Edison Park Elementary School Student Handbook School Year ... · Edison Park Elementary School Student Handbook School Year: 2017-2018 Edison Park Elementary School 6220 N. Olcott

Edison Park Elementary School

Student Handbook

School Year: 2017-2018

Edison Park Elementary School

6220 N. Olcott Ave.

Chicago, IL 60631

773-534-0960

773-534-0969 (fax)

Principal

Mr. Jeffrey Finelli

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Amber Whitfield

EDISON PARK ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTRACT

As a Middle School team, our goal is to create a culture of mutual respect that is

conducive to a positive learning environment. There are several good choices that

students can make based on the “Four Ps:”

1. Students are expected to be Polite and should choose to:

● Be respectful of teachers’ instructional time

● Listen attentively to all

● Respond appropriately at all times with a respectful tone

● Dress appropriately following Edison Park’s dress code

● Avoid bringing gum and candy into the classroom

● Keep locker and hallway space tidy

● Keep quiet during transitional times, as other classes are going on

2. Students are expected to be Prepared and should choose to:

● Have all class supplies readily available

● Choose appropriate times to use the bathroom (not during instruction)

● Print all typed assignments before class

● Have all assignments and projects completed before arrival

3. Students are expected to be Prompt and should choose to:

● Arrive at school on time at 7:40

● Use their transition time at lockers to prepare for their classes

● Arrive to each class on time with their materials ready

● Turn assignments and school forms in on time

4. Students are expected to be Productive and should choose to:

● Use time wisely in groups and when working independently

● Regularly check Student Portal and Google Classroom

● Socialize when appropriate

● Put forth best effort

● Manage time, especially for big projects and assignments

● Ask for help when needed

MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Middle School aims to develop independent thinking through rigorous academics and character

development. Listed below is an overview of how this is incorporated into our daily schedule.

RECESS

Recess is an important time in which all students need to participate. Studies show that outdoor

breaks allow students to return to class re-energized and ready to learn. According to the CPS

Wellness Policy, students are required to participate in recess daily, and may not stay inside the

classroom during that time.

PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Edison Park Elementary prohibits student cell phone use during the instructional day, in school

or on school grounds between 7:40 am and 2:45 pm. Student cell phones, iPods, MP3 players,

and hand held video games must be turned off and not visible. Cell phones and other personal

devices that are seen or heard during the school day will be confiscated. Devices can be picked up

in the office by the student 24 hours following confiscation. Students with a pattern of abusing

the cell phone policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

INDEPENDENT READING BOOK

Students are expected to bring a book for independent reading every day.

ACADEMIC CLASSES:

MATH - Ms. Hernandez and Mrs. Salus

Ms. Hernandez and Mrs. Salus are thrilled to be a part of your child’s middle school math

experience. The Connected Math Program and CME Algebra, our Middle School Math curricula,

are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Our programs help students to develop a

greater conceptual understanding of math, as opposed to simply mastering skills. In the

classroom, students will work within their cooperative groups to investigate mathematical

problems. From their problem solving, students will begin to extract the mathematical skills used

during the investigation to come up with patterns, algorithms, and formulas.

In addition to the Connected Math Program and CME Algebra, students will participate in

Math Talks, complete Problems of the Month, and will engage in skill practice to reinforce and

practice math skills.

Math homework will be an extension of the in-class investigations. Since our middle

school math program focuses on cooperative group work, it is essential that students have the

opportunity to work independently in order to reflect on the day’s key concepts.

Ms. Hernandez and Mrs. Salus are available to meet with students for math help, and

students are encouraged to arrange meetings as necessary.

Math Procedures for Students

Absences:

It is the responsibility of each student to get the notes/homework from the previous day from

either a group member or a friend in the class. Students have two days to catch up on the

homework. Ms. Hernandez and Mrs. Salus make every effort to support students with missed

classwork, but students must take responsibility for initiating this.

Homework:

Students should plan on having a homework assignment every night. Since students will be

working often within groups, it is very important that homework is completed each night to make

sure that the day’s concepts are understood. In addition, students will receive both weekly and

long-term assignments. It is up to students to manage their time in and out of class so that

assignments are completed on time.

Reflecting on work:

It is strongly suggested that students return to challenging problems, mistakes on math problems,

or problems too difficult to solve when originally assigned. A vital component in developing

independent problem solving skills is perseverance. Reflecting on challenging problems may be

easier to solve the second or third time around. If students still have questions about a particular

problem following the class discussion, they should make arrangements to meet with Ms.

