1. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 2015-2016 Mrs. Beelner’s Science Class

2. BACKGROUND University of Redlands- BS in Biology, minor in Math, MA in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) 17 th year of teaching (13 th at Travis Middle School) Taught 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade science; 6 th, 7 th, 8 th grade math and Pre- Algebra

3. 8 TH GRADE SCIENCE CURRICULUM Focus on Physical Science- Glencoe Physics Chemistry Astronomy Lawrence Hall of Science (UC Berkeley) research group Focusing on Argumentation Ties with “Speaking and Listening” ELA Common Core New NGSS to be implemented in next couple years*

4. *WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NGSS (NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS) They are research-based (that’s a good thing!) The National Research Council (NRC) framework is the “skeleton”, the NGSS are the “organs” that add “flesh” to the “skeleton” They were written by teachers, for teachers Over 40 classroom teachers, professors, and science professionals, NOT lawmakers The NGSS are NOT a curriculum NOT what to teach, but what students should know and be able to do The ultimate goal is educating future scientists For students to understand how scientists and engineers work; thought processes, problem-solving

5. The NGSS stress critical thinking To teach students how to understand and evaluate the information they find It’s integrated across the curriculum Students will use skills learned in math and ELA in science (reading, writing, speaking & listening, etc) There’s no need to panic This will take a few years for complete implementation so there will be a smooth transition *WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NGSS (NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS)

6. A DAY IN THE LIFE Agenda Homework Board “Upcoming” listings Website http://teacherweb.com/CA/TravisRanchMiddleSchool/Beelner/index.aspx

7. ONLINE GRADES- AERIES.NET Assignments are updated within 24 hours Weekly missing work reports sent by me Make sure your email is up-to-date Check weekly to support your student MUS T HAVE

8. INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOKS Bring everyday Right side = input information (lecture notes, definitions, video notes, etc) Left side = output information (summaries, diagrams, graphic organizers, etc) Graded on test days for organization

9. HOMEWORK POLICY Homework SHOULD be turned in on given due date. Late work will be accepted for up to 50% until the test, for no credit after the test towards Homework Reward Activity*. Make up work for excused absences will be accepted following district policy. Most assignments turned in on time may be rewritten for a better grade anytime during current quarter (except Opening Assignments, Tests, Quizzes, Lab Reports). STUDY SESSIONS- Break, after school (by appt.), Tuesdays until 4:35 Emails showing missing assignments sent home on Fridays. Please refer to Aeries for details…

10. *HOMEWORK REWARD ACTIVITY Those students that have completed all homework for the quarter will be rewarded with a “fun” activity. These activities include games such as: Scattergories, Yahtzee, BINGO, Charades, Back Seat Drawer, etc. Students that do not have all homework turned in participate in a standards review study session instead.

11. STUDY SESSIONS I am available in my room MOST days at Break- with a pass I am available in my room MOST days at lunch- with a pass Every Tuesday is a 1 hour study session in my room Often Leadership students are here to help Students can work specifically one-on-one with me or in small groups with my facilitation Lab makeups, test/quiz makeups, extra hellp I am available MOST mornings before school by appt.

12. BEHAVIOR STANDARDS Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Respect the property and learning environment of others.

13. BRIDGES TO TOMORROW Field trip for 8 th grade girls to encourage STEM careers Thursday, January 7, 2016 At Fullerton College Keynote speaker 3 break-out sessions to hear women speak about their careers Look for paperwork coming home next month

14. NEW AT TRAVIS….. JUMP! J unior U pcoming M edical P rofessionals (daughter organization of HOSA) Student-led 8 th grade organization designed to be a stepping-stone for students interested in entering the health science and medical technology field (Esperanza Medical Sciences Academy) Monthly meetings Tuesdays after school Learn more about medical professions and healthy lifestyles 2 field trips in spring: Cerritos College to tour health occupations building Esperanza H.S. to observe their CSI event organized by the medical careers class

15. CONTACTING MRS. BEELNER Phone number: (714) 986-7460 ext. 47164 Email: gbeelner@pylusd.orggbeelner@pylusd.org Conference Period: 5 th Period (M, T, Th F =12:32 -1:53, W =11:52 – 1:04)