Scarsdale Middle School
Cooper House
Sixth Grade Math
Mrs. A. Nista
EXPECTATIONS AND INFORMATION
Welcome to my sixth grade math class! Please read the following very carefully. I look forward to working with you. I want to make your learning experience as successful as possible. I cannot do this on my own, however. I need your cooperation. There are several things you need to do in order to help me in my endeavor to teach you. Every time you come to class, you must be prepared and bring the necessary supplies.
Supplies
1) at least two sharpened pencils
2) a binder (with loose leaf)
3) a colored pen/pencil (for correcting)
4) an assignment pad/agenda
5) a folder
It is also important that you get to class on time. Do not waste time talking to friends. We only have about 46 minutes together! When you come in, please sit in your seat immediately. First, take out your homework and put it on your desk. Then take out your assignment pad/agenda and copy ALL of your homework.
Homework
If when you are doing your homework and you aren’t sure about how to answer the question, go through the following steps:
1) Go back to the notes you have from class and try to figure out to solve the problem based on the information you have.
2) Ask an adult/older sibling for help.
3) Phone a friend—ask that person for an explanation—NOT THE ANSWER.
4) When all else fails, have your parent write a brief note telling me that he/she was aware that you had trouble figuring out how to answer the question and you will be seeing me for extra help.
How you will be graded
Everyone starts out with a 0 for his/her homework grade. Each time you complete all of the homework questions you were assigned, you will receive 5 points. If you do not complete the assigned homework, you will receive 0 points. You will be able to complete the assignment up until the day you are tested on that material. If you do complete it, you will get 2 points.
Generally, you will have one or two quizzes a week. These are short and usually take about 5-15 minutes to complete. If you miss a quiz because you are absent, you need to make it up. All of the quizzes together will give you another grade. Every two to three weeks you will have a test. A few days before the test, I will give you a study guide, which will provide an outline of the topics on the test and extra practice problems. You will be given the entire period to complete the test. If you miss a test because you are absent you need to make it up. Each test is another grade.
Statement on Cheating
At times, the work in this class will be challenging and you may feel overwhelmed. There may be the temptation to “take a shortcut”. It might mean that you ask a friend to copy his/her homework or you might ask someone from another section about a test question. These are both examples of cheating. If you are feeling stressed about the work, please come to see me for extra help as soon as possible. Please do not resort to cheating.
Extra help
I am usually available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after school for extra help. I will post the days and times I am available outside of my classroom, inside my classroom and on my school wires. (Please check for updates.) You may also see me during reading. You just have to ask your reading teacher if you may come in.
If you come to class prepared and on time, complete homework assignments, pay attention in class, and ask questions you will have a successful year!
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Scarsdale Middle School
Cooper HouseSixth Grade Math
Mrs. A. Nista
(Please return only this bottom portion to me ASAP. The top portion and the other page are for your files.)
I, ______in math section _____ have read the above
(student’s first and last name printed)
information with my parents and I understand the expectations set forth by you.
______
(Parent’s Signature)