Dear Parents,
Welcome to Meadowbrook Middle School! I am pleased to be your child’s teacher. I look forward to a wonderful and exciting year together.
Middle School is a big step for parents and students alike. I hope that I will be able to ease the transition from elementary education to a happy middle school experience.
Having a close working relationship and an open-line of communication between parents and teachers is very important to your child’s overall success. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with your questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Joe Gizzo
6th Grade Earth Science – Mr. Gizzo
Meadowbrook Middle School
Welcome to Sixth Grade Earth Science! Our class will be embarking on a year-long
exploration of various topics involving our wonderful planet Earth. An emphasis
will be placed on acquiring an overall conceptual understanding of the Earth
System.
Our major units of study are as follows:
* Scientific Process
* Material Resources
* Introduction to Earth Science
* Earthquakes & Volcanoes
* Heat & Energy
* Energy Resources
* Plate Tectonics
* Biomes & Ecosystems
Grades are based on a total point system:
Tests & Projects = 100 points each
A = 90 – 100%
Labs = 40 points each
B = 80 – 89%
Daily Assignments = vary between 5 - 30 points
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = below 60%
Due to recent budget cuts, the following donated supplies for laboratory
experiments designed to enhance the curriculum are always greatly appreciated:
Pencils, pens, colored clay, plastic spoons, zip lock bags (any size), aluminum
foil, paper plates, colored pencils, unsweetened lemonade, staples, tissues, and
copy paper.
Make up work:
Students with an EXCUSED absence will be given extra time to make up work. It is
the student’s responsibility to get the missed work from their peers or the
teacher. Make-ups for labs and tests must be scheduled with the teacher as soon
as the student returns to class. Failure to make up the missed work in the
allotted time will result in a zero. Late work will only be accepted for half
credit. **Note: half credit is only 50%, which is still a failing grade. It is
imperative to a student’s success that work is handed in on time.
Detention:
Each student is in charge of ensuring that his or her actions are appropriate.
If a student fails to meet classroom/school-wide standards of conduct, is tardy
to class, or does not turn in homework, a detention can be assigned. Detentions
are served after school or at lunch. Detentions can negatively affect a
student’s citizenship grade.
ID Cards:
It is necessary for students to have their ID cards at all times. They are used
for issuing textbooks, checking out library books, buying school dance tickets,
attending dances, accessing Internet, etc.
Science Classroom Environment:
The environment of a science classroom is crucial in determining how much
learning will take place. In order to maintain the best possible learning
environment, all safety rules MUST be followed and the desks and lab areas MUST
stay clean and neat. Proper teamwork and cooperation are also essential tools in
having a successful scientific learning experience. I am looking forward to
working with each and every one of my students. I feel the science curriculum is
fun and exciting and full of discovery for both my students and myself. I
anticipate an enjoyable and productive year in Earth Science!
Computer Lab in 902:
Your child has the unique opportunity to be in a classroom equipped with 12
fully operational computers. These computers are used throughout the year to
enhance curriculum. As part of the technology movement I have also created a
website for our class. On this site you are able to view student grades, e-mail
the teacher, print out important forms, get valuable information about your
child’s classes, and much more. I also post daily homework assignments on the
site. I would also appreciate any feedback or suggestions for the web site. This
is a work in progress and I am constantly updating information and making
changes!
Web site URL:
http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/teachers/jgizzo
Accessing student grades from home through our classroom website or
Learningpoint:
In order to view your child’s grades, simply click on the link labeled “Check
Grades” in the left-hand task bar. You will then be taken to a page where you
will need to input your child’s GRID number. Each student has his or her own
individualized GRID number that should have been mailed home to you by the
district. It should be kept confidential.
Extra Help
Teacher led tutorials are available any day during lunch or after school on
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Students wishing to receive extra help need to
make an appointment with the teacher to attend a tutorial.
Photo Permission:
Throughout the year there are different activities and events where photos are
taken of the students. With parental consent I would like to be able to post
these pictures on our classroom website. This site will be safe and linked
solely to Meadowbrook, PUSD, and other teacher websites. As an added precaution,
your child’s name will not be included with any pictures. Please call or e-mail
me at any time with questions or concerns. If you do NOT want your child’s
picture on the website please write me a little note on the back of the attached
form. Thank you very much. Please remember to sign the attached form and return
it with your child as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact me at any time.
6th Grade Math – Mr. Gizzo
Meadowbrook Middle School
Welcome to Sixth Grade Math – Introduction to Algebra! Throughout our curriculum
there will be an intense focus on mastery of basic math facts, number sense, and
mathematical vocabulary. I look forward to a successful year in mathematics with
you and your child.
