Phone agreement

Science----SUPPLY LIST FOR 2022-2023

• 2 – notebooks
• Folder with pockets (2)
• Looseleaf
• Ruler (linear/metric)
• Graph paper and calculator
• Pencils
• Highlighters

Students do not need to bring all supplies on the first day.  You may bring some in each day, and have all supplies in by Friday, September 9.   


Dear Parents, 

This year, students will be receiving an average grade out of 100 on their report cards. Grades will be weighted by category. Each class has its own unique demands, and therefore the weight distribution for each class will not be the same. Please refer to your teacher’s syllabus that was given out the first week of school or contact your child’s subject area teacher. This is an example of how categories may be weighted in a class.  

At the end of the semester, your child will receive a grade on a scale from 0 to 100. With category weighting, this means those 100 points come from different categories. In the example, 35 points come from tests/projects, 25 points come from quizzes, 25 points come from classwork, and 15 points come from homework, for a total of 100 points. Your child will receive a certain percentage in each category,  which will determine how many points they get in each category.  

Not every teacher gives quizzes or tests out of 100. If students are given grades that are not out of 100,  this means their grade for that category will be calculated using a system called total points. Instead of averaging by adding and dividing by the number of questions of a test, their grade is calculated by taking the total number of points the student earned and dividing by the total number of points possible. To alleviate the confusion teachers will put the total points (if other than 100) in the title of the assignment.  

By not grading every assignment out of 100, your child’s grade often ends up being higher than if all grades were assessed with a max score of 100.  

Example: 

Tests: In this example, tests are graded as percentages out of 100. The test average is found the  standard way: 92 + 98 = 190. 190 ÷ 2 = 95%. The student’s test average is 95%, so they receive 95% of  the possible test points. Since tests are worth 35 points on the overall grade, we take 95% of 35, which is  33 points.  

Quizzes: We take the total amount the student earned, 7 + 14 + 11 + 14 = 46, and divide by the total  points possible, 8 + 18 + 11 + 15 = 52. 46 ÷ 52 is 88%. This means the child’s quiz average is 88%. 88% of  25 points is 22 points.  

Classwork: We take the total amount the student earned, 5 + 10 + 5 + 15 = 35, and divide by the total  points possible, 5 + 10 + 5 + 15 = 35. 35 ÷ 35 is 100%. This means the child’s classwork average is 100%.  100% of 25 points is 25 points.

Homework: In this example, the homework grade is also a percentage. Each student starts with a grade  of 100, and they lose 5 points for each homework missed. Their homework average is 90%, so the student earned 90% of 15 points, which is 14 points. 

To find the students final grade, we add all the points they earned in each category: 33 + 22 + 25 + 23 =  94. So the student’s final grade will be a 94.  

** It is important to note that the computer does this for us. 

FAQ 

What is the purpose of using the total points system? Why aren’t all the grades out of 100?  Using a total points system has several advantages. One is that teachers can make different assignments have a different value on a student’s grade. If each assignment is graded out of 100, every assignment is worth the same, regardless of difficulty. In the total points system, an assignment where students have to write a short response may be worth 5 points while a longer essay might be worth 25  points. Because an essay is longer and more detailed than a short response, it is worth more points and therefore has more of an effect on the student’s grade.  

My student received an 11/13 on a quiz. What is their percentage? 

If you want to calculate their percentage, you divide 11 by 13 and multiply by 100: 11 ÷ 13 x 100 = 85%.  An 85% seems rather low, considering the student lost only 2 points on the quiz. That’s why 85% isn’t a  completely accurate representation of the student’s grade. When we calculate using the total points system would reflect a grade higher than 85%.  

Again, several teachers will make assignments out of 100%. Some teachers are using the point system to calculate your child’s average and final grade. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you do not completely understand your child’s average on PowerSchool. Communication with your child’s teacher is paramount to your child’s education. Our teachers understand that the changeover to averages on the report cards can be confusing and are willing to answer any of your questions.  

AS SENT HOME BACK IN SEPTEMBER MY SYLLABUS SHOWS MY WEIGHTS AS FOLLOWS: TESTS 40%, PROJECTS 30%, QUIZZES 10%, CLASS PARTICIPATION 10% and HOMEWORK 10%. Mr Reina







1"We are aware of Flynn O’Hara’s inability to fulfill uniform orders at this time.
Please note: For Kindergarten – Grade 5, we are transitioning from the “green”
pants to “khaki”. If you have already purchased and received the “green” pants,
your child may wear them until they outgrow them. Going forward the only pants
available will be “khaki”.
We are also transitioning from the “white” polo shirt to “green”. Again, if you
have already purchased and received the “green” polo, your child may wear it until they outgrow it. Going forward, the only polo available will be “green”.
If you are waiting for the girls’ cardigan/vest, your middle school daughter may wear a plain navy blue cardigan. If your daughter is in grades K-5 they may wear any plain hunter green cardigan until the school sweaters come in.

Just a reminder, no shorts should be worn after the change to the winter uniform. This includes dress down days. Thank you for your cooperation."


EXTRA HELP IS OFFERED TUESDAY THRU FRIDAY AS NEEDED> STUDENTS SHOULD COME TO ME THE DAY BEFORE HELP IS TO BE OFFERED>




 

PHYSICS      GRADE 8

Welcome back to the start of a journey leading to the doorway of high school. I hope all of you had a great summer and are ready to start the year exploring the wonderful world of science.
     The study of physics involves understanding the boundaries of matter and energy which really means the physical world around us. We'll begin the year, as all levels of science should, with a study of how scientists use the Scientific Method for problem solving. The sequential steps lead to an experiment to test a hypothesis formulated as a possible solution to a problem. It's a great way to start and with practice that will enable you to see how this can even apply to everyday problems.
     Get ready to work hard and open your mind to some of the mysteries of science.




LIFE SCIENCE        GRADE 7

Welcome back to the start of a new school year and the fascinating world of science. I hope all of you had a great summer.
      This year's science will be sure to open your mind and hopefully, lead to many questions. The study of nature and the relationship between biotic and abiotic factors is one we will explore. This link will
enable you see the connection you have with the world around you. From there, the door will open to the very interesting study of life.
     Be ready to get started enjoying science.

      


EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE       GRADE 6

Wecome back!  I hope you are excited and ready to begin your journey through middle school as we explore the wonderful world of science.
     Your science curriculum this year will touch on so many fascinating topics.We will explore our planet and the world around us in so many interesting ways. Hopefully, you will begin to open your mind to the many mysteries that science will explore.
      Be ready to have a great year!