It doesn't seem possible that the school year has come to an end.  What a great year it was!  I wish all of you a super summer.  I have changed this account so that your emails will go to my new email address  bettybrown823@gmail.com.  Feel free to keep in touch with me.  I will try to stop by school to visit you next year.

Luv ya,

B²

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WEEKS OF MAY 31 AND JUNE 7, 2010

    To all of you who donated to the wonderful gift I was given (a NOOK e-book reader), I would like to express my sincerest thanks.  I was humbled by your generosity and the determination of my students to raise the necessary funds.  As an avid reader, I can't think of a more appropriate gift.  I will truly treasure it.  Thank you for all of your support this year.  I will be left with many fond memories of your children.

   I wanted to send this out early so that you would know of a slight change in plans.  Due to the Awards Assembly on Friday, students will be taking their exam on Thursday, 6/3, and their Chapter 11 tests Friday, 6/4.  Period seven students, who will miss part of their class due to the assembly, will take only the Chapter 11 Notebook Test on Friday.  Their Chapter 11 Test will be on Monday, June 7.

   During the last week of school I will be completing my recommendations for next year's math placement.  According to the guidelines for GEM Math, in order to continue in GEM, students should have maintained an A/B average in GEM and should have scored at least 75% on all four Quarter Exams.  If a child has one low exam score, I will most likely recommend continuation in the program.  However, please keep in mind that the material we've been doing this quarter is essentially what students will be doing the first quarter in Algebra.  If your child has struggled this quarter, perhaps Algebra is not the best placement for next year.  Remember, all high school level courses taken in middle school, that is, Algebra, Geometry, Spanish I, Spanish II, and Law II, receive an actual high school report card and their grades in these classes are included in their actual high school GPA.  If you have concerns about your child's placement or a definite preference as to placement, please feel free to email me.  I will get back to you as soon as I can.

                   TEXTBOOKS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JUNE 4.

   Meanwhile, Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days;"  Wednesday and Friday are "Odd Days."  Plans for the week, along with continual exam review,  include:

Tuesday, June 1
   Warm-Up:  Workbook 11-4
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 11-4; CC 55
   Assignment:  Chapter 8 Cumulative Review

Wednesday, June 2
   Warm-Up:  12-6 Review
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 11-4; Chapter 8 Cumulative Review
   Assignment:  Chapter 11 Review

Thursday, June 3
   Warm-Up:  Final exam review
   Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter 11 Review
   Quarter 4 Exam
   Homework:  Prepare for Chapter 11 Tests

Friday, June 4
   Chapter 11 Tests
   No homework

                     LEAVE BACKPACKS AT HOME THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL.
STUDENTS WILL ONLY NEED BASIC SUPPLIES SUCH AS PENCILS, PENS, AND PAPER.

Monday, June 7 (Even)
   Enhancement activities
  No specific plans (other than period 6/7 taking the Chapter 11 test) and any necessary make-up testing... 

Tuesday, June 8 (Flex)
   Enhancement activities
   No specific plans....

Wednesday, June 9 (Odd Early Release)
   Enhancement activities
   No specific plans....
  
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WEEK OF MAY 24, 2010

We're winding down, but still need to stay focused.  Students have been told they may use calculators on the Chapter 11 work when they are asked to find square roots of non-perfect squares.  However, they will not be allowed to use them on their Quarter 4 Exam (but will not need to, either.)

Students have been given a review assignment to help them prepare for the exam.  We will not be going over it until next week, but I wanted them to see the types of questions they can expect to see on the exam.   Students should spend some time over the long weekend reviewing chapters 7, 8 and the four section of chapter 11 that we've done.  Section 12-6 will also be tested on the exam.  We will review it next week.  Textbooks may be turned in as early as Tuesday, June 1, but must be turned in no later than June 4.

Special events this week include: 
  Tuesday
     Tech Team Field Trip
     3:00 Meeting for students attending Islands of Adventure Field Trip
   Thursday
     Islands of Adventure Field Trip
   Friday
     No school:  Teacher Planning Day

Monday and Wednesday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

Plans for this week include:
 
Monday, 5/24
   Warm-Up: (none)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 11-1
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 11-2 (The Pythagorean Theorem)
   Chapter 8 Notebook Test

Tuesday, 5/25
   Warm-Up: CC 53
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 11-2
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 11-3 (Distance and Midpoint Formulas)

Wednesday, 5/26
   Warm-Up: CC 55
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 11-3; CC 53
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 11-4

Thursday
   No new assignment.  

 

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WEEK OF MAY 17, 2010

This is a busy week for our band students!  They will be missing classes periods 1 and 3 on Monday, period 4 on Tuesday, and most of the day on Wednesday.  In addition, their Spring Concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.  I have scheduled our activities so that they will not be missing any instruction, though.  I can remember what it was like having to miss classes for band and then trying to get caught up.

Looking at long range plans, important dates in the near future include:

   Friday, 5/21:        Chapter 8 Test
   Monday, 5/24:     Chapter 8 Notebook Test
   Thursday, 5/27:   Islands of Adventure Field Trip
   Friday, 5/28:        No school (Teacher Planning Day)
   Monday, 5/31:     No school (Memorial Day)
   Week of June 1:   Return textbooks this week.
   Thursday, 6/3:    Chapter 11 Tests (*)
   Friday, 6/4:         Quarter 4 Exam (*)
   (*) Order may be changed or may need one to be taken on 6/7 due to assemblies.

If your child is going to be absent for any ofthese activities, please make arrangements to take the tests (and turnin textbooks) before leaving.

 
Plans for this week are as follows:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."

Monday, 5/17
   Warm-Up:  DD 68 (Graphing Linear Equations)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-7
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-8 (Graphing Linear Inequalities)

Tuesday, 5/18
   Warm-Up:  Writing Rules worksheet
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-8
   Notes and Do:  Worksheet:  Writing Rules for Linear Functions; Chapter 8 Review

Wednesday, 5/19
   Warm-Up:  DD 66 (Solutions of Equations and Inequalities)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Writing Rules Worksheet; Chapter 8 Review
   Notes and Do:  page 751

Thursday, 5/20
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  page 751 Chapter 8 Extra Practice
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 11-1 (Square Roots and Irrational Numbers)

Friday, 5/21
   Warm-Up:  none (Distribute DD 70 bonus sheet due 6/4)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 11-1
   Chapter 8 Test
   Homework:  Exam Review Packet (due 5/24)

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WEEK OF MAY 10, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

My goal is to complete the instructional parts of Chapter 8 this week so that band students will not miss any critical instruction during the first half of next week when they have their Spring concerts.  Chapter 8 tests will be taken at the end of next week.  As the year comes to an end, we still need to work on the first half of chapter 11 and review for our exam.  I anticipate the exam date to be June 3, 4, or 7, depending on scheduled school-wide activities, assemblies, etc. 

If you know your child will not be in school any part of the last two weeks, please  make arrangements for him/her to turn in textbooks and take tests and exams prior to leaving for the year.

This week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days;" Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 5/10
   Warm-Up:  None (Student Climate Survey in Media Center)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-4;   Workbook 8-3
   Notes and Do:  Enrichment Worksheet 8-3 (Linear Relationships)

Tuesday, 5/11
   Warm-Up:  Workbook 8-4
   Check for Completion/Review:  EW 8-3
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-5 (Scatter Plots)

Wednesday, 5/12
   Warm-Up:  Workbook 8-5
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-5; Workbook 8-4
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-6 (Solve by Graphing)

Thursday, 5/13
   Warm-Up:  Enrichment Worksheet 8-6 (Technology at Home)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 8-5; Lesson 8-6
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-7 (Solving Systems of Equations)

Friday, 5/14
   Warm-Up:  Overhead problems
   Check for Completion/Review:  EW 8-6; Lesson 8-7
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-8 (Graphing Linear Inequalities)
  


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WEEK OF MAY 3, 2010

Announcements:
   We recently welcomed Mr. Clinton Ghee to our classroom.  Mr. Ghee is a "Good Fit Intern." He will be with us for approximately 90 hours (every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of the year).  Mr. Ghee has some valuable real-world experiences and is currently completing a degree in mathematics.  The students and I have already begun to recognize and appreciate his talents.

