1. Open House 2012 Mrs. Brenneman rbrenneman@ldsd.org

2. Math 8:02-8:45 New Textbook: The Big Ideas Math Textbook March 16, 2012 - named the recipient of the Texty award(excellence in newly copyrighted textbooks) in the K-12 mathematics category by the Text and Academic Authors Association for the second time in three years.

3. Challenge: Mesh PA present math standards with common core standards that will be effective in 2014.  Big Ideas textbook uses a balanced instructional approach through use of inquiry and direct instruction  http://www.bigideasmath.com/ http://www.bigideasmath.com/  Students and Parents can access textbook on-line along with tutorials, quizzes and additional resources (no need to cart heavy textbook back and forth)

4. Grading  Major Grades:  Major grades include:  1. Tests (100 pts.)  a. Practice tests or practice problems are often used as a way to assist a student preparing for a major test.  These tests are always reviewed before students take the actual test in order for the student to have the opportunity to evaluate his/her progress before taking the test. The effort on the practice test should not just be written down answers but display reasonable work to solve the problems as well as indicate that the student made significant effort using his/her notes or text to review concepts on the test.  2. Homework (generally, graded assignments are announced ahead of time). Students should expect the possibility of a homework quiz. This is a quiz given after the opportunity for homework review and questions have been offered. Usually this type of quiz will be about ten points.  3. Quizzes (Pop or Announced - 20 pts. or less)  4. Graded Class Work (20 pts. or less)  5. Study Island Grade (TBA)  6. Common Assessment (50 pt. or less)

5. Homework  HOMEWORK POLICY  Homework is an opportunity to practice the skills introduced in class as well as to extend and refine learning.  1. Students will be given homework not as busy work but designed to practice and deepen understanding of a particular topic.  2. Homework should be done to the best of a child's ability as well as be neat and legible.Homework as partially-completed will count as a late assignment. All homework must be complete for credit.  3. It is the student's responsibility to turn homework in on time clearly and legibly marked with the owner's name on top. This includes after absences as well.  4. Consistent with the school's homework policy, missing three assignments in a subject area will qualify the student for an after-school academic detention or loss of recess time.There will be more homework assignments for math as this is a subject that requires continued practice in the form of homework. An effort is made not to give homework on the weekend but may sometimes be necessary.  5. All homework is expected to be made up unless given special exemption by the teacher. Homework quizzes may be given by the instructor anytime after the review has been offered.  6. Generally, homework that is graded, such as a summarizer activity, is announced ahead of time.

6. Questions?

7. Science – Mrs. Brenneman rbrenneman@ldsd.org  Four Classes  Period 2 @ 8:50 - 9:31  Period 3 @ 9:35 -10:20  Period 4 @ 10:25 – 11:03  Period 6/7 @ 11:38 - 12:20

8. You should know… I love my job, most especially the teaching of science. It is exciting to teach children the marvels of this world. I am in constant awe as to how this planet operates. Concepts from the decomposition cycle to symmetry in nature convince me that science is everywhere. Generally, I find most students excited already about the world and how it relates to science. Students often come to the classroom well- prepared. They are armed with inquisitive questions and have made numerous observations. The fun part of my job is helping them make these connections, to see the world in whatever they are learning. I am a big believer in taking the real world into the classroom and taking the classroom out into the real world. On a daily basis, I encourage questioning, taking risks in learning ideas, and the connecting of old ideas with new ones. Science offers us a way to solve most problems that may stand in our way. I hope to encourage my students to keep their eyes and ears open and to develop good stewardship towards taking care of this wonderful planet.

9. Units of Study  Characteristics of Science (metric, lab safety, scientific method)  Meteorology (layers of atmosphere, clouds, weather and climate, air masses, tools for forecasting)  Water (water cycle, wetlands, ground water, freshwater systems, oceanography) includes a watershed project (in school)

11. More Science  Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources (project outside of school)  Geology (rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, weathering and erosion)  Astronomy (life cycle of star, theory, space exploration, past and present space program, space spinoffs, cosmic collisions, earth’s place in space)

13. Canoe Trip – water quality study Traveling by canoe on local creeks, rivers, or lakes, students investigate the ecology, history, and geography of the Susquehanna watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. These hands-on adventures introduce participants to the complex relationship between land use and aquatic habitats, local water quality, and the health of the Bay. They promote a deeper understanding of environmental issues, and motivate future leaders to take action to improve the water in their communities and beyond.

14. More Info  4 Trips occur during month of October  22 students + teacher for each trip along with CBF environmental educators  Another trip will need to be scheduled for Spring for remainder of students  $220 fee for each trip = $10 per student  (please let me know ahead of time of any hardship cases)  Fees must be paid one month prior to trip  Medical form must be filled out along with permission slips for CBF as well as district

19. GRADING  Major Grades: Major grades include:  1. Tests (100 pts.)  a. Comprehensive summative assessments that cover significant amounts  of information  b. Formal classroom study guides are provided ahead of time  c. Given on an as-appropriate basis (several days in advance)  2. Projects (50 pts. or less)  3. Labs (25 pts or less)  4. In-Class Assignments (15 pts. or less)  5. Common Assessments (50 pts. or less)  Daily Grades: 15 points or less  Daily grades include:  1. In-class assignments; written and activity-based  a. accountability guide  b. summarizers (3-2-1; tickets out,etc.)

20. Homework  HOMEWORK POLICY  Homework is an opportunity to practice the skills introduced in class as well as to extend and refine learning.  1. Students will be given homework not as busy work but designed to practice and deepen understanding of a particular topic.  2. Homework should be done to the best of a child's ability as well as be neat and legible.Homework that is partially-completed will count as a late assignment. All homework must be complete for credit.  3. It is the student's responsibility to turn homework in on time clearly and legibly marked with the owner's name on top. This includes assignments submitted after absences as well.  4. Consistent with the school's homework policy, missing three assignments in a subject area may qualify the student for an after-school academic detention or loss of recess time. 5. Students should expect that a homework quiz may be given any time after the opportunity to review homework has been given. Conclusion: Homework is not busy work; it is an important means for learning the curriculum  6. All homework is expected to be made up unless given special exemption by the teacher.  7. Generally, homework that is graded, such as a summarizer activity, is announced ahead of time.

21. You should also know…  MAKE-UP WORK  1. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Copies of assignments and handouts can be found for each class in the labeled period drawers. After missing a class, it is the student's responsibility to retrieve the necessary write up/work from the appropriate drawer. It is also the student's responsibility to turn in the completed work the next school day along with the original write up sheet to the instructor for credit. Failure to do so will result in a missed or late assignment. If you have a lab to make up, you are expected to make it up no later than three days after returning to school. The lab will not be set up indefinitely.  2. In general, one day for each day absent will be given for make-up assignments  3. LunchBunch (do not assume this is available every day) or Resource Period (If you participate in other activities you may not always have this time available to make up work). LunchBunch is an opportunity for a student or group of students to make up the work with the instructor for a working lunch period. Appointments are necessary as the instructor has coverage duties on certain days.  4. The class website also has many of the assignments or support materials for student access.  5. The student may have to watch a video clip on-line if he/she missed it in class. Usually the instructor is able to upload or link it to her school webpage. The student may watch it at home. If you do not have the capability to view it at home, then you may have to attend a lunchbunch session or arrange with the instructor for computer time during the resource period. The student must seek out the instructor in order to set up either option.

22. Final Questions?