Hernandez and Mrs. Salus.

Group Work:

Each day students will work with group members to complete the lesson. Within groups,

students should be sharing ideas, listening to one another, asking questions and developing

strategies to solve problems. Each person in the group is responsible for recording

individual/group ideas and solutions into their notes.

Managing Class Materials:

Each table is responsible for the materials that are used during the math period. As a group,

students must make sure that all supplies are returned to their appropriate location, tables are

cleared off, and chairs are pushed in. When necessary, students should take the initiative to wipe

down tables.

Calculators:

As middle school students, students are expected to have their own calculators and bring them to

class each day.

Math Binder:

STUDENT BOOKS WILL BE KEPT IN THE FRONT OF STUDENT BINDERS AT ALL

TIMES FOR EASY ACCESS.

CMP3 ALGEBRA

Tab 1 = Skill Practice Tab 1 = Skill Practice

Tab 2 = Journal Handouts Tab 2 = Journal Handouts

Tab 3 = Turn it in Tuesday Tab 3 = Turn it in Tuesday

Tab 4= Assessments Tab 4 = Assessments

Tab 5= Problems of the Month Tab 5 = Exit Exam Review Sheets

Grading Summary:

Participation ……...15%

Journals……….......20%

Homework………..10%

Quizzes…………...20%

Tests/Projects…….35%

Reading – Mr. Bruggeman and Mrs. Morrissey

We are excited to be a part of your child’s reading and language arts experience at Edison

Park. The middle school literacy program is composed of thematic units aligned with Common

Core English and Language Arts Standards, and the Chicago Public Schools’ Literacy Content

Framework. Students can expect to read novels combined with individually selected complex

texts. Students can expect to read critically, collaborate frequently with their peers, and develop

their ideas about their reading through daily writing. These reading and writing programs enables

our middle school students to become avid readers, writers, and inquirers.

Teaching and Learning Methods:

• Literature Circles and Socratic Seminars

• Teacher-led discussions, Close Reads

• Note-taking/Annotations and Reading Response Journals

• Small and large group discussions

• Independent and small group activities/cooperative learning

• Use of exemplars and models for responses to literature and analysis of media

• PowerPoint and Prezi presentations

• Hands-on-activities

• Use of technology including videos, websites, and Google Classroom

Homework:

Students can expect reading homework each day. Assignments will be designed to reinforce

concepts and topics discussed during the day’s lesson. Students will be expected to refer to

Google Classroom regularly to complete discussion prompts, turn in homework assignments, and

to locate handouts/materials from the class. Student will also be responsible for completing

independent reading response assignments in their composition notebook which will be collected

weekly.

Outside Reading Requirement:

In addition to keeping pace with daily classroom readings and the anchor texts, students will be

responsible for reading self-selected, level appropriate novels each quarter throughout the school

year. An accountability project/assignment will be assigned each quarter to correlate to the self-

selected readings. Project/assignment sheets, guidelines, and rubrics will be supplied and posted

on Google Classroom for student and parent access.

*Important Note: Parents must approve all self-selected outside literature selections.

Students should select new (not previously read) novels for outside reading.

Grading Summary:

Participation ……… . . . . . . 15%

Journals……….................... 20%

Homework……………….... 10%

Quizzes…………………..... 20%

Assessments/Projects…...….35%

Writing – Mr. Bruggeman, Mrs. Morrissey, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Skowronek, and Ms. Tingley

This year our Middle School students will be sharpening their writing skills by using the Write

Source curriculum in conjunction with daily language review. The Write Source curriculum is

designed to expose the students to using the 5-step writing process, grammar usage, and learning

how to craft structured essays using content-area and literature connections. Students should

expect to cover the following genres and writing topics:

● Argumentative

● Persuasive

● Informational/Research based

● Narrative

● MLA formatting (Work Cited, Citations, etc.)

Publishing: Students will be expected to type all final projects/essays. As a team we will work to

provide access the chromebooks, but students must print their final projects on their own time.

We encourage students to problem-solve any printing issues before projects are due. If a student

needs printer access, please send a note to request permission to their writing teacher.

Grading Summary:

Grammar……….………….25%

Homework…………………10%

Quizzes…………………….20%

Writers Workshop …………15%

Final Paper…………………30%

SCIENCE – Ms. Taylor and Ms. Hernandez

Ms. Taylor and Ms. Hernandez will be splitting science this year. Ms. Taylor will be teaching

7th and 8th grade science. Ms. Hernandez will be teaching 6th grade science. During science this

year, students will be using an experiment based science curriculum known as SEPUP. This

program is designed to help students acquire scientific knowledge and strengthen scientific skills.

