Team Phoenix 8 th Grade Avon Middle School

Team Phoenix 8 th Grade Avon Middle School North

Teacher Contacts • Ashley Koontz- Science/Biology – ackoontz@avon-schools. org • Jen Rudolph- Language Arts – Jlrudolph@avon-schools. org • Barrett Hartley – Mathematics – BSHartley@avon-schools. org • Gordan Skaro – Social Studies – gskaro@avon-schools. org

Team Supplies • 1 -inch or larger binders (4) • Binder Tabs (12) • Index cards (3 packs) • Loose-leaf paper (3 pkgs. ) • Pencils (*Mechanical pencils are not allowed in science labs. ) • Dry Erase Marker (2 or 4 pack; black or color)

Team Supplies continued… • Hand-held pencil sharpener • Black or blue pens • Red pens • Calculator (Scientific Calculator is optional) • Colored pencils • Glue sticks (4) and one bottle of liquid glue (Gen Sci Only) • Highlighters (4 - at least two different colors)

Team Supplies continued… • Pencil pouch/box (recommended but not required) • 2 boxes of Kleenex • Flash drive • Ear buds- Keep in computer bag at all times! • Sleeve or bag for computer (recommended but not required) • There are bags available for students to purchase for $11. 00 through the school.

Corporation Wide Shift in Education • Collaborative classrooms • More student talk than teacher talk • Team-building and Team problem-solving • Kids will talk about school in a different way than they ever have!

Phoenix Math Please note that a course syllabus is available on Schoology Math 8 – This course is to prepare students for Algebra. Topics covered: Number Sense; Computation; Equations, Expressions, and Functions; Geometry and Measures; Data Analysis, Probability and Statistics Algebra – This course for high school Algebra credit Topics covered: Real Numbers and Expressions; Functions and Relations; Linear Equations and Inequalities and Systems; Higher Order Functions; Data Analysis and Statistics

Phoenix Math In order to be successful students are expected to ü Bring binder, pencil, paper to class daily ü Be organized ü Complete homework as it is assigned ü Ask questions ü Recognize that identifying mistakes and correcting them are an important part of the learning process

Phoenix Math Corporation-wide Shift in Math Education Learning is collaborative and social Ask your student how they worked with others to solve a problem. Importance of Understanding WHY: “How do you know? ” Ask your student “How do you know? ” when helping with homework. Conceptual Understanding: apply and adapt mathematical ideas to new situations, making meaning of mathematics. Ask your student to show multiple strategies to solve a problem.

Phoenix Math College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) Three pillars of CPM 1. Cooperative Learning: Students learn ideas more deeply when they discuss ideas with classmates. 2. Problem-Based Learning: Students learn ideas more usefully for other arenas when they learn by attacking problems—ideally from the real world. 3. Mixed, Spaced Practice: Students learn and retain concepts when they are required to engage and re-engage with the ideas for months or even years.

Phoenix Math Corporation-wide Shift in Math Education What do Parents and Families Need to Know? • We are all learning together. • Making mistakes is a natural part of learning. We will persevere through solving problems, using many different strategies to make sense of mathematical concepts. • Students will be working in small groups called “study teams” to solve problems and explore concepts. • Homework Help and a Parent Guide are available at CPM. org/parent-support Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

US History Curriculum • 1 st Nine Weeks: Early Colonial Life through Pre Revolutionary War • 2 nd Nine Weeks: American Revolutionary War, Articles of Confederation and US Constitution • 3 rd Nine Weeks: George Washington presidency through Andrew Jackson ( 1 st Political Parties, Lewis and Clark, War of 1812 and Trail of Tears) • 4 th Nine Weeks: Essentially Polk’s presidency through Hayes (Oregon Country, Texas Independence, War with Mexico, Civil War and Reconstruction)

US History Daily Supplies • Binder • HP Stream Computer • Paper • Pens or Pencils • 1 highlighter • An attitude to learn • Colored Pencils will also be used in this class but not on a daily basis

Language Arts Curriculum Content covered… q Literature {Short stories/poetry, non-fiction, novels, drama} English 8: The House of the Scorpion –novel; Night -novel High Ability: The House of the Scorpion –novel (parts) Fahrenheit 451 -novel The Book Thief –novel A Midsummer Night’s Dream –play (parts) q Writing/Research {journaling, essays, media projects} q Vocabulary {Focus- Roots} q Grammar

Language Arts Daily Needed Supplies Ø 3 -ring Binder w/ 4 dividers and some loose leaf paper Ø Pencil/pen Ø HP Stream Ø Independent Reading Book (Media Center visits often!)

Science/Biology Curriculum General Science 8 Biology (High School Credit) • Semester 1: – Scientific Method, Chemistry, Water and Weather, Independent Research Project – Scientific Method, Ecology, Biochemistry, Cells, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration, Human impact on environment • Semester 2: – Genetics, Classification, Ecology/ Natural Resources, Blood Drive, and Change over time • Semester 2: – Mitosis/Meiosis, DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis, Genetics, Change over Time

Team Expectations • Be on time for class! – 3 tardies allowed PER 9 weeks PER class. Every subsequent tardy will result in a detention. • Be prepared for class with all required supplies. – Includes a CHARGED laptop! • Be courteous and respectful of others and their property. • All rules in the agenda must be followed. – This includes language in the hallways, dress code, and appropriate behavior! • Keep good records of your class assignments and record what work you need to do for the evening.

Team Expectations (continued) • Team Phoenix teachers have high expectations. This includes students completing homework independently, demonstrating honesty when taking test/quizzes, grading student work, and correctly crediting sources in projects and essays. • We expect students to take responsibility for themselves and to initiate communication with the teacher when they have a question about the material, a grade, or any issue with a classmate.

Homework Expectations • We strive to help our students transition from 7 th grade to the rigorous high school homework and testing expectations. • Math and Biology can expect homework almost every night. • Homework should be completely independently and on-time. • One late homework coupon for each core class per 9 weeks.

Homework Postings • All homework will be posted in Schoology • Calendar from the homepage will show you all upcoming homework, tests, quizzes, etc • You need a code to access your student’s Schoology “bubble” • If you don’t have your parent access code, have your student talk to Mrs. Bourne in the front office- she will take care of you!

Technology • Power. School – Grade on Power. Parent is ULTIMATE grade • Schoology- Online Learning Management System – Homework Posted – Assignments Submitted – Grade is NOT accurate! • EXTREMELY important that students come to school with their CHARGED laptop! • Learning curve this year!

Resources for Students • Teacher/ School Websites • Media Center – Mrs. Clark is a GREAT resource for research! – Media Center Research Links • Guidance Office – 8 th grade counselor: Mrs. Allison West- adwest@avon-schools. org • School Clinic – School Nurse: Mrs. Sarah Murphy- sdmurphy@avon-schools. org

If you share information. . . • Please follow up by sending an e-mail with any student information you share with us this evening! We do not want to run the risk of not remembering any important information correctly. • Thank you for coming!