Welcome to 7th grade science and the 2009-2010 school year! 

 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your 7th grade student back to another year of learning.  The beginning weeks of a new school year are an adjustment for everyone as we get back into the “swing” of things. My name is Mrs. Joan Rosol.  I will be teaching 7th grade science to your son or daughter.  I am beginning my 11th year of teaching. 

 

This is my second career.  I was a registered nurse for 17 years before entering the classroom.  My specialty was critical care and emergency room but had the opportunity to work in many types of nursing. 

 

My teaching degree is in education with a major in science and minor in English.  I also have my master’s degree in science education.  Science is my main interest.  I am very fortunate to be able to teach it full time.

 

Some important issues I would like to share with you are as follows: 

  1. HOMEWORK ORGANIZERS-They should be filled in daily.  I have a weekly agenda board posted in the room, which should be copied to their organizers daily.  Research shows that students who use their organizer, perform better in school.  It is an excellent tool to help them to get organized.  I allow students time at the beginning of each class to fill them in properly. I do not have parents sign the organizer unless it is an agreed upon plan to get the student back on track.
  2. HOMEWORK- Science homework is given 3-4 times a week.  Homework can be turned in up to a week late but it is only worth 50%.  Emergencies do happen however.  I have told students if some problem arises at home, such as a family emergency, they need to have a quick note written and signed by you. I will then give them full credit. 
  3. ATTENDANCE-It is important students be here as many days as possible.  If they are absent due to illness, any work they missed needs to be made up. Students are allowed 2 days for make-up work for each day absent.  They can find out their assignments from the classroom agenda board, a fellow classmate, or if still unclear they can come to me.  In middle school it is important students learn to rely on others and not just the teacher.  If the student is absent for a lab I excuse them from it.  They will, however, have missed the concepts of the lab.  This could have an impact on their test grade.
  4. DISCIPLINE- I stress respect and responsibility in my classroom.  Students should be respectful of the teacher, fellow students, and equipment we use.  They are responsible for themselves, their possessions, and their own learning.  I stress making “good choices” versus making “bad choices”, which usually have bad consequences.  If there is a behavior that is becoming problematic I talk to the student privately.  If no changes occur I will notify parents.  If the student still continues the problematic behavior I will refer him/her to our assistant principal on an office referral form.

 

  1. I do not assign extra credit work.  If students are completing their work regularly and giving 100% they will pass all my classes.  On rare occasions a question may come up in class we do not have an answer to.  I will then tell students to try to find the answer on the Internet or in a book.  If they bring a written paragraph in giving us the answer, with a source to verify their information I will offer 10 points of extra credit.  I am currently offering 5 points of extra credit for a box of Kleenex.  This should get us through the cold season!!

 

  1. There is a computer link to keep track of your student’s progress called Parent Connect.   It is an excellent tool for you to keep track of grades, missing assignments, and notices from administration and teachers. 

 

            The science curriculum for the 7th grade is based on physical science.  Our major units will be on “Physical and Chemical properties and Changes of Matter”, “Structures and Processes of Living Things”, “Fluid Earth Systems and Human Activities”, and “Waves and Energy”.  This is a new curriculum this year and mandated by the Michigan Board of Education.

 

 Our activities will involve the textbook, labs, and supplemental materials I will supply to students.  All textbooks are available on the SCMS website at this time.  If you have an Internet connection your children cannot use the excuse, “I left my book at school”.

 

These are just a few of the common questions I have found parents to have.  I would be happy to answer any further questions by phone or email.  The education of your child is a three way street.  It includes the teacher, the student, and the parents.  All three components have to be working together for a successful education. 

 Please feel free to contact me about any concerns or questions you have. I prefer email because I can get a response back to you quickly. If you prefer to speak on the phone, however, please feel free to call.  I have included my phone numbers as well as my email address.  I look forward to working with you and your child in the months ahead.

At the bottom of the paper I have requested your daytime phone and email address.  Please sign that you have received this letter from your child and fill in the information.  It helps me so I can reach you if needed about concerns or just because your child is improving or doing an outstanding job.

 

Thank you, 
 
 

Mrs. Joan Rosol

Phone:  (810) 676-1871

E-mail:  jrosol@ecsd.us
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PLEASE DETACH AND SEND BACK TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILD.  THANK YOU.

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I have received the letter explaining classroom expectations from Mrs. Rosol.

 

Student name:___________________________________________________

 

Parent Signature:_________________________________________________

Daytime phone number:___________________________________________

Email address (if available). Please print.

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