"Nothing will work unless you do."

-Maya Angelou

Mrs. M. Brickman

2008-2009 Math Classes

mbrickman@lz95.org

 (MY PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT IS VIA EMAIL!  IT IS CHECKED REGULARLY)

Below are many answers to the most common questions that Middle School students and parents have asked about Mathematics. Please read these over in order to help get this year off to a smooth start.

Daily Requirements:

1. Textbook

2. At least 2 sharpened pencils ( or mechanical with extra lead)

3. Large spiral for Math Notebook

4. ruler (cm and inches)

5. loose leaf notebook paper

6. pocket folder or binder for Math papers when handed back

7. red pen

8. calculator

9. glue stick

10. scissors

          Students are expected to actively listen, participate in class discussions, help other classmates, and serve as role models by demonstrating proper behavior and having positive attitudes.  This will ensure the success of every student in the classroom.

Classroom Procedures:

1. Be prepared, seated and ready to work when the bell rings (Have all necessary materials)

2. Raise your hand before talking

3. Conduct yourself in an appropriate manner to allow your learning and my teaching to take place

4. Have respect for yourself, others,  as well as the classroom materials

5. Class is over when you are dismissed by the teacher

6. No beverages, no gum, no cell phones, or electronic devices in class

7. Students will not be able to go back to their locker

Academic Dishonesty:

          Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in my classroom.  If a student is being dishonest, he/she will receive a zero for his/her work on that assignment, quiz, or test.

Quizzes:  account for 25% of your grade

• Short quizzes will be given several times each quarter. 

• If a student receives a grade lower than a C, he/she should meet with me to review.

• If a D or F is earned on a quiz I will ask that it be taken home and signed by a parent.

• The lowest quiz grade will be dropped for averaging at the end of the quarter.

• All quizzes and tests should be kept for future studying tools in preparing for cumulative tests.

Homework:  accounts for 25% of your grade

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR WORK COMPLETED ON TIME!

          This is daily work that is  expected to be completed outside of class. It is due the next school day unless another date is given. Completing homework is critical to your success in math courses. It will prepare you for the types of problems you will see on quizzes and tests.

• Homework will be assigned on a regular basis

• If a student has difficulty with a problem, he should explain in writing what he didn’t understand,   get a parent signature on the note, and see me the next day to arrange a help session

• Please write neatly and in pencil

• Papers must be set up as directed (examples have been provided-name, date, period, page number, section number) If not, it will result in having to be redone and earn a lower grade.

• The  original problem should be copied

• Work should be shown on every problem so I can see how each student is “thinking”

• Missing problems or lack of required work will result in an incomplete assignment

• Daily notes will be taken in a spiral notebook to use as a study tool and collected   for a quarterly grade.. 

• Assignments will be posted on the classroom board. These need to be written in your assignment book daily. Record upcoming tests and quizzes

• When absent please write the word ABSENT on the top of your paper and notes

Tests: accounts for 50% of your grade

• Tests will be assigned a few times each quarter. If a student receives a grade lower than a C, she/he should meet with me to review

• If a D or F is earned on a test I will ask that it be taken home and signed by a parent

Homework Policies

1. Students must have assignments on the date due. Students may not retrieve assignments from their locker once class has started.

2. Late daily work is graded and will receive only 20 points. One day for each absent day will be allowed. If not absent, late work will be 20 upon completion.

3. Major projects will lose 10% of their possible score for each day they are late.  Example: only   60% credit  will be  give after 4 days.

4. Academic Accountability Notices will be given when a student is unprepared with assignments.  If the late work is not finished and submitted before class the next day, your child must attend the detention as indicated on the school form.

If your child is consistently missing homework, I will call and or e-mail so that the student, parents, and teacher are all aware of the situation. Grades are based on daily homework, quizzes, tests, problem solving assignments, notebook check, and projects.

It is very important for a student to let me know if he/she is having trouble with the math concepts or skills we are working on in class.  It is usually easier for me to go over the assignment with the student than with someone who was not in class. Please encourage the student to see me to schedule some extra time. It is up to each student to keep track of any missing assignments as well as test and quiz grades. I have provided each student with a tracker to help them keep this data.

Absenteeism:

          When a student is absent from class, he/she misses the experience of developing their understanding by working on a problem and discussing key concepts and strategies.  It is important that students be in class, on time, and prepared everyday.

• Find a study buddy in class. Make sure to get all missed notes into your notebook.

• In case of illness- a student will get 1 day for every day he/she is absent to make up any missing assignments for full credit. 

• If a student misses a class due to band, building activity, or  a scheduled appointment- it is his/her responsibility to get the assignment that day and turn it in when it is due.  This is NOT considered an absence.

• If a student is absent the day of a quiz/test, he/she should schedule a make up for another time that week. Remember it is your responsibility not mine!

Extended Response Questions

          In order to express mathematical thinking and procedures, students must show their math knowledge through writing.  Students will be given math word problems and will need to show each step and describe their problem solving process and solution.  There will be   extended response questions per quarter.

7th GRADE

FOR HOMEWORK HELP, INCLUDING YOUR BOOK, GO TO:

(Students will be registering  for this the first few weeks of school.)

www.classzone.com

Resources include: the online book, practice problems, help with homework, Practice quizzes and tests, Parent help tips, Games and activities

8th GRADE

FOR HOMEWORK HELP, INCLUDING YOUR BOOK, GO TO:

www.pearsonsuccessnet.com

Students have registered at school to be able to use at home

Author: Mary Brickman
Webmaster: Jeff Platt
Sponsor: Nate Carter
Updated: 09/09/2008