th Grade Pre-Algebra

From: Claudia Pruitt To: [email protected] Subject: Back to School Welcome Package for 7th Grade Pre-Algebra at Millennial Tech Middle School Date: Friday, September 07, 2012 10:18:18 PM Attachments: Back-to-School-Packet-Letter-Standards-Syllabus-Parent Questionnaire.pdf Importance: High
Dear Parents, My name is Ms. Pruitt and I am the assigned teacher for your child’s 7th Grade Pre-Algebra Class at Millennial Tech Middle School. Although on your child’s schedule says Mr. Yoshida, I have been assigned to take over the class for the 2012-2013 academic year. My hope is that we—teacher, parents, and students—can work together as a team to give each student the best possible year. I will present the necessary tools and guidance for students to be successful, the students must put forth their best effort both at school and at home, and the parents will encourage their students along the way. It is also really important that there is communication between you at home and myself at school. Each student will have an agenda during the first week of school, which must remain with the student every day, in every class. It is each student’s responsibility to write their daily assignments in their agenda each day and get it signed by a parent each night. This lets me know that you are aware of what is going on in my class, and it is also a way for you to communicate with me, as you can write in the comments section at the bottom of the agendas. Please also feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns. My direct phone/voice mail number is (858) 314-8250, and my email address is: [email protected]. If you have access to the internet you may also check the class’ website for pacing guide, homework, links, etc. at: http://mspruitt.weebly.com/. The attachment is a 13-page PDF document that includes:
1. Letter of introduction 2. 7th Grade Mathematics Content Standards 3. Syllabus 4. Instructions to fill out an online Parent Questionnaire. Here is the link to the
questionnaire: http://mspruitt.weebly.com/parent-questionnaire.html 5. Paper version of the Parent Questionnaire.
In an effort to save paper, I only printed the syllabus which your child will give you at the latest on Monday September 10. With your child, please read and sign this packet and send it to school with your child no later than Friday September 14 in his/her binder. I will be checking student binders for signed syllabus. Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to working with you this year! Sincerely, Claudia A. Pruitt, M.Ed. 7th Grade Prealgebra Teacher
www.mtechmiddle.org (619) 527-6933
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome back! I hope that everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing break and
is eager to begin a wonderful new year of challenges, hard work, and rewards! This
year I hope to provide a fresh and rewarding experience in learning for each and every
student in my classes. I will do my best to provide curriculum that is challenging, yet
interesting and engaging, so that students are not only pushed to achieve their fullest
potential, but likewise, enjoy the process of learning.
My hope is that we—teacher, parents, and students—can work together as a
team to give each student the best possible year. I will present the necessary tools and
guidance for students to be successful, the students must put forth their best effort both
at school and at home, and the parents will encourage their students along the way. It
is also really important that there is communication between you at home and myself
at school. Each student will be given an agenda during the first week of school, which
must remain with the student every day, in every class. It is each student’s
responsibility to write their daily assignments in their agenda each day and get it
signed by a parent each night. This lets me know that you are aware of what is going
on in my class, and it is also a way for you to communicate with me, as you can write
in the comments section at the bottom of the agendas. Please also feel free to contact
me at any time with any questions or concerns. My direct phone/voice mail number is
(858) 314-8250, and my email address is: [email protected]. If you have
access to the internet you may also check my teacher website for pacing guide,
homework, etc. at: http://mspruitt.weebly.com/.
Accompanying this letter is a behavior contract, syllabus, and content standards
to inform you of the rules, procedures, and content in my class. In addition I have
attached instructions to fill out an online parent survey. With your child, please read
and sign this packet and send it to school with your child on Monday 9/10/12 in their
binder. I look forward to working with you this year!
Sincerely,
Number Sense
1.0 Students know the properties of, and compute with, rational numbers expressed in a variety of
forms.
2.0 Students use exponents, powers, and roots and use exponents in working with fractions.
Algebra and Functions
inequalities, and graphs.
