2. The Broward County Science Department provides an Instructional Focus Calendar to cover the mandated curriculum for each grade level. As in the past, these guidelines will be used throughout the year.

3. Unit 1 Nature of Science Unit 2 The Cell Unit 3 Human Body Systems Unit 4 Immunitiy, Diseases, Disorders Unit 5 Life over Time Unit 6 Reproduction & Heredity Unit 7 DNA & Modern Genetics Unit 8 Ecology Unit 9 Cycling of Matter & Energy Sex Ed Unit

5. Students in advanced science will be required to complete a science research paper. This will be an important part of their 1 st and 2 nd quarter grades.

6. The research paper will be completed in ‘chunks’according to a timeline posted on the research webpage. This page also contains helpful guidelines to use throughout the process. BE SURE TO SIGN AND RETURN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT SLIP.

7. The problem statement is due September 15. Students have submitted 5 project ideas in which they could conduct an experiment. One idea will be chosen. See the Research Paper weblink for helpful assistance throughout the research process.

8. The background research must include TEN (10) different sources using either 3”x5” index cards for note taking or printed sources with desired information highlighted. These bibliography sources must eventually be properly formatted.

9. Please be sure to visit the Research Paper website link for helpful tips and guidelines regarding each ‘chunk’ of the research process.

10. The final paper is due: December 1,2015

11. Check the Contests and Extra Credit webpages regularly for ongoing postings of student opportunities. Past winners have included Red Ribbon Week Ipod3, Broward Air Quality Control calendar/prizes, and prizes for P3Eco environmental challenge. Others attended the RASMUS Marine Science Workshop at UM!

12. All parent conferences MUST be scheduled via Ms Cole, 7 th grade counselor: mariann.cole@browardschools.commariann.cole@browardschools.com ESE: michelle.sauer@browardschools.commichelle.sauer@browardschools.com Phone: 754 323 4100 jerilyn.habenicht@browardschools.com Phone #: 754 323-4101 x 5635

13. There is a new login to access student grades on Pinnacle gradebook: User Name: student#@my.browardschools.com Password: PMM/DD/YYYY (capital P plus birthday)

14. Last year Pioneer Middle was rated an A school for the 14 th year in a row! With many years of teaching experience at Pioneer, your child is in very good hands.

15. WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP TO MAKE YOUR CHILD THE BEST S/HE CAN BE! (and I sincerely appreciate your support if an issue ever arises!)

16. It was wonderful to meet you tonight, and I look forward to a successful and memorable year with your children.

17. In closing, I would like to let you in on a well kept secret. Cooper City will host its annual Tree & Plant Care Workshop on Saturday, September 19, free of charge at City Hall from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. In addition to the wonderful, informative presentations on wildlife, irrigation, fertilizer and landscape sustainability, a delicious free lunch will be served. Fliers are on the tables – be sure to register in advance at 954-434-2300 ( also listed on the flier.)

18. On the tables please find Mrs. Habenicht’s Wish List (if you are in a position to help) Facial tissues Glue sticks Calculators Science themed stickers Masking tape – 2” width Ziplock plastic bags White board cleaning solution White glue Colored pencils Colored markers