Special Events:

Wednesday, May 5:  Interim Reports
This week (exact date TBA):  Student Climate Survey during math classes

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 5/3
   Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 38 (Graphing Linear Equations)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-2a; AS 18
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-2b; p. 410 Direct Variation

Tuesday, 5/4
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 8-2 (Equations with Two Variables)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-2b; page 410; AS 38
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-3 (Slope and y-Intercept)

Wednesday, 5/5
   Warm-Up:  Quiz 8-1 and 8-2
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-3; Workbook 8-2
   Classwork/Homework:  Workbook 8-3; DD 67 (Equations in y= form)

Thursday, 5/6
   Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 33 (Slope and y-Intercept)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 8-3; DD 67
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-4 (Writing Rules for Linear Functions)

Friday, 5/7
   Warm-Up:  DD 61 (y= form; Graph on DD 62)
   Check for Completion/Review:  AS 33; Lesson 8-4
   Notes and Do:  Worksheet:  Writing Rules for Linear Functions
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WEEK OF APRIL 26, 2010

Special events this week:
Spring Book Fair (all week, with evening hours...till 6:00...on Tuesday)
Wednesday:  Marlins Weather Bug Field Trip
Wednesday:  Tech Club Trip/Competition

GEM Announcements:
Tuesday:  Chapter 7 Tests
Students missing class Wednesday due to the above activities will not be missing instruction or a mandatory assignment.
Students will need graph paper for Chapter 8 assignments and activities.

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 4/26
   Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 10
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 7-8, Chapter Review, AS 8
   Homework:  Study/prepare for tests tomorrow  (We will also review in class.)

Tuesday, 4/27
   Warm-Up:  None
   Check for Completion/Review:  AS 10
   Chapter 7 Test, Notebook Test
   Classwork/Homework:  Chapter 7 Cumulative Review (Quiz Score) due Thursday

Wednesday, 4/28
   Activity to be determined for those not going on field trips

Thursday, 4/29
   Warm-Up:  None (Distribute Chapter 8 materials)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Ch 7 Cumulative Review
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-1 (Relations and Functions)

Friday, 4/30
   Warm-Up:  Workbook 8-1
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 8-1
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 8-2 (Equations with Two Variables)







__________________________________________________________________

WEEK OF APRIL 19, 2010

Special events this week:

Monday, 4/19:  Awards Assembly Period 8 (There were some glitcheswith the distribution of the invitations to this assembly.  If yourchild made the Honor Roll with a 3.0 GPA or better Term 3, please feelfree to attend.  The assembly should begin at 3:00 in the auditorium.)

Thursday, 4/22:  Take Your Child to Work Day

Monday and Wednesday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Friday are "Odd Days."
Thursday is an "Even Early Release Day."

Chapter 7 Tests are scheduled for Tuesday, 4/27.
Students will need graph paper for Chapter 8 beginning on 4/28.

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 4/19
   Warm-Up:  DD 41 "What Is the Title of This Picture" (Multi-Step Equations)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 7-6
   Notes and Do:  Activity Sheet 7 (Variables on Both Sides with Decimal Solutions)

Tuesday, 4/20
   Warm-Up:  AS 22 (Solving Inequalities)
   Check for Completion/Review:  DD 41; AS 7 (Period 3 will also be reviewing 7-6.)
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-7 ( Transforming Formulas)

Wednesday, 4/21
   Warm-Up:  AS 23 (Solving Inequalities)
   Check for Completion/Review:  AS 22; Lesson 7-7
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-8 (Simple and Compound Interest)  STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO USE CALCULATORS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.)  

Thursday, 4/22
   Activity is still to be determined.  However, students going to workwith their parents will not be required to make up the activity.

Friday, 4/24 (I will be accompanying the Student Council students on their field trip.)
   Warm-Up:  AS 8 (Solving Inequalities)
   Check for Completion/Review:  AS 23 (Lesson 7-8 will be reviewed on Monday when I am in class to answer questions.)
   Classwork/Homework:  Chapter Review; AS 10 (Solving Equations)
Students will have most of the ninety minute class period to work onthese assignments.  If your child comes home with a lot of homework, itis an indication that he/she took advantage because a substitute was inthe classroom and did not use class time properly.  Students who usethe time to work will be able to finish at least two of the threeactivities in class.



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WEEK OF APRIL 12, 2010

   Warm-Up:  DD 37 "Famous Ocean Liner"
   Check for Completion/Review:  EW 7-3; Lesson 7-4
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-5a (Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides)

Thursday, 4/15
   Warm-Up:  DD 40 "Super Star"
   Check for Completion/Review:  DD 37; Lesson 7-5a
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-5b (Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides)

Friday, 4/16
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 7-5b
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-6 (Solving Two-Step Inequalities)
   Quiz Lessons 7-3 through 7-5
  

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WEEK OF APRIL 5, 2010

   I sincerely hope everyone had a wonderful, restful Spring Break.  My family traveled to Mexico Beach (Florida panhandle) for a family reunion.  Other than the cool breeze, which made it difficult to go into the ocean, we had a great time.

   Some of you have questioned the grades from Term III.  I told students I would drop their lowest test score when we retested Chapter 10. In past years, Pinnacle has put parentheses around the dropped score.  Apparently, it is no longer doing that.  To be sure it was dropping a score, however, I computed the test average of several students in each class.  It did perform that function, so grades were accurate.

   This quarter we will be emphasizing the chapters that lay the foundation for algebra.  Students should demonstrate mastery of these concepts in order to  continue in the GEM program next year, as next year's Algebra Honors grades will be part of their high school GPA.

   DURING THIS QUARTER CALCULATORS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.  Students will be required to show certain steps when solving equations in order to receive credit for their work.  These steps, which will be modeled in their class notes, are an essential component of the training that will contribute to their success in higher level courses.

Plans for this week are as follows:
   Tuesday is a "Flex Day."
   Wednesday and Friday are "Even Days."
   Thursday is an "Odd Day."

Tuesday, 4/6
   Warm-Up:  page 346 (2-28 evens) Diagnosing Readiness
   Return tests from Term III
   Distribute new materials
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-1 (Solving Two-Step Equations)

Wednesday, 4/7
   Warm-Up:  Enrichment Worksheet 7-1 (Meeting the Mean)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 7-1, p. 346 (if not done on Tuesday)
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-2 (Solving Multi-Step Equations)

Thursday, 4/8
   Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 33 (Multi-Step Equations)
   Check for Completion/Review:  EW 7-1, Lesson 7-2
   Notes and Do:  Workbook 7-2; Worksheet DD 38 (What is the Title of This Picture?)

Friday, 4/9
   Warm-Up:  Enrichment Worksheet 7-2 (Solving Number Problems)
   Check for Completion/Review:  AS 33, Workbook 7-2, Worksheet DD 38
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 7-3 (Multi-Step Equations with Fractions and Decimals)

__________________________________________________________________
WEEK OF MARCH 15, 2010

Everyone's glad to have last week behind us!  However, the pressure isstill on until the end of the quarter (next week).  We will becompleting chapter twelve while, at the same time, reviewing chapterten (and learning the two sections that were postponed).  Students willbe taking several tests during these two weeks that could significantlyimpact their grades.  I will give students a couple of bonusactivities, but I prefer their main efforts be put towards completingtheir work and reviewing and studying for tests and their exam.

To relieve some of the pressure, I am sanctioning the use ofcalculators for these two weeks.  A four-function calculator is fine,although scientific calculators may be used, as well.  However, forstudents to receive credit, I expect to see the formulas and thesubstituted numbers for all work.  For example, for the area of atrapezoid, the formula is 1/2 (base 1 + base 2)h.  For a trapezoid withbases of 7.2 and 8.4 and a height of 6.3 students should write theformula, then substitute the correct numbers, .5(7.2 + 8.4)6.3 then usethe calculator to find the result.  We will review how to deal with theparentheses in class.

Anticipated Test Dates:
   Thursday, 3/18:  Chapter 12 Test
   Friday, 3/19:  Chapter 12 Notebook Test
   Tuesday, 3/23:  Quarter 3 Exam (Chapters 9, 10, and 12)
   Wednesday, 3/24:  Chapter 10 Retests

Plans for the next two weeks are as follows:

Monday, 3/15 (Odd)
   Warm-Up:  D-57, D-58 (Review Perimeter and Area)
   Check for Completion/Review:  The Maze, Enrichment Worksheet 6-4
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-5 (Independent and Dependent Events)

Tuesday, 3/16 (Even)
   Warm-Up:  D-61, CC-41 (Review Circles)
   Check for Completion/Review:  D-57, D-58, Lesson 12-5
   Notes and Do:  Lessons 12-6 and 12-6a  (Permutations and Combinations; Using Pascal's Triangle for Combinations)

Wednesday, 3/17 (Odd)
   Warm-Up:  D-66 (Review Surface Area of Cylinders)
   Check for Completion/Review:  D-61, CC-41, Lessons 12-6 and 12-6a
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-8 (Random Samples and Surveys) and Chapter Review

Thursday, 3/18 (Even)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 12-8, Chapter Review, D-66
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-6 pp. 555-556 (1-13) (Surface Area ofPyramids, Cones, and Spheres) and Worksheet D-65 (Surface Area)
   Chapter 12 Test

Friday, 3/19 (Odd)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-6, D-65
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-9 pp. 568-569 (1-17) (Volume of Cones, Pyramids, and Spheres); Worksheets D-69 and D-70 (Volume)
   Chapter 12 Notebook Test

Monday, 3/22 (Even)
   Warm-Up: Ch 9 review
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-9, D-69, and D-70
   Notes and Do:  Workbook 9-2 
   Study for exam

Tuesday, 3/23 (Odd)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 9-2
   Third Quarter Exam
   Prepare/study for Chapter 10 retests

Wednesday, 3/24 (TBA)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  none
   Chapter 10 Retests
   No homework!

