1. Back to School Night Medford Memorial Middle School Vicky Gorman, Team 7-2 Science 16 September 2015

2. AGENDA Website Computer and Internet Use Textbook Home Learning Assessments Highlights Newsletter

3. WEBSITE Check each day after school, Mon – Thurs. Check once during Fri – Sun. Useful when absent. Handouts uploaded. Detailed directions for assessment prep. Before you contact Mrs. Gorman, check the website.

7. COMPUTER & INTERNET USAGE Assessments are on computer using website called Quia. Informational videos uploaded to Educreations, YouTube or similar platform. Secure communications link with teacher for student after school hours through Edmodo. Remind for mass texts and e-mails. Optional opportunity to follow @GormanV on Twitter.

8. Textbook Videos Articles Websites Handouts Worksheets Notes in Journals Webinars Skype

9. HOME LEARNING Detailed directions on Website Expect 20-40 minutes/night Concern about 45 – 60 minutes? ◦C◦Check website or ask student if multiple night assignment. ◦H◦Have they been keeping up with work? ◦I◦If it becomes a habit, contact Ms. Gorman!!! Each student is different. Is stress caused by too many extracurricular activities? Assignments in all subjects, 2-2½ hours is not unusual.

10. ASSESSMENTS BIG jump from 6 th to 7 th grade. Application piece is the key difference. Greater amount of material on each assessment. Some students just not ready. Look at both achievement and accountability grades for a total picture. Retesting not available on all assessments. Specific protocol for retesting.

11. HIGHLIGHTS Energy – theme for lessons. Satellites and Remote Sensing ◦GPM ◦GOES-R ◦GLOBE NASA Remote Sensing Vehicle Visit Collaboration with United Soybean Board Scientist Interaction and Visits NOAA and NWS associations

12. NEWSLETTERS

13. QUESTIONS?