Welcome to Mrs. Abbott’s Homebase

1. Welcome to Mrs. Abbott’sHomebase Back to School Night Garnet Valley Middle School 2013 – 2014 I’m very happy you’re here tonight!

2. Homebase Information • Mrs. Kim Abbott • Phone number: 610-579-5174 • Email: abbottk@garnetvalleyschools.com • Absences: After a child is absent for the second day please call or email me. I will send around an Explorer Assignment Sheet to each of the core area teachers. The work will be down in the lobby, in a black shelf outside of the office after 2:30.

3. Welcome Parents! • Contact Information : • Mrs. Kim Abbott • English • abbottk@garnetvalleyschools.com • 610-579-5174

4. Education Lynchburg College Widener University

5. Grammar and Vocabulary Grammar skills and vocabulary are taught throughout the year Focus is primarily on using correct grammar and vocabulary within authentic writing Games/activities to further understanding

6. Writing Workshop • Regular part of our classroom routine • I give a brief “mini-lesson” on a particular writing skill and then we practice that skill in our own writing. • Sometimes whole class works on same piece, other times students self-select from their folder. • Writer’s Notebook/RRJ daily • Variety of assignments: research projects • responses to literature book reviews • -quick-write activities special assignments

7. Writing Assignments • Many assignments will require typing at home for the final draft. • A broken printer or lack of ink is NOT an acceptable excuse for late work. • Students may send their work to the Unified Arts folder labeled “ Morning Print Folder” . Ms. Gress only prints out work sent to her that has a heading during 3rd and 7th periods..

8. Homework • Homework will be given every night. • Use of the student planner is encouraged. • Assignments are posted on the website. http://www.garnetvalleyschools.com Ms. Trefz

9. Power School • PLEASE USE IT!!! Once a week is perfect. Try not to drive yourself or your child insane by checking every little assignment. It can be addictive  • Grades are live so you can access your child’s current progress at any time. • If you believe there may be a discrepancy, please feel free to e-mail me and I’ll check into it and get back to you ASAP! • Your “username” is your child’s school ID #. Confidential PS information was included in the summer mailing. Check with guidance on your way out if you need a second copy of this information.

10. Student Planner • Students should record assignments daily and for every class. Very important. • Grading scale is located on p. 4 • The 6th grade daily schedule is located on the back cover. • Lots of helpful & useful information in the beginning of the planner! Check it out 

11. Grading SystemPoint system • Assignments weighted by points possible • Students final grade is calculated by: Total points earned Total points possible

12. Extra Help Opportunities I am available to offer extra help, clarification of assignments , and study help for quizzes/test to students during: Lunch After school until 3:00 During 3rd period- Study Hall

13. Technology • Smartboard . . . may be used for attendance, interactive lessons on a variety of topics, videos, reviewing homework or tests, writing workshop. • Computer lab & mobile lab. . . may be used for creating power point presentations & slide shows, blogging, conducting research, writing final drafts, taking on-line quizzes, exploring web quests, reviewing for tests, Teen Biz.

14. Snacks • Lunch isn’t until 12:17  • Kids are hungry by 9:00. • They beg for food! Seriously. • Please send a snack with your child…no candy, please 

15. A Few Facts about Mrs. Abbott • I love my job & getting to know my students. They do a great job keeping me young! Coming to work each day is a pleasure. • May husband and I live in West Chester, Pennsylvania • I have two sons, James and Jeffrey and they both attended GVMS. • I enjoy taking care of my Jeffrey’s dog, Leo, • a precious Pug  • My favorite “me time” activities are walking, reading, gardening and cooking. I love to watch for dolphins and enjoy the sounds of nature in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

16. Thank you for coming tonight! Parents, students and teachers a great combination!

17. Welcome Parents! • Contact Information : • Mrs. Kim Abbott • Social Studies • abbottk@garnetvalleyschools.com • 610-579-5174

18. Education Lynchburg College Widener University

19. Social Studies • Focus : geography, culture, and ancient civilizations • Two textbooks will support our learning: World Studies: Foundations of Geography and My World History: Early Ages. Online access: handout

20. Homework • Homework will be often. --current events -- map study • Use of the student planner is encouraged. • Assignments are posted on the website. trefzf@garnetvalleyschools.com

21. Student Planner • Students should record assignments daily and for every class. Very important. • Grading scale is located on p. 4 • The 6th grade daily schedule is located on the back cover. • Lots of helpful & useful information in the beginning of the planner! Check it out 

22. Grading SystemPoint system • Assignments weighted by points possible • Students final grade is calculated by: Total points earned Total points possible

23. Extra Help Opportunities I am available to offer extra help, clarification of assignments , and study help for quizzes/test to students during: Lunch After school until 3:00 During 3rd period- Study Hall

24. Technology • Smartboard…used for attendance, reviews, and interactive lessons on a variety of topics • Computer lab & mobile lab for creating power point presentations & slide shows, blogging, conducting research, writing final drafts, taking on-line quizzes, exploring web quests, reviewing for tests, Teen Biz, etc.

25. A Few Facts about Mrs. Abbott • I love my job & getting to know my students. They do a great job keeping me young! Coming to work each day is a pleasure. • May husband and I live in West Chester, Pennsylvania • I have two sons, James and Jeffrey, they both attended GVMS. • I enjoy taking care of my Jeffrey’s dog, Leo, • a precious Pug  • My favorite “me time” activities are walking, reading, gardening and cooking. I love to watch for dolphins and enjoy the sounds of nature in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

26. Thank you for coming tonight! Parents, students and teachers a great combination!