Welcome Letter
by Douglas Schmitz
September 14, 2007
Welcome to 7th and 8th Grade Science
Casimir Middle School 2007-2008
Mr. Schmitz
7th and 8th Grade Life Science
Room 29
Phone:310-533-4498 ext 4729
Email: dschmitz@teacher.tusd.org
Welcome parents to the new school year. I am looking forward to
a successful year in science with your child. Being the father of
an almost middle school child I realize the importance the parent
plays in the success of the student. The 7th and 8th grade
curriculum is a challenging one and we cover a broad array of
science topics that will serve as the foundation for their success
in high school.
Here are a couple of things you could do to help support your
child’s learning;
• Make sure they have the needed materials for class. I strongly
recommend that they bring a calculator to class and a metric ruler
to help with labs.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Studies show that middle
school age kids need about 9 hours a night.
• Set aside a place for them to do homework. Homework club is
available after school.
• Make sure they come to school properly fueled. A proper diet is
vital for the proper function of the brain.
• Limit television/computer games
• Make sure your child gets to school on time and is not put in the
position of interrupting ongoing classes. We take pride at Casimir
of our attendance record, the best in Torrance.
Communication
Communication will come in various forms. We use the telephone
system teleparent to send standard messages to parents. These could
include upcoming classroom activities, tests, reminders, discipline
issues or positive feedback. Wednesdays continue to be our day of
handouts of the principals bulletin and other flyers. Email and
direct contact by phone is always available for important issues.
If you would like to meet with me personally about any issues
please call and we will make an appointment.
Homework
Homework will usually include finishing classroom assignments, reading various science related material including textbook, magazine or newspaper articles, workbook assignments supporting comprehension of reading and small projects. Homework is not given on a daily basis and is not meant to be busywork but to support classroom learning.
Standards for Class
• Regular attendance
• Come prepared with required materials
• Participate in class
• Follow school rules as explained in the student planner
• Complete assignments in a thoughtful manner
• Do your best work and show effort in all that you do
• Do not endanger yourself or others. Abide by lab safety rules and
work safe
Materials needed for class
All students are required to bring the following items to class everyday.
• Two # 2 pencils
• Black or blue pen and a red pen for correcting
• 80 page single subject notebook(student store has these)
• metric ruler (from planner)
• calculator highly recommended for labs
• small three ring binder dedicated for science work that has been
graded
Extra Classroom supplies
Two items we use a lot of in class and TUSD does not supply us with are Kleenex and hand sanitizer. I would be open to any donations of these items to hold down disease transmission.
I would like to thank you for taking an active roll in your child’s education and I look forward to meeting you on back to school night.
Sincerely, Douglas Schmitz
