Dear Wolf Team Parents/Guardians,
Your child is about to embark on a year of Passport to Mathematics. This year will, hopefully, provide your student with substantial experiences that will prepare him/her for future challenges and successes in math. The textbook, materials, and subject content chosen have a high correlation to the State-mandated Grade Eight Proficiency Test and the New Jersey High School Proficiency Test for grade 11, the later being a graduation requirement.
HOMEWORK is one of the most important factors of this and any future mathematics course and will involve but not be limited to:
Ø reading each lesson carefully
Ø mastering the reading or developing questions about the reading
Ø answering questions on that lesson
Ø working out problems to show an understanding of concepts being learned and
reviewed
Ø checking selected problems with the answers provided on line
Ø noting the numbers of problems which gave a relative degree of difficulty in the left hand column
Ø writing a fraction and a percent representing the number of selected problems correct in the left hand column
Requiring students to read helps develop thinkers and communicators who are more critical and aware. The student who comes to class prepared will take full advantage of the essence of the class activity for that day. A large part of the class will be spent discussing the previous night’s homework as a class, in groups, or in some cases, one-to-one with the teacher. If the student comes to class with notations of questions it is extremely helpful to the instructor to focus the discussion. Grades will be based on homework, quizzes, tests, assigned projects, and a complete notebook. A list of current assignments along with any other pertinent material can be found on the web page listed below. Each student will be required to maintain an accurate log of grades in the front of the notebook. The notebook will be collected and graded each chapter on the day of the chapter exam. Students have very little chance of doing well on assessments if they have not completed assignments and participated in classroom discussions and activities.
Passport to Mathematics covers a wide scope including substantial amounts of geometry integrated with arithmetic and algebra. Calculators are assumed to be used throughout the course because virtually all individuals who use mathematics today find it helpful to use them. Using calculators in conjunction with the topics being studied allows the use of real world numbers and the learning of calculator related mathematics. A balance between the use of the calculator and manual computation will be sustained throughout the program. Please note that a scientific calculator will be used in this course.
As parents, your support is sought – and here are a few ways you can help!
1. Check that your son or daughter is a responsible student. Passport to Mathematics is structured not only to provide a transition to algebra and geometry but to foster necessary study habits for success in mathematics. These study habits are summarized as follows:
Uses the Textbook:
Takes time to read each assignment with comprehension.
Honestly uses the answers provided in the rear of the text.
Carries through the Wrap Up, Assessment, and Cumulative Review assignments that further prepare each student for the exams.
Is Organized:
Keeps an organized notebook.
Takes pride in and completes assignments.
Carefully shows all steps in solving problems.
Makes corrections on each assignment when necessary.
Makes good use of classroom lectures, discussions, and notes.
Is current with the study outline provided.
Makes up work when absent from class.
Is Involved:
Participates in class discussions and activities.
Asks questions and seeks help when needed during scheduled extra help sessions.
Remembers basic facts, theorems, formulas, and definitions.
2. Monitor absences. Students are expected to follow the provided study outline. If absent, the student knows exactly what is expected.
3. Contact me as soon as any concern arises—don’t wait!
Remember that there should be a study outline and a grade sheet in your child’s
notebook at all times. Note that there is no down time in the Passport to Mathematics schedule. It takes 180 days to complete the course. Assignments begin on the first day and continue through the year.
The most important motivation needed for success is a student’s desire to learn and succeed. When educators and families work as a team, we can ensure that our children are presented with every opportunity to do so.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Keep this letter for reference, but please acknowledge reading it by signing and returning the form below. Review the letter with your youngster and kindly have him/her countersign and return the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM to me.
Find me on the web at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/5014/gold.html.
Contact me from the web page or at doctorh58 @ yahoo.com.
Have a great year,
Dr. Hartman
____________________________________________________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
PRINT, SIGN, and RETURN
For the Parent/Guardian
I acknowledge reading the informational letter regarding Passport to Mathematics dated September 2005.
________________________________ ________
(Parent/Guardian signature) (Date)
For the Student
I have read the informational letter regarding Passport to Mathematics dated September 2005 and will do my best to be a responsible student.
________________________________ ________
(Student signature) (Date)
Homework is used to reinforce concepts taught in the classroom and is a necessary and vital part of the learning process. It is suggested that students use the study-buddy system for homework verification.
? If a student is in school, homework is expected to be done by the date assigned.
? Late homework will not be accepted.
? If a student is not in school due to an unexcused absence such as a vacation, the student must make arrangements to get assignments prior to the absence and must hand in all work by first day back in school.
? If a student has an excused absence, according to Board Policy(see Planner p.3)
1-3 days absent up to 5 days to make up work
4-6 days absent up to 10 days to make up work
? If a student is absent the day before a preannounced test and returns on the day of the test the student is expected to take the test with the rest of the class.
? If a student is absent on the day of a preannounced test, the student is to take the test on the first day back to school.
Occasionally a situation may arise when modification of the above may be
appropriate. These cases will be handled on an individual basis at the
discretion of the teacher after a note is received from the parent or guardian
requesting an exception.
________________ ___________________________
Student’s name (print) Parent or guardian’s name (print)
_________________ __________________________ _______
Student’s signature Parent or guardian’s signature date