1. Oak Grove Middle School
2050 Minert Road, Concord, CA 94518
August 25, 2010
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am very pleased to welcome your child as a student in my SCIENCE CLASS at Oak Grove Middle
School. I hope that your summer has been restful and that your child is ready to return with
enthusiasm to learn.
Middle school is an important time of learning in life, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to
contribute to that learning. I look forward to helping your child grow in knowledge and skills in
Science. As a Science teacher, I believe that a student’s mastery of content in Science is crucial to his/
her future. Know that I will strive to provide your child a firm foundation in this area.
This year, I have extended my classroom online to take advantage of students’ growing interest on
the internet and social networking. Below are the links to my Science class facebook and twitter
pages and YouTube channel. You need to sign up for an account to connect and leave comments on
these websites. All three web pages will only feature academic information such as PowerPoint
presentations, instructional videos and student work. It won’t display photos or videos of my
students unless I personally ask and get permission from you.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Alvaricos-Science-Class/141605672546537
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrAlvaricoScience
http://twitter.com/AlvaricoScience
I am always interested in learning more about my students – especially things that will help me better
meet their academic needs and assist in their intellectual development. Please feel free to contact me
during the year with any information you think would help me do this. You may leave a message for
me at school (925-682-8000 extension 5336 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.) or email
me at alvaricoj@mdusd.k12.ca.us and I will get back to you within 48 hours.
Thank you for the opportunity to have your child as a student in this school year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Joseph Alvarico
Room C - 6
Discipline Plan for Room C-6 (Mr. Alvarico)

2. Mr. Alvarico supports the Oak Grove Middle School expectations and consequences and uniform policy. Please
refer to your child’s Student Planner for information.
Life Science Course Outline
Quarter 1: The Cell and its Processes (Chapter 1 – 4 of textbook)
Quarter 2: Genetics and Evolution (Chapter 5 – 8 of textbook)
Quarter 3: Skeletal, Muscular, Circulatory and the Nervous System (Chapter 13 – 15 of textbook)
Quarter 4: Family Life, Reproductive System and Viruses (Chapter 9, 16 of textbook)
Textbook: Prentice-Hall Focus on Life Science
Grading System
A Excellent 90 -100
B Above Average 80 – 89
C Average 70 – 79
D Passing 60 – 69
F Failing 0 – 59
Points Distribution
60% Classwork (Labs, Activities, Notes, Worksheets)
30% Assessment (Tests, Quizzes)
10% Homework and Participation
Homework Policy
Homework is assigned everyday and is due the next day. Partial credit is given for late submission.
How can you support your child in Science?
1. Please make sure that your child comes to school with complete supplies. He needs the following
materials for Science: a notebook, pencils, eraser, sharpener and a dedicated section of his binder for
Science worksheets. A set of colored pencil and scissors are optional, but can help a lot for certain
Science activities.
2. Always check your child’s planner. There should be something written in the Science column every
day.
3. Check the weekly Science Do Now/Homework sheet to make sure that your child is on track with the
warm up and homework assignments.
4. Look at the Science section of your child’s binder for completed worksheets.
5. Encourage your child to tell you about the day’s lesson.
6. Check your child’s grade online.
7. Email me for any concerns. I will reply within 48 hours during regular school days.