In addition to learning new content, we will be focusing on using the scientific method, problem

solving, using technology, working in teams, and making real world connections. Students will

also learn how to communicate their scientific knowledge effectively within their groups, writing,

and orally.

Absent Policy:

Students who are absent the day of a lab can make up the lab before or after school upon

confirmation with the teacher. If no lab is required, students are responsible for reaching out to

their group members for the notes to make sure the student has obtained information that they

missed. Gathering information from missed classes is the responsibility of the student. It is the

student’s responsibility to reach out to their teacher if further assistance is required. Students have

as many days as they were absent to make up the work, unless the teacher states otherwise.

Group Work:

In science, there is a plethora of group work. Almost every day the students will be engaging with

their peers. Within groups, students should be sharing ideas, listening to one another, asking

questions and following the given procedures. Each person is responsible for their own work and

actions, but we need to respect and work as team with our peers.

Research and Projects:

Students will complete many different types of science projects throughout the year. The projects

will mostly be completed in class. There will be times when students may have to type, print, or

complete unfinished work for homework. Assigned projects will be given with adequate

completion time given and students are expected to use their time wisely.

Managing Class Materials:

Each table is responsible for the materials that are used during the science period. All materials

are to be respected and cared for as students reuse certain materials. As a group, students must

make sure that all supplies are returned to their appropriate location, tables are cleared off, and

chairs are pushed in. Before leaving class, students should take the initiative to wipe down

tables.

During the year, students will be graded on a variety of components, which are listed below:

Grading Summary:

Assessments………….40%

Journals/Labs………...25%

Research/Projects ……20%

Participation………….15%

SOCIAL STUDIES – Ms. Skowronek and Ms. Tingley

Miss Skowronek and Ms. Tingley are teaching Social Studies this year. Ms. Tingley is

teaching sixth grade and Miss Skowronek is teaching seventh and eighth grade!

Ms. Tingley is looking forward to leading you through ancient cultures and cities this year! Sixth

grade will be studying geography and Ancient Civilizations dating up to the Middle Ages. Our

class will begin by learning about geographical terms and map reading, and will then begin

exploring Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China.

Miss Skowronek will be leading the students through United States History. Seventh grade will

begin the year learning about the Age of Discovery, the 13 Colonies, the Constitution, Westward

Expansion and end the year around the mid-18th Century. Seventh grade students will also take

the Constitution Test and passing the Constitution Test is a requirement for promotion from

7th grade to 8th grade. Eighth grade will begin the year by studying the events that caused the

Civil War and they will move through studying history between major events like the Industrial

Revolution, World War I & II, the Holocaust, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Throughout the year, all classes will be learning about the present day through examining current

events, performing cultural research, and analyzing journal articles, art, and autobiographies.

History Fair for all grades will be presented in March. Discussion of topics will begin in January.

Classroom Activities:

Instruction: Students are to listen quietly to the instruction. If the student has a question or a

comment, they are to raise their hands. Students are expected to take notes.

Group Discussion: Students will be expected to be prepared to participate and respond to their

peers and teacher. Participation will be recorded by the teacher and assigned a grade. Students are

expected to speak kindly and show their peers respect.

Group Work: Group work is a privilege. Students are expected to stay on task and participate

equally in completing work.

Research Days: Students are expected to use research days productively.

Presentations: Mastering public speaking will give the student great occupational skills. While a

student or group is presenting, the “audience” is expected to pay attention. They are to take notes

and treat their peers with respect. Failure to do so will meet with strict disciplinary consequences.

Grading Summary:

Participation 20%

Classwork 30%

Homework 10%

Assessments 20%

Projects 20%

EDISON PARK ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Edison Park middle school students will participate in a variety of enrichment

classes. All enrichment teachers maintain websites within edisonparkelementary.org,

please check for frequent updates! We are looking forward to an exciting year and we

encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (6 – 8th) – Ms. Schroeder

I am looking forward to an exciting year and encourage you to contact me with any

questions you may have. During physical education class this year, we will be focusing on

reaching National Standards 1-6. These standards focus on movement skills, physical

fitness, team building, knowledge of body systems, and healthy living decisions. Physical

education will emphasize the importance of setting goals, following directions, working

cooperatively with others, problem solving, communication, character building and

responsible decision making. Students will be graded based on participation and

demonstration of personal social skills during class (60%), written/cognitive assessments in

and out of class (20%), skills test/physical abilities in class (20%). Students are encouraged

to get active outside of school by practicing what they learn in class at home. I am looking

forward to working with your student and having a great year!