Thursday, 3/25 (Even Early Release Day)
   School-wide National Census Activity

ENJOY YOUR SPRING BREAK.  THERE IS NO MATH HOMEWORK.  YOU DESERVE A BREAK!!!!  HAVE A HAPPY, SAFE, RESTFUL HOLIDAY!!!



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WEEK OF MARCH 8, 2010

Announcements and Activities

This is it!  FCAT Week is finally here!  Good luck to all of my students.  They are prepared and should do a fine job.  Please see that they are well-rested, eat a healthy  breakfast, and come to school with a positive attitude.  They should also bring a jacket in case the classrooms get cool.

Monday, all students will report to their test centers for the first thirty minutes of the day.  This is to ensure all students are confident about where they will be testing and will give test administrators the opportunity to assign testing seats, as required.  They will follow a normal "Even Day" schedule for the remainder of the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday, students will be in their test centers until 2:05 p.m.  Sixth graders will be in a testing situation until 12:50,  go to lunch at 12:55, then return to their test centers until 2:05 to accommodate the testing and lunch schedule for eighth graders, who test until 1:30.  Beginning at 2:10, each class will meet for thirty minutes (odd classes Tuesday, even classes Wednesday).

Thursday, while eighth graders  taking the Science FCAT, our sixth and seventh graders will be taking a simulated science test.  Students will be in their test centers until 12:30, when they will report to period five.  The remainder of the day will consist of abbreviated odd day classes.

Friday, finally, is a normal (even) day.

Last week, I was sick and missed school on Wednesday, so our plans were changed somewhat.  Regular curriculum was suspended temporarily for FCAT review.  We did not go on to sections 12-4 and 12-5.  Instead, students took a Practice FCAT test provided by the State of Florida and another one in the FCAT workbook.  We spent Friday going over various FCAT activities we have done throughout the year, and assigned the Prentice Hall Practice FCAT Test for the weekend.  We will use Monday (and possibly our short Tuesday class) to complete our review.

Wednesday and Thursday our short class times will be spent on an activity called "The Maze," which demonstrates the difference between theoretical and experimental probability, and allows students to have some fun tossing dice.  We will do this activity in lieu of section 12-7.

Friday, we will review our statistics from "The Maze," work on Reteaching Worksheet 10-2 (Area of Trapezoids,) and take notes and do Lesson 12-4 (Counting Outcomes and Theoretical Probability).

Test results for Chapter 10 were disappointing.  I'm not sure if students did poorly because the material was too difficult, because they didn't check their homework and ask questions like they're supposed to, or because they got lazy and used calculators and/or misused the self-check feature.  These tests were returned to students last week.

The Notebook Test is a good indication of the type of problems your child was having.  A "D" in a question box indicates that the work was not done; the answer was just written in from the self-check or a calculator was used.  An empty box shows the problem was not done at all.  Wrong answers tell you that they did the work, but didn't check to see if it was correct, thus missing the opportunity to ask questions about it in class (and probably missing similar questions on the test).  The last part of the Notebook Test comes from the class notes.  Students who missed several of these questions are not focusing in class, are not taking thorough notes, or are utilizing and/or studying their notes properly.

However, as a teacher, I am not satisfied with results like this, so we will be reviewing the concepts, doing additional practice problems, and retesting Chapter 10 before the end of the quarter.  We also have to do the two sections in Chapter 10 that were postponed until after the FCAT. 

Students will have several opportunities to bring up their grades, as they still will be taking two major tests (Chapters 10 and 12) and their Quarter Exam (Chapters 9, 10, and 12) before the end of the term.  Anticipated dates for these are
   Chapter 12 Tests: 3/18-3/19
   Quarter Exam: 3/23
   Chapter 10 Retest: 3/24.

Parents, please encourage your child to stay focused, complete all work, always put forth his/her best effort, and continue to review work from chapters nine and ten.
__________________________________________________________________

WEEK OF MARCH 1, 2010

Announcements and Activities
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."
Tuesday 6:00-7:30 p.m.  Literary Fair (Media Center)

We are progressing to Chapter 12 this week (Data Analysis an Probability).  However, this week's plans will need to be flexible, as class time will be designated for review of FCAT materials, which will be our priority.  The quiz for Chapter 12 will be taken near the end of next week, if at all.

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 3/1
   Warm-Up:  Countdown FCAT Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  none (Distribute new materials.)
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-1 (Frequency Tables and Line Plots)

Tuesday, 3/2
   Warm-Up:  Countdown FCAT Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 12-1, Strand A Mega Test
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-2 (Stem-and-Leaf Plots, Box-and-Whisker Plots)

Wednesday, 3/3
   Warm-Up:  Countdown FCAT Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 12-2, Strand B Mega Test
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-3 (Using Graphs to Persuade)

Thursday, 3/4
   Warm-Up:  Countdown FCAT Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 12-3, NGSSS FCAT Practice Test
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-4 (Counting Outcomes and Theoretical Probability)

Friday, 3/5
   Warm-Up:  Countdown FCAT Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 12-4
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 12-5 (Independent and Dependent Events)
__________________________________________________________________

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22, 2010

Announcements and Activities
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."
Assembly on Monday with guest speaker, Dr. Bernard LaFayette

Chapter 10 tests this week!!!

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 2/22
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-5b, workbook 10-4 and 10-5
   Mini Quiz on Lesson 10-5
   Notes and Do:  Enrichment Worksheet 10-3 (Ratios of Circumferences and Area)

Tuesday, 2/23
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Enrichment Worksheet 10-3
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-7 (Volume of Prisms and Cylinders)

Wednesday, 2/24
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-7
   Classwork:  New Generation SSS Practice FCAT
   Homework:  Chapter Review; prepare for tests

Thursday, 2/25
   Warm-Up:  None
   Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter Review
   Chapter 10 Test 
   Classwork/Homework:  Chapter 10 Cumulative Review (Quiz Score)

Friday, 2/26
   Warm-Up:  None
   Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter 10 Cumulative Review
   Chapter 10 Notebook Test
   Classwork/Homework:   Surface Area Activity (one of three to be determined by available time)
 


__________________________________________________________________

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2010

Announcements and Activities:
Friday:  Interim Reports distributed
Friday:  Second Quarter Awards Assembly 3:20 p.m.

There will be no formal quiz for this shortened chapter.  Projected test dates range from 2/24-2/26.

Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."
Wednesday and Friday are "Odd Days."

Plans for this week are as follows:

Tuesday, 2/16
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-3
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-4 (Space Figures)

Wednesday, 2/17
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-4
   Strand B Megatest (mandatory school-wide assessment)
   Classwork/Homework:  Workbook Lessons 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 (evens on all pages plus shaded figures)

Thursday, 2/18
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook pages
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-5 (Surface Area:  Prisms and Cylinders)

Friday, 2/19
   Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-5
   Classwork/Homework:  Workbook Lessons 10-4 and 10-5


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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2010

Announcements and Activities:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."
Tuesday:  Florida Writes (All sixth and seventh grade students will participate in a writing activity while eighth graders are taking the test from 9:30-11:10.  The remainder of the day will be an "Even Day," with shortened classes.)
Friday: Valentine's Day Dance 5-8 p.m.

Note to parents and students:
I had a family emergency Friday night and had to take my mother to the hospital.  The good news is she's going to be fine; the bad news is I got very little schoolwork done this weekend, so test results and Pinnacle up-dates will not be completed until later this week.

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 2/8
Warm-Up: none  Distribute Chapter 10 materials.
Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-1 (Area:  Parallelograms)
Finish Chapter 9 tests.

Tuesday, 2/9
Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-1
FCAT Countdown Review Activities
No homework.

