Dear Students, Welcome to Pre-Algebra Math Class. I hope you are eager to learn how to think, write, and talk like a mathematician. This the year, we will be exploring topics such as data and statistics, decimals, equations, exponents, fractions, integers, patterns, percents, probability, proportions, and ratios. Please be aware of the following; Daily Required Materials: • Lined Paper (3-hole punched) • Student Planner • Binder/Blue Math Folder • No. 2 Pencil (or black/blue pen) • Homework (completed) • Questions • Independent Reading Book • At home you may want to have on hand colored pencils, ruler, calculator, paper, and pencil. Homework: • Always include your name, period and name of assignment (e.g. “page 46”) • Pick up corrected homework regularly • Read comments • Ask questions about anything that is not clear • Check to see that it is recorded correctly Classroom Expectations - The Washington Way • Be ready to learn (Allow your teacher to teach and your classmates to learn) • Be Responsible (Come prepared and follow instructions) • Be Respectful (of others, yourself, the school, materials, etc.) Consequences: “3 Strikes” rule for minor infractions (Major infractions skip steps 1 and 2) • Strike 1: Visual or verbal warning • Strike 2: Fix-it Plan • Strike 3: Meeting with behavior specialist
Items not allowed in class include pop, juice, sports drinks, food, and permanent markers. Teachers have the right to confiscate any disruptive material, such as electronics.
Tardy/Truant Policy
Students will be in their seats when the bell rings. Upon one unexcused tardy students will receive a phone call home and a lunch detention the next day. The bell does not dismiss class; the teacher does. Materials must be put away and students must be seated. Teachers may keep the class or individual students after the bell. Excessive tardies will result in further action.
Pass Policies
Teachers will use a house pass. Students receive 2 passes per month per class, per teacher discretion. Passes will not be issued during the first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes of class. If you need to leave your house area for a reason other than the bathroom or a drink, then you need to use your planner. End of Class: • The bell does not dismiss class; I do. • I do not dismiss until all students are seated and all materials are returned. Grading:
Grades in math are designed to reflect a student’s mastery of skills and knowledge expected of 7th graders as defined in Minnesota state standards (http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/index.html).
Students will be given opportunities to demonstrate those skills and that knowledge on tests, quizzes, and projects. 80% of the student’s grade will be based on the student’s progress toward standards based learning goals on unit tests. 20% of the grade is based on Math Review Quizzes. Homework will be collected and graded, however, it will not go towards the grade calculation. Students will be provided with rubrics that will let them know what the expectations are for each of the scores outlined below.
Proficiency Level
Score Entered into CAMPUS Grade book
What the word/score means
Exceeds proficiency (Exceeds standards based learning goal)
4 (A+, A, A-)
Student work goes above and beyond the criteria for meeting the learning goal.
Proficient (Meets standards based learning goal)
3 (B+, B, B-)
Student work meets the learning goal. It is proficient work that demonstrates the essential skills and knowledge of the learning goal.
Close to Proficient (Does not meet standards based learning goal, but is making progress)
2 (C+, C, C-)
Student work demonstrates progress toward the learning goal and is close to demonstrating proficiency.
Beginning (Does not meet standards based learning goal)
1 (D+, D, D-)
Student work demonstrates minimal progress toward meeting the learning goal.
Needs More Time
0 (N)
Student has shown insufficient evidence to gauge progress toward the learning goal.
Class Participation
Class participation is expected for all students. Participation is defined as completion of all learning activities, including class assignments, Cornell notes, CCC Lab, discussions, and homework assignments. Students not completing learning activities in a timely fashion will be recommended to our daily ZAP (Zeros are not permitted) Program.
Communication is very important to me. I feel students’ success directly correlates to the communication I have and the involvement of the parent(s). A good learning experience is built on cooperative effort among parent, child, and teacher. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions and addressing concerns. If your child has questions regarding the math work, I am available before or after school. If you have any questions or concerns this semester, please feel free to contact me at 651-744-1472 or e-mail me at tara.brash@spps.org.
Holt Textbook Website:
Offers homework help, glossary, chapter openers, videos, games, etc.
• http://go.hrw.com/gopages/ma/msm3.html
Parent Portal: Follow Student’s Progress and Grades
Please make sure you are always aware of grades in all classes. Parents and students can do this through Parent Portal at https://ereport.spps.org/campus/portal/stpaul.jsp. Report cards are sent out 2 times a quarter. Please contact teachers with any questions.
Helpful Math Websites:
Sites that assist with homework questions:
• Free St. Paul Tutors online/center
www.sppl.org/homework
• Math Goodies
www.mathgoodies.com/
• Dr. Math
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/dr-math.html
Math Game/Manipulatives Websites:
Put your Math Skills to the test. Enjoy the following Math Game Websites:
• Internet Interactive Math Multiplication Games
www.multiplication.com/interactive_games.htm
• King's List of On-line Math Activities
http://www.tutornext.com/help/kings-list-of-on-line-math-activities
• Coolmath.com
www.coolmath.com
• National Library of Virtual Manipulative
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html