Albany County School District One

Dear parents,

Welcome to the 2008-2009 academic year!

This is the first month that the Albany County School District is providing science Homework Calendars for use by teachers and your students.  These activities were created by teachers to provide meaningful and consistent science learning opportunities outside of the classroom.  Activities are designed to maximize children’s opportunities for success and to allow them some voice in determining the activities/assignments they do at home.  Teachers will decide if and how they want to use them and notify students of their expectations.  Parents – we know you have a busy schedule and we appreciate any time and help you can give your child to help them become proficient in science.  The activities on the calendars vary in time commitment and materials needed.  Hopefully there is something here that meets your needs.  Although a paper copy of the calendar gives the assignments, you are encouraged if possible to utilize the science calendar link found on the district website (http://www.acsd1.org/). These provide links to a variety of related science websites that will supplement or enrich the calendars and you child’s experience.  Many of the activities focus on the basic science process skills that are designed to scaffold by grade level.  Again thank you for your time.  Here are a few suggestions that might help in using the calendars.


Students – some things to think about:
•    Select the activities you are interested in.
•    What do you need to do?
•    Do you need help from an adult?
•    What materials do you need?
•    What did you learn from doing this activity?
•    Be sure and turn in the completed assignment if required.

For questions, comments, or suggestions contact Mark Stansbury, Science Coordinator, at mstansbury@acsd1.org