Mr. Patashnik

Once again, this year’s seventh graders will be receiving Apple iBooks.  They are very powerful educational tools, and I am very excited to use them in the classroom.

However, as amazing as this use of new technology is, success in my classes still relies on some very traditional values:  RESPECT for oneself and others, and RESPONSIBILITY for one’s actions.   My demand for a respectful learning environment hopefully allows for students to feel safe while trying out new things, like public speaking or presenting new project ideas to a small group. 

At the same time, the seventh grade is a critical time to emphasize the role of responsibility in a Democratic society.  We are free to make our own choices, but we must live with the consequences of those choices.  (See information about Homework Policy)

That being said, the seventh grade year is filled with challenges to be overcome and triumphs to be shared.  I look forward to overcoming and sharing right along with you every step of the way.  In fact, feel free to email me anytime at patashsc@spsd.org.

Students need some materials to be ready for my Language Arts and Social Studies classes.  The list is short, but specific.  Experience has taught me what is useful and what is unnecessary.  Please do not spend a lot of money on these supplies!  I have seen all these items at low prices at WalMart and Target.  (No, I don’t get kick-backs for mentioning these stores by name!)

LANGUAGE ARTS

--(1) 1 inch 3-ring Binder

--(1) pkg. 500 sheets filler paper – 250 for L.A. binder, 250 for S.S. binder.

--(3) Binder Dividers - these are sheets that will divide the binder into three working sections.

--Ball point pens (black or blue ink) No gel pens please – they smudge!

SOCIAL STUDIES

--(1) 1 inch 3-ring Binder

--Filler Paper – from L.A. list

--(3) Binder Dividers

--(1) Plastic or Metal Ruler – wooden rulers' edges nick easily

--Ball point pens (black or blue ink)

--(1) Large Book Cover – A brown paper bag will do just fine

The first question I usually hear at the beginning of a new school year is, “Do you give a lot of homework?” 

Well, here’s my answer: “It depends.”

First of all, I never assign “busy work.”  If homework is assigned, it is because it is necessary.  Students will be assigned homework in my class generally for three reasons: 1) A long-term project has been assigned and work must be done outside the classroom in order to meet deadlines.  2) Students must access materials that may not be available in the classroom.  3) The material presented in class that day must be reviewed in preparation for the next day’s class.

Since homework is an extension of class work, I hold it to the same high standards.  In addition to academic grades, students also receive a homework grade that counts as a large percentage of their subject’s total grade.  Therefore:

1)     Homework is due the next day, unless otherwise noted.

2)     Only work that is neat and complete will be accepted.

3)     If homework is not done or not accepted, it must be made up the following day for ½ credit.  No exceptions will be granted.

I realize that the policy may seem harsh, but imagine what would happen if an adult working at their job didn’t finish an important project on time because, “the dog ate it/my computer crashed/the Red Sox went into extra innings.”