Fuel Efficiency

The PBI classroom

 

This semester your child will be involved in an interdisciplinary project exploring the viability of alternative transportation and alternative fuels.  For four weeks your child will be involved in a project integrating the disciplines of chemistry, biology/ecology and mathematics.   In each of these classes your child will explore and discover different aspects of the use of fossil and alternative fuels.  Through the use of an important contemporary theme, we hope to introduce important mathematical, chemical and biological ideas to your child in a novel and engaging way.                                     

                  Though these classes may look a little different than the classes your child has experienced in the past, our expectations as teachers and our instructional goals are largely the same.  We expect children to come into our classes prepared to learn with paper, pencils, pens, curious minds and high energy.   In return, all children will be treated with respect and respect others.  Because many days will involve lab time students must be in class on time in order to finish their assigned tasks. 

                  Students will be graded on a variety of assessments and will complete a final project which will describe and advocate for some position vis a vis the topic of alternative fuels.  Homework will be assigned and will be graded.  All homework problems must be attempted.  As teachers we strongly believe that nothing ventured is nothing gained.  Learning does not happen without effort.  Your child will not receive  any more or less homework during this focused unit than they usually do.  Students will be working in groups on projects and may decide to invest more out of school time on their projects, but ample time will be provided in class.  Because of a generous grant from the Toyota Tapestry Foundation, all the materials necessary for this project will be provided for you.

                  The foundation of our classroom community rests on the golden rule, Òdo unto others as they would do unto you.Ó  Abusive language, disrespect of peers or property will be dealt with promptly.   We will make the rules explicit and will expect them to be followed conscientiously.  By now your child has been in a school setting for some time, and we think it is reasonable to have high expectations of behavior.    If the child has one infraction, they will receive warning on the second infraction we will have a telephone conference with you and together we will outline a plan for your childÕs success.

                  If you have any information about your child youÕd like to share with us, or have any other issue please contact us at 555-5555 or email pragya@email.org

                  Please sign below so that I know that you have seen this letter. Thank you for your time and interest.
Sincerely,
(name)
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I have read and understand the requirements and expectations of the PBI classroom
Child's name_________________________
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Parent Signature_____________________