Mr. Gotham’s Science Classes

Personal Information:

This year, I will be teaching four sections of eighth grade science and one section of seventh grade science at Linden Middle School. This is my thirteenth year teaching in the Linden School District. I taught at the fourth and fifth grade level at Central Elementary for seven years and I have taught both science and language arts at the middle school. In addition to teaching, I am the Chair- person for the Linden Ski Club. I have a B.A. degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s degree in the art of teaching from Marygrove College. I have been married to my wife Trisia for over twelve years. My wife and I have a wonderful four and a half year old son named Anthany Craig. I enjoy fishing, boating, traveling, snow skiing, golfing, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends.

Introduction:

I look forward to working with students and parents alike to make this school year as productive and successful as possible. I firmly believe that it is necessary for teachers, students, and parents to be involved in the educational process for optimum student success.

Materials Needed:

The following items are needed for my science classes. It would be helpful for students to have these materials by the end of the first week of school. If for some reason you cannot provide these items for your child, please contact me so we can work something out.

*One 1-inch three-ring binder labeled science

* One pack (of at least 10) subject tab dividers with labels

*1-2 Highlighters

*Calculator

*Colored correcting pen or marker (preferably red)

*Plastic pencil pouch with zippered pocket and 3-holes to place in binder

*Pencils to bring to class daily and extras in pencil pouch

*One single subject spiral notebook

*Free-time reading book to bring to class everyday

Assignments and Homework:

* Agenda for the day and homework (if applicable) will be posted in the classroom daily.

* All assignments will have due dates and must be turned in at the beginning of the class hour. Assignments not turned in at this time will be considered late.

* Late assignments will only be accepted one day after the due date for ½

credit. Assignments not turned in within one day of a due date will receive zero credit.

*Students are responsible for finding out what work/information was covered

while they were out when he/she returns to school from being absent. Students

are to copy down what they missed from the daily agenda and get any missing

worksheets, notes, handouts etc. from the “while you were out bins.” Students

will have one day to complete missing assignments for each day they were

absent.

Rules:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given
2. Keep hands, feet, objects, and unkind comments to self
3. Respect yourself, others, and all school property

Classroom Expectations:

I expect students to be responsible, come to class on time, be in their seat before class begins, and be prepared with the necessary materials and/or assignments for the day. Students are expected to follow all classroom and school rules listed on this letter and those listed in the school handbook. A behavior notebook will be kept in the room for students who choose not to comply with classroom and/or school rules. If a student makes a poor choice in class, they will go through the Interim Classroom process and be asked to write their name in the behavior notebook. This notebook will serve as an “in class” running record of students who are making poor choices and be a warning before the student is directed to the IR classroom.

Curriculum:

8th Grade = Earth Science 7th Grade = Life and Physical Science

Extra Credit- 1) Students may earn up to six points extra credit for turning in comic strips from the newspaper that specifically pertain to science. Students can earn three points for each comic that is turned in. Students must write his/her name and hour on the back of the comic (2 comics maximum per trimester).

2) Students may also receive six points extra credit for trimesters two, three, if he/she has no missing or late assignments from the prior trimester.

3) From time to time students may have an opportunity to bring in a newspaper article that pertains to the topic we are currently studying for extra credit.

Sincerely,

Craig Gotham