Dear Parents:

The school year is half way through.  We are now turning toward the home stretch.  In March, we have the most wonderful set of letters every student and parent likes to hear: FCAT!!!!

Between now and FCAT, I will be intergrating social studies with FCAT strategies helping the kids prepare for the test.  Right now, we are working on their writing skills using the 4-SQUARE method.  This method helps students tremendously with writing.  The method helps organize their thoughts to help put those thought on paper.

At this time in US History we are going over the time period 1600-1776.  Students are learning about everyday life of a colonist during the time, and what triggers started the Revolutionary War.

In Geography, students have been learing about the different physical processes that make up Russia, The Nile River, and how people have been able to adapt the the arid environment of the Sahara region in Africa.  We are also incorporating FCAT strategies into the lessons to provide the students with a good foundation.

Other important notes:

1-I need absolute focus from every student.  No if's, ands, or butts.

2-I need every student to please make sure they do every assignment given to them.  Please understand that if I see them working hard and on task, I will work with them on getting the best grade possible.   Basically what I am saying is that if I see them trying, there will be no possiblility of failing my class.  On the other hand, if I see him fooling around, and not completing any assignments, there is no way I am going to go to bat for them.  Why should I?  Here is my gauge: 

0-1 assignments missed-Awsome!!!!definitly tried hard and I will go to bat for that student to try to get him from a C to a B or a B to an A.

2-4 assignments missed-average.  Not bad, but not good.  There will be no penalty.

More than 4 assignments missed- Not trying at all in my mind.  I will have to assume that with more than four zeros for those assignments, the student will definitly be going from an A to a B, or a B to a C an so on.

I have already informed the students of what happens when too many zeros are part of their grade.  They all understand that I am more than ready to help them anyway I can to push them up a grade, but on the otherhand will look the other way if I don't at least see effort.

3)  I also have a parent contact log that I recieved from every student today.  This log has your phone number and email address in case I have to contact you for whatever reason.  Please note that I will not contact you just if your child has been bad.  I feel it is very important for you to know the wonderful things that he/she have done as well

Thank you,

Mr. Fornasiero