Wednesday, 2/10
Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Review Activities
Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-2 (Area:  Triangles and Trapezoids)

Thursday, 2/11
Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Review Activities
Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-2
Notes and Do:  Lesson 10-3 (Area:  Circles)

Friday, 2/12
Warm-Up:  FCAT Countdown Review Activities
Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 10-3
Special Activity:  Keep Circling (Area Activity) and/or Cardiods (Mathematical Hearts)

There will most likely be a quiz on Lessons 10-1 through 10-3 on Wednesday, 2/17.




 


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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010

Announcements:

Report Cards will be issued Thursday.
Chapter 9 Vocabulary Test:  Thursday, February 4
Chapter 9 Test and Notebook Test:  Friday, February 5
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

A Note from Mrs. Brown:

   Chapter 9 quizzes have been graded and scores will be entered after I finish this update.  I was disappointed in many of the scores, as we had spent quite a bit of time on these concepts and even took and reviewed a practice quiz with many similar questions.  Students who did poorly on this quiz will see their averages fall down significantly as, until the remainder of the Chapter 9 tests are taken and entered, the quiz appears to be counting as half of their grade.
   In order to be successful in this unit of study, students must learn the vocabulary.  I don't think many of my students have put enough effort into this.  We will be reviewing these concepts again this week and also working on vocabulary some more, but students must also do some independent work to learn these words.
   Beginning this week, we will be spending time almost every day reviewing skills for the FCAT.  The related assignments will count towards grades in the "Research" class.


Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 2/1
   Warm-Up:  Worksheet:  Angles Formed by Parallel Lines
   Check for Completion/Review:  Geometry Crossword Puzzle
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-8 (Translations in a Coordinate Plane)

Tuesday, 2/2
   Warm-Up:  Vocabulary and FCAT Review
   Check for Completion/Review:  Angles Formed by Parallel Lines, Lesson 9-8
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-9 (Reflections in a Coordinate Plane)

Wednesday, 2/3
   Warm-Up:  Vocabulary and FCAT Review
   Check for Completion/Review: Lesson 9-9
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-10 (Rotations in a Coordinate Plane; Tessellations)
   Reminder:  Vocabulary Test tomorrow

Thursday, 2/4
   Warm-Up:  Vocabulary and FCAT Review
   Check for Completion/Review: Lesson 9-10
   Vocabulary Test
   Classwork/Homework:  Chapter Review  (Tests tomorrow)

Friday, 2/5
   Warm-Up:  None
   Check for Completion/Review: Chapter Review
   Chapter 9 Test
   Chapter 9 Notebook Test

Chapter 9 Bonus Activity:  Activity 14  (Evaluate expressions, graph coordinates, and reflect resulting figure to make a symmetrical design.)




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WEEK OF JANUARY 25, 2010

Announcements:

Chapter 9 Test Dates:
  Wednesday, 1/27:  Quiz 9-1 through 9-3
  Thursday, 2/4:  Chapter 9 Vocabulary Test (tentative)
  Friday, 2/5:  Chapter 9 Test and Notebook Test (tentative)

  Students will need graph paper for the work they will be doing next week (the first week in February).
  Our classroom is in need of tissues.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 1/25
  Warm-Up:  Complementary and Supplementary Angles Worksheet
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 9-2; Tailpipe Worksheet (Line Relationships)
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-3a (Classifying Polygons)

Tuesday, 1/26
  Warm-Up:  Quadrilateral Review Worksheet
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 9-3;  Complementary and Supplementary Angles Worksheet
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-3b (Angles of Polygons) and Worksheet:  Angles Formed by Parallel Lines
  Class Activity:  "Foldable" study aide to help prepare for quiz tomorrow

Wednesday, 1/27
  Warm-Up:  Triangle and Angle Word Search
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 9-3b (Angles of Polygons); Worksheet:  Angles Formed by Parallel Lines; Quadrilateral Review Worksheet
  Quiz Lessons 9-1 through 9-3
  Classwork/Homework:  Activity Sheet 24 (Angles of Polygons)

Thursday, 1/28
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 26 (Angles and Triangles)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Word Search, Activity Sheet 24
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-5 (Congruence)

Friday, 1/29
  Warm-Up:  Geometry Crossword Puzzle
  Check for Completion/Review"  Lesson 9-5; Activity Sheet 26
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-6 (Circles and Circle Graphs)


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January 20
For those of you who are closely monitoring your child's work, students are not having to do Lesson 9-1 tonight.  We ran out of time today, and I would prefer not to rush their understanding of the concepts. Instead, they are to do the worksheet, "Reading Mathematics," that we were going to use as a warm-up tomorrow.  I will adjust the schedule for the remainder of the week, as well.  We will most likely complete9-1 and 9-2 this week, but not all of the additional worksheets.
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WEEK OF JANUARY 18, 2010

   Welcome to the third quarter!  We will be saving chapters seven and eight, which are loaded with algebraic equations, for the fourth quarter.  Our focus this term will be on chapters nine, ten, and twelve, as these chapters address geometry, measurement, probability and data analysis, concepts that will be tested on the FCAT in March. 
   We will also begin our daily emphasis on FCAT review this quarter, utilizing FCAT workbooks and other materials to prepare us for the test in March.

   Please note:  This chapter is loaded with vocabulary and symbols that must be learned in order to be successful in geometry.  There will be a separate vocabulary test for this chapter that will count as a chapter test.  Students will also need graph paper for the last half of this chapter's work.
  
   This is a short week.  Wednesday is a "Flex Day."  Thursday is an "Odd Day."  Friday is an "Even Day."

   Plans for this week include:

Wednesday, 1/20

   Distribute Tests, Chapter 9 materials, and FCAT workbooks.
   Notes and do Lesson 9-1 (Points, Lines, and Planes)

Thursday, 1/21

   Warm-Up:  Worksheet (Reading Mathematics)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 9-1
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 9-2 (Angle Relationships; Parallel Lines)

Friday, 1/22
  
   Warm-Up:  Worksheet (Parallel, Perpendicular, and Skew Lines)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 9-2, Reading Math Worksheet
   Classwork/Homework: "Foldable" manipulative study aide  and two worksheets (Complementary and Supplementary Angles; Angles Formed by Parallel Lines)
  
  


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WEEK OF JANUARY 11, 2010

Just a reminder:  This is a very important week for your child.  The three tests that are being taken will comprise 40% of your child's Term 2 grade.
 
Monday, 1/11 Chapter 6 Notebook Test (5%)
Tuesday, 1/12 Chapter 6 Test (10%)
Thursday, 1/14 Quarter 2 Exam (25%) (This is mandated by the District.)

We are taking only one test each day to maximize testing time to allow students to have lots of time to check over their tests and, hopefully, avoid any careless mistakes.  The remainder of the time will be devoted to exam review activities.

There will be no homework from Thursday until Wednesday, January 20.  Everyone needs and deserves a break!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2010

Sorry it has taken me this long to up-date my messages.  We had unexpected company arrive on 12/27 and stay through 1/2.  I will be updating Pinnacle tomorrow afternoon.

After grading the Chapter 6 Quizzes for periods one and three, it is obvious that a good deal of review needs to be done.  We will work the review into our daily warm-ups and go over the quiz later this week after I collect and grade the ones from period seven.  In order to maximize our review time, the Chapter 6 tests will be given on Monday and Tuesday, 1/11-1/12.  The Quarter 2 Exam will be administered on Thursday, 1/14. 

Due to the band activities the week of January 11, band students will be missing quite a bit of class on Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.  I will give them copies of the review assignments on Friday, and will be available to meet with them before and after school that week.  Also, Ms. Weiss told me I may have them on Wednesday, 1/13, between lunch and the last concert.  I will use that hour to tie up loose ends with them.  Even though it will be a bit chaotic, it is better than having t[';review.

