Mrs. Walker’s 7th Grade Math

Welcome

My name is Anna Walker, and I will be teaching 7th Grade Math this 2017-2018 school year. This is my second year teaching at Olive Branch Middle School, and I have loved every minute of it. Students and parents, please review this packet TOGETHER as I have included information on almost every aspect of the classroom. I have included multiple ways to contact me with any questions, thoughts, or concerns at the end of this packet. Also, please fill out the last page and return to me by Monday, August 7th. Let’s get this year started right!

Expectations

I have extremely high expectations for all of my students. I truly believe that every student has incredible potential; I’m simply their facilitator to help them tap into it. Each student will show it differently, but I will push all my students to achieve more than they believed they could. I expect for this to be an amazing year, and I can’t wait!

7th Grade Bell Schedule*

Doors Open / 6:55 a.m.
1st Period / 7:10 a.m. – 8:05 a.m.
2nd Period / 8:08 a.m. – 8:56 a.m.
3rd Period / 9:00 a.m. – 9:48 a.m.
4th Period / 9:51 a.m. – 10:37 a.m.
5th Period (a) / 10:41 a.m. – 11:12 a.m.
Lunch / 11:13 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
5th Period (b) / 11:45 a.m. – 12:16 p.m.
6th Period / 12:20 p.m. – 1:08 p.m.
7th Period / 1:12 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
8th Period / 2:04 p.m. – 2:52 p.m.
Dismissal / 2:52 p.m.

*schedule subject to change; because math is a “blocked” class, each class will be composed of two periods

Classroom Rules

Classroom rules are put in place to ensure the best environment for the students and teacher. These rules will generally encompass every aspect of the classroom.

  1. Always be kind. Always.
  2. Give respect.
  3. Come to class prepared.
  4. Follow the guidelines set forth in the student handbook.

Behavior

I expect for my students to begin behaving like young adults. I am strict and do not allow any foolishness in my classroom. This includes excessive talking/blurting out. Especially at the beginning of the year, it is imperative that I am able to communicate to my students as needed. Because of this, students will not talk or get out of their seats unless called upon. I have a hand signal system I use to effectively communicate nonverbally:

  • 5 fingers – I have a question on-topic.
  • 4 fingers – May I borrow…
  • 3 fingers – I need a tissue.
  • 2 fingers – I need to sharpen my pencil.
  • 1 finger – I need to go to the restroom.
  • Fist – I have a question off-topic.

I will give simple nod or shake of the head to either confirm or deny, respectively, the request.

Also, I will be keeping a log every day of the behavior of all students. When I notice trends (good or bad), parents will be contacted.

Consequences

For talking without permission, getting up without permission, or doing anything the student is not supposed to do, he or she will receive a “check.” Every check equals one day of silent lunch. If at the end of the school day on Friday the student has 5 or more checks, he or she will have after-school detention the following week. However, if by the end of the class period the student has received no checks, I will remove one check from that student.

Other forms of discipline include:

  • Verbal warning
  • Lunch detention
  • After-school detention
  • Contact with parent (email, phone, or face-to-face)
  • Discipline form
  • Write-up/trip to Principal’s office

Some behaviors will have more severe consequences that will require immediate attention (profanity, fighting, vandalism, theft, bullying, and other behaviors/actions as outlined in the student handbook).

Rewards

I will give out rewards based on outstanding behavior. As a disclaimer, not everyone who does what they are supposed to do will get a reward. In order to receive a reward, the student must go above and beyond what he/she is supposed to do. Also, I will not be able to see each and every outstanding act. Let going above and beyond be its own primary reward, and if I see it and acknowledge it, even better.

These rewards may include but are not limited to:

  • Patio passes
  • A good note home
  • Free choice time
  • Extra credit
  • Choosing your group
  • Homework passes
  • Games
  • Class outside
  • Listening to music while working

Homework

We will have homework almost every night, however, it should not take long at all and I will give time in class. If you have trouble, I have links on my website to help. If you went to OB last year, or another school in DeSoto County, you are used to CPM (our math curriculum) material and know how it works. If you need any help at all, just go to my website.

Make-up Work

If a student misses for any reason (excused or unexcused), it is the student’s responsibility to make up the work he/she has missed. The student will have equal to the number of days missed to make up the work up to five days (e.g. a student misses one day, he has one day to finish the work; a student misses 5 days, he has five days to finish the work; a student misses 8 days, he has 5 days to make up the work). Depending on varying circumstances, a student may be required to make up a test or quiz upon return.

All handouts and presentations are available on my website. I DO NOT give second copies. If a student misses my class, I will have ONE copy upon his return. I strongly recommend getting what he missed from my website before returning.

