St. Theresa School Oakland, California

HOMEROOM

I expect this to be a banner year since I have a great group of students in my homeroom with wonderful ideas and a joyous sense of humor. These are crucial attributes to having a great last year at St. Theresa.

Students study physical science, which embodies the study of basic chemistry, physics, motion, and energy. The goal of science instruction at St. Theresa's is to create a learning environment where students can explore and achieve science literacy in their field of study. The current curriculum utilizes textbooks and lesson formats which meet California Standards and National Science Education Standards. Our science program provides comprehensive practice and assessment of scientific skills with a focus on the processes required for scientific inquiry.

Textbook: Physical Science; Prentice Hall

Key Areas of Scientific Inquiry

- Basic properties and states of matter
- Distinguish differences between the states of matter and their properties as they interact
- Fluids and pressure, motion and forces
- Master the concept of density, mass and volume as measures of matter
- Learn the structure of atoms, their descriptions and the format of the periodic table of elements
- Understand the chemical properties, chemical equations and chemical reactions
- Study the differences between acids, bases and solutions

Grading Policy

Science is the process of learning to think and utilize scientific tools and concepts. It is a method of discovery and requires thoughtful effort on the part of the student. This is a significant task for junior high students and necessitates diligence and patience to reach success. The science grade is based on four areas:

1. Tests - 35%
2. Lab work & homework - 20%
3. Projects - 20%
4. Laboratory notebook - 15%
5. Lab Participation - 10%

Periodically, long-term projects will be assigned for homework. They are to be completed outside of the class and typically take two weeks to complete. Most projects are done individually without collaboration with another student however brainstorming ideas is encouraged. The student will receive a time-line detailing the dates when specific parts of the project are due. Students will receive credit for completing each task by the stated deadline. If a part of the project is more than 3 days late they will not receive credit for that checkpoint. Each step must still be completed in order to fulfill the requirements of the project and receive credit on subsequent steps.

Absences

The school policy applies to excused absences. Students are given the equivalent time of their days absent to make up the work.

Most labs must be made up during lunchtime to receive credit. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a time to make-up the lab. Some labs are not possible to recreate and therefore are omitted from the students grade.

How to Contact Me

- e-mail: j_holden@sttheresaschool.org
- Send a note with your child
- I pick up e-mails in the morning and after school and usually respond immediately unless additional information is needed
- I am available for conferences by appointment at 7:30 a.m. daily or after school


Sincerely,

Joyce Holden

ST. THERESA SCHOOL
2011-2012




GRADE EIGHT SUPPLY LIST

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED THE SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL, AND STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO REPLENISH THEM THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. IT IS ALSO REQUESTED THAT ALL SWEATSHIRTS AND JACKETS BE MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME.

Math, Science, Homeroom Supplies

• Texas Instrument 30XS series calculator (approximately $16)
• 12 inch ruler with inches AND centimeters
• One box of colored pencils
• One box of colored felt tip pens (no permanent markers allowed)
• One pair of scissors labeled with name

• 2 Composition books with sewn binding
• 12 pens (blue or black ink)
• one pack of 12 red pens
● 2 pkg of 12 pencils for community use
• 3 packs of binder paper (college ruled) this pack for community use
● 1 pad or pkg of graph paper
• Supply of binder paper for student use
• 3 boxes of Kleenex®
• 2 rolls of Scotch® Tape
•One container of cleaning wipes


Language Arts Supplies

*Mead Five Star Notebook, 5 Subject, 200 Sheet, 11"x8-1/2' (Please make sure you get this specific brand - the dividers should have pockets)
*Post-it Notes - sizes 3X3 and 2X3 *** if you cannot find these specific sizes, it is okay, I would just like your child to have two different sizes, as close to these as you can find.
*Post-it Flags - size 1 x 1.7 inch (The plastic are the best.)
*Post-it Flags – size 1 X 1.3/4 inch (The plastic are the best.) These often come in a four pack
*Glue sticks (I strongly recommend buying an eight or twelve pack for the year and keeping the extras at home. It is cheaper this was and we go through quiet a few.)
*Highlighters - at least four different colors
*Blue or Black Pens – I don't allow the students to write in pencil. (Please make sure the pens are non-click pens. Click pens will be confiscated, as they are very distracting.) [These were listed in the shared items]
*Silent Reading Book – The students are required to have one at all times. Magazines and newspapers are not a substitute.
*Three packs of 3 X 5 cards.
*Invisible scotch tape (any brand is fine) – I recommend buying a three pack
*(optional) a small stapler and staples to keep at desk