Plans for the next two weeks are as follows:

Monday, 1/4 (Flex)
  Warm-Up:  Reteaching Worksheet 6-3 (Proportions and Similar Figures)
  Collect:  Ch 6 Quiz (periods 6-7)
               Exam Review Sheet (from Chapters 4-5)
               Bonus work (optional assignments due Friday, 1/8)
               NMS Winter Packet (optional assignment due Friday, 1/8)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 6-5, Activity BB 31 (from 12/17)
  Notes and Do:  Workbook 6-3 all; Workbook 6-5 (2-24 evens, 25-28)

Tuesday, 1/5 (Odd)
   Warm-Up:  Workbook 6-2 (1-3, 5-17 evens, 18-19)
   Distribute Self-Checks for Exam Review Chapters 4-5
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 6-3, Workbook 6-5
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-6 (Proportions and Percents)

Wednesday, 1/6 (Even)
   Warm-Up:   Workbook 6-4 Odds; Chapter 6 Quiz Review (#1-12)
   Check for Completion/Review: Workbook 6-2; Lesson 6-6
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-7 (Percents and Equations)

Thursday, 1/7 (Odd)
   Warm-Up:  Workbook 6-6 (1-13 odds); Workbook 6-7 (1-13 odds)
   Check for Completion/Review: Workbook 6-4; Lesson 6-7
   Notes and Do:  Lessons 6-8 and 6-9 (Percent of Change, Mark-Up and Discounts)

Friday, 1/8 (Even)
   Warm-Up:  Workbook Word Problems from 6-6, 6-7, 6-8, and 6-9
   Class Activity:  Review Chapter 6 Quiz (#13-25)
   Turn in bonus assignments
   Classwork/Homework:  Chapter Review; prepare for Chapter 6 tests next week

Monday, 1/11 (Odd)  (Periods 1 and 3 band rehearsals)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review: Workbook word problems; Chapter Review
   Chapter 6 Notebook Test  (If time permits, Period 7 will also at least start the
                      Ch 6  Test, as most of them will be missing class Tuesday for band.)
   Homework/Classwork:  Chapter 6 Exam Review Sheet

Tuesday, 1/12 (Even) (Periods 4 and 6 band rehearsal; concert 6-8 p.m.)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review: Chapter 6 Exam Review Sheet
   Take Chapter 6 Test
   Homework/Classwork:  Quarter 2 Test Form B (additional exam review)

Wednesday, 1/13 (Odd) (Band assemblies all day; sixth grade attends 2:30-3:30)
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Quarter 2 Test Form B
   Homework/Classwork:  Chapter 6 Cumulative Review; Study for exam

Thursday, 1/14  (Even)  
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter 6 Cumulative Review
   Second Quarter Exam
   No homework until January 20!  Take a break; you deserve it!

Friday, 1/15(Odd Early Release)
   School-wide activity

Monday, 1/18 is a holiday (Dr. Martin Luther King Day).
Tuesday, 1/19 is a Teacher Planning Day.
Wednesday, 1/20 is a "Flex Day."
  
  
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DECEMBER 23 UPDATE

Just wanted to take time to thank everyone for the many holiday cards, gifts, and well wishes, and wish everyone a great holiday.

Your child should be working on the following things over Winter Break:

  Chapter 4-6 Exam Review (Actually, it's just one sheet of problems from chapters 4-5.)  This is mandatory.  It is due January 4, 2010.

  Period 7:  Chapter 6 Quiz (open notes)  This was done by the other classes on Thursday, 12/17.  It should be done by January 4.

  Nova Middle School Winter Packet:  This is not mandatory, but it is full of great activities.  I would recommend doing it if time permits.  I will take this as late as January 8 in order to count it for Term II.  The packet can be downloaded from the Nova Middle School website.

  Additional optional bonus activities (graphing and word search) were given to students the last week.  These also are due by January 8.

  Don't forget, the Chapter 6 Tests will most likely be Friday, January 8.  The Second Quarter  Exam will most likely be Monday, January 11.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 14, 2009

As we begin this last week before Winter Break, I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday.

Chapter 5 Notebook Test and Cumulative Review results will be posted as soon as possible.  I was unable to grade them this weekend due to my involvement in holiday activities with my church choir.
 
When we return there will be only two weeks until the end of the second quarter. I will be giving students several review assignments to help them prepare for the  exam, including one to be completed during Winter Break.  Tentatively, this exam is scheduled to be given on Monday, January 11.  Chapter 6 tests will most likely be given on Friday, January 8.

There will most likely be a quiz on sections 6-1 through 6-4 on Thursday, 12/17.

Students will be making hexaflexagons on Friday.  These appear to be hexagons with two sides but, when flexed, a hidden third side appears.  Like kaleidoscopes, designs drawn in the middle of the hexagons move to the outer edges and change directions when the hexagon is "flexed."   Students are encouraged to bring colored pencils or markers to personalize their hexaflexagons. 

School-wide events this week:

Tuesday:  Winter Concert for Concert, Symphonic, and Jazz Bands (6:00-8:00 p.m.)
Wednesday:  Band concerts during the school day
Thursday:  Pep rally
Friday:  Additional pep rally for the grade level donating the most to the Kids Battling Cancer campaign

Monday and Wednesday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."
Friday is a "Flex Day."

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 12/14
   Warm-Up:  BB 30 (Crack the Code)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 6-2,  BB 29
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-3 (Similar Figures and Scale Drawings)

Tuesday, 12/15
   Warm-Up:  E 12 (What Is a Termite's Favorite Breakfast?)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 6-3, BB 30
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-4 (Probability and Odds)

Wednesday, 12/16
   Warm-Up:  BB 32 (What Should You Say When You Meet An Angel?)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 6-4, E-12
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-5 (Fractions, Decimals, and Percents)

Thursday, 12/17
   Warm-Up:  BB 31 (What Do Hitchhikers Do When School Lets Out?)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 6-5, BB 32
   Quiz:  Lessons 6-1 through 6-4

Friday, 12/18
   Special activities (Hexaflexagons, holiday puzzles, word search, etc)




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WEEK OF DECEMBER 7, 2009

We have two very busy weeks ahead of us...and only two short weeks when we return from Winter Break...weeks that include the end of Term II and our Quarter II Exam.  It is very important that students do not lose their focus during this time.  If family or religious events are scheduled that might keep students from completing their work, please let me know so that I can give them an extension, but be sure they make up anything they miss.

School-Wide Events:

Monday, 12/7 Home basketball 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, 12/10 Nova Night of the Stars at Barnes and Noble 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."

Plans for this week are as follows:  CHAPTER 5 TESTS WEDNESDAY

Monday, 12/7
   Warm-Up:  Activity 15 (Equivalent Measurements)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 5-5; Workbook 5-8 (evens)  (Period 3 also needs to turn in Pascal's Triangle Mod activities.)
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-9 (Powers of Products and Quotients)

Tuesday, 12/8
   Warm-Up:  Chapter 5 Quiz (for practice...will be reviewed in class)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 5-9; Activity 15
   Do:  Chapter Review and prepare for tests tomorrow
  
Wednesday, 12/9
   Warm-Up:  None
   Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter Review
   Chapter 5 Test; Chapter 5 Notebook Test
   Homework (Quiz score):  Chapter 5 Cumulative Review

Thursday, 12/10
   Warm-Up:  None (Distribute Chapter 6 materials)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter 5 Cumulative Review
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-1 (Ratios and Unit Rates)

Friday, 12/11
   Warm-Up:  Activity BB 29 (Ratio Activity)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 6-1
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 6-2 (Proportions)

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30, 2009

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

The assembly was eventually changed to first period, which worked out well for all of the GEM classes.  We enjoyed a fantastic presentation about the dangers of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.  Period three was introduced to Pascal's Triangle using modular math, while the other two classes caught up with them in the Chapter 5 activities.  They will get to do the Pascal's activities if and when time permits.

Flyers were sent home last week about Parent Math Night, Thursday, December 3.  This activity is sponsored by the Nova Middle Math Department and Title I.  It will provide an opportunity for parents to participate in workshops while students are entertained in the gym.  Everyone will check in at the gym at 6:30 p.m. where they will be served pizza and soda, and then parents will proceed to the Saturn building for three short workshops.The workshops will include information on the grading policies, Pinnacle, Virtual Counselor, websites to utilize to help students with math, and a "real-world" activity.  Everything should be over by 8:00 p.m.  Please be sure to rsvp by returning the form to me no later than Tuesday if you plan to come so we will know how much pizza to order.

Other activities scheduled for this week are:
  Tuesday, 12/1:  Interim Reports distributed
  Wednesday, 12/2:  First Quarter Awards Ceremony (3:30 p.m. for 6th grade)
  Wednesday, 12/2:  Home basketball versus Pioneer

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

Plans for math this week are as follows:
   Strand A Megatest (FCAT diagnostic) Monday if time permits
   The formal quiz for Chapter 5 will probably not be given.  Instead, "Quick Quizzes" covering one or two lessons at a time will be given as time permits.  The tentative test date for Chapter 5 is Wednesday, 12/9.

Monday, 11/30
  Warm-Up:  Overhead problems
  Check for Completion/Review:  none
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-3 (Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers)
  (Period 8 will also begin the notes for 5-7 so they don't get behind from the assembly Wednesday.)

Tuesday, 12/1
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 5-3 evens
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 5-3; "You're Invited" bonus activity due today
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-7 (Solving Equations by Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers)
  (Period 8 will also begin the notes for 5-4 so they don't get behind from the assembly Wednesday.)

