Mathematics Level I

Dear Parents/Guardians,

How quickly this summer has come and gone and now it’s back to school. I am looking forward to meeting your child and helping them develop wonderful feelings about math. I’ve been teaching in Iredell Statesville Schools for almost 25 years and, yes,I still love it and can’t imagine doing anything else. I have high expectations for my students as I’m sure you do, too, and I know that together we can be sure of their success.

Course Description

Your child will cover the 6th and even some of the 7th grade state math curriculum in thisclass. However, much of the 6th grade topics will be review from last year.The state of North Carolina has five main goals as follows: 1- Number Sense,2- Measurement, 3- Geometry, 4- Data Analysis and Probability, and 5-Algebra. We will work on goals 1, 4, and 5 in this class. Additionally, Mr. Schiemer or Mrs. Martucci will cover Goals 2 and 3 in a semester Math in Context class.

Classroom Expectations/Procedures

Students are expected to have all necessary materials for class each day. This includes sharpened pencils, their math notebook loaded with paper, as well as their homework. I have found mechanical pencils to be a problem as children are constantly digging for lead.Math work not completed in pencil will be scored a 0.

Expectations also include having homework out on the desk for checking with all work shown. Homework is scored 100 or 0 depending on whether every problem is attempted and work is shown. It is an effort grade. Late home work is not accepted and will be scored 0. If a student is absent, no score will be marked. This means it counts neither for nor against the student. Homework is not beneficial to the student’s learning if it is not available when we go over it. All homework grades will be added and averaged for 1 homework grade each4 ½ weeks. We will check the work and go over any questions that arise. Students will then take a 5 question quiz on the homework that will count as a quiz grade. At this point, new learning will take place and homework assigned.

Basic Supply List

General Items needed for ALL classes:

o Loose leaf notebook paper for each binder

o Flash drive – 2 GB at least (used in all classes but will need during every computer class)

o Pencils

o Pens for checking-not blue or black

o Highlighters

o Index Cards

o Individual pencil sharpener with top to collect shavings

Specifically for Math Class:

o 1” binder

o 5 pocket subject dividers

TI-#34 Multiview Calculator This is not negotiable at all. Do NOT get your child any other calculator because this is the one I will be using in class for demonstration purposes. Calculators are complicated today and you need someone to show you how to make them “sing”. These calculators are available at Wal-mart or Staples for $19.99. You may be able to get one from a 7th grader since these are same ones we used last year and they have to get a much more expensive one.

Grading/Assessment Policy

Your child should expect 30 minutes of mathhomework every night. Student progress and achievement will be assessedregularly through daily assignments and assessment. A general grading scaleis as follows:

Tests and Projects- 50%, Quizzes- 30%, and Homework- 20%

Teacher Contact Information:

Thank you for taking the time to read over thiswelcome letter. If you have any questionsemail me anytime at . With only one phone line coming in, please rememberthat email is the easiest form of communication within our school.

Thanks again,

Missy Bristol