2.0 Students interpret and evaluate expressions involving integer powers and simple roots.
3.0 Students graph and interpret linear and some nonlinear functions.
4.0 Students solve simple linear equations and inequalities over the rational numbers.
Measurement and Geometry
1.0 Students choose appropriate units of measure and use ratios to convert within and between
measurement systems to solve problems.
2.0 Students compute the perimeter, area, and volume of common geometric objects and use the results
to find measures of less common objects. They know how perimeter, area, and volume are affected by
changes of scale.
3.0 Students know the Pythagorean theorem and deepen their understanding of plane and solid
geometric shapes by constructing figures that meet given conditions and by identifying attributes of
figures.
Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
1.0 Students collect, organize, and represent data sets that have one or more variables and identify
relationships among variables within a data set by hand and through the use of an electronic spreadsheet
software program.
Mathematical Reasoning
2.0 Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions.
3.0 Students determine a solution is complete and move beyond a particular problem by generalizing to
other situations.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://mspruitt.weebly.com/
MISSION FOR THE CLASS:
To build a community of students who embrace the process of learning…who are eager to learn,
enjoy the act of learning, and feel success for what they have learned.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to enable students to understand the California
Mathematics Content Standards in Pre Algebra that lay down a solid foundation in preparation for
Algebra, as well as providing substantial skills that are needed to pass the California High School
Exit Exam. You will learn:
Algebraic Expressions and Integers
Factors, Fractions, and Exponents
Area and the Pythagorean Theorem
Linear Functions and Graphing
Transformations
involves doing mathematics. Students need to participate in learning activities because
these are ways that you, as a student, learn. There are many ways of participation;
classroom attendance is the beginning. Asking questions in class, coming to office hours
to ask questions, participating in class activities, getting together in a study group, and
consulting with other teachers or tutors are all ways you can help further your
understanding. Ultimately, the best participation is whatever it takes for you to take the
ideas and concepts in the class and be able to create your own understanding.
HALL PASS: Students will be allowed only ONE hall pass per day and they include bathroom and
water breaks. Passes will not be granted during the first and the last 10 min of class. Hall passes will
be recorded in the MTM Agenda and will be signed off by the teacher. Exceptions will be made only
for students with medical conditions and emergencies.
MATERIALS: These are the recommended materials that you will need this year for my class.
__ Backpack
__ Erasers
MTM AGENDA: It is your responsibility to write your daily assignments in your agenda each day
and get it signed by a parent/guardian each night. This lets me know your parents/guardians are
aware of what is going on in my class and can assist you in completing homework. It is also a way
for your parents/guardians to communicate with me, by writing in the comments section at the
bottom of each page. I will check your agenda for written assignments and parent/guardian
signatures during random agenda checks.
ATTENDANCE: Your attendance is expected. If you are tardy: you can be tardy two times
before receiving a parent phone call for each tardy following your first two tardies. If you are
absent: exams, quizzes, homework, and in-class assignments that are completed late because of
unexcused absences or irresponsibility (forgetting to do homework) will not receive full credit. Late
work and make-up tests will only be given full credit for excused absences. When you miss a class, it
is your responsibility to check the homework calendar and pick up any homework sheets from the
“Absent Work” bin. You can check the class’ website for the assignment list. You may also call a
“homework buddy” to find out what you missed at school that day.
My Homework Buddies are:
o Classroom Assignments………………………………..….….10%
- Notes
o Assessments……………………………………………………50%
- Unit Tests 40%
- Quizzes/Informal Assessments 10%
- Online math programs
- Homework
GRADING SCALE: The percentage scale below will be used to determine your progress report and
quarter report ACADEMIC grades. Your academic grade will consist of classroom assignments,
assessments, homework, and learning programs. Your assignments will be graded using a point
system. For each assignment, the number of points you receive out of a total possible number of
points will determine a percentage correct. You can match the percentage (in the scale below) with
the letter or number grade to see at what level you are producing assignments.
A+ 100 - 97 B+ 89 - 87 C+ 79 - 77 D 69-60
A 96 - 93 B 86 - 83 C 76 - 73 F 59 and below
A- 92 - 90 B- 82 -80 C- 72 - 70
You will also receive a RESPONSIBILITY grade, which will include homework completion,
citizenship, attendance, and participation in class.
