•  Students and parents,
     
         Welcome to the McGinnis community.  My name is Mr. Kricks and I am currently a 6th grade science teacher here at McGinnis Middle School.  I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to my classroom.  I am a graduate of Montclair State University and have a degree in geoscience. I had the pleasure of teaching in Perth Amboy at McGinnis from 2003 till 2018.  I then joined the educational community at Shull 5 years ago.  I am now privileged to be back at McGinnis for the upcoming school year. I look forward to working with both students and parents alike. You can contact me at the following email address: erickricks@paps.net.   
     
    Students, please visit Google Classroom to see what assignments we are completing and when they are due in the upcoming weeks and months ahead.  Students make sure to check your schedule so you are aware of where you will be going for homeroom for the first few days of school this year. Please attempt to be on time for class every day. Have your laptop fully charged and sign into our Google Classroom.  Turn in your assignments on time and your grades will be posted to the portal, so check that as well.  If you have questions, post comments on your assignments or email me.
     
    Regards,
     
    Mr. Kricks
     
     

     


        

        We are piloting a new science program in sixth grade this year.  A majority of what we will be studying will fit within the topics listed below. There are four main areas of study this year. First is intro to physical science.  Second is Earth's interior, surface features, and changes of both over time. The third area of study is water, weather, and climate.  Lastly, we study astronomy, topics of which range from the Earth's place in the universe to its relationship with the moon and sun. These topics will be further explained in a course syllabus that you receive during the back-to-school night. Our focus will be to get your child to observe, investigate, and explain phenomena.  Please follow your child's Google classroom account in the future for all posted assignments as well as using the parent portal.  These are the most efficient ways to keep track of what work is given and when it is due. I am looking forward to the upcoming school year.

    The course grading policy is as follows

    Labs/Projects/Classwork(5% HW included here): 40%

    Formal and Informal Assessments: 60%  ......please note that some labs or projects will be placed in this grading category*

    Our classroom rules are as follows:


    1. Be on time
    2. Be prepared
    3. Show respect:

      For yourself: show up on time and be focused, be present, and complete assignments

     For other people: don’t touch them, distract them, or tease them.

      For the building: do not damage, steal, or deface property (especially your district supplied Chromebooks)


    If you can follow these rules, I guarantee you will have a successful year.

     

     


    Regards,


    Mr. Kricks