Wednesday, 12/2
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 5-7 evens
  Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 5-3; Lesson 5-7
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-4 (Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers)
 
Thursday, 12/3
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 5-4 evens
  Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 5-7; Lesson 5-4
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-8 (Solving Equation by Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers)

Friday, 12/4
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 5-8 evens
  Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 5-4; Lesson 5-8
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-5 (Customary Measurement)
 

__________________________________________________________________

UP-DATE 11/24

The assembly tomorrow has been changed to period three.  None of our classes finished the notes for lesson 5-3, so it will not be assigned this week.  Instead, students will be given a short quiz on lesson 5-2 and the bonus graphing assignment, "You're Invited for Thanksgiving Dinner."  Any additional time will be used to explore modular math with Pascal's Triangle.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23, 2009

Monday and Wednesday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday is an "Even Day."

School-wide events:

Monday: Scoliosis Screening through first period classes
             First Quarter Reward Day period seven
             Home basketball game 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday:  Assembly 3:00-4:30
 
Friday's plans changed due to the difficulty of Lesson 5-2.  Instead of going on to the next lesson, we spent more time looking at how repeating decimals can be changed into simplified fractions and examined patterns formed by different fractional denominators in the packet, "Changing Fractions to Decimals: Patterns and Tricks."  Students were told to complete Lesson 5-2 and look for patterns in the packet, which will be discussed Monday in class.

Due to the many activities scheduled for this week and the possibility of absentees due to family trips for Thanksgiving, we will not be pushing to get the Chapter Five quiz taken this week.  Instead, we will continue exploring equivalent fractions and decimals as well as patterns formed by different denominators.  For classes that meet on Wednesday, we will see how Pascal's Triangle can be completed using modular systems of arithmetic.  There will be no homework over the holiday weekend except for the bonus sheet, "You're Invited...".

Plans for this week include:

Monday:
  Warm-Up:  Overhead Problems
  Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 5-1 and Lesson 5-2
  Discussion:  Patterns and Tricks with Fractions and Decimals
  Homework:  Workbook 5-2

Tuesday:
  Warm-Up:  Overhead Problems
  Check for Completion/Review: Workbook 5-2
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-3

Wednesday:
  Warm-Up:  none
  Check for Completion/Review: Lesson 5-3
  Activity:  Pascal's Triangle:  Mods 2, 3, and 5
  Bonus:  Graphing Activity "You're Invited..."
________________________________________________________________________________


WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2009

School-wide events:

BAT II Testing Monday (Reading) and Tuesday (Math) 9:25-12:39

Wednesday (Science 8th Grade only) 9:25-11:30  Sixth and seventh graders will remain in their second period class until 11:30 and period four will be slightly shorter.

Students will follow a shortened class schedule for the remainder of each day.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 11/16
   Collect:  Chapter 4 Cumulative Review, Vocabulary 4D, and Activity 28
   Follow-up activity on Primes (Ms. Perry)
   Worksheet:  Scientific Notation I

Tuesday, 11/17
   Begin Chapter 5 notes, including GCF/LCM Oriental Method

Wednesday, 11/18
  Warm-Up:  None  (Distribute new unit materials)
  Check for Completion/Review: Scientific Notation Worksheet
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-1

Thursday, 11/19
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 5-1 (evens)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 5-1
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-2

Friday, 11/20
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 5-2 (evens)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 5-2
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 5-3

__________________________________________________________________

Anticipated test date for Chapter 4 is Friday, November 13 (Hurricane Ida permitting).

Monday and Thursday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Friday are "Odd Days."
Wednesday is Veteran's Day.  Please take time to be appreciative of all that our veterans have done and are doing for our country.

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 11/9
  Warm-Up:  None  (Distribute quizzes from last week.)
  Collect:  Halloween Word Search (bonus) and Icosahedron Activity (bonus)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 4-7
  Notes and Do: Lesson 4-8 (Exponents and Division)

Tuesday, 11/10
  Warm-Up:  Overhead problems
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 4-8
  Notes and Do: Lessons Pre 4-9 (Multiplying and dividing by Powers of Ten)
                                       and 4-9 (Scientific Notation)

Wednesday, 11/11 (no school)

Thursday, 11/12
  Warm-Up:  Literacy Activity
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lessons Pre 4-9 and 4-9
  Notes and Do: Chapter Review and Vocabulary Sheet 4D
  Prepare for tests tomorrow.

Friday, 11/13
  Warm-Up:  None
  Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter Review; Vocabulary 4D
  Chapter 4 Test and Chapter 4 Notebook Test
  Homework:  Chapter 4 Cumulative Review (Quiz Score)

__________________________________________________________________

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2, 2009

School-wide Events: 
Monday, 11/2:  H1N1 Vaccinations
Monday-Friday:  Book Fair through Language Arts classes
Wednesday, 11/4:  4:30-6:00 p.m. Evening Book Fair event for parents

GEM dates:

Thursday, 11/5:  Prime Number Quiz
Friday, 11/6:  Quiz Sections 4-1 through 4-3
Monday, 11/9:  Bonus sheets (Icosahedron 3-D activity, Halloween Word Search) given to students on 10/30 are due

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 11/2
   Warm-Up:  none
   Collect:  Circle Design Packets
   Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 4-2
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 4-3a (Prime Factorization)

Tuesday, 11/3
   Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 14 (Evaluate Expressions with Exponents)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 4-3a
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 4-3b (Greatest Common Factor)

Wednesday, 11/4
   Warm-Up:  Enrichment Worksheet 4-3 (Number of Factors)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 4-3b, AS 14
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 4-4 (Simplifying Fractions and Algebraic Rational Expressions)

Thursday, 11/5
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 29 (Simplify Algebraic Rational Expressions)
   Check for Completion/Review:  EW 4-3, Lesson 4-4
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 4-6 (Rational Numbers)
   Prime Number Quiz

Friday, 11/6
   Warm-Up:  none
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 4-6, AS 29
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 4-7 (Exponents and Multiplication)
   Quiz Lessons 4-1 through 4-3


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WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2009

   Welcome to Term II.  Students will be receiving their tests from last week on Monday, 10/26.  It is important that they examine their mistakes to see which ones were careless and which ones are areas they need to review.  If they have questions missed on the front of the notebook test they need to improve their checking and correcting of homework and/or their showing of work, as required.  Missed questions on the back of the test indicate a need for them to study and review their notes and vocabulary more thoroughly before testing. 
   Quarter exam results were posted on Pinnacle last week.  Our average score was 74%, which seems to be about the same as what is being reported throughout the District.  I will be analyzing the data from these tests to determine which concepts need additional work throughout the year, but I am not allowed to send these "secure" tests home.  If you wish, you may make an appointment to come in to view your child's test.
   This week there are several school-wide activities that will make flexibility a necessary part of our plans.  Tuesday there are picture make-ups and a first quarter reward activity for sixth graders in the afternoon.  Wednesday is a health screening day.  The entire week is "Say No to Drugs" week, and Friday is a dress down day for those who  make a donation to cancer research (a project sponsored by National Junior Honor Society)...not to mention the day before Halloween!  To work around these things in a way that prevents us from becoming frustrated but, at the same time, keeps us learning, I will use days that are interrupted to work on the Pascal's Triangle activities that are planned to enhance this unit. 
   Pascal's Triangle, which dates back to the eleventh century, is the one thing in math that connects arithmetic, algebra, probability and geometry.  We will be looking at how it is developed using arithmetic, patterns formed through divisibility, and use it to see how modular arithmetic systems make difficult math easier!  Later in the year we will look at the many patterns in it, including some very famous number patterns, how it relates to probability, and how it relates to geometry through a fractal, the Sierpinski Triangle.
   The Circle Designs in Modular Arithmetic packets are due Monday, November 2.  Students will be surprised to discover that the mathematical concept that makes the circle patterns alike is a property they learned in Chapter Two.  These packets will count as a project score in the "Research" class, as will the Pascal's Triangle activities. 

