Mrs. DuBose’s Class: AdVeNtUrEs iN ScIeNcE

I would like to welcome you to an exciting year in our science class! This year, we will be discovering things about the world around us, from the center of the Earth, to the vast infinite reaches of the universe! We will use strategies and methods for looking at the world, and apply them to learn about it in a scientific way. Students will learn how to become effective problem-solvers in real-world situations. We will enjoy learning, because we will experience many “AHA!” moments. Therefore, in this classroom, as we learn science we will identify how it applies to our lives.

In addition to reading and discussing science content, we will design and carry our meaningful activities and draw conclusions based on our experience. We conduct laboratory investigations using scientific methods, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and using tools such as balances, beakers, graduated cylinders, and calculators to collect and analyze information to explain a phenomenon. Students also use computers and information technology tools to support scientific investigations.

Science is a huge passion in my life and each year I make it a personal goal to instill that passion for science into each one of my students. I enjoy every minute working with my students and I am looking forward to working with your child this year. Science is an awesome subject and I know that your student will learn a lot. I am excited that you are in my class this year, and I am sure that we will gain many great memories that will last a lifetime. By June, your child will be more than ready for the challenges of seventh grade science. If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone (Communication).

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Parents, please check your children’s agenda, DAILY, and ask them questions about what they learned each day. This will increase your connection to what is happening in school, as well as provide students with a “review” exercise that helps to encode knowledge into their long-term memory. (Yes, students will learn more if you do this!) The agenda also shows homework assignments, your child’s behavior, and upcoming events and reminders. If you ever seen colored marks in the planner, this is what they mean

• GREEN = SERIOUS VERBAL WARNING (after being given at least 2 times to correct behavior).  This is the child’s chance to correct behavior!!
• YELLOW= LUNCH DETENTION (on Fridays students are able to sit wherever they want..If a child gets YELLOW, they will serve lunch detention in Mrs. Hawthorne’s room and miss this great opportunity to socialize.
• PINK= MORNING OR AFTERNOON DETENTION (please expect a phone call from a teacher to schedule the detention.  We will try our best to accomodate your schedule
• If your child gets NO STRIKES, then they are doing awesome.  They are probably getting many PBS tickets for their awesome behavior!!

Please see planner as a tool to keep track of your child’s academics and behavior.  This is a great EMPOWERMENT TOOL.

We know it it tempting to think that this is the age where your child needs less supervision but this is actually the time when they need more!! We know the middle school year is very CRAZY but also very rewarding for your child is making the all important step of transitioning from childhood to adolescence and they need all the parental support they can get.

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Parents, please check your children’s agenda, DAILY, and ask them questions about what they learned each day. This will increase your connection to what is happening in school, as well as provide students with a “review” exercise that helps to encode knowledge into their long-term memory. (Yes, students will learn more if you do this!) The agenda also shows homework assignments, upcoming events and reminders. I know it it tempting to think that this is the age where your child needs less supervision but this is actually the time when they need more!! I know the middle school year is very CRAZY but also very rewarding for your child is making the all important step of transitioning from childhood to adolescence and they need all the parental support they can get.

Helpful Websites:

• http://lhsparent.org/
• Middle School Transition
• Middle School: What’s Different?
• Need Advice…
• Parent Spot

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I am a firm believer that a child’s success depends heavily on parent-teacher communication. Therefore if you ever need to schedule a conference, please know that I am available everyday except Tuesdays from 11:45-1:05 pm. If you need me at any other time, please feel free to email me or leave me a voice mail to set up a time in order for us to meet. I am easiest to reach by email. My school email is ebonidubose@fcschools.net. If you would like me to call you, please email me with your home, work or cell number and what time to reach you. I can make calls my during my planning hour (11:45-1:05 pm) OR after school. After 3:30 pm, You can also leave a phone message for me at school (919)554-4848 ext. 508 but email is usually faster.

For your convenience I have provided contact information for your child’s team teachers.To contact a teacher by phone after 4:00 p.m. , please dial the school number (919) 554-4848, then the room number. If you have questions or concerns about your child, we ask that parents please only call during our planning times or after school; we ask this only because we are trying to limit disruption to our students’ learning. Thank you, and let’s have a great year!

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