Dear Students and Families,

I am so excited to be returning to HFS and expanding my role in the science department.  This year promises to be full of many wonderful experiences, including the utilization of our new science lab.  I am also thrilled to be partnering with Mrs. Derengowski as we work to provide you with an integrated, challenging and rewarding 5^th/6^th grade year.  During the course of this year, I hope to further interest your child in the pursuit of science as we inquire into the various content areas.  Lab work will be a large component of our coursework.  It is so much more satisfying and educationally rewarding to be up and “doing” science rather than sitting still, so we will be spending much of our time at the lab counters, in group work or in active discussions.

In order for your child to get the most out of their year of science, I recommend the following:

*Come to class excited – ready to learn and participate in the class.

*Bring your technology binder, textbook and a pen or pencil with you to every class.

*Work to maintain a warm, caring environment by treating everyone with respect.

*Help to keep the lab area safe and clean.  Prove by your actions that you can be trusted with lab equipment.

*Complete your homework on time, and make any revisions necessary.

*Be sure to laugh when I make a joke – even if it’s not funny : ).

I will be working hard this year to provide you with:

*Well-planned and carried out lessons

*Lab experiences that help to develop your problem solving skills, your understanding of the content and your appreciation for science.

*Timely feedback on your progress in class.

*Many opportunities to practice your writing and reading skills

*Work that is appropriate for your skill and development level

*Lots of warmth, support, help and laughter

Our content areas this year include:

Soils and plants               Experimental Design                 Geology                 Astronomy

Electricity and Magnetism

Along with mastering content, you will be developing skills in:

Measurement           Data collection and Analysis            Manipulating variables             Evaluating

Evidence            Laboratory equipment             Communicating ideas, data and conclusions

Mrs. Derengowski and I will be working together to plan your field trips, some of which will be to local farms (hence the need for boots!), a quarry and possibly a planetarium.

Our classroom will hum along to a nice rhythm that includes a daily “Do Now” to be completed as soon as the student enters the classroom.  Homework will be posted on the whiteboard near the door and students should copy it down in their planner as soon as they have finished their “Do Now”.  Other routines will be established in the very near future.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime.  Parents, if you have a science interest and would like to volunteer as a guest speaker, I will welcome you most heartily.  I will be sending out periodic progress reports that require a parent signature.  Please don’t hesitate to call if you have questions about anything on the report or within the class itself.

Please sign and return this form to me by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010.

Thank you so much!

Cheryl Foley

_____________________________________________________                       _________

Parent signature                                                                                                      date