Butts, Miriam

12-10-2009

Parents please be advised that student projects are due Jan. 7, 2010.  Today was the last in-class workday for projects.  I was disappointed to see that the great majority of students had not progressed in their research or towards product completion any more than the day I assigned the project and we began work on them on November 5th.  Only a handful of students are near completion.

In addition, I have talked with the team about their final product being their best effort.  I have stated to them my expectation that they each have their project in hand on the 7th and can look me in the face, hold their own head high and be proud of what they hand in to me.  I will not accept late projects.  These were assigned on Nov. 5 and they will have had ample time, resources and assistance to complete the task. 

Just today I collected Ch. 3/4 worksheets.  These were assigned on Thursday, Dec. 3, due today.  Sadly, only about 2/3 of the team had completed the assignment.  I would sincerely appreciate motivational efforts and support you could lend as parents, stressing the importance of completing assignments and doing so in a timely manner.  It is my goal to not only teach the students science, but to help them become organized, responsible citizens that have a desire to be lifelong learners!  Thanks.

11-30-2009

Students, I sincerely appreciate your good behavior and academic efforts in my recent absences.  You all were aware I attended a teacher staff development on  11-16 and 11-18.  It was important for me to be a "student" and learn during these days so that I can continue to grow as an educator, as well as help my peers be successful!

In addition, you were told I would be absent 11-23 and 11-24 so that I could be with my son following a surgery.  His surgery went well and he is on his way to a healthy, full recovery!  I have corrected the Ocean Book Explorations Lab you completed during these days.   Overall, the grades were terrific.   I sincerely hope you gained some interesting oceanography knowledge - at least a bit about sea cucumbers - ha ha! 

Parents,  please be certain to look for your student's progress reports if you have not already seen them.  They were dispersed on Monday the 23rd.  Note that all science projects are due jan 7, 2010.

10-02-2009  Please remember that school is your job and that doing it well pays off with a sound education.  Each student has a responsibility to him or herself to do the work that is asked to be done and that all missed assignments are made up.  One hundred percent effort equates with success, confidence and high academic performance. 

Try to spend a few minutes each night reviewing notes taken from class that day and assimilating it into your mind.  If you are unclear on something refer to your textbook (it is your resource for home) or be ready to pose the question in class the next day! 

Some of the team students are doing their part, while about forty percent are dropping the ball and only doing selected work.  It's important for each student to take responsibility for his or her education and I will try to instill educational values, push motivation and foster independence and responsibility this year. 

10-5-2009  Go to class documents to see this weeks power point for instruction on groundwater.  Note that it is currently under construction, but you can review class lessons by looking thru the presentation on you own! 

10-09-2009  All teachers issued a second progress report for the nine weeks today.  Please take the time to discuss each of these with your parents and look at the teacher comments/concerns.  In addition, double check these reports with your class grade sheets to check for an oversight or inaccuracy. Return these by Wed, and earn a free homework 100!

JFMS is sponsoring an annual Blood Drive next Tuesday - help save lives, learn about blood and earn some science extra credit all at the same time by seeking out a donor or two!

Please be advised that the grade cutoff for the Panther team is this coming Friday - Oct. 16.  All make-up work and retests need to be taken care of before this date so that grades can be finalized for the nine weeks! 

10-16-2009   Take your parents to the Secchi disk simulator and teach them about turbidity!  

Be sure to finish reading Ch. 2 in your science book this weekend and review your class notes, diagrams and illustrations - our big Ch. 2 Test will be next Friday.

Have your parents asked you about your virtual cave tour?  If not, tell them what we discovered with Mrs. Caverness!

 

Be certain to use your Ch. 2 Study Guide to assist you with studying and preparing for your big Ch. 2 Test on Friday.  The one page of yellow notes, diagram handouts and your illustrations are full of testable info!  If you can "teach" your parents or friends you should be good to go.  Make flash cards is needed for the tems and processes!

 

9-10-2009  Retest Policy - Mrs. Butts will allow students to retest/requiz up to two grades each quarter.  The original grade must have been below a 70 and the retest must occur within 5 days of the original grade being returned.  Ideal retest days are Mon., Tues. and Fri.  during my zone or by appointment.  The final grade will be an average of the original and new grade.  Our biweekly vocabulary quizzes are the only ones that cannot be retaken. 

 9-22-2009  Please ask your student to see his or her progress reports that were sent home Friday, September 18.    In addition, make periodic checks of your student's grades by viewing their grade sheet in their science notebook.  Work that has been graded and returned should be located behind the grade sheet.  Some items are kept for individual growth and success portfolios, but parents are always welcome to come and view these items I retain. 

8-27-09  Each student was assigned a science textbook today.  They were to write  their name, in ink, in the front cover.  I have recorded their textbook number and condition.  I realize these texts are five years into use and have some wear and tear, but please be mindful with handling.  I recommend a book jacket and book sock to protect it.  Finally, the glossary of most books do have highlighting and I am aware of this.  The highlighted terms are key vocabulary for the End-of-Grade test in science.