Welcome

Hello, my name is Mr. Raines.  This year, I will be teaching your child science and debate.  I’ve been a teacher with the Cambridge School for eight years.  I’ve taught math, science, art, Spanish, technology, and reading.  I’m weighing a high degree of flexibility, creativity, competence, and creativity to all of my lessons.  As a science teacher, I aspire to instill a passion and curiosity about the universe that will translate into the everyday life of your child.  For those of you who have never had a child in my class, I’m excited about the world that we will be opening and discovering together.

As your child’s debate teacher, I will teach them to think critically about everything from media to politics.  Then, I will teach them to build solid arguments as a way of building better agency in a world of conflicting influences.  So be prepared, allowance negotiations may be forthcoming.

Here are some “need- to- know” the items that will help you understand some of the daily routines and protocols in my classroom.

• ·         I will be giving a weekly assessment every Friday.  Barring emergencies, any changes to the schedule will be announced.
• ·         I post all of my grades on an online grade book.  The grades for your child can be viewed at www.engrade.com.  I have already sent home the username and password for your child.
• ·         I strive to have grades entered by the end of the day or over the weekend.
• ·         I like to give extra credit points for extracurricular studies.  This year, students can get extra points by completing small scale science experiments or by completing an independent research project.
• ·         I value communication, and as a Christian, esteem reconciliation.  So I require that students call me with any questions that they have with my assignments and that parents call me with questions about anything.  I can be reached at  773-727-9092 or e-mail araines@cambridgechicago.com.  I can also be messaged in Engrade. Do not worry about disturbing me.
• ·         I will communicate to you weekly through my online blog, The Dali (cambridgesas.blogspot.com). If you are not receiving this e-mail weekly, please let me know.
• I am looking forward to a partnership with my students and their parents this school year.  My door is always open, and so is my classroom.

In Service,

Mr. Raines