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8^th Grade

M.I.T.C.H. Charter School

2011-2012

“Why don't we teach out children in school what they are? We should say to them, 'You are unique... you have the capacity for anything. You are a marvel.'' Charles Handy

Ms. Thornton

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

503.639.5757

      September 2011

Dear 8^th grade families,

         The last few days of summer always evoke such fond memories of my own childhood, eagerly anticipating the first day of the new school year; and I still find myself anxiously awaiting the beginning of each new school year!

         8^th grade is a fun, busy, active period of transition between middle school and high school. It is here that students begin to identify personal management strategies that will be developed and practiced as they prepare for the independence of High School.

         What can parents do to help their students through this time of transition? My short (and funny) answer to that is “step away from the backpack!” Allow your student to attempt to organize and self-manage. Yes, they may “fail.” Yes, they may forget to submit a piece of homework. And, yes, they may get detention. HOWEVER, when students are given the small doses of independence, allowing them to make these safe mistakes, they learn from their experiences. Allow them to do this! Allow them to grow into their own voice of reason and accountability!

         I am excited to meet and teach your children this year! I recognize my position as a member of the proverbial village raising your children and I humbly honor that. Together, you, your children, and I will work together to have a successful, meaningful, and educational 8^th grade experience!

         In this packet I have listed some of the most important dates, policies, and information that you will need to know. I have also listed my contact information and invite interactive conversation from each of you.

Many regards,

Ms. Thornton

Teacher Office Hours & Contact Information:

1. oTelephone: 503.639.5757 (MITCH Charter School)
2. oEmail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
3. oI am available by appointment from 2:00 – 3:00 and 3:15 – 3:45 on school days, and on Fridays, to meet with parents. In addition I welcome email correspondence (please allow 24 hours for an email response).

Homework Policy and Expectations:

In general, 8^th grade students should expect to have between 1 and 2 hours of homework each night. In addition students may occasionally have projects that require more time. Students should always expect to have homework over the 3 day weekend.

Students should be reading every day. Book reports will be a required component of 8^th grade and will be completed (reading and report) entirely outside of the classroom.

Homework is posted on the classroom Homework Grid and students will be provided with planner worksheets to record homework. ALL assignments are due the day after they are assigned unless otherwise indicated on the Homework Grid.

Late homework = half credit.

Sloppy or incomplete homework must be redone and will be considered late. Class time will NOT be given to complete late homework.

One homework pass will be given each trimester. These may be used for a one-day extension on any assignments. (does not include quizzes, tests, projects, or presentations.)

Discipline:

M.I.T.C.H. School Wide Rules: Responsible, Resourceful, Respectful, Safe.

In middle school we have a 3-step discipline policy intended to correct and change inappropriate classroom behavior. Larger infractions as described in the M.I.T.C.H. Parent & Student Handbook will require additional discipline measures including, but not limited to, an automatic detention.  

Step 1: Verbal Reminder

Step 2: Verbal Warning

Step 3: Written Process & Detention

Process forms MUST be filled out completely and honestly by the student and must be signed by the issuing teacher, detention teacher, and parent(s), and returned the next day to the teacher. Students not returning a process form may be sent to detention until the form is returned.

Technology:

• Cell Phones (and all other electronic devices) are not allowed during school hours. These items may be placed in the “cell phone basket” at the beginning of the day and may be retrieved at the time of dismissal.   They may NOT be used during car line. Any student found using a cell phone (or other electronic device) during the school day will be given a process and placed in detention, and the cell phone (or other electronic device) will be confiscated and placed in the office for parent pick up.
• Laptops are available for school activities and in class research. Students may also obtain written permission from the teacher to bring their own laptop to class. Student will be required to sign a “technology agreement” consenting to the technology rules listed in the M.I.T.C.H. Parent & Student Handbook.
• Internet Use: students may NOT access social networking sites at school (either from a laptop or smartphone/iPod device) and will be given immediate detention if caught doing so. Only teacher approved websites (for research) may be accessed.
• IF a student is aware of unsafe or inappropriate use of technology he/she must inform an adult immediately.

Parent Volunteers:

There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in the 8^th grade! Here is a list of our current needs for parent volunteers:

1. 1.Field Trip coordinator (work with me to coordinate carpool, venue confirmation, etc.)
2. 2.Classroom Representative (serves as lead communicator between MITCH, the classroom, and the other 8^th grade families)
3. 3.Auction Project Coordinator
4. 4.Teacher support (help with photocopying, project prep, etc.)
5. 5.Science Lab volunteer (do you have a strong interest in physics? If so…we need you!)
6. 6.Graduation Committee (work throughout the year to secure a venue and coordinate the planning of the 8^th grade graduation)

Field Trips (**tentative – subject to change):

Core Knowledge Events:

• Date TBD: Twelfth Night Production
• March 16: Constitution/Americana Review with Grade 2

Core Lit Books: (students need to either check out or purchase the following books for reading and literacy class)

1. 1.The Good Earth, Pearl S. Buck
2. 2.Twelfth Night, Shakespeare (www.barronseduc.com - Modern English version side-by-side with full original text)
3. 3.Animal Farm, George Orwell
4. 4.Realms of Gold, Volume 3 (www.coreknowledge.org)

Classroom Wish list:

1. 1.Scrapbooking Materials and Scrapbooks
2. 2.Light, hood, filter for classroom fishtank (and willing volunteer to install!)
3. 3.Variety of young adult level books for our classroom library.
4. 4.Science Lab materials (see teacher for specific information)