First-year algebra and Geometry are the the beginning courses of advanced mathematics. Intro to Algebra will lay the foundation for high school Algebra. This course will include learning number properties, operations and linear equations with graphing. Geometry continues the journey integrating algebra with the principles of geometrical reasoning and logic.

You should be aware of the degree of commitment these courses will require. Almost without exception, nightly homework will be assigned. Mathematical concepts are sequential. Since each daily lesson builds upon concepts presented in the previous day's lesson, faithful attention to homework is imperative. Successful completion WITH ACCURACY of homework assignments leads to successful test scores. Sporadic completion of homework will almost certainly lead to disaster. As you can see, responsibility will play a large part in your success.

In conclusion, let me wish you the best for this new school year. May you hard work cause you to progress toward a better understanding of mathematics.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Beck



A) COMMUNICATION
Use the Ramona Vikings website, www.ramonavikings.com. My email address is posted on the website. Additional resources you will need is under the PARENTS tab; for grades, click onto GRADES and for the course calendar and adjustments to homework, click onto CLASSJUMP.

B) GRADES
The MATHEMATICS Department sets the percent distribution. The TRIMESTER grades are as
based upon as follows:
For Geometry TEST – 80% HOMEWORK - 20%.
For Intro to Algebra TEST - 75% HOMEWORK - 25%

The GRADE SCALE is standard: A 92-100 A- 90-91 B+ 88-89 B 82-87 B- 80-81 C+ 78-79 C 72-77 C- 70-71 D+ 68-69 D 62-67 D- 60-61 F 59 and below.

C) HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments are around 15 to 20 problems a day. Half of the assignments are working on the new concept of the day. The other half is reviewing previous concepts to maintain the skills. Homework should not take more than 20-25 minutes a day. Please let me know if this is not happening. I have been monitoring the students and it takes on the average 15 minutes.

D) HOMEWORK CHECK QUIZZES
The students continue to do math homework assignments daily. Answers are given the following day. Students are also encouraged to use the answer key in the back of the book for odd numbered problems when doing the assignment. Instant verification helps tremendously to avoid learning the concepts incorrectly. They have a week to make corrections and may come in during lunch for extra help.
Hopefully, errors are ironed out and the students are ready for a Homework Check Quiz given the following week. The student simply copies two homework problems that I have selected from their previous week’s homework. Work needs to be included for credit. The advantage to this activity is that homework is not only done, but also correctly. Also, this requires that the student organizes his/her folder and therefore able to review it when necessary.

If you are seeing that this grade is below 80%, please review that the homework is done nightly and consistently. If the student does not understand the concept, please encourage him/her to see me during lunch. Please be aware that if a complete assignment is not done, it usually indicates no effort as opposed to not understanding it.

E) COMPACT DAY PROGRESS REPORTS
Every month during compact days, the students have an assignment to print out the progress report and return it the next day with your signature. Student without internet and printer facilities may use the library during lunch to print out a detailed progress report for you. I encourage them to do this on Monday – Wednesday so that you are able to review it Wednesday night.

On Thursday, they receive 5 points for this assignment, 0 points if it is late. This is a form of communication amongst the three of us, teacher, parent and student. I appreciate all the comments and concerns from you. It has been very successful to identify any problems early and time to rectify them promptly.

F) QUIZZES AND TEST
Quizzes are given after a few sections are completed. Homework assignments will include the quizzes in the textbook. The textbook quizzes are a great way to be prepared for an actual quiz since it reviews exactly the types of questions that need to be mastered.

Tests are designed to be a cumulative review of quizzes. Prior to the test, the chapter review at the end of the section is assigned for homework for extra practice. Tests should be completed in 35 minutes. Those students not completing this time, may come in during lunch to complete. Periods 5 and 6 may finish the test the following day’s lunch.

Thank you for your support. I have designed my class procedure to best serve the student’s development of effective organizational skills and be informative to you as well.
G) MATERIALS
1) Two to Three SPRIAL NOTEBOOK
2) A section in a binder for MATH
3) TWO DRY INK PENS –BLACK or BLUE
4) One RED PEN
5) Two PENCILS and good ERASER. Or a MECHANICAL PENCIL with extra lead.
6) One HIGHLIGHTER pen
7) Index Cards
8) FOR GEOMETRY ONLY Compass (buy an inexpensive one, they last longer).

Ramona Middle School
Vera Beck