WELCOME NOTE FOR PARENTS 2016

Academia Interamericana de Panamá

Feb. 29, 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Welcome to AIP Cerro Viento and the Science class! I am excited to work with your child this year. I know we will have a successful, productive school year and I look forward to being a part of the academic progress your child will make. 

 In Science classes I expect students to be scientists – we will observe and question the natural world, keep careful records of our activities in our notebooks, think critically, perform laboratories, deliver oral presentations, design projects and draw lots of conclusions. The science curriculum will integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). We will study Earth, Life and Physical Science. 

The After School Program begins next week (March 7th). Educational Robotics classes will be given on Mondays for 4th graders, Thursday for 5th graders and Wednesday for 6th graders. In addition, Science Experimental Classes will be given on Thursdays and Fridays from 4th to 6th grades. The classes start at 2:15 pm until 3:15 pm. Parents must pick students punctually or ask for transportation service in the school office (Ask for Ada / 266-0090). If you have any question, concern or doubt about the nature of these courses you may send an e-mail  (scienceaipcv@gmail.com).

Students can frequently visit my blog (www.raguerra.blogspot.com) to be in touch with what is happening in the Science classes and activities in the school as well as Science news around the world. By the end of the school year, your child will possess an age-appropriate understanding of the scientific world and to be able to conduct scientific investigations on his or her own. 

 Students will be tested every single week during the quarter using paper based test, speech, labs, project and notebooks. I have set specific days for Science evaluations. The following list shows Science test days: 

GRADE TEST DAY

4th Fridays

5th Wednesdays

6th Thursdays

All evaluations will be posted at least one week in advance to help students get prepared and do their best. 

 In order to create a positive learning environment, I have developed a classroom discipline plan with specific expectations for all students. Everyone in the classroom will work together as a team to achieve our learning goals with few interruptions. The plan below outlines the classroom rules, positive rewards, and consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behavior. 

My classroom expectations: 

 Treat others as you would like to be treated. 

 Expect the best. 

 Ask before acting. 

 Minds on! 

 Walk at all times. 

 Offer to help. 

 Remember the signals. (quiet, question, bathroom, water, etc.) 

 Keep hands and feet to yourself. 

If a student chooses to ignore an expectation: 

• First Consequence: Verbal warning. 

• Second Consequence: Written warning 

• Third Consequence: Detention 

To encourage students, I will recognize appropriate behavior with individual, group, and class rewards. Individual students will be praised for their good behavior and will be rewarded with positive notes, stickers, or special privileges. On a weekly basis, individuals or groups may earn bonus towards a tests. 

 There are various ways I would appreciate your support at home: 

 • Ask your child what they learned in school every day (some science home reading assignments (Science text/virtual readings), will involve your child teaching you a scientific concept they learned in class). 

 • Emphasize the importance of home readings and hard work. As they will have science home readings, please help them to establish a regular time and place (away from the TV) for a better comprehension of the topic. 

 • If you are able, set appointments with me to talk about your child’s progress. 

 • Take records of grades and assignments by watching Mereb every day. 

Please do not wait for formal conferences to discuss any concerns you have with me. You may email me using the message section in Mereb or call me at school (266-0090). I look forward to frequent communication with you as we work together to ensure your child’s success! 

Sincerely, 

Teacher Ramon Guerra

The Science Teacher