I would like to welcome you and your child to Indian Ridge Middle School and to

my science classroom. I am looking forward to a very exciting and rewarding year with
your child. My approach to teaching science involves an inquiry-based hands-on
approach. I will be basing my instruction on !exas "ssential #nowledge and Skills which
outlines what a student should know and able to be tested on. !here will be many
opportunities for laboratory investigations this year as science is all about explorations
and discovery. $e will spend time learning to use appropriate tools and techniques to
gather analy%e and interpret data in a real world setting. Science is all about critical
thinking so have your kids ready to ask plenty of questions.
Parent Tips: How to help your child in science
& 'sk your child to share with you what they are learning in science. (lease know we
will always be actively involved in learning some aspect of science. !alk about
science with your child things you have read about in the paper or seen on
!). "ncourage inquiry and investigation at home when the opportunity presents
itself.
& *heck your child+s agenda for homework or pro,ect assignment due dates and help
your child keep on schedule for completing the assignments. ' family calendar is
also a good place to mark due dates for special assignments- don.t forget to refer to
my web page.
& Review your child+s science grades on (ower School- I make notations of late or
missing assignments explanations of assignments and retesting dates. /Students
who fail a test will be required to retest the material and the $illiams 0(ower of I0
policy will be followed.1
& 2elp your child study for ma,or tests by calling out vocabulary words or asking
random questions from the textbook as a spot check to see if he or she understands
the science concepts.
& If your occupation or hobbies involve science please consider speaking with our
classes about your interest in science. $e will en,oy your visit- ,ust let me know
when it is convenient for you to come and speak to your child+s class.
& (lease feel free to contact me at any time with questions concerns or special needs
that your child may have. I am very interested in getting to know you and your child
and determining how he or she learns best. !wo-way communication is very
important to me.
I am available for 0extra help0 before school during lunch and after school- please
contact me if a need arises so that I may schedule a time to meet with your child.
I recommend discussing this with your child. (lease complete the tear-off slip below
and have your child return it to me. If there are any questions you may call me at
school at 345-657-8955. !hank you for your help and I look forward to working
with you and your child this school year.
Sincerely :uis Morales
To be completed by the student's Parent or Guardian:
What is your preferred method of parent contact? Please complete and
indicate your preference below.
___Phone number; daytime <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< evening
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
___Parent email address;
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
(arent signature;
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Parent comments; $hat do I /Mr. Morales1 need to know about your child as his=her
science teacher /special medical needs or learning needs1> (lease feel free to use
additional paper.