WELCOME!

Hello Amazing Sundale Families!

My name is Stephanie Gonzalez, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off my very first year at Sundale! I’ll be teaching Eighth Grade Mathematics and Science. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Eighth grade is a milestone year—full of growth, discovery, and preparation for high school and beyond. I feel incredibly honored to be part of this journey with your student and can’t wait to dive into a year of learning, challenges, and successes together. Please know that I’m here for you and your child every step of the way. If you ever have questions or just want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make this an unforgettable year!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: sgonzalez@sundale.org

School Phone: (559) 688-7451

Warmly, Ms. Gonzalez

BELOW I HAVE ATTACHED IMPORTANT INFORMATION

SUGGESTED MATERIALS

• 1.5” 3 ring binder
• Lined Paper
• 5 Subject Notebooks
• Pencils/ Erasers

If buying any of these materials will be a problem, please let me know and I will make sure your student has what they need.

PLANNERS

All students will be provided with monthly planners. Time will be spent in class filling them out on a daily basis. Check their planners if you are curious about what we are doing in class or any homework your students may have.

LATE WORK & ABSENCES

Only late work due to absence will not receive point deduction (10% for everyday late). Students that are absent are expected to check the "While You Were Out" form filled out for them, along with the assignments that are attached, and are returned the following day for full credit. Students that are absent are expected to check Google Classroom as well. Students need to communicate with me! I am here to help.

OVERALL GRADING SCALE

• A= 100-90
• B= 89-80
• C= 79-70
• D=69-60
• F=59-00

MATH

We cover all of the 8th Grade CCSS for math. A large focus is on developing a better understanding of expressions and equations, functions, and geometry. We will complete math through direct instruction with notes and modeling, independent practice, collaborative projects, quizzes, study guides, and tests.

MATH UNITS OF STUDY

• Unit #1: Real Number System
• Unit #2: Exponents & Scientific Notation
• Unit #3: Linear Equations
• Unit #4: Linear Relationships
• Unit #5: Functions
• Unit #6: Systems of Equations
• Unit #7: Transformations
• Unit #8: Angle Relationships
• Unit #9: Pythagorean Theorem
• Unit #10: Volume
• Unit #11: Scatter Plots & Data

ALEKS

We are privileged in our 8th grade math classes to be using an online math program called ALEKS. This is a web based program that uses artificial intelligence to individualize practice and mastery of each student’s skills. Student’s are assigned weekly topics to complete, but are also encouraged to access the program for extra math practice.

MATH GRADING

• Assessments ⟶ 50%
• Projects, Classwork, & Independent Work ⟶ 20%
• Aleks ⟶ 10%
• Notes ⟶ 10%
• Participation ⟶ 10%

SCIENCE

The NGSS standards are spread out throughout the students time in middle school as single subjects per grade level (6th grade: Earth Science, 7th grade: Life Science, and 8th grade: Physical Science). A large focus for 8th grade science is gaining a better understanding of basic chemistry and matter. We will complete science through the 5E learning process (engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation).

SCIENCE UNITS OF STUDY 

• Unit #1: Nature of Science
  • Scientific method, measurement, lab safety
• Unit #2: Structure & Properties of Matter
  • Atoms, elements, periodic table, solids/liquids/gases
• Unit #3: Energy & Energy Transformations
  • Forms of energy, conservation, thermal physics 
• Unit #4: Waves, Sound, & Light
  • Mechanical and electromagnetic waves, wave interactions
• Unit #5: Motion & Forces
  • Speed, acceleration, Newton’s Law, circuits, magnetism

SCIENCE GRADING 

• Assessments ⟶ 50%
• Projects, Classwork, & Independent Work ⟶ 20%
• Labs ⟶ 10%
• Notes ⟶ 10%
• Participation ⟶ 10%