Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy

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Welcome Scientists and Parents!

This year is sure to be filled with new experiences,
new friendships and lots of learning!

The LIFE SCIENCES, PHYSICAL SCIENCES and EARTH SCIENCES (which include Space) are the three main scientific disciplines that students will explore as they progress through the year. It is an INTEGRATED SCIENCE curriculum, which means the students will learn to make sense of the natural world and develop an understanding of how the different disciplines interact with each other.

ENGINEERING DESIGN is also integrated into our Science program, and places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving. Engineering as a form of project based learning, encompasses hands-on activity, inquiry, experimentation and other instructional practices that are proven to increase students’ interest, engagement and responsibility for learning.

In the Spring semester, all middle school students will complete at least one NJ State Practice Science Test to help prepare them for the NJSLA Grade 8 Science Exam.

Upon completion of middle school science, your child should have a deeper understanding of STEM interactions including...

• Physical and chemical interactions that affect the world around us;

• Factors that affect organism survival and reproduction;

• Factors that influence the Earth and our solar system; and

• How to optimize design solutions.

Thanks for visiting my website page,
Ms. Diane Warga-Arias (aka Ms. W)

A BIT ABOUT MY BACKGROUND
I have12 years teaching experience in what was (at the time) the largest elementary school district in NJ. I also served there in administration, as the Affirmative Action Officer. During COVID, I worked as a resource teacher (via Catapult) in five (5) Catholic Schools in NJ. Subsequently, I was offered full time teaching positions in two of the schools; I was honored to accept a teaching position with Mrs. Anne Reap and the TCPA Team of Professionals...for three school years. (2021-2024)

Regarding my own education, I not only earned a BA in Education, I also completed graduate studies/degrees from Columbia University, Rutgers University and the Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy, at the New School for Social Research.

BUSINESS BETWEEN TEACHING YEARS
I had my own business for 20+ years, serving as an Educationalist & Business Consultant in the fine jewelry and diamond industries….including a contract as the on-air diamond expert on HSN (Home Shopping Network). In 2020, my HSN contract ended due to COVID and I chose to return to the JOY OF TEACHING.

I was also happy to use my TV experience and global stage experience to help students develop their confidence and communication skills (on and off camera/stages) with a Drama Club. As a result, there were Spring performances (2022-2024) ... that provided memorable and fun experiences for all.

Please encourage your child/children to contact me if they have any interest to join this year’s Drama Club and participate in a stage production. Participating students will explore, develop, and/or showcase skills re: dancing, acting, back-stage coordination, set design, costumes/makeup ….and team-building.

Performing on stage builds students’ self-esteem and confidence!
Important SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER Dates

9/3 12:10 PM Early Dismissal
9/4 12:10 Early Dismissal
9/5 First Full Day of School
9/25 BACK TO SHOOL NIGHT 6:30 PM (6th-8th Grades only)
10/9 12:10 Early Dismissal
10/14 School Holiday - NO SCHOOL
10/25 Family Conferences
Grading

Grade Scale
Tests - 35%
LAB Classwork - 35%
Homework 15%
Independent STEM Stations - 15%
NOTE: All Science Lab assignments must be completed in the Science Lab. Any assignments not completed or missed due to an absence, may be completed (in the lab) on Thursdays after school 2:20-3:30. Parents must approve student participation and arrange for student’s transportation home (via email/note/text).
Numeric Grades
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F 60-69

Pass - Fail
Pass - 95
Fail - 65

Star-Check-Minus Grades
Star - 95
Check - 85
Minus - 78
Incomplete-Not Done - 65

O/S/U Grades
Outstanding - 95
Satisfactory - 85
Unsatisfactory/Missed - 65
Science Homework
- Students (and parents) can find all HOMEWORK Assignments in ONE LOCATION on Google Classroom. Just log into ONE CLASS.... "Science Homework".
- HOMEWORK IS ONLY ASSIGNED ON MONDAYS. Homework assignments are graded and are NOT accepted after the due date. If homework is missed due to an illness/absence, an extension may possibly be granted.
- Most homework assignments are due Monday night before 9pm, but sometimes they are due the following FRIDAY …after related Science Lab Activities.
Note: Students work in the Science LAB most Tuesdays through Thursdays. Any Lab Assignments not completed or missed due to an absence, may be completed (in the lab) on Thursdays after school 2:20-3:30.
Parents must approve students' participation in Lab Make-up Days & arrange students' transportation home.