Hello and Welcome!

Am I very excited to be starting the 2021/22 school year "in-person" with students! The first day of school is Thursday, August 12th. School starts at 8:40 am and ends at 3:10 pm. 
Please use this link to access my Google Classroom page for block 1 - https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzc1NTI0MDc5NjM5?cjc=3fb4vy7  - Google Classroom page for block 2 - https://classroom.google.com/c/Mzc1NTI0MTA2NDU5?cjc=uyy5grc
You can find the suggested materials page here and numerous informational links for accessing websites and online curriculum that we will be using throughout the school year. The "schoolwork" tab includes all the informational links.
I will be going over all specific/suggested materials for my class with students on the first day of school. So please do not stress over needing to shop for all your school materials before school starts. One specific recommendation if you do shop for school supplies early, is a 3-ring binder that is "at least 3 inches thick" with index/subject dividers. We recommend this thickness because this binder will be used for both blocks/classes - Mr. Pitchford and Mrs. Berry. Lined binder paper, pens (red and black/blue) and pencils are great to have as well.
We will continue using the Aeries online gradebook system. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on your child's progress. Please use it and access it often. In 8th grade, things move fast and your child's grade can change quickly when work is not completed/turned in. Parent Square within the Aeries system is a great tool for all school communication and staying "in the know". Information to access both these sites can be found on my Google classroom page.
There is also a classroom homework calendar located at the bottom of this page. It will detail daily happenings, updates, classwork/homework for my class. I encourage students and parents to use/check it daily and/or when needed. This is a great way for parents to check what is happening in class and/or what should be done by your student each day. Parents/students can also check this if the student planner did not get updated for the day's homework (we update/go over the planner/homework each morning in class). This will be a very important tool to help with students staying organized and avoiding procrastination habits. The block 1 calendar page will be the classwork/homework for both blocks 1 and 2 throughout the school year. The block 2 calendar/class page will be updated accordingly when different from the block 1 calendar/class curriculum.  I do try to keep both classes "in sync" with curriculum throughout the school year, but sometimes they may differ.
Scroll down the web page to view the class homework calendars.
​Please do not hesitate to reach me if you have any questions
The best way to reach me is by e-mail. rpitchford@pousd.org  I check e-mail several times per day during the school year. I will always try to get back to you the same day you email. 

Thank you for visiting and take care,
Mr. Pitchford

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