Welcome to HMS – TEAM 8

1. Welcome to HMS – TEAM 8 • English: Mrs. Colleen Sperry • Math 8A & 8B: Mr. John McDonald • Science & Living Environment: Mrs. Kaci Nowadly • Social Studies: Mrs. Kelly Zawodzinski • Consultant Teachers: Mr. Jeff Berdysiak & • Mrs. Linda Gaiser • Teachers’ Aide: Mrs. Holmberg • All class expectations are located on teacher websites... http://www.hamburgschools.org/domain/455

2. STATE ASSESSMENTS • ELA: April 17th & 18th 2012 • Math: April 23rd & 24th 2012 • No exemptions ALL students must take state assessment. • Math A: Regents Exam June 2012 • General Science: May/June 2012 • Lab practical May 29st- June 1ndand the written exam June 4th. • Measures students’ 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th grade science concepts (Biology students are exempt from these tests) • Biology: Regents Exam June 2012 • Social Studies: NO STATE ASSESSMENT!!!!

3. General Information • GRADES & PROGRESS REPORTS: • Science, Social Studies, & English: • All student grades are kept on the parent portal and parents can access them daily. Parent Portal sign-up: http://www.hamburgschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=71 • Due to the district being paperless, progress reports are no longer sent home. • If you do not have access to a computer you MUST contact the guidance office and request a progress report. • Daily list of homework assignments are available via email. • If you would like to receive this email please provide your email address on the sheets at the classroom entrance.

4. English Mrs. Colleen Sperry Mrs. Gaiser (consultant) • Workshop Reading Assignments: • Students will read one book of their choice per month. • At the end of the month, students will respond to their books in essay form. Workshop essays are due on the FIRST FRIDAY of each month. • Students need to bring their Workshop books to class every day. • Every Friday is a Workshop Day in class. Students will read their books silently or write their monthly essays based on their book. • I am available for one on one essay assistance during Encore and Friday Workshop.

5. English Mrs. Colleen Sperry Mrs. Gaiser (consultant) • Homework: • There will be various homework assignments each quarter. • These assignments usually include vocabulary sheets, flashcards and in-class material checks. • To become stronger students, reading twenty minutes each night should be a priority. • Important Notes: • ELA State Test is given in April. • One 0% in the grade book brings an average down 8-10 points. • Extra Credit assignments are given near the end of each quarter. • Tests and projects count twice when calculating averages.

6. SOCIALSTUDIES Mrs. Kelly Zawodzinski Mrs. Gaiser (consultant) • PACKETS provided to students for each unit, which include: • Vocabulary, readings, worksheets, rubrics for projects, primary source documents, and other materials • Homework assignments are from the packets and textbook. Homework is not given every night, but students should spend 10-15 minutes each night reviewing vocabulary. • Projects and major assignments have rubrics. Students are given time in the library and/or the computer lab during class to complete work. Some work has to be done at home. • If you child needs Extra Help, please encourage them to see me and/or Mrs. Gaiser during Encore or schedule additional time. • http://www.hamburgschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=3249

7. SCIENCE Mrs. Kaci Nowadly Mr. Berdysiak (consultant) 8th Grade science is divided into two parts. • Physical Science (September--January) • Life Science (January—June) • Final grade is based on the four quarters plus the final exam (final is average of January and June exams). • Notes for each unit and chapter reviews are available on website. http://www.hamburgschools.org/92020897564127/site/default.asp Extra Help: please encourage your child see me and/or Mr. Berdysiak. • Mrs. Nowadly available before and after school. • Mr. Berdysiak is available during encore.

8. SCIENCE Mrs. Kaci Nowadly Mr. Berdysiak (consultant) • All grades are posted on the parent portal. • I don’t return papers until all have turned them in. • I generally post grades within a few days the assignment. • Extra credit is available by reading a book on my resource list on library Destiny page. • If a students fails a test/quiz they may take second chance test to improve grade but must be taken within one week and only offered after school. Student is responsible for making all arrangements for make up with me.

9. Math Mr. John McDonald Mr. Berdysiak (consultant) • Student Materials: • Books: Math 8B Middle School Math—Course 3 • Math 8A Integrated Algebra 1 (NYS Regents Course) • 3 Ring Binder—Homework Assignments & Notes • Pencils--#2 (sharpened) • ALL WORK MUST BE IN PENCIL! • Agenda (planner) • Calculator—Scientific (recommended TI-30XIIS) • TInspire Graphing Calculator PROVIDED for Math8A

10. Math Mr. John McDonald Mr. Berdysiak (consultant) • Extra Help Available: • 8thPeriod ENCORE (Enrichment & Correctives) • Mondays & Wednesdays by appt. afterschool 3:20-4:00 PM • Before School : 7:15 – 7:50 • Quarterly Grade Based On: • Homework Average—20% (Homework assigned DAILY.) • Quiz Average—20% (Announced & unannounced, point values vary) • Test Average—60% (After each unit, approx. every 2-3 weeks, based on 100 points

11. Math Mr. John McDonald Mr. Berdysiak (consultant) • Final Grade Based On: • Each of the 4 quarters counts as 20% of the final grade • The final exam counts as the last 20% of the final grade • Progress Reports: • Each quarter, 2 homework progress reports will be brought home by students to be signed by Parent/Guardian and returned. • Usually, reports are sent home after the first 3-4 weeks and the 6-7 weeks of each quarter. • Progress Reports will list the number of missing homework assignments out of the total number assigned & the number turned in late.

12. Have a Great Evening! Remember— If you would like to meet with teachers individually, please call to schedule a parent/teacher conference. *HMS—646-3250