About the Teachers:
Mrs. Nichols: I have been a Social Studies teacher for the Bayonne Board of Education for 20 years and 19 of those years have been here at MJD! I received my Bachelors degree in Secondary Education and History from Seton Hall University and my Masters in Administration and Supervision from New Jersey City University.
Mr. Morel: I was educated by the Bayonne Public School system, and I am currently on my 9th year as a teacher of Science. For my undergraduate degree, I attended Montclair State University as a student/athlete (swimmer). I earned a Bachelors Degree in Biology. Furthermore, I attended New Jersey City University where I earned a Masters Degree in Education.
A letter to the parents:
On behalf of Mary J. Donohoe School and myself (Mr. Morel), I would like to welcome you and your family to another exciting academic year! My goal for your child is to make this year a fun and opportunity driven classroom for him/her to experience new endeavors. My students will be assisted and challenged academically in every way possible, in an effort to elevate their critical thinking skills, problem solving, and higher order thinking skills.
This classroom will be a friendly and comfortable environment, the likes of which will help students achieve the necessary goals for advancement and future education. However, we cannot do this all by ourselves. Therefore, I am asking for your full support and cooperation regarding any questions or concern that we may have about your child. Below you will find my classroom policies and expectations of every student in my class.
Supplies/Classroom Policy:
- Students are to come to class prepared:
- (1) 5 subject Spiral notebook, pencil, pen, eraser, and textbook.
- There is absolutely no food, drinks, cell phones, and/or headphones allowed in my classroom. (Unless told otherwise)
- Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
- Treat everyone and their property respectfully.
Homework Policy: Student’s Responsibilities:
- To understand all homework assignments by listening to directions, asking questions when something is unclear, and reading directions
- To gather all materials necessary to complete assignments before leaving the classroom
- To complete all assignments to the best of his/her ability
- To return materials and assignments on time
- To make up any missed homework that the teacher requires
Grade Distribution: All tests weigh 65% of the overall grade. Labs will be 20%, and homework/class participation is 10%, and district assessments are 5%.
Science Fair: Students are expected to complete a science fair project. This project allows students to research and reproduce an experiment of their liking. This is a major grade and must be completed by all students. (Information will follow in late September).
- Attendance Policy: Students must adhere to the attendance policy arriving at school no later than 8:40am. *NOTE: For every 3 days late, a detention will be issued.
I look forward to working with your child. I am confident that with your help, he/she will exceed academic expectations and will have a positive attitude about school and their education.
Sincerely,
Mr. Morel
Science Teacher
Mary J. Donohoe School
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Social Studies Grades 7 & 8 Social Studies Mrs. Nichols
Class Guidelines
Class Objectives: Students will learn key events in World History while engaging in various learning styles. I will provide an environment where students can learn World History in an interactive way so their interest in the subject is piqued with a yearning to learn more.
What I Expect: I expect all students to be respectful of one another and conduct themselves in a proper manner. I want to foster an environment where all students can feel comfortable to work alone, in a group, and to express their opinion. Furthermore I expect all students to come to class fully prepared with their supplies to work and learn. Plus, students should have a novel with them in class to read in case they finish their work early. If a student is unprepared for class, points will be deducted from their class participation grade.
Homework: While written homework is not given every night, students are expected to keep up with the readings and notes and this will be monitored through daily mini quizzes. All reports and projects must be computer generated and handed in on time. Five points will be deducted for every day an assignment is late.
Grades: Student grades will be based on a variety of assessments:
Summative (tests, projects, essays etc.) 55%
Formative (quizzes, short essays, notebook, homework, classwork etc.) 40%
District Assessment 5%
Students are expected to maintain an Interactive Notebook. Notebooks are to be decorated, assignments are to be completed, and notes must be taken neatly. Notebooks will be collected periodically and given a grade.
Students in grade 8 are expected to complete a project for National History Day. This project allows students to act as an historian while researching and presenting a topic of their choice. (Information to follow in October)
Supplies: A one-subject notebook, mini stapler, and a blue or black pen.
Attendance: Please make sure you follow the district attendance policy and arrive at 8:40. For every three days late, a detention will be issued.
I am looking forward to a fun and exciting New Year!!
Student of the month:
Mr. Morel's Class:
Mr. Nichols' Class:
* We are extremely happy to announce that our district is going green! Moving forward please check Digital Backpack (live link) for any flyers, forms, school calendars, etc, that we may upload. Thank you for your cooperation!
Upcoming events for September
Special Subjects
Mr. Morel's Class
Monday: Phys. Ed.
Tuesday: Technology
Wednesday: Phys. Ed.
Thursday: Art
Friday: Technology
Mrs. Nichols's Class
Monday: Art
Tuesday: Phys. Ed.
Wednesday: Technology
Thursday: Technology
Friday: Phys. Ed.
Science
*NOTE*: ALTHOUGH "PHYSICAL HOMEWORK" MAY NOT BE GIVEN EVERYDAY, STUDENTS MUST & SHOULD BE STUDYING NOTES EVERY NIGHT.
7th Grade:
Module J - Chemistry
8th Grade:
Module D - The Diversity of Living Things
Social Studies (World History)
Supplies: notebook, stapler, pen
Students in grade 7 will learn early ancient history including: Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, Greece, and Rome.
Students in grade 8 will continue on their World History journey beginning with the Middle Ages in both Europe and Asia, and ending with modern times during the Renaissance and the beginning of exploration.
Grade 7: Chapter 1
Early Humans
Grade 8:
Fall of Rome / Medieval Times