MATH 8 Welcome Letter 2013-14

     Math 8    

Mrs. Reiche – Team Nile, Room C-4

Welcome to Math 8!  This year continues our move to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Mathematics.  Not only do the CCSS expect students to calculate answers correctly; they also place additional emphasize on problem solving, critical thinking, determining if an answer makes sense, and persevering to solve problems.  In other words, expect word problems that challenge your student.

Organization supports success in school.  With that in mind, I suggest you create a place for math in a 3-ring binder with 3(three) sections; Handouts, Notes and Homework.  Class notes will be taken in pencil and supplemented with red, green and blue ink/pencil.

Homework is the cornerstone of success and must be completed consistently.  You may expect about 30 minutes of homework for each class period.  Completed homework is done in pencil with the problem copied, supporting work shown, and self-corrected in red ink (answers for odd problems from text can be found at back of the book.)  Homework assignments are posted in class for copying into the binder reminder and can be found on Infinite Campus.  Incomplete or missing homework may earn 80% credit if completed the first advisory period following class.  The consequence for not doing homework is to do the homework.  Please note that homework credit is given for completion of problems, not accuracy. 

Because each concept builds on the previous material, it is important to complete all work on time and to seek help when it is needed.  Our textbook publishers have student support at their site www.classzone.com and our school provides an additional web site resource via www.hotmath.com (password: ca58450ca.)  Please also note that the textbook is available online.  If you do not have access to the internet, the library has computers available at lunch or after school.  Additionally, students may speak with the teacher during advisory for assistance. 

A student’s letter grade will be based on their demonstrated mastery of the learning standards.  Mastery of the learning standards will be determined by evaluations in class and home assignments.  Their combined value is weighted as follows:

            Assessments (test & quizzes):                                    90% of grade

            Assignments (homework & class projects):         +  10% of grade  

                                                                                                100% of grade

     Letter grades are earned as follows:      90-100% Mastery                                A

                                                                       80-89.99%   Mastery                            B

                                                                       70-79.99%   Mastery                            C

                                                                       55-69.99%   Mastery                            D

                                                                       Below 55.99% Mastery                        F

There is a clear expectation that all students will conduct themselves with honor and academic integrity.  I support and enforce the Rio Norte Academic Integrity (cheating policy) as described on page 4 of the student binder reminder. 

Advisory is a time for reading, studying, wrapping up homework, making up quizzes, academic help/intervention, as well as obtaining absent work.  Students must report to their assigned classroom before seeing another teacher.  Students should be prepared every day to engage in learning during this time.

The William S Hart School District’s policy for absent late work is followed.  The policy states: “Students shall have a minimum of one day to make up work missed for each day or part of a day of excused or warranted absence. If a student returns from one or two days of excused or warranted absences on the day of a previously announced test or examination, and no additional material from those one or two days appears on the test, the student shall be expected to participate in the test or examination on the day of his or her return. On long range assignments, e.g. term papers, book reports, projects, with at least two weeks of advance notice, teachers may require the student to hand in the assignment on the student’s return to class provided that the student has been absent for two days or less immediately prior to the assignment being due. If the student has had an extended excused absence, alternative arrangements for turning in the project or assignment will be determined by the teacher, student and parent.”

All field trips are enrichment activities and as such are not essential learning.  The following are requirements for students to attend field trips: 1) students must be passing all classes, 2) student must routinely demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior, and 3) the student must not have any referrals.  Students who stay at school instead of attending a field trip will have a regular academic day.

I look forward to an exciting time together navigating through many exciting and challenging concepts this year.  I may be reached via email at kreiche@hartdistrict.org or by telephone at 295-3700 ext. 1304.  Additional information may be obtained from my blog: www.commit2212.blogspot.com

Suggested Algebra Supply List*

___ • One good eraser (If we aren’t making mistakes, we aren’t learning.)

___ • 3-ring binder (math may be part of team binder)

___ • dividers for binder math sections (need three)

___ • loose-leaf lined paper

___ • loose-leaf graph paper

___ • set of pencils or pens/pen combo (red, green & blue)

___ • lead pencils

___ • scissors

___ • ruler

___ • glue stick/tape

* As always, we are happy to provide supplies if necessary.  Please contact the teacher for this support.