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MATH
– Mrs. LaMarche
We
will use Saxon math and find that the gains students make are very positive.
It is very individualized, so everyone is generally on their own page.
Each lesson introduces one new concept, and is followed by 25 to 30
review problems. Tests are given over information that has been reviewed over
the last 15 or so lessons. If a
student is unable to show mastery of the material at 80% or more, he or she is
asked to recycle previous lessons. This
ensures that your child is very familiar with the concepts before adding
additional concepts to learn. “Recycling”
in no way effects the student’s grade.
Calculators
are not allowed. However, your child has
been provided with a reference guide that provides information on computation,
formulas, conversions and vocabulary. Use
of this reference guide is strongly encouraged, even on tests and homework.
Please check to see that your child has a copy of this reference guide at home.
The
grading system is based on the amount of work completed each week.
I require a page of work per day, even when absent.
The assignments must be completed at 100% accuracy before being counted
as complete. This ensures ALL concepts are being learned and mistakes are seen
as chances to learn. Students
should have math homework each night in order to attain their goal.
Normally, math homework should take no more than 20-30 minutes.
Bonus points are awarded for those students who can easily complete more
than five assignments per week.
(5
assignments per week = A; only one homework grade is given per week.
Test grades are as earned, but still must be “fixed” to 100% before
considered complete) If you have
any questions about the grading, please ask.
Rewards
are given to students who “go the extra mile” in math.
In the past, I have bought lunch at McDonald’s, Main Street Pizza, or
the sub shop for students who complete enough extra credit math assignments to
earn them an A+.
Supplies
Needed: Pencils
Ruler
Box of tissue (ie.
Kleenex)
ENGLISH
–Mrs. LaMarche
For
the first semester, English will consist of basically 5 main activities that
will contribute to your child’s grade.
Daily
Oral Vocabulary (DOV) will be completed each day.
Your child will need a separate notebook to keep track of the new
vocabulary he or she will learn. Your
child will be tested on their mastery of this vocabulary each week, generally on
Friday, as part of their Daily Oral Language (DOL) test. (First DOL/DOV test is scheduled for Thursday, September 6)
Daily
Oral Language
is also completed each day. Generally
you should expect that every Thursday night your child will bring home his/her
DOL study guide and vocabulary notebook.
Spelling
One previously misspelled sight word is taught each day.
This is highly individualized and no “list” is given, instead the
students each have an index card file box with their words.
I prefer these do not leave school and they are given time to practice
each day. Sight word spelling
quizzes are given once a week, usually on Thursday.
Accelerated
Reader-Students
are to read books and test on the computer on a regular basis.
I require 12 accelerated reader points per marking period to earn an
“A”. Students may choose books
that are 3rd grade level or above and at least one of those books must be a
chapter book. We will go to the
library one day per week. In the
past, I have treated students who earn more than the required 12 points to
special rewards.
Workbook
– We will
use a structured workbook to learn expressive writing.
Since this is directed learning, students will not be bringing this home
for homework unless absent. Each
“lesson” receives one grade.
From
time to time, other learning activities will be used, but these are the main
tools used at this time.
SUPPLIES
NEEDED:
Erasers
Notebook to be used for vocabulary only
Paper (notebook or loose-leaf)
Box of tissues (ie. Kleenex)
HISTORY
SUPPLIES
NEEDED:
Pencils
Pens
(no gel)
2
Notebooks (One for notes, one for assignments)
Folder
Colored
Pencils
Box of tissues (ie. Kleenex)
SCIENCE
– Mrs.
LaMarche
Students
learn concepts involving astronomy, Earth's weather, Forces,
Motion, Simple Machines, Magnetism, and Electricity using a variety of reading
assignments and hands-on learning opportunities.
SUPPLIES
NEEDED:
Pencils
Pens
(no gel)
Ruler
2
Notebooks
Folder
Colored
Pencils
Calculator
Box
of tissues
STUDY
HALL –
Grading is based on completing assignment books each day, being quiet and
respectful of others while in study hall, and an occasional study skills
assignment. Most days I check to
see that students have filled out their assignment books.
I try to write notes every couple of weeks or so to let you know
generally how things are going. If
you would like to communicate with me, using the assignment book is an excellent
tool.