TESTING: An A grade is reserved for those who receive an A the first time around on testing. An F
or D is only assigned if a student does not take the option to redo work that receives a D or F grade.
We learn from our mistakes and this includes low scoring tests. In order for a student to retake a test
they must spend at least an hour in an assistive help program. The majority of students receive a
lower score the second time around unless they receive additional learning opportunities.
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EXTRA CREDIT: is a privilege not a right. There will be several opportunities available during the
semester to earn extra credit. I suggest that these opportunities be utilized, extra credit will not be
offered at the end of the grading period.
CITIZENSHIP GRADING RUBRIC: You are required to follow the MTM Way, school wide
rules, and classroom procedures at all times. Your actions determine your citizenship grade.
Breaking a rule, policy, or procedure has consequences. Remember, it is all about RESPECT,
HONESTY, and COMMUNICATION. If you give respect, then you’ll get respect.
MTM Way:
Start each day on time
Presentation is everything; therefore, dress for success in our school uniform
Exercise positive behavior at all times
Comply with all Millennial Expectations.
Talk using appropriate language.
EXPECTATIONS: Shows a high level of self-control
Always on time to class
Talks appropriately in class, at appropriate times
Stays on task consistently
Turns in coursework and assignments on time
Advocates respect for self and all others on campus
Advocates respect for school property
Demonstrates the MTM Way of Respect, Kindness, and Excellence
Always prepared for class with appropriate materials and supplies
Always dressed for Success in the MTM uniform
Shows a good degree of self-control
Usually on time to class (warning)
Talks appropriately in class most of the time, and at appropriate times
Stays on task most of the time
Uses electronic devices and the internet appropriately
Often turns in coursework and assignments on time (only 1 late assignment)
Respects school property
Attempts to make up standards
Usually dressed for success in the MTM uniform (1 warning for non-compliance)
Shows a limited degree of self-control
Frequently late to class (3 unexcused Tardies)
Talks inappropriately, and/or at the wrong time
Displays off-task behavior, needs teacher intervention
Uses inappropriate or disrespectful language (2
nd offense)
Breach of Academic Honesty Policy
Does not attend Mandatory Academic Support Sessions
Truancy (1 st offense)
Often turns in coursework and assignments late (more than three times/grading period)
Damages school property
Engages in negative behavior
NUT-FREE ZONE: To accommodate those with nuts allergies, absolutely no nuts or
nut products are allowed in this class. Due to the potential of severe allergic reactions,
which include death, a person bringing tree-nut or tree-nut products into class may have a
spectrum of consequences which range from leaving the classroom for the day to earning
a failing grade in the course. Peanut allergies are this serious.
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TEACHER COMMITMENT
As an educator I will abide by my own expectations and the expectations from my students and their
community. In order to manage an effective classroom I am committed to:
1. Maintain a professional demeanor with students.
2. Set rules clearly and concisely.
3. Be genuine, decisive, and direct when talking with students.
4. Create a safe learning environment for my students.
5. Build rapport with parents.
6. Be organized and prepared for class.
7. Create flexible lesson plans with activities that meet the needs of all learners.
8. Keep high expectations from my students.
9. Get to know students.
10. Be creative and engaging.
11. Be consistent.
13. Be a role model for my students.
BEHAVIOR FOR SUCCESS! As a Prealgebra student in Ms. Pruitt’s Classroom B16 you will:
1. RESPECT YOURSELF and OTHERS. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings
of the classroom.
2. Enter the classroom quietly and orderly. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Come prepared to class. Make sure you bring your notebook, writing utensils, and
MTM agenda to class every day.
4. Raise your hand for permission to talk or leave your seat.
Remember—the teacher, not the bell, dismisses the class.
5. Observe all school rules.
6. Turn cell phones OFF (not “silent”) and put them away (not visible).
7. Absolutely no grooming or junk food in class (water is OK)
8. Complete ALL assignments.
9. 100% attendance.
