PARENT LETTER

PS/MS 95
3961 Hillman Ave
Bronx, NY 10463
(718) 796-9200

Dear Parents and Students:

I want to extend to you my warmest welcome into our classroom. My name is Mr. Halpern and I will be
your child’s Science Teacher this year. This year we will be working on a number of different topics. In 7th grade, we
will explore Earth Science, focus on Physical Science, be introduced to Chemistry and enjoy Life Science.
We will all take part in a Science Fair Project and we will work to understand how we can use science to
improve the world around us.  In 8th grade we will work the entire school year to get ready for the Earth Science Regents.

It is my expectation that each child do all assigned homework and projects and hand them in on time. I
accept late work, however with points deducted for each day it is late. All students must have a 8.5 by 11
inch Science binder. All of our work must be kept in this binder. I also expect that each child will be able
to access the internet for various assignments. I utilize the internet for all of my work. My website can be
found at http://95science.weebly.com. On my website I keep notes, access to homework assignments
and access to track all of your child's grades. You can also easily keep in contact with my via email or
see all of our homework assignments on Twitter by following @95science. If your home does not have
access, the public libraries are an option, or you can even follow twitter on your cell phone. I only accept
work that is written in blue or black ink or that is typed. Any work in other colors or pencil, will not be
graded. Your child will have occasional projects to do which may involve use of markers, glue, colored
pencils and tape, so it is a good idea to have these items around the house. All of my assignments will
be given with more than enough notice.  Late work will be accepted with point deductions based upon days late.
For 8th grade Earth Science Students, there is a NY State mandated lab requirement.  Failure to hand in the labs will result in the students inability to sit for the regents exam.

I am looking forward to working with you and your child this upcoming school year. If you ever need to
communicate with me, I prefer to use email, as access to a telephone is difficult during the school day. If
you have any questions please feel free to contact me throughout the year. To get started, I ask that you
access my website and fill out the "Student Contact Info Form" (located on the left hand menu), so I can
have all of your information on file.

Sincerely,
Mr. M. Halpern
Teacher
Email: Mhalpern@mmcc.org

Items Needed for 7th & 8th Grade Science
8.5 x 11 inch 3 ring binder
folder for graded work
index cards
blue or black pens
markers, glue, ruler, colored pencils & tape for use at home

8th grade only-
Barrons Regents Review Book
Drawing Compass
pencils