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2020-2021

Welcome Back

We hope everyone had a wonderful summer full of many educational opportunities and new experiences. We look forward to hearing all about the exciting events that happened during your summer. As 8th graders, this school year will be unforgettable, especially with the exploration of chemical reactions, testing the laws of physics, and much more!

Manners Matter

         In order to create a safe and cooperative classroom learning environment, we must respect each other in everything we do. Therefore, positive attitudes are encouraged. If any problems are encountered, together we can solve them. To grow and learn in the best possible manner, we will always be on the watch for ‘pleases,’ ‘thank you’s,’ and any other acts of kindness.

School Policy

         Like last year, Warren Middle School will provide each student with an individual student planner. Planners should be brought to each class in order to keep track of daily homework assignments and important due dates. An assortment of helpful guides and hints, such as measurement conversions, mathematical aids, and fun facts, can also be found in the planners.

         A general copy of the Warren Middle School’s Code of Conduct is provided on the WMS Website. Eighth graders are expected to understand the rules and regulations of the school, as well as set an example for the 7th graders and incoming 6th graders. If you need to brush up on any of our policies, please refer to the online document. 

Google Meets

Please be prompt to all Google Meets and conduct yourself appropriately while in the meeting. This means you are dressed and groomed and sitting in a school appropriate workspace. When entering a Meet please mute your microphones and greet your teacher and classmates by typing “hello” in the chat. This will also be a way to take attendance. If at anypoint you accidentally leave or your connection is lost during the meeting, please log back in. If you are unable to do so, please contact your teachers to receive the missing work. 

Our Science Requirements

         Preparation and organization will be key tools this year, and ultimately, for the rest of your life! The materials we would like every student to have and bring to our class every day include the following:

To help all students, there are two lists customized below, one for the Hybrid (In Person) Learner and the other for the Full Distance Learner.

Hybrid (In Person) Learning Materials

Please be sure to label your materials with your name and bring these items to school daily. 

  • Mask to wear 
  • Extra masks in a plastic bag 
  • Personal hand sanitizer 
  • Personal tissues
  • Water bottle 
  • ChromeBook & Charger
  • Earbuds 
  • Towel to sit on outside
  • Agenda planner
  • Pencil Case 
  • Pens, pencils and erasers
  • Personal sharpener
  • Colored markers
  • Folder for each of the four Content Area Classes
  • Lined paper and graph paper
  • Post It Notes
  • Ruler
  • Calculator
  • Safety Scissors
  • Glue stick

IMPORTANT! Be sure to fully charge your ChromeBook before coming to school.



Full Distance Learning Materials

If you are learning virtually please have these materials easily accessible.

  • ChromeBook & Charger
  • Earbuds 
  • Agenda planner
  • Pencil Case 
  • Pens, pencils and erasers
  • Personal sharpener
  • Colored markers
  • Lined paper and graph paper
  • Folder for each of the four Content Area Classes
  • Post It Notes
  • Ruler
  • Calculator
  • Safety Scissors
  • Glue stick

IMPORTANT! Be sure to charge your ChromeBook or have access to the charger and outlet.

Being prepared does not only include bringing the necessary materials and a positive attitude to class, but also arriving to class/meets on time, completing assignments on the due date, and compiling and writing lab reports in the proper format. Homework will not be accepted any later than its due date, with the exception of those who have been absent or submit parent/guardian note or e-mail. Make up work must also be made up promptly in the case of an absence. Please remember that it is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed work!

During your science class, materials with the exact directions and requirements to each assignment will be provided to students. Assignments will be posted to Google Classroom and can be found under Classwork. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the assignment according to the directions.

 

Topics of Study

In 8th grade, we will be using the textbook titled Physical Science: Concepts in Action by the Pearson - Prentice Hall Publishers. This book will be kept at each student’s home, and classroom copies will be provided when needed during class. These textbooks will be used as reference guides and extra practice to reinforce the topics studied in our science class. The majority of our learning time will be spent discovering science through labs, activities, and simulations. All lessons have been updated to the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and infuse STEM and STEAM concepts. We will begin first marking period by reviewing the scientific method and introduce new lab safety procedures, which includes how to properly handle and measure various scientific tools. Other 8th grade topics of exploration encompass matter and energy, chemical interactions, and physics. For an in depth look into the 8th Grade Curriculum, refer to https://www.warrentboe.org/curriculum/Curriculum-Guides/

Mrs. Sweeney & Ms. Porchetta’s Teacher Page

Mrs. Sweeney & Ms. Porchetta have a Teacher Page that can be found on the Warren Township Board of Education Website under the Middle School.  This website correlates to the 8th grade curriculum and contains announcements such as homework, tests, quizzes, study guides, and internet resources. Daily homework assignments will be posted; however, students are still required to record their homework assignments during the time allotted in class. Please note: if a computer with internet capabilities is not available on a regular basis please notify Mrs. Sweeney or Ms. Porchetta immediately to make arrangements.

Grading

Grades will be posted on the Genesis Student/Parent Portal to ensure that families can view student progress.  A point system with the below formula will be used. To check grades visit the WTBOE Website and click on Genesis, enter your login and password, click submit and find our Science class.

Closing Note

We are excited to share the awesome world of physical science with you. The demonstrations and simulations you will experience this year are inspiring as well as  jaw dropping. Keep an eye out for ‘Bubbles of Fire’, the importance of safety goggles, and much, much more.

If there are any questions from either students or their parents/guardians please contact us by e-mail or phone:

csweeney@warrentboe.org / (908) 753-5300 x6078

dporchetta@warrenboe.org / (908) 753-5300 x6076       

                             

Thank you,

Mrs. Sweeney & Ms. Porchetta