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

Plans for this week include:
 
Monday, 10/26
   Distribute tests and new units.
   Collect Halloween graphing activity (bonus) and Early Release activity (period 6).
   Notes and do Lesson 4-1 and Enrichment Worksheet 4-1(Divisibility and Factors)

Tuesday, 10/27
   Warm-Up:  Pascal's Triangle activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 4-1 and EW 4-1
   Notes and Do:  Pascal's Triangle activities or Lesson 4-2 (depending on which classes are scheduled for school-wide activities)

Wednesday, 10/28
   Warm-Up:  Pascal's Triangle activities
   Check for Completion/Review:  Yesterday's work (Pascal's Triangle activities or Lesson 4-2 )
   Notes and Do:  Pascal's Triangle activities or Lesson 4-2 (depending on which classes are scheduled for school-wide activities)

Thursday, 10/29
   Warm-Up:  Sieve of Eratosthenes (prime and composite numbers)
   Check for Completion/Review:  Yesterday's work (Pascal's Triangle activities or Lesson 4-2 )
   Notes and Do:  Lesson 4-3a (Prime Factorization)

Friday, 10/30
   Warm-Up:  Halloween Puzzle #2 (Order of Operations and Exponents)
   Check for Completion/Review: Lesson 4-3a
   Classwork:  Icosahedron 3-D Activity (Exponents)
   Bonus Activity:  Halloween Word Search


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WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2009

Important week ahead....
Chapter 3 Tests Monday
Quarter Exam (Chapters 1-3) Tuesday
Term I ends Thursday.

Monday is an "Even Day."
Tuesday is an "Odd Day."
Wednesday is a "Flex Day."
Thursday is an "Even Early Release Day."
Friday is a Teacher Planning Day (no school for students).

Plans for this week include:
Monday, 10/19
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 3-7 and the Chapter Review
  Chapter Three Test and Chapter Three Notebook Test
  Homework/Classwork:  Chapter Three Cumulative Review (to help review for exam)

Tuesday, 10/20
  Check for Completion/Review: Chapter 3 Cumulative Review
  Quarter Exam (from District)
  Halloween Graphing Activity

Wednesday, 10/21
  Circle Designs in Modular Math 
This activity connects and applies concepts studied in the first three chapters while, at the same time, reviews multiplication and division skills.  Students will multiply in modular arithmetic systems (systems with a finite number of numbers...like a clock) and connect their answers to form designs.  The challenge is to discover what makes some designs identical. 

Thursday, 10/22
  School-wide Activity:  Money Matters
 

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October 13th Up-Date:

Overall, Chapter 2 test scores were disappointing.  As a result, the warm-up activities for this week have changed to include a review of Chapter 2 topics (done today) instead of the activity sheet on averages.  On Thursday, instead of a quiz for Chapter 3, all students will take another test on Chapter 2.  In order to be fair to everyone, I will then program Pinnacle to drop the lowest chapter test score for this term.

Tests from Chapter 2 were sent home today.  Students should now be able to re-do problems they missed to see that they understand their mistakes.

Please examine your child's notebook test, as it is often a window into some of his/her problems.  A "D" in a box on this test indicates that the directions for showing work were not followed. (The answer is often just copied from the self-check in these situations.)  Incorrect answers indicate that the work was done, but not checked and corrected, often resulting in similar mistakes being made on tests and quizzes.  Students who do not check their work miss the opportunity to ask questions in class.  The back of this test tells me how well a child can find information in his/her notes, how well he/she has mastered the vocabulary, and how focused he/she has been in class.

If your child is struggling, this is a good opportunity to discuss what it takes to be a mature, dedicated student.  Students who have always been good at math sometimes come into this class expecting things to continue to be easy when, in reality, it may be much more difficult than expected.  Some of them balk at the thought of having to work hard at something, while others accept it as a challenge.  The vast majority of them have the capability to succeed if they are willing to work at it.  If I feel a child is misplaced, I will contact you about a schedule change.

Students should prepare for next week's Quarterly Exam by reviewing their class notes, doing the Chapter Reviews in the textbook, picking random problems from the book and using their chapter self-checks, and by doing problems in the book that have check marks by them (which have answers in the back of the book, as well).  It is also quite likely that we will postpone section 3-7 until Term II  (recommended to GEM 6 teachers this week) in order to concentrate more on the concepts that are going to be tested.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

B²
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WEEK OF OCTOBER 12, 2009

Important dates to remember:
  Wednesday, 10/14:  Activity Sheet 4 (bonus) due
  Thursday, 10/15:  Chapter 3 Quiz
  Monday, 10/19:  Chapter 3 Test, Notebook Test
  Tuesday, 10/20:  First Quarter Exam (Chapters 1-3)

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."

Plans for this week are as follows:

Monday, 10/12
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 26 Dividing Decimals
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lessons 3-1 and 3-2
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 3-3 (Mean, Median, and Mode)

Tuesday, 10/13
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 19 (Averages)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 3-3
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 3-4 (Using Formulas)

Wednesday, 10/14  (Bonus sheet due)
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 19 (Adding and Subtracting Negative Decimals)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 3-4
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 3-5 (Solving Equations by Adding and Subtracting Decimals)

Thursday, 10/15
  Warm-Up:  None
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson5
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 3-6 (Solving Equations by Multiplying and Dividing Decimals)
  Quiz Lessons 3-1 through 3-4

Friday, 10/16
  Warm-Up:  None
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 3-6
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 3-7 (Metric System) and Chapter Review
  Prepare for tests on Monday.
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WEEK OF OCTOBER 5, 2009

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."

Chapter Two Tests are scheduled for Thursday, 10/8.  We will continue our decimal activities for warm-up activities to help prepare us for Chapter Three.  The bonus sheet distributed Friday (Enrichment Worksheet 2-3) is due Friday, 10/9.  I will distribute another bonus sheet this week.

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 10/5
  Warm-Up:  none (Distribute quizzes and Spirolateral packets)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 2-8, Lesson 2-6 (Review)
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-9 (Solving Addition and Subtraction Inequalities)

Tuesday, 10/6
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 23 (Multiplying Decimals)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 2-9
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-10 (Solving Multiplication and Division Inequalities)

Wednesday, 10/7
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 25 (Dividing Decimals)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Activity Sheet 23; Lesson 2-10
  Notes and Do:  Chapter Review; Vocabulary Activity
  Prepare for tests tomorrow.

Thursday, 10/8
  Warm-Up:  None
  Check for Completion/Review:  AS 25; Chapter Review; Vocabulary Activity
  Chapter Two Test and Notebook Test
  Homework/Classwork:  Chapter Two Cumulative Review (Quiz Score)
  Bonus sheet:  Activity 4 (Solving Multiplication and Division Inequalities)

Friday, 10/9
  Warm-Up:  None (Distribute Chapter Three materials)
  Collect:  Chapter Two Cumulative Review
  Notes and Do:  Lessons 3-1 and 3-2 (Rounding and Estimating with Decimals)


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Tuesday, September 29:

I've made some changes to the Warm-up activities for this week.
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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2009

Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."
Wednesday and Friday are "Odd Days."

Projected test/quiz dates:
  Friday, October 2:  Quiz Sections 2-1 through 2-3
  Thursday, October 8:  Chapter 2 Test and Notebook Test

BAT test results are available on Virtual Counselor.  After studying them, I feel it would be advantageous for students to review decimals before they attempt th concepts in chapter three.  Review assignments will be built into our daily work as warm-up activities.
Students have asked if there will be bonus assignments this term.  I will be distributing one later this week and perhaps more next week.  Credit will be given only if work has been shown on a separate sheet of paper.

Plans for this week include:

Tuesday, 9/29
  Warm-Up:  Workbook 2-3
  Check for Completion/Review:  Activity Sheets 29 and 40; Lesson 2-3
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-4 (Variables and Equations)

Wednesday, 9/30
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 18 (Rounding Whole Numbers ad Decimals)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Workbook 2-3; Lesson 2-4
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-5 (Solving Addition and Subtraction Equations)

Thursday, 10/1
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 17 (Add Decimals)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Activity Sheet 18; Lesson 2-5
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-6 (Solving Multiplication and Division Equations)

Friday, 10/2
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 20 (Subtract Decimals
  Check for Completion/Review:  Activity Sheet 17; Lesson 2-6
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-8 (Inequalities and Their Graphs)
  Quiz:  Lessons 2-1 through 2-3
  Distribute bonus sheet:  Enrichment 2-3 Find the Speed
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Thursday, September 24th

If your child is struggling with lesson 2-3, please don't panic.  It's one of the most difficult ones in the chapter.  We will spend additional time on it tomorrow instead of going on to Lesson 2-4.

Also, the powerpoint presentation I had for Open House has been added as a file to this website.
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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

I enjoyed our time together at Open House.  I hope you did, too.

Monday and Wednesday are "Even Days."
Tuesday and Friday are "Odd Days."
Thursday is an "Odd Early Release Day."

