assignemnts from the lower levels of Blooms taxonomy to help students aquire knowlwdgeLowest layer generally contains assignemnts from the lower levels of Blooms taxonomy to help students aquire knowlwdge –Much of this work is started in class, faster working students may complete it as well. Middle and upper layers generally contain more sophisticated assignemts that require students to “use” new knowledgeMiddle and upper layers generally contain more sophisticated assignemts that require students to “use” new knowledge This approach has many advantages among which is students using their strengths and “likes” often.This approach has many advantages among which is students using their strengths and “likes” often.

Grading Policy Grades will be weighted: 50% test and quiz scores (including problem of the week)50% test and quiz scores (including problem of the week) 50% comprised of class work and homework50% comprised of class work and homework –Primarily layered curriculum assignments

Mr. Stephens’ Homework Policy –Homework will be assigned as needed. –Assignments will primarily come from the layered curriculum – I will have the assignment posted on the assignment board and I expect it will be written down in their agenda book at the beginning of class. –Homework will be posted on my wiki page and the school website

TEAM HOMEWORK POLICIES Homework should be done every time it is assigned. Discovery team members should expect 1 ½ to 2 hours of homework each night including weekends.Homework should be done every time it is assigned. Discovery team members should expect 1 ½ to 2 hours of homework each night including weekends. It is expected that students will strive to turn in all of their work on time. For late work the following policy applies.It is expected that students will strive to turn in all of their work on time. For late work the following policy applies. DISCOVERY Team Policy is that homework turned in after it has been discussed in class is for “0” credit.DISCOVERY Team Policy is that homework turned in after it has been discussed in class is for “0” credit.

Additional Help Advisory Period (before lunch)Advisory Period (before lunch) Intervention (end of the day)Intervention (end of the day) Before school 7:30 -8:00 (only by appointment please)Before school 7:30 -8:00 (only by appointment please)

How to reach Mr. Stephens Phone: (440) 995 – 7884Phone: (440) 995 – 7884 My prep period is from 10:15 to 11:30 daily so calls or s received after that time will be returned the following day.My prep period is from 10:15 to 11:30 daily so calls or s received after that time will be returned the following day.