If you would like to print a copy of this introduction letter, please print it from the following link and download the word document file. It will have the proper formatting and detachable information piece for your child to return to school.

7th Grade Introduction Letter
8th Grade Introduction Letter

Dear Families and 7th grade Life Science Students,
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer! In this letter, I will be discussing what your child will need, my grading policy, and some of my expectations for your child throughout the year. Before I do so, I would like to make you aware of a great tool that will aid both you and your student in having a successful year.

Our Class Website http://dcarbone.wikispaces.com
Throughout the year, my classes will be using a wiki of my own creation. Here, I will post:
  • Weekly homework assignments
  • Links to homework files (in case the original copy gets lost)
  • Explanations to more lengthy homework assignments and projects.

This website will be a work in progress throughout the year, but you can already go there to view your child’s first couple of homework assignments. Please jot down this web address or keep this letter to remember it.
I understand that many families do not have internet access at home. The following places in our community offer free internet access to students:
  • The public library
  • The school library
I believe it is very important to give all students the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century and to that end, all students will be required to learn to use technology in their science classes this year. I will, however, give ample time for students and families to use their resources to log onto the website, so that all students are given the opportunity to succeed. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding this part of your child’s learning.

What will your child need?
It is very important that each student come to science class prepared every day in order to maximize their learning potential. I do not require much, but each student should have:
  • A one-inch binder devoted solely to science class
  • A pen or pencil
  • Loose leaf paper
If for any reason these things are unattainable, please contact me so that something can be worked out. I am here to help.

Grading and Homework Policies
The grading for each marking period is broken down in the following way:

10% - Participation and Preparedness
15% - Homework
20% - In-class assignments
20% - Laboratory Activities
35% - Tests and quizzes

Homework is due the day after it is assigned unless otherwise noted. On Monday of each week, students will be given the week’s schedule on the board, which includes homework assignments for them to write into their planners. They (as well as yourself) can also view homework assignments for the week on our class website each Monday. Simply go to the web address and click on 7th or 8th grade homework. Homework will not be accepted late except for the following reasons:

  • Illness on the day the assignment was given, which means that the student will have one night to complete the homework after they return to school. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out missed assignments and class handouts.
  • Illness on the day the assignment is due. In this case, the homework assignment is due upon the student’s return to school.
  • Other important reasons that require a parent/guardian letter/e-mail/phone call for excusal from the assignment.

How to contact me

If for any reason you need to contact me at any time throughout the school year, I can be reached by the following methods.
  • By far the most efficient (with the quickest reply) method of reaching me is via e-mail at dcarbone@icsd.k12.ny.us. I check my e-mail every morning and periodically throughout the day. This is the fastest way to relay important information to me and it is my preferred method of communication with you as well.
  • Call the main office at 274-2241 and leave a voice mail.
Thank you very much for reading this letter. I want you to know that I am extremely excited to begin the new school year and I hope your family is as well. If you need anything explained further, please let me know. Please detach the bottom of this letter, fill in the requested information, and send this back with your child. The requested information will make communicating with you much easier, so I am giving a homework grade for the return of the bottom portion of this letter.