Habits and attitudes to be developed and extended:

·         Enjoy mathematics: It is important for you to enjoy the material and develop a curiosity about mathematics and how it applies to your life. A large part of this will be learning to trust yourself as a mathematics student.

·         Make connections: You are expected to develop an understanding of this course and its connections to other branches of mathematics and between mathematics and the world in which we live.

·         Embrace challenging tasks: You will be asked to work on projects and problems that require persistence and creativity. These problems may not have a clear-cut answer so you will get to explore which of your mathematical skills are appropriate. Become a risk taker by exploring alternative solutions to problems.

·         Use appropriate technology: You will develop discernment as to when and how to appropriately use calculators and tablet PCs, or paper, pencil, and rulers. You will understand the power and limitations of each.

·         Communicate mathematics: You will develop the ability to communicate your mathematical ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written, and multi-media formats in both individual and group settings.

·         Develop understanding: You will develop a mastery of both the skills and concepts taught in this course. Your ability to apply what you know to new and unique situations is an essential aspect of the learning process.

·         Participate in class: Because each of you has a great deal to offer, it is essential that you participate in and contribute to class discussions. Preparation for class and good notes will enable you to ask specific questions about the topics with which you need help and will also enable you to better communicate with other students in your class.

Rules for the Classroom

In order for the course to be as meaningful, worthwhile, and as engaging as possible, we will need a positive atmosphere in the classroom. It will be important for each of us to be aware of how our behavior is affecting those around us.

·         Follow the policies in the Cary Academy Student Handbook.

·         Show mutual respect and courtesy.

·         Be prepared with homework and all supplies.

·         Be on time for class. Tardiness is unacceptable. It interrupts the flow of the lesson, and you miss vital information.

·         Do not disrupt the learning environment. 

·         Cheating is disrespectful to yourself and others. Make sure you seek help when necessary to avoid the temptation to copy the work of a peer.

Supplies for Math Classes

Assessment Categories

Homework - Approximately 30 minutes of homework will be assigned most nights to reinforce and apply the concepts covered in class. It is important that homework is not only used for practice but is also used to take the understanding of the basic concepts learned in class to a higher level. You are expected to complete your assignments on time. Homework will be checked for completion. Every problem assigned should be attempted, showing all steps, to receive full credit and to help you know where you are having difficulties. You are expected to ask questions in class or come for help during enrichment, break, or after school if your questions are not answered during class. Assignments will be accessible through the course page on my website.

Journals– Journals will provide an opportunity for to write about and explore math on a more abstract level than basic problem solving.

Projects- Each trimester we will have a project to explore connections between the math topics we are learning and the world around us.

Assessments- One announced test and one announced quiz will take place during each unit. In addition, homework-checks will be given once or twice a week to ensure students are keeping up with their homework. Students are expected to keep up with their work daily, so they should always be prepared for an assessment.

If you are absent, the responsibility falls on you to get caught up. Test and quizzes need to be made up immediately upon return so that you don’t get behind (unless you have been sick or absent for an extended period of time). Check the homework web page to see what you missed while you were out. Handouts will be in the Transitional binder. No late work is accepted since answers will be posted the day we check homework (you will receive a 0). Absent late work is excused (you will receive an X which means the grade does not affect your overall grade).

I am at your service should you require any additional assistance or have any other questions. You and your parents can email me or call my voicemail which are listed below. I am looking forward to an exceptional year for all of us.

Extra help will be offered on Wednesday mornings from 7:00-7:30 by Mr. Raskevitz in room 211 and from Mrs. Williams in room 121 from 7:30-7:50. Be prepared with specific questions. Tuesdays and Thursdays during Enrichment will also be available for extra help.

Extra Effort- You can receive extra effort points towards your effort grade and challenge yourself in several ways.

Website challenges:

·    Brain Teasers –Pick from 7-8  and email the answer to the question to me. Each problem is worth 1 point. ( http://eduplace.com/math/brain/index.html )

·    Middle School Weekly Problem - http://math.missouristate.edu/mathed/MSPOW.htm

·    Math Counts:  Go Figure- http://www.mathcounts.org/gofigure/mainPage.asp

·    Figure This:  Math Challenges for Families - http://www.figurethis.org/index.html  

·    Problem of the Week- http://www.nctm.org/resources/middle.aspx

Pick a Brain Challenger from the Brain Challenger binder. Email or write the solution to the Brain Challenger and turn in to me. You will receive 2 points for Brain Challengers.

Pick a topic of interest and do research.

Go to http://www.howtoons.com/toon , make the object and bring it in to class. Be prepared to explain how it works.

Sincerely,

Leslie Williams

228-4584

leslie_williams@caryacademy.org

http://web1.caryacademy.org/facultywebs/leslie_williams/ca/default.htm