Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.
- How do I contact you?
- What is the textbook?
- How will I be graded?
- I've heard that you also have skills tests. What are these?
- What if I need extra help?
- Can I do extra credit?
How do I contact you?
At school: 898-6388 ext. 131, voicemail 706
At home: 620-1115
On-line:
1.) klest@bosqueschool.org (This is the best way to reach me!)
2.) www.bosqueschool.org (Go to faculty link)
What is the textbook?
7th Grade Math (and Advanced 6th Grade Math) use McDougal Littell's
Passport to Algebra and Geometry. You will be given a book to keep at home,
and there will be classroom copies available during class time. The book is
also available on-line. Follow the Passport Homepage link to register your book.
8th Grade Math uses The Connected Mathematics series, which is divided into
units. Each unit is published as an individual paperback book. These are NOT
workbooks. They should not be written in and should be kept in a binder to
preserve them for upcoming classes.
8th Grade Algebra (and Advanced 7th Grade Math) use Glencoe’s Algebra 1. You
will be given a book to keep at home, and there will be classroom copies
available during class time. The book is also available on-line.
All texts were purchased with state textbook money, and must be returned at
the end of the school year or your parents will be charged replacement costs.
How will I be graded?
Quizzes (20-30 points)
Tests (30-60 points)
Homework is assigned 2 - 4 times a week and assignments are posted on the
bosque web sites under the faculty link. It will be graded by the teacher as
follows:
1.) All correct and on time: 6 points
2.) At least 80% correct: 5 points
4.) Less than 80% correct: 3 points (It will be listed as a "redo" until
it is corrected, at which time you will receive 5 points.)
5.) Missing assignments: 0 points
Notebook Check (30 - 50 points) Notebooks will be checked at the end of each
unit. Class work, homework, and class notes for each unit must be present in
the correct section of the notebook, but not in any particular order. Each
assignment is worth 2 points. At the start of each unit, you will get a
notebook checklist. It is your responsibility to make sure that all
assignments are recorded. I will not grade a notebook without a properly
filled out checklist. Algebra students WILL NOT have notebook grades.
Final Grade will be computed by dividing the total number of points received
by the total number of points possible and converting this to a percent score.
I will periodically give out grade reports with missing/redo assignments
listed so that you know where you stand before the end of the term. You will
have one week from the day the reports are handed out to turn in any
assignment on the list, or the current grade will stand.
I've heard that you also have skills tests. What are these?
Arithmetic skills will be practiced each week during our full block class,
except for weeks when we have tests. 7th & 8th grade full blocks will begin
with a one-minute multiplication facts test. All classes will be given a
weekly test on a different arithmetic skill. If you are 100% correct or only
miss one, you will pass the skill. If you do not, you will need to retake the
test the following week, until you do pass. If you would like additional
practice worksheets for a skill, let me know. Skills tests are not part of the
midterm or semester grades.
What if I need extra help?
You should be prepared for class with the proper materials and all homework
problems attempted. If you need extra help with homework, please call or
e-mail me with questions BEFORE the assignment is due. You may
also seek help from classmates. I am glad to work with you at lunch, activity
block, or after school. Please ask me at least a day ahead of time if you
would like me to stay after school.
Can I do extra credit?
Students may complete an extra credit project twice a year. A well done
project will add 10 points to your point total. There is no partial credit.
There is a project posted on my web page under handouts that involves researching
a famous mathematician, writing a paper and creating a product about the
person. (See general handouts for detailed instructions.)
There may be other opportunities for extra credit, such as attending First
Friday Fractals at the Natural History Museum and writing about your experience.