32-02 Junction Boulevard, E. Elmhurst, Ny 11369 (718) 335-7500 / Fax (718) 779-7186

T HE LOUIS ARMSTRONG MIDDLE SCHOOL 32-02 JUNCTION BOULEVARD, E. ELMHURST, NY 11369 (718) 335-7500 / FAX (718) 779-7186 Helen Ponella, Principal Rose DelValle, Assistant Principal House 3

Dear Parents,

Our names are Mr. Joshua Blum and Mr. Emil Dominguez. We will be your child’s 8th grade science teachers. We will be teaching the following classes together: 8-449/451, 8-247, and 8-353. Mr. Blum will be teaching 8-349/351. The following units of study will be taught this year

Unit 1 (Human Biology): Reproduction, heredity, and evolution – How does life on Earth continue and adapt in response to environmental changes? Unit 2 (Physics): Forces and motion on Earth – How do we apply the laws of motion to explain the movement of objects on Earth? Unit 3 (Earth Science): Earth, Sun, Moon system – What role do forces play in the patterns and stability of the Solar System? Unit 4 (Environmental Science): Humans in their environment (needs and tradeoffs) – How does human consumption of resources impact the environment and our health?

The overall marking period grade is broken down as follows:

- Tests/Quizzes - 45 % Chapter or unit exams will be given at the end of each unit. Quizzes are to ensure that students maintain good study habits and stay on top of the material and are weighted less, while exams are more comprehensive assessments on the entire unit and are weighted more. Do not wait to study for the test the day before it is administered or ask for lunch review the day before. Open notebook quizzes will often be given to encourage good note taking)

- Labs/Projects - 25% Each lab activity will require that the student submit a completed lab report. There will be one project per marking period.

- Homework - 10% If a student does not understand something in the homework assignment, it does not excuse them from doing the homework. All students must show an honest attempt and effort in completing homework assignments. Homework always makes a direct connection or extension of the day’s lesson and therefore late homework will not be accepted.

- Classwork/Activities/Participation - 20% Students are expected to obtain notes from classmates if they are absent. Absence is not an excuse for missing work. Oftentimes, assignments will be posted on Mr. Blum’s website and will also be posted in class. All students are expected to participate. Please keep in mind that participation does not only mean raising your hand to answer a question, it can also mean volunteering to be a group leader, being on task during class time, helping a classmate, arriving to class on time, etc. Participation can be seen as positive or negative contribution to the learning environment.

Any assignment that is to be handed in must have the answers written in full sentences rather than quick one or two word answers.

If a student is absent when an assignment is due, they will have until the next time that they report to science class to turn in the missing work without penalty.

We are dedicated to providing the content and teaching the skills for your child to exceed his or her potential. This also includes building their independence, confidence, and a sense of personal responsibility towards learning. In addition, we hope to instill upon your child the value of their education in the hopes that they will continue learning far beyond the realm of the classroom and grasp every opportunity as a learning experience. T HE LOUIS ARMSTRONG MIDDLE SCHOOL 32-02 JUNCTION BOULEVARD, E. ELMHURST, NY 11369 (718) 335-7500 / FAX (718) 779-7186 Helen Ponella, Principal Rose DelValle, Assistant Principal House 3

Most assignments will utilize the following grading scale: Score Meaning Description 10 Excellent All requirements met. Work reflects exceptional effort. 8 - 9 Good Most requirements met 6.5 – 7.5 Just Passing Effort made but work not fully up to grade level 6 or lower Poor Little effort made. Work far below grade level 0 Zero Work not handed in

Symbol Meaning Description √+ Excellent All requirements met. Work reflects exceptional effort. √ Good Most requirements met √- Poor Little effort made. Work far below grade level INC Incomplete Work must be submitted with corrections/additions for a grade

In June, there is a two-part state test taken over two days. The first part is a hands-on lab test. The second part is a written test covering material learned from 5th grade until the present.

Classroom assignments, articles, handouts, and many helpful resources can be found on Mr. Blum’s teacher page of the Louis Armstrong Middle School website (armstrong227q.com).

Supplies (Please have ALL supplies by Tuesday, September 13 th ):  Composition notebook  Pens / Pencils  Folders (Note the color)  Colored markers or  Loose leaf (For (1) For graded assignments colored pencils (Must be assignments that are to be (1) For portfolios that will maintained throughout the handed in—these stay in class year) assignments may also be o 8-449/451 – BLUE  Ruler typed) o 8-353 – GREEN  Scissors  (1) Ream of Computer o 8-247 – RED  Glue paper o 8-349/351 –  (1) Roll of Paper towels WHITE OR BLACK  (1) Box of Tissues Mr. Blum is available to parents by e-mail at [email protected] and Mr. Dominguez can be reached at [email protected]. We look forward to working with you and your child to ensure their success.

If there are any questions regarding our policies or any other matter, please feel free to contact one of us. Your signature on the bottom of this letter signifies that you have read it thoroughly. This letter will be glued to the inside back cover of your Science notebook by Tuesday, September 13th. A copy of this document will be posted on Mr. Blum’s teacher site for your reference.

Thank you Mr. Blum & Mr. Dominguez ______Print parent/ guardian name Print student name

______Parent’s/guardian’s signature Student’s signature