Welcome to Science Class!

St. Joseph Regional Elementary School

Mrs. Denise Pasquarelli                                         Science – Grades 6,7,8

                                                                                             Homeroom – 8B

A "Space Day" assembly will be held Friday May 7 for grades 5-8.  We will have guest speaker Mr. William R. Boyle, who is an engineer with Lockheed-Martin, speaking with us.

Students help clean up for Earth Day 2010!

Goals:

          My goals for this year are to enable your child to:

          -develop and apply the basic skills necessary for obtaining

          information, problem solving, investigating, and communicating

          principles of science.

          -develop and apply rational and creative thinking skills in all areas

         of science.

          -develop attitudes and values that promote personal involvement

          with our ever changing environment and society.

Classroom Rules:

          It is imperative that students conduct themselves properly at all times.  Good manners and respect toward everyone is expected.

Class Schedules:

          A class schedule has been given to every student.  Students will have the same class at the same time each day.

Supplies:

          Initial supplies have been purchased through the school.  Additional supplies may be purchased every Tuesday. It is your child’s responsibility to replenish supplies as needed.

          All students are expected to be prepared for class every day.  This means that they are to have necessary supplies and books with them when they come to class.  No students will be permitted to return to their lockers for forgotten items.

Assignments:

          Every student is expected to complete all assignments.  Failure to hand in or complete assignments will result in point deductions.  No assignment will be accepted after the second day.  Projects will not be accepted after their due dates.  Students will have at least two weeks to complete several small projects that will be assigned throughout the school year. Missed assignments are expected to be made up.

Grading:

    Grading for the year will be as follows:

Tests and Projects (projects will be equal to 2 test grades) - 40%

Quizzes - 30% Homework - 20%      Class Participation - 5%     Cooperation - 5%

Absenteeism and Lateness:

          It is imperative that your child attend school regularly.  Failure to do so will greatly hinder your child’s progress. A request for homework when your child is absent must be made early in the day so that your request can be honored. If you choose not to request an assignment, it will be your child’s responsibility to see me for any missed assignments upon his/her return.

          If you are planning a family vacation when school is in session, please inform all of your child’s teachers at least one week in advance.

          All students must report to school by 7:45 am.  We have already begun classes by 8:05am and coming in late can be a distraction to all.

Tests:

          Your child will have a minimum of three days notice prior to having a major test.  If your child is absent for the test review, he/she will be given one day upon coming back to school to prepare for a make-up test. If your child is present for the review, but absent on the day of testing, he/she will be expected to take the test upon return to school.

          Quizzes are given orally and randomly, therefore your child is expected to study every evening.  Missed quizzes are not made up.

          Sharing answers with classmates on tests, quizzes, or any other assignment will not be tolerated. The result will be a zero.

Curriculum:

          Students from grade 6 will study earth science.  Seventh grade students will begin the year studying Life Science, and 8th grade will be studying physical science.

Extra-Credit Policy:

          All students have the opportunity to earn extra-credit points.  I have implemented this policy for several reasons.  First, I would like to see all students’ interest in science to peak.  Secondly, this will also enable students who are having a difficult time to better their grades while learning something new in the process.  Students will also be given time to share what they have discovered with their classmates.  Your child is aware of the extra points they will receive for various extra-credit projects.  Only those projects assigned or approved by me will be counted as a test grade.  Every student will have a copy of these in their science folder.  Extra-credit work is not mandatory for those in danger of failing.  Your child must take the initiative and make the effort if they so desire.

      If you have any questions or concerns and would like to speak with me, please call the school at 704-2400 ext.172, and leave a message on my voice mail.  I will make every effort to get back to you immediately.  If for any reason, I fail to contact you, please leave a message for me at the office. You may also contact me using the following email address (dpasquarelli@stjosephprek8.org).  I am also in the process of creating a website to better enable you to keep abreast of upcoming tests, projects, etc. I will send this information home when it becomes available.  Communication between parents and teachers is essential to your child’s education.

          Parents, please take an active interest in the education of your child.  Engage in dialogue with them about what they are studying, talk about the day’s events, listen to their concerns, and stress the importance of putting forth their best effort. Thank you for your continued support.