August 22, 2013
Dear Parent/Guardian,
My name is Linda Marcinkowski. Thank you for the opportunity to be your
child’s 8th grade Science teacher for the 2013-2014 school year. Our curriculum
includes the study of various areas of Physical, Life and Earth Science. This year,
we will continue using the program called SEPUP- Science Education for Public
Understanding Program. This inquiry-based method guides the student through
each subject using research, experimentation and analysis of data. Our class is also
part of a One-to-One initiative allowing students to use a classroom set of netbook
computers to enhance their learning experience. Please review the Responsible
Use Policy for Netbooks in the Classroom with your student to insure they
understand the expectations when using the computers, then sign and
return.
Success in this classroom requires students to actively participate.
Participation includes: successfully working with others, following directions,
completing laboratory activities, analyzing data, and most importantly reflecting on
what was learned in class through class discussion and journal writing. I encourage
you to take a close look at your child’s lab journal each night and ask them what
they did.
Note: Students that are consistently present, prepared for class, keep
their journal updated and actively participate; will succeed in this class.
Your child will need the following by Monday, August 26th for Science class:
▫ Folder
▫ Looseleaf paper
▫ Kleenex (will be asked to replenish throughout the year)
▫ Pens (blue or black ink only)
▫ Colored Highlighters for lab journal
▫ Colored pencils
▫ Flash drive
▫ Pencils- (be sure your child has plenty throughout the year)
▫ Pencil Sharpener
Classroom Rules:
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Always apply effort by doing your best work
Support others in Learning
Take responsibility for your learning
Bring all needed materials to class
Treat everyone with Respect
Classroom Expectations/Procedures:
 Come to class every day prepared: Students MUST bring their Book, Science
Lab Notebook, Folder with paper, working Pen or Pencil, and Agenda.
 Actively participate. The bulk of assignments must be completed in class;
therefore students must be on-task at all times.
 Follow all safety precautions. Please review attached safety guidelines
with your child and return. Those students who do not follow safety rules,
will not be allowed to participate in labs and will be graded accordingly.
 Leave all food, candy, drink outside of the classroom. Any violators will have
the item thrown out and consequences will be issued.
 I will issue 4 restroom passes from the student’s agenda each quarter to be
used in Science class only during appropriate times. Any unused Science
passes may be turned in at the end of the quarter for extra credit points. I
will not reissue lost passes.
Grades:
My goal is for your child to realize at least 1 year’s academic growth this school year
but it is imperative that I have your support. Providing your child with a quiet study
place and lots of encouragement will optimize your child’s success. In order to keep
better informed of your child’s progress in this class, remember to check the parent
RDS at www.mvsc.k12.in.us, or feel free to email me with any questions.
Hopefully, this will eliminate any doubts on how your child is doing, and it will also
give you a chance to praise a fine effort.
Grades
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will be earned for:
Group Interaction
Daily journal write-up
Analysis questions -homework if not completed during class
Content Assessments
Notebook quizzes for organization and completeness
Skills worksheets
Current Event and Science Career/University Activities
Unit test and quizzes
I hope I will have the opportunity to meet you at one of our school functions soon.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to send me an e-mail:
lmarcinkow@mvsc.k12.in.us and I will respond as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Linda Marcinkowski
lmarcinkow@mvsc.k12.in.us - Email is the best way to contact me
Phone extension 219-650-5308 ext. 6703
Website for homework: http://merrillville.schoolwires.net//Domain/563
or go to Pierce home page, select Pierce Staff, and then my name.
Please sign the attached sheets and have your child return to me by Monday, August 26.
For Parent/Student Signatures…
I have read and understand the:
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Teacher letter from Mrs. Marcinkowski dated August 22, 2012
Guidelines for Safety in the SEPUP Classroom
School rules posted in my child’s agenda
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Student Name (please print)
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Student Signature (cursive please)
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Parent/Guardian Name (please print)
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Date
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Parent/Guardian E-mail address
What is the best phone number to call? ____________________
Best time/times to call this number? ________________
Please list any known allergies or health problems:
Questions, Comments?
Be sure to also review, sign and return the Responsible Use Policy for Netbooks
in the Classroom sheet as soon as possible