ivy academia entrepreneurial charter eighth grade is the final year of middle school and prepares...

IVY ACADEMIA Educating Our Next Generation Entrepreneurs K-12 ENTREPRENEURIAL CHARTER SCHOOL WWW.IVYACADEMIA.COM

August 17, 2015

Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

Welcome to Ivy Academia and the eighth grade experience.

Eighth grade is the final year of middle school and prepares students for the high school setting. As in high school, eighth grade is departmentalized. That is, each core subject is taught by a teacher who has expertise in the field. This structure allows us to know every student in the grade level and helps us create curriculum connections between the core subjects. The eighth grade functions as a team with every teacher working for the success of every student and, ideally, every student supporting one another’s learning.

We believe that learning is a lifelong occupation so we focus on helping students enjoy the process of learning and appreciate the benefits of engaging with new materials, different ways of thinking, and divergent points of view. Additionally, we strive to empower students and enable them to take charge of their own learning. Most important, we want students to develop a sense of self-efficacy, the perception that they have the ability to succeed because they know they can perform well. This personal belief in the potential for success helps students take on challenges and approach demanding tasks with enthusiasm. Because the best way to raise self-efficacy is through experiencing success, we are committed to helping students succeed

Attached are the course overviews and policies, supply list (required) and wish list (desired) for this school year. Also attached is a list of conduct expectations and a student information form we would like parents to complete. Please return to your homeroom teacher by the end of the first week of school the completed form and the signature page acknowledging that students and parents have read this information.

Again, welcome to eighth grade. We look forward to an exciting, fun-filled, and challenging year. We leave you with the following quotation, which reflects our teaching philosophy:

“What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are no certain answers.”

-Martina Horner, experimental psychologist, educator and scholar

The 8th Grade Team

Dawn Santiago

Heidi Webber

Nick Zoumbaris


Michael Pierce

COMMUNICATION. We are committed to the success of each student. Any and all concerns or questions are welcome. The best way to reach us is by e-mail. Each teacher’s email address is located on the 8th grade homepage. We will respond to correspondence within 24 hours. If you need to speak to us on the phone, please call the office after 3:30 or leave a message. We will return your call within 24 hours. If you need to schedule a conference, please e-mail some times that are convenient for you, and we will make ourselves available. We want to help.

Supply List

The items on this list are required for each student.All Classes: These materials are common to all classes. No need to buy multiples.

*3-inch three-ring binder scissors*dividers (one pack containing 5 dividers) glue sticks*zippered pen/pencil holder for binder rulercollege-ruled notebook paper (2 packs— **pens (black/blue/red)

one for binder; one for classroom) highlighters (2-3 colors)box of tissues (to be left in classroom) box of 12 colored pencilsagenda book or black spiral notebook for binder markers

Subject Specific: These materials are specific to each subject. ScienceMechanical pencilsMetric rulerCollege ruled spiral notebook (70 pages)2-pocket folder (red)

Business ComputersPortable USB device (not mandatory, but useful)College ruled spiral notebook (any color)

Wish List

This list contains some items for the classroom and items that run out frequently. Although your student is required to provide the above supplies for him/herself, it is terrific to have extras in the classroom for those who run out or forget their materials.

Three-hole punchColored computer paper glue sticksSharpies (fine and ultra fine) colored pencilsDry erase board markers markers


Bandaids Tissues Paper TowelsAntibacterial wipes/sprayHand sanitizer

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

1. Never say, “I can’t.”

2. Speak and act with respect toward all members of the classroom community, teacher and students alike.

3. Resolve disputes through discussion and conflict resolution strategies.

4. Be in your seat working on the warm-up assignment when class starts.

5. Participate in all class activities.

6. Come to class with all materials, especially a writing utensil and a positive attitude.

***Please sign and turn in this page front and back***

STUDENT INFORMATION

In order for us to help your child be the best he or she can be, we would like you to provide us with the information requested below. If you would have your student return the completed form on the first day of school, we would greatly appreciate it. You may place it in a sealed envelope if you desire.

Student’s Name _________________________________________________________

What should I know about your child? Please include information about health problems, shyness, anxiety, etc. ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What are your child’s strengths? ________________________________________________________________________


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What is your email address? ______________________________________________

If you do not have access to email, please provide a phone number at which I can reach you before 5:00 p.m. if necessary.

