Education
is not the filling of a pail,
but
the lighting of a fire.
William
Dear
Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the first science
newsletter of the 2009-2010 school year. I hope you and your family had an
enjoyable summer and are looking forward to "cranial crank-up time"
as all of us get used to waking up at a very early hour and begin to remove the
cob webs that accumulated during the summer break.
Science classes are supported by my web site www.mrsthall.com;
check the site often for new postings, as well as resources to help your
student, notices for interesting science events in the area, web sites, and
entertaining family activities related to science. Suggestions are always
welcome!
I’ve been busy this summer taking courses in astronomy (with the incredible
Neil deGrasse Tyson) and I was part of a national initiative to prepare middle
school students for careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). We’ll
be experimenting with some new activities and new equipment.
I truly enjoy helping
children understand how their world works. We know there are great science
mysteries yet to solve and all children like to solve mysteries. I hope that by
year’s end my students will not only have mastered the state standards, but
more importantly, have reinforced their curiosity about the natural world
around them.
Since this is the
International Year of Astronomy we will begin preparing for our field trip in
early October to the
In addition to this newsletter, please read the letter I’ve written to your
child, outlining this year’s science program, and my expectations for students.
I am available nearly
every day for after school calls, email, or a conference if you see the need. Please
do not hesitate to let me know. I can tell you from experience that showing
students that we are all on the same team and that parents and teachers have an
open door to communication are two of the best ways to ensure their success in
school. I look forward to seeing you
during our Open House (Thurs. 9/24) and I hope you will feel free to contact me
at the school any time you feel it necessary.
At the end of this
newsletter, please provide an email address that you monitor, so I can contact
you about upcoming events such as tests, field trip updates, etc.
Finally, below, please
provide whatever information you deem appropriate, sign so I will know you have
seen this letter, and have your child return it to me by this Thursday, 9/10. Thank
you in advance for your cooperation in what I know will be a most successful
year for your child.
Sincerely,
June Thall
mrsthall@mrsthall.com or jthall@franklin.k12.ma.us,
508
541 2130
If you would like,
periodically, to receive email Please provide email address here
Is there anything you
would like to be sure I know about your child? If yes, please explain below.
Print name of child
_______________________________________________
Parent signature
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