| Dear Students,
Welcome to sixth grade and to my Math class! I hope this summary gives you some idea of what
math class will be like. I know we will work hard together this year, but I also hope you find my class
fun and informative. Please let me know if you ever feel that you are falling behind or if there is
anything about Math class you think I should know. I am looking forward to a great school year
together!
My Goals
My main goal is to help you understand the math topics we study, rather than just focus on
memorizing procedures. Sometimes you will use physical objects to help you see why certain rules
and procedures work the way they do. You will keep a Math Notebook to creatively and colorfully
summarize rules and procedures in order to help you understand them better. You will often be
asked to present your ideas and thinking in small groups or at the Smart Board. This will help you
practice explaining your thought processes. You will also be expected to write about your problem-
solving strategies and solutions to help you prepare for success on the open-response sections of
the Grade 6 Math MCAS.
Class Preparation and Supplies
To be properly prepared for class you need to bring to class each day the following materials: your
homework, your math textbook, your agenda book, a spiral bound notebook used only for Math
notes, a 2-pocket folder used only for Math papers, and 2 sharpened pencils with erasers. If you are
consistently unprepared for class you will receive a low effort grade.
Textbook
You will use a Prentice Hall Mathematics Textbook (Course 1). There is an online version of the text
accessible from home if you have Internet access. Instructions for access and log-in will be provided
shortly after the start of the school year. Textbooks must be kept covered. (If you use a stretch style
cover please be sure it is large enough to fit without putting any pressure on the book’s binding. You
will be charged for a new book at the end of the year if there is any damage to the binding or corners
of the book due to an ill-fitting or missing book cover.)
Homework
You should expect homework in Math every night. This will usually be problems assigned from the
text in order to practice what was learned in class that day or active reading to preview the next day's
lesson. Homework assignments should be completed on lined paper using pencil only. Your
homework will be checked each day for completeness, neatness, and proper format (date,
assignment page number, and problem numbers). If you do not have a completed homework
assignment on the day it is due you will receive a zero for that assignment. To avoid the zero, you
will need a note from home or a parent signature on the homework page if you are not able to
complete your homework due to illness, emergencies, or confusion. Remember that homework
counts for 15% of your term grade so completing homework every day is a good way to help your
grade!
Tests and Grades
You will write test and quiz dates in advance in your agenda book so you can begin to study at least
3 or 4 days before the day of a test. Grades will be based on quizzes (30%) and tests (40%), written
solutions to open-ended problems (15%), and homework completeness showing good effort (15%).
Test and quiz grades below 70% will be sent home for your parents to review and sign. There is no
extra credit, so you should seek extra help during Advisory (or make arrangements for before or
after school assistance) if you feel you are not understanding the material.
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