________________________________________________________________________


8th Grade Physical Science2014/2015

Instructor: Mr. Nicholas Zoumbaris

Contact: [email protected]

Welcome!! My name is Nicholas Zoumbaris, or Mr. Z for short. This is my 2nd year at Ivy Academia, as well as my third year as a science teacher. I am very much looking forward to meeting each student, helping to build an interest in science, and building future scientists! I have extremely high expectations not only for your student, but for myself as well. I am a firm believer that high expectations yield high results. I expect nothing less. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions, concerns, ideas, or simply to chat about your student. I have an open door policy so feel free to drop by anytime! I look forward to meeting each of you!

Physical Science: is any of the natural science dealing with inanimate matter with energy as physics, chemistry and astronomy. For content please California Blue Prints attached. These are the standards that will be covered in this class.


Course Overview: During the 2014/15 school year we will focus on Physical Science. This will consist of developing an understanding of Motion, Force, Structures of matter, Earth in the solar system, Chemical reactions, chemistry of living things, Periodic table of elements, and finally density and buoyancy. We will learn about these concepts through a variety of ways including text book, class work, homework, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises. Science is a very engaging subject primarily because it can be hands-on which builds excitement, passion, and understanding. However, we need help obtaining materials so that these labs are possible. I would like to thank you in advance for your generosity and willingness to help with materials during this school year. I will send home an email when additional supplies are required for classroom activities in advance so that we all have sufficient time to prepare.

Teacher Expectations: Science, similar to math introduces concepts that build upon each other. Because of this reason, attendance is crucial in order to find success. Students will be asked to keep a notebook that is for science only. This notebook (composition notebook) will be filled with key terms, formulas, diagrams, and any other concepts/information that will prove to be important. The notebook will be required each day while in class and should be used to study from, review with, or simply refresh a concept. It is the responsibility of your student to check with me if he/she has been absent so that they can receive the proper documents/homework/etc…

Grade Scale: Homework 10%Class work 30%Projects 30%Tests/Quizzes 30%

Homework: Expect one to two assignments per week. All homework assignments will be posted in the classroom as well as the ivy website for 8th grade Physical Science.

Class work: This will also include participation in class, labs, various written assignments and warm-ups. Students are expected to be in their seats at the end of the five minute passing period, write their homework down in their agenda and start the warm-up while attendance is being done. ALL class work should be turned in at the end of the class on the teacher’s desk, if student is to receive full credit. Work that is not turned in on time will be graded as late work.

Projects: Expect at least a project or two per quarter. Projects may be done by an individual, small group, or large group setting depending on the content.

Test/Quizzes: Expect to have a quiz per week to make sure that students are keeping up on class work, homework and concepts being taught that week. A test will usually be about every 3-4 weeks. There is no quiz on the weeks that there is a test. A study guide will be provided five days before the test. There will be a mid-term at the end of the 1st semester and a final at the end of the 2nd semester. The study guides for these will be the ones that were given out for the tests; no additional study guides will be made.


Late Work: Students will be marked down by 10% for each day their work is late. After five days their work can no longer be turned in for credit. This applies to homework, class work and projects.

Extra Credit: There is no extra credit in 8th grade Physical Science.

IVY ACADEMIA ENTREPRENEURIAL HIGH SCHOOL~ 8TH GRADE COMPUTER BUSINESS~

MR. Nicholas ZoumbarisEmail – [email protected] ~ 818.885.1052

COURSE DESCRIPTION:This course, designed for students of all career pathways, provides a comprehensive understanding of basic computing and the Windows 7 operating system. Among the topics included are: the proper use of the keyboard and mouse; a general familiarity with hardware and software; an introduction to word processing and electronic file management; and an overview of the internet and use of email.

It is our desire for learning to be a valuable and enjoyable experience for both the students and the teacher. We are very excited to offer a class that will provide many applicable “hands on” ‐experiences for students to later become productive individuals in our business world and society. Our classrooms are set up to reach this goal. Please feel free to visit us for individual and/or academic assistance. We are always available before and after school or a time previously scheduled. If any parent has a question or concern, feel free to contact us via email. Our email address above is the most efficient way of contact.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:Students will:1. Learn Microsoft Word basics2. Learn Microsoft PowerPoint basics.3. Learn Microsoft Excel basics.4. Learn e-mail basics.5. Participate in group and class discussions.6. Be challenged and have fun!

