WELCOME

TO BACK TO

SCHOOL NIGHT!!!

Teacher: Mr. Terrien

Math & Earth Science

and Health

*Please be sure to sign in at the

back of the room!*

Introducing Mr. Terrien• B.A. Western Michigan University• M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction

from University of Colorado• National University Administration

Program• 18 years of teaching public and

private school• Parent of 2 children

Earth Science Curriculum

• Plate tectonics (earthquakes, volcanoes, movement of Earth’s plates, convection)

• Earth’s systems

• Natural Resources

• Erosion and weathering

• Ecology

• Earth’s oceans and atmosphere

• Also, Health curriculum throughout the year

Science Projects

• Repurpose rather than buy

• Stimulates imagination and creativity

• Gift cards to craft stores, office supply stores, or Target are appreciated.

Science Homework

• Usually done in Science Journal

• Complete sentences (rephrase question)

• Looking for completeness, rather than correctness

• Review in class

Math CurriculumMajor topics include:

• Ratio and proportional relationships

• The number system (division, decimals, fractions, integers, inequalities, etc.)

• Expressions and equations

• Geometry

• Statistics and Probability

Math website:

• CONNECTED. MCGRAW-HILL.COM

• Student access code: 3QSY-JD6F-GDCO

Common Core Shifts• Fewer concepts

• More in depth

• Focus on creating logical arguments

• Defending positions

Math Quizzes and Tests

• Quizzes will be given periodically.

• Questions are taken directly from the homework assignments they have completed and we have gone over in class.

• Students must ask questions if they are unsure about why they missed certain homework questions so that they will do well on the quiz.

• Tests are usually given at the end of each unit we complete.

Math Homework• Students must show all work in order

to receive credit.

• If a student is confused about a question, have them try their best. Effort counts as credit!

• Homework graded based on completion, not “correctness”. Tests and quizzes are where having the right answer counts!

• We go over the homework so students can see and correct their mistakes, and (most importantly) ASK QUESTIONS!

Classroom Website• www.portolams.org

• Check homework here

• Able to download some of the worksheets and handouts given in class

Agenda Book• Where students write down their

homework everyday.

• Check the agenda daily.

• Let me know if homework is taking too long.

Students Getting Help

• Encourage your child to ASK QUESTIONS

• Before school

Homework• Homework is given every school day

(sometimes on Fridays).

• 15 min. per subject per night (per LAUSD school board resolution)

• Homework based on in-class work and application to real world scenarios.

Homework and Tests

• Homework is checked every 2-3 weeks for completeness.

• Late work accepted, however, graded down 25% per day.

• Tests may be retaken (during lunch, nutrition, or before school) and I will average the 2 scores.

• Quizzes may not be retaken.

Grades• Every 4-5 weeks your child will

receive a Portola progress report with all of their grades. This should be signed and brought back to the students’ homeroom teachers the next day as proof that they have shown you their grades.

• Progress reports go out during the 5th, 10th, & 15th week of each semester.

• The 20th week is their official report card which goes into their transcript.

Jupiter Grades• www.jupitergrades.com

• You can access your child’s grades at any time from anywhere that has Internet.

• If you haven’t already, log onto the JupiterGrades website!

• You can set up how often you want JupiterGrades to e-mail you about your child’s progress.

Friends of Portola

• FOP is our parent support group which exists to provide financial and volunteer support to the faculty, administration, and student body.

• They’re here to make Portola better

• THEY NEED YOUR HELP

How to contact me:*The fastest way to reach me is through

email*

• jmr3396@lausd.net

• You can also email me from the school website: www.portolams.org

• Or, call the main office and leave a message:

• (818) 654-3300

• I can meet for conferences before school (by appointment) and at different times during the school day during my conference period.

Emailing the Teacher…

• I welcome email from parents at anytime

• For questions about assignments I recommend having your child email me personally

• I will be discussing guidelines for emailing me with the students in class.

Teacher Wish List?

• Paper, paper, and more paper

• White board markers

• Tissues

• Table wipes (Green Works, unscented baby wipes, etc.)

• Small boxes of colored pencils

• Rolls of scotch tape

• Paper

Thank You for Coming to

Back to School Night!!! If you haven’t already,

please sign the sign-in sheet before leaving!