| |
Dear Students,
Welcome 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 this 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!
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 and to help you study
for tests. You will sometimes 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 to help you prepare for success on the
open-response sections of the 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. 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. NOTE: 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 because of 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).
Every student starts each term with a 100 as the homework grade for that term. If you do not have a
completed homework assignment on the day it is due, you will lose 5 points off your term homework
grade for that assignment. To avoid losing points if you cannot complete your homework due to
illness, emergencies, or confusion, you will need a note from home or a parent signature on the
homework page.
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. Term grades are 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 parents to review and sign.
THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT, so you should seek extra help during Advisory if you feel you are not
understanding the material. You should also use Advisory time to complete a make-up test once
you have mastered any material missed on a previous test or quiz. All make-ups must be completed
WITHIN TWO WEEKS of the original quiz or test.
|
|