Our major units of study are as follows:
* Statistics & Data Analysis
* Ratios & Proportions
* Patterns & Algebraic Thinking * Percents
* Decimals
* Geometry
* Fractions
* Problem Solving
Grades are based on a weighted point system:
A = 90 – 100%
Tests & Quizzes = 80% of Grade
B = 80 – 89%
Daily Assignments = 20% of Grade
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = below 60%
The following supplies for math are essential to your child’s success:
* 3-ring binder * Notebook paper
* Cornell Note Pages (attached) * Pencils & Pens
* Calculator (preferably scientific)
Make up work:
Students with an EXCUSED absence will be given extra time to make up work. It is
the student’s responsibility to get the missed work from their peers or the
teacher. Make-ups for labs and tests must be scheduled with the teacher as soon
as the student returns to class. Failure to make up the missed work in the
allotted time will result in a zero. Late work will only be accepted for half
credit. **Note: half credit is only 50%, which is still a failing grade. It is
imperative to a student’s success that work is handed in on time. A student can
make up a late assignment for full credit if they attend a tutorial session with
me. Assignments done on-time earning low scores can be redone for passing
grades.
Detention:
Each student is in charge of ensuring that his or her actions are appropriate.
If a student fails to meet classroom/school-wide standards of conduct, is tardy
to class, or does not turn in homework, a detention can be assigned. Detentions
are served after school or at lunch. Detentions can negatively affect a
student’s citizenship grade.
ID Cards:
It is necessary for students to have their ID cards at all times. They are used
for issuing textbooks, checking out library books, buying school dance tickets,
attending dances, accessing Internet, etc.
Computer Lab in 902:
Your child has the unique opportunity to be in a classroom equipped with 12
fully operational computers. These computers are used throughout the year to
enhance curriculum. As part of the technology movement I have also created a
website for our class. On this site you are able to view student grades, e-mail
the teacher, print out important forms, get valuable information about your
child’s classes, and much more. I also post daily homework assignments on the
site. I would also appreciate any feedback or suggestions for the web site. This
is a work in progress and I am constantly updating information and making
changes!
Web site URL:
http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/teachers/jgizzo
Accessing student grades from home through our classroom website or Learning
Point:
To access Learning Point website:
www.learningpoint.org
In order to view your child’s grades, after you log in, simply click on the link
labeled “Check Grades” in the left-hand task bar. You will then be taken to a
page where you will need to input your child’s GRID number. Each student has his
or her own individualized GRID number that should have been mailed home to you
by the district. It should be kept confidential.
Extra Help
Teacher led tutorials are available any day during lunch or after school on
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Students wishing to receive extra help need to
make an appointment with the teacher to attend a tutorial.
Photo Permission:
Throughout the year there are different activities and events where photos are
taken of the students. With parental consent I would like to be able to post
these pictures on our classroom website. This site will be safe and linked
solely to Meadowbrook, PUSD, and other teacher websites. As an added precaution,
your child’s name will not be included with any pictures. Please call or e-mail
me at any time with questions or concerns. If you do NOT want your child’s
picture on the website please write me a little note on the back of the attached
form. Thank you very much. Please remember to sign the attached form and return
it with your child as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Dress Code
Students may not dress in a manner that creates a safety hazard or that
interferes with, or distracts from, the learning process. This includes, but is
not limited to, the following:
1. Clothing, jewelry, book covers, backpacks, or binders that contain sexual
connotations, or mention tobacco, alcohol, drugs, profanity, obscenity, weapons,
violence, or gangs are not permitted.
2. Straps narrower than one and a half inches, halter-tops, and/or plunging
necklines are not allowed.
3. Shirts and pants must meet when sitting or standing.
4. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be an appropriate length for school.
5. Bandanas, hairnets, and altered clothing (e.g., metal studs, patches, safety
pins, etc.) may not be worn to school.
6. Trench coats, knit caps, and heavy overcoats are allowed only during
appropriate weather conditions.
7. Clothing, jewelry, and/or accessories that may be a safety hazard are not
permitted (e.g., wallet chains, spiked rings or bracelets, chain necklaces, body
piercing).
8. Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Flat, rubber-soled flip-flops,
bedroom slippers, and platform shoes over three inches high are not allowed.
Additional items may be added to this list during the school year. Parents will
be notified of any changes through a bulletin, phone call, or the newsletter,
Meadowbrook Matters. When students are out of compliance with the dress code,
the following consequences may occur: loaner clothes, warning, detention(s),
parent contacted to bring clothes, and/or Saturday School.
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POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
OF ROOM 902'S CLASSROOM
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PLEASE CLICK HERE