10. Be safe. Be responsible. Be respectful. Be ready to learn.
GOOD BEHAVIOR: Lucky Squares Lottery – During class, I will recognize those students who
follow the rules, participate in class, and work diligently, by giving them a small square of
construction paper, on which they will write their name and put it into a bucket at the end of class.
Every Friday, we will have a lottery—squares will be picked from the bucket and those students
whose names are picked will receive a reward/prize for their awesome behavior.
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IF YOU CHOOSE TO MISBEHAVE…
…I will take these steps:
1. Rules Are Taught (Reminders)
2. Warning: verbal from teacher
3. Time out: In designated area assigned by teacher. Student-teacher conference occurs
at this time in order to help correct negative behavior. In addition, student must
complete a Behavior Reflection assignment and will be signed by teacher, student,
and parent.
4. Teacher Referral to fill out and keep in student file.
5. Phone call home
6. Conduct Referral to Counselor (i.e. parent conference)
7. Conduct Referral to Administrator (i.e. suspension, parent sits in class with student,
all teachers conference)
8. Conduct Referral to Administrator (i.e. reduced day, expulsion)
BULLYING-FREE ZONE: This classroom is a safe learning space and here we
honor cultural and individual diversity. There is a zero tolerance for bullying.
Breaking this rule will result in immediate Conduct Referral to Administrator.
I will keep a log of all students by name and will enter any of the mentioned actions
taken on any given day for that student. If it gets to the point where a parent-teacher
conference is needed, I will have the documentation to provide the parents with
showing what I have tried to do to correct the student behavior.
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PARENT COMMITMENT
Parents and families please understand the importance of your involvement. I ask for your
commitment to the following responsibilities:
1. Insure Your Child's Daily Regular Attendance. Children who do not go to school do not learn.
2. Reinforce Your Child's Respect for Peers, Teachers, School Environment and Herself and Himself. Children
who have a healthy respect for people and our world are more open to a learning experience.
3. Know the System. By regularly attending school meetings you will have the knowledge and understanding
of what is happening at our school which affects the parent-child-school relationship.
4. Communicate with Teacher. Please contact me with any issues or information you have about your child's
prealgebra needs. Remember, I am here to help your child be successful!
Please read this behavior contract and sign the last page, as it will serve as a behavior
contract for this school year in my classroom.
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I have read the behavior contract and class syllabus, I shared it with my parents, and I fully
understand my responsibilities for the year.
_______________________________ ______________________________
(Student’s Printed Name) (Student’s Signature)
I have read the behavior contract and class syllabus for my child’s class and understand and accept
_______________________________ ______________________________
Ms. Pruitt, M.Ed. .
http://mspruitt.weebly.com/
This is how the questionnaire will appear on your screen:
What is the purpose of this online questionnaire? The purpose of this questionnaire is to establish
communication between you (parent/guardian) and me (teacher). Your answers will help your child
and me register the strengths you see in your child as a learner. I will use this information to create an
individual learning record and create lessons that connect his/her lifelong interests, talents, and
ambitions to achievement in school.
Who completes the online questionnaire? Parent/ guardians of all my Pre-Algebra students.
How do I complete the online questionnaire? You can access the questionnaire online:
http://mspruitt.weebly.com/parent-survey.html. If you do not have internet access you can turn in the
paper version questionnaire provided in the packet.
When is it due? Please turn in the completed questionnaire either online or on paper by Friday
September 14 th
. If you are completing the paper version please send it with your child or feel free to
stop by my classroom (room B16) during my preparation periods 3 and 5.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Ms. Pruitt
Enter the period number
Parent or Guardian First Name Parent or Guardian Last Name
1. What do you see as the student's strengths, interests, and goals?
2. Does the student read newspapers, magazines, or books at home?
3. Does he/she write at home-letters, poetry, diary, or journal entries?
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4. What is the student interested in reading or writing about?
5. Does he/she like to talk about what has been read or written? If the student knows a language
other than English, how does he/she use that language?
6. What changes have you noticed over the past year in the student's use of language, either
written or oral?
7. What does the student do that makes you proud? Also, what hopes do you have for your
child?

Documents

th Grade Pre-Algebra