TEXTBOOK:Students will not be utilizing textbooks for this class

EVALUATION: GRADING SCALE:All grades will be computed on a points earned out A 90% 100%‐of points possible basis. As the importance of an B 80% 89%‐assignment increases, so does the assignment’s points C 70% 79%‐value. Missing assignments will be counted as zero D 60% 69%‐points. Students are responsible for maintaining F 59% and belowtheir own work. Grades are updated weekly.


CLASS SUPPLIES:Students are expected to bring the following to class every day:1. Pen or pencil2. College rule paper3. Proper documents/assignments for class

ACADEMIC HONESTY:Any student involved in dishonesty in any work, quizzes, tests, etc, will be subject to one, some, or all of the following: an automatic zero on the work; a referral to the Principal; and a conference between the Principal, the parent(s), and the teacher.Page 2 of 2 8th Grade Business Course Syllabus

CLASS POLICIES:1. LATE WORK: All assignments should be completed and turned in by appropriate due dates. Any work not turned in on time will receive 10% off per school day. Students are responsible for arranging a time to meet with the teacher if an absence occur. Best practices would recommend asking a fellow student in class first.2. PARTICIPATION: Participation includes, but is not limited to; arriving to class on time, being prepared, doing all work, following class policies, and actively participating in class discussion. Attendance is important and directly related to success in this course. Students need to be on time to class each day. The school tardy and attendance policies will be followed.3. GUM/DRINKS: Gum is not allowed and beverages must have a lid/cap on them.4. ELECTRONICS: All electronics will be taken if used during class, unless given permission.5. DRESS CODE: Students must be in appropriate Ivy uniform attire at all times. See “dress code policy” for details.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT POLICY:You are young teenagers and have reached a level of maturity that requires you to accept full responsibility for your conduct and your treatment/interactions with your peers and teachers.

EXPECTATIONS:As your teacher, here’s what you can expect from me to help you succeed in this course:1. I will be prepared to teach each day.2. I will write the appropriate agenda on the whiteboard daily.3. I will teach the school approved curriculum.‐4. I will prepare interesting and engaging lessons.5. I will provide students with the equipment necessary to complete all projects on time in class.

Here is what you, as a student, can do to be successful in my class:1. Come to class on time, prepared to learn each day.2. Bring/Turn in all your assignments on time.3. Use a planner to organize your learning and keep track of your assignments.4. Utilize my availability if you need help before any deadlines.5. Take responsibility for your learning.

As parents/guardians, you can help your child by:1. Taking an interest in your child’s studies.


2. Help your child develop good time management strategies.‐3. Working with your child to set realistic goals for success.4. Frequently review Powerschool and business website for up to date grades and assignments.‐ ‐5. If you see that your child is having difficulties in a class, please intervene immediately. Contact the teacher and encourage your child to seek out additional help with the teacher.

CLOSING:We are very excited to work with you this year in 8th Grade Computer Business. Together we can make sure you have a great time exploring the computer business world while learning. We strongly believe in “hands on” experiences and discussion. If extra help is needed at any time, ‐please don’t hesitate to ask.

Sincerely, Nicholas Zoumbaris


EIGHTH GRADE COURSE INFORMATION

My parent(s)/guardian(s) and I have read the course information and class policies packet, including the 8th grade late work policy, and have reviewed the conduct expectations for eighth grade. I/we understand the expectations for the upcoming school year, and I/we will do our best to fulfill each of them.

________________________________________________________________________Student Name (PRINT)

_______________________________________________________________________Student’s Email

_______________________________________________________________________Mother’s/guardian Name (PRINT)

_______________________________________________________________________Father’s/guardian Name (PRINT)

_______________________________________________________________________Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature

Contact phone number ___________________ Alternate___________________

Contact e-mail ________________________Alternate_______________________

Recommended form of contact (Phone or Email)______________________________

ivy academia entrepreneurial charter eighth grade is the final year of middle school and prepares...

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