Entering the Classroom

Students will enter my classroom focused on the class. Students will enter quietly and one at a time. Students will look to the board for instructions (bellwork, assignments that should be turned in, etc.) and sit in their chairs with no speaking. Students will immediately begin the bellwork that has been assigned to them for that day per the board’s instructions.

Dismissal of Class

“The bell does not dismiss you. I do.” Yes, that is why every student since the beginning of time has rolled their eyes. Yes, it does apply in my classroom. In order to be dismissed by me, students will have a neat and organized table and will be completely silent.

Graded Papers

All graded assignments will be recorded in the gradebook and promptly returned to the student. The STUDENT is responsible for sharing graded papers with his/her parents. I encourage all parents to consistently check your students’ grades on PowerSchool, as well as ask your students about their grades to keep up open communication.

Semester Tests

Each semester, students are given a semester test that encompasses all material covered in that semester (for a total of 2 semester tests). These tests count for 10% of the final grade. A student may be exempt from the second semester test in May if they meet the following requirements:

  1. The student must have a grade of 85 or higher in the class.
  2. The student has missed no more than two days during the semester.
  3. The student must have maintained good behavior during the semester.

Progress Reports/Report Cards

We will periodically send out progress reports throughout the 9-weeks, as well as the report card at the end of every 9-weeks. All progress reports and report cards MUST be signed and returned.

Food and Drinks

Students will have an opportunity to eat a small snack once a day. Students must bring it from home, and should not share this food with others as it may cause health problems. Students must always clean up after themselves. If any of these rules are broken, we reserve the right to take this opportunity away. Students are also allowed water (no fountain drinks or canned drinks). All water bottles must have a secure, leak proof lid.

Lunch

The cost of lunch is $2.75. Students will attend lunch at 11:13 a.m. every day.MealPay is an excellent way to keep up with your student’s lunch account balance. You may access it at to make a payment or set it to notify you when the account balance falls below a certain amount.

Restroom

Students who frequent the restroom during class time will inevitably miss important information. Therefore, we have bathroom breaks for the students throughout the day. If a student needs to visit the bathroom at other times, they will have to take a hall pass and use a bathroom pass I have issued at the beginning of the semester. If your student has a medical reason for needing to go to the bathroom frequently, please send a doctor’s note as soon as possible for us to keep on file.

Free Time

Occasionally students will finish work early. The student may read, work on homework, journal, or any other productive activity that requires no talking and no disrupting of other students. At no time are students allowed to write and/or pass notes in class.

Cheating

Cheating, plagiarizing, and the like are never tolerated in the classroom, no matter the assignment. If a student is caught cheating, it will be dealt with as outlined in the School Handbook.

ATTENTION PARENTS!

I have full confidence your students will exceed my expectations for this year. However, I do believe that parental involvement is a key element to a student’s success. I like to keep an open line of communication with all parents and work together with you to help your child have the best education possible. There are a few ways I like to keep in touch:

  • Parent Portal- This is a tool designed for you to monitor student progress by accessing grades, attendance, discipline, academic history, and standardized test results. You may obtain a user name and password by bringing a picture ID to the school. You may log on at and I encourage you to frequently.
  • Remind- Remind is a way for me to update you on the spot via text. This handy tool will allow me to communicate with you immediately about projects, tests, or any last minute plans regarding class. I have included a sheet with instructions on how to sign up for those notifications.
  • Conferences- Parents/guardians are encouraged to set up conferences to discuss student progress face-to-face with us. You may do so by contacting the guidance counselor.
  • Website- Every teacher has a website they update frequently. You can access it by going to obm.desotocountyschools.org and scrolling down to and selecting “School Staff & Teacher Websites” on the left-hand side. I have a little bit about me, a calendar, upcoming assignments, updates, announcements, material I pass out in class, etc. I strongly encourage you to visit those often.
  • Email- My email address is . I check my email many times a day and should respond to all within 24 hours.
  • Phone- The school’s phone number is (662) 895-4610.
  • Notes- I will always encourage notes from home as well!

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason. I understand that 7th grade is a challenging year, not only for students, but for parents as well. I will do anything I can to work with you to ensure both you and your student has the best experience possible.

Student Name ______

Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

After sitting down with your student and reviewing this packet of information, please sign the bottom of this form and return it to Mrs. Walker by Monday, August 7th. I do encourage you to periodically flip back through it to review throughout the year. I will be keeping this as documentation, and I appreciate in advance your cooperation in helping make this school year great.

I have read, discussed, and understood everything outlined in this Classroom Handbook. I understand that the teacher reserves the right to make necessary changes throughout the year. I understand that I should refer to the School Handbook for any questions, as well as contact the teacher and/or Olive Branch Middle School.

______

Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Signature(s) Date