HEALTH & FITNESS (6th-8th) –Mrs. Carman

The overall goal of the health & fitness class at Edison Park Elementary School is for

students to gain a greater awareness about what constitutes their physical, mental, and social

well-being. This class will provide students with the knowledge and skills that will enable

them to make responsible decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which benefits

adolescents in all aspects of their growth and learning. The curriculum includes a variety of

age-appropriate topics that correlate with the National Health Standards. Topics include:

The five components of fitness and the FITT principle, sexual health, anatomy and body

systems, nutrition, and injury prevention and first aid.

More information on the mandatory CPS sexual health education requirements can be found

at http://cps.edu/oshw/Pages/HealthEducation.aspx. More information about the sexual

health curriculum will be sent home and a parent information meeting will be held during

the first month of school.

Students should wear gym shoes and athletic clothing on health/fitness days to ensure the

ability to participate in the fitness activities that are a part of this class. Students will also

participate in the state mandated Fitnessgram fitness testing as a part of this class.

Grades will be caluclated based on the following:

Class Participation 40%

Projects 30%

Quizzes 20%

Homework 10%

For more information contact Martha Carman at [email protected].

MUSIC – Mr. Arvan

The music curriculum for the middle school focuses on building musicianship through the

integration of movement, speech, drama, and music. Students will create, perform, and

respond to music through activities involving whole group instruction, small group

instruction, project-based learning, and composition.

Grading in music is based on 3 components: daily music grade, project work and unit

assessments. The daily grade is as follows:

10 points total (first 5 are given)

1 point-Echo rhythms

1 point-Name game

1 point-Rhythm Read

2 points-Daily objective (based on given rubric for the day)

Students who participate fully and complete each component will earn points accordingly.

Grading Summary:

Participation …………..70%

Assessments…………...15%

Projects……..15%

I look forward to an excellent year making music with our students!

Technology - Ms. Melnicoff

The middle school Technology Curriculum focuses on computer knowledge and skills that

are necessary to be successful in their current academic environment and beyond. Students

will not only learn how to effectively use productivity software but they will also create

multimedia projects, code, learn the history of computers and how they work, and how to

research and identify reputable sources. Additional topics such as the history of the Internet

and how it works, and algorithms and ciphers may be explored.

Grading:

Class Participation 45%

Projects 35%

Classwork 20%

*Scale subject to change

SOCIAL -EMOTIONAL LEARNING - Ms. Locascio

All middle school students participate in the Second Step Program during the

Enrichment rotation. Classes will meet every fifth day with Ms. Locascio, our Counselor,

to discuss topics and themes tailored towards adolescents’ social –emotional needs.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ABSENT/TARDY POLICY:

If you are late to class:

Arriving to class on time is essential. Being tardy to class is unacceptable; students who are

tardy to a class three or more times without a teacher pass will receive a check on their report

card. Students arriving late to class are required to submit a pass to the receiving teacher upon

entering the classroom. When arriving late, quietly enter the room without causing a disturbance

and begin working immediately. It is your responsibility to get your homework checked in at

an appropriate time.

If you are absent:

It is your responsibility to get the notes/homework from your peers for the days you were

absent. All homework and make up work should be completed within the same number of days

that you were absent. Students must take responsibility for initiating support from teachers.

Middle School Staff Contacts:

The middle school team is always available to meet with students for extra help, and

we encourage arranging meetings as necessary. Please contact us at 773-534-0960, or feel

free to send us an email if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr. Benjamin Arvan - [email protected]

Mr. Robert Bruggeman - [email protected]

Mrs. Martha Carman- [email protected]

Ms. Sarah Hernandez – [email protected]

Mrs. Emily Morrissey – [email protected]

Mrs. Samantha Salus - [email protected]

Ms. Suzie Schroeder – [email protected]

Ms. Emily Skowronek-- [email protected]

Ms. Nichol Somers - [email protected]

Ms. Sara Taylor - [email protected]

Ms. Rachel Tingley - [email protected]

Mr. Nolan Donlin - [email protected]

Ms. Shara Melnicoff - [email protected]

*Please sign the contract below and return to your child’s homeroom teacher*

By signing the Edison Park Middle School contract, we agree to the policies,

procedures and expectations outlined in this handbook. We will support and

cooperate with these policies.

Date__________________

Student Name:________________________

Student Signature____________________________

Parent’s Name: _______________________

Parent Signature____________________________