SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
1840 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01109
Phone (413) 787-7085
Fax (413) 787-7040
springfieldcentral.com
Principals:
Dr. Kolajo Afolabi
Mr. Mike Chiarizio
Ms. Maria Goncalves
Mr. Travis Reed
Mr. Julius Walker
Mr. Keith Worthy
Dr. Thaddeus S. Tokarz, Principal
Dear Parents,
I hope this letter finds you well and your past summer was an exciting and fulfilling one for you. My
name is Mike Rafferty, and I will be your childs Biology teacher this year. This is my seventh year in the
Springfield Public Schools and second year at Springfield Central High. I have also been an assistant
wrestling coach for the past four years at Central. It is needless to say I am very excited to be here and look
forward to working closely with you and your children.
This year as you childs teacher, my goal is to make sure that your child is given the support needed
in their science class in order for them to be successful. Ultimately our goal is to learn the Biology
curriculum, pass the MCAS and most all have fun in science. One of the most important items that will be
given out to your child on the first day of school is their School Agenda Book. This book contains very
important information regarding important school policies and school phone numbers. It also contains a
school year calendar where students can write down their class homework. This will be the most important
aspect of the book for the purpose of this class. It will be expected that every student will have their agenda
book every day in class. When assignments are given they are to be recorded in their agenda books.
I am really looking forward to having a successful year with you and your child. If you have any
questions regarding anything, or any concerns I urge you to get in contact with me. I believe it is important
that we keep an open line of communication between us in order to realize the full potential of your child.
Best Regards,
Mr. Mike Rafferty
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.raffertycentral.weebly.com
Please sign and return 1 copy of this letter to acknowledge you have received this letter:
Parent Signature________________________________________ Date_____________
Biology
Mr. Rafferty
WebSite www.raffertycentral.weebly.com
Extra Help: is on Mondays in S252. During the winter Extra Help will be every
day in the Large Caf.
Course Description:
Biology: To teach the Biology Curriculum and prepare students for the
Biology MCAS exam. We will be covering the material needed to fully prepare
you for the MCAS exam in June of 2017. Some topics include: Similarities and differences among
living organisms, Homeostasis, Cellular Organelles, Genetics, Reproduction and Development,
Evolution, Ecology, Human Impact, Scientific Study, and Laboratory Skills.
Students are expected to:
1.
Be respectful to all classmates, teachers, and substitutes
2.
Follow laboratory safety rules
3.
Work cooperatively with their assigned partners
4.
Complete all homework and assigned labs by their due date
5.
Bring all necessary equipment EVERY DAY
a.
Pencil or Pen
b.
3 Ring Science Binder with 4 dividers (Notes, Homeworks, Unit Study Guides,
Quizes/Tests)
c.
Calculator
Grading
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Homework 10%
Quizzes 20%
Test 30%
Labs 10%
Classroom participation and behavior 10%
Daily Bell Quizzes 10%