Special activities this week:
Monday and Tuesday: Pictures (through Language Arts classes)
Tuesday:  INTERIM REPORTS DISTRIBUTED
Thursday:  Early Release Day  (School-Wide Activity)

Chapter 1 tests are graded; I will put them in Pinnacle as soon as I finish with these plans.  Overall, many students did very well on the Chapter Test, while others made careless mistakes that they'll want to kick themselves for.  The main thing is that they understand their mistakes so they can avoid making them again.  The average score on the Notebook test was about a C, as students have yet to understand all that I'm looking for on it.  An 80% or above is a good first score for this test but, as they adjust to this test, students should improve greatly.  I always make them a "deal."  If their second notebook test is at least twenty points higher than their first, the second score will count for both tests.  That way they have an incentive to get their organizational and work skills up to par.  (This is a one-time only offer, though.)

Plans for this week include:

Monday, September 21
  Warm-Up:  (none) Distribute tests and new chapter materials.
  Check for Completion/Review:  Activity Sheets 21 and 25 (assigned last Thursday)
     Turn in Cumulative Review if not already turned in (many finished in class Friday)
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-1 (Properties)

Tuesday, September 22
  Warm-Up:  Workbook Lesson 2-1 (Workbooks will be kept in the classroom, but pages may be taken out of them.)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 2-1
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-2 (The Distributive Property)

Wednesday, September 23
  Warm-Up:  Workbook Lesson 2-2
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 2-2, Workbook 2-1
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-3 (Simplifying Variable Expressions)

Thursday, September 24
  School-wide activity

Friday, September 25
  Warm-Up:  Workbook Lesson 2-3
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 2-3, Workbook 2-2
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 2-4 (Variables and Equations)
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Please don't forget Open House this Thursday at 6:30 p.m.  I am looking forward to meeting all of you!

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Week of September 14, 2009

Dates to Remember:

Wednesday, 9/16
Magazine Fundraiser Turn-In Day

Thursday, 9/17
Chapter 1 Notebook Test
OpenHouse 6:30

Friday, 9/18
Chapter 1 Test

Monday, 9/21
Spirolateral Packets are due (including rubric and all drawn spirolaterals)

Pinnacle has been down for maintenance this weekend.  Quizzes are graded and will be returned to students Monday.

This week:  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Odd Days."
                   Tuesday and Thursday are "Even Days."

Plans for this week include:

Monday, 9/14
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 4 (Evaluate Expressions)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 1-10
  Notes and Do: Lesson 1-6 (Subtracting Integers)

Tuesday, 9/15
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 32 (Subtracting Integers)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 1-6, AS 4
  Notes and Do: Lesson 1-9 (Multiplying and Dividing Integers)

Wednesday, 9/16
Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 18 (Multiply and Divide Integers)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 1-9
  Notes and Do: Chapter Review and Vocabulary Activity
  Prepare for Notebook Test tomorrow.  Be sure all assignments from Chapter One are in your notebook/folder, labeled, checked and corrected.  Be sure you have your notes with you, as well.

Thursday, 9/17
  Check for Completion/Review:  Chapter Review, Vocabulary Activity, AS 18
  Notebook Test
  Homework/Classwork:  Activity Sheet 21 (Operations with Absolute Value)
                                        Activity Sheet 25 (Mixed Integer Operations)
                                        Study  for Chapter One Test ("Foldable" activity may
                                        be turned in for  bonus points)

Friday, 9/18
  Check for Completion/Review:  Activity Sheets 21 and 25
  Chapter One Test
  Chapter One Cumulative Review (Quiz Score)
  Turn in Foldables
  Spirolateral Packets are due Monday. 

Students wishing to play computer games to help them study for the test or just for fun may go to my other website.  
www.quia.com/pages/bbrown/15/page4
User name:  firstlast762  (for example,  johndoe762)
  
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Week of September 7, 2009

Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."
Wednesday and Friday are "Even Days."

BAT Testing will be held Wednesday (Reading) and Thursday (Mathematics)  from 9:25-12:40.  The remainder of these days will be devoted to shortened classes.  On Friday the eighth graders will be taking the BAT Science Test.  For sixth and seventh graders, period two will be slightly longer than normal; period four will be shortened somewhat.  We will be doing the lessons in this chapter out of order to maximize our instructional time this week.

Don't forget the Magazine Sale turn-in day on Thursday, 9/10.

Up-coming GEM Events:

Thursday, 9/10: Quiz Lessons 1-1 ->1-4
Thursday, 9/17: Chapter One Test (tentative)
Friday, 9/18:     Chapter One Notebook Test (tentative)
Monday, 9/21:   Spirolateral Packet due (tentative)  Students have been given a rubric for this unit.


Parents, when youlook at your child's math grades on Pinnacle, please be aware that Isometimes list an assignment before recording it forstudents.  If your child actually has a missing assignment,  I willenter a "Z," which acts as a zero.  Anything reported missing byPinnacle, which interprets empty spaces as zeros, is actually somethingI have not yet recorded.  (I often record several assignments at onetime.)


Plans for this week (may need to be flexible due to the testing schedule):

Tuesday, 9/8
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 1 (Order of Operations)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 1-4 and AS 3 (Evaluating Expressions)
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 1-5 (Adding Integers)

Wednesday, 9/9
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 2 (Evaluating Expressions)
  Check for Completion/Review:  Lesson 1-5 and AS 1 (Order of Operations)
  Notes and Do:  Study for Quiz 1-1 -> 1-4; work on Spirolaterals

Thursday, 9/10
  Warm-Up:  None
  Check for Completion/Review:  AS 2 (Evaluating Expressions)
  Quiz Lessons 1-1 through 1-4
  Continue to work on Spirolaterals

Friday, 9/11
  Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 31 (Adding Integers)
  Check for Completion/Review:  none
  Notes and Do:  Lesson 1-10 (The Coordinate Plane); finish Spirolateral Packet


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August 30, 2009

   We made it through our first week!  Students are excited, and so is their teacher, about GEM Mathematics!

   Special events this week include our Fund-Raiser Kick-Off Assembly on Thursday (times to be determined).

   Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are "Even Days."
   Tuesday and Thursday are "Odd Days."
   Students need to bring their math materials with them every day, as the "Research" class is an extension of GEM math.

   Up-coming tests and/or quizzes: 
Target date for Chapter One quiz is next Wednesday or Thursday, September 9th or 10th)
Target date for Chapter One test is September 16. 

   Check for Completion/Review for Understanding:  Lesson 1-3; AS 1
   Assignment:  Activity Sheet 2 (Evaluating Expressions)
   Additional work in Spirolateral packet (No new lesson due to assembly)

Friday, September 4
   Warm-Up:  Activity Sheet 3 (Evaluating Expressions)
   Check for Completion/Review for Understanding:  Activity Sheets 2 (both sheets)
   Notes and do: Lesson 1-4 (Integers and Absolute Value)

Have a great Labor Day weekend!
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August 27, 2009

From now on I will put updates on  the top of this page so you won't have to scroll down to find them.

   Yesterday students worked on a pilot GEM 6 Entrance Exam.  I noticed some glazed eyes and gloomy looks, as the test was very challenging.  Please know that the test will not be used  to evaluate  your child or your child's placement in this program.  Instead, it will be used to try to determine if the test is appropriate for use with exiting fifth graders as a predictor of their future success in this program.  (I have a distinct feeling it will have to be revised.)  We will be surprised if the average score is greater than 50%.  (I will share that data with you when it is compiled.)

   Meanwhile, please join me in encouraging the children to not get discouraged.  My pledge to you and my students is that I will never give them a test (that counts) on material I haven't already taught them.

   Thanks to all of you who have sent in supplies for our classroom.  They are greatly appreciated.

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WELCOME TO GEM MATH!  I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

In case you are trying to get your school supplies before the rush and while the sales are on, here is a list of things you will need for your math classes.

SUPPLIES FOR GEM MATH CLASSES

1) One three ring binder(We will combine both classes into one notebook.) 
I recommend a 1 or 11/2 inch “slant ring” or “D -ring” binder, as these hold more thantraditional binders.
OR....if you tend to throw things intoyour backpack and then are unable to find, organize, or recognize them, you mayprefer to use a spiral notebook with at least two pockets.

2) Dividers (pack of 5)

3) Wide or college ruled notebook paper (white or any color)

4) Graph paper (plain) You will need this for our first unit of work.

5) Pencils (#2 or mechanical) and a good eraser

6) Highlighter(s) and/or a set of colored pencils

These things are not necessary, but you may wish to have them:

Spiral notebook (just for your notes)

Ruler (with both inches and centimeters)

Reinforcements (in case something tears out of your notebook)

Classroom Wish List:        tissues        hand sanitizer

NOTE:  At some point in the year (no earlier than December) you will be allowed to use a calculator for some sections in our textbook.  However, until it is decided at the District level whether it may be scientific or only a four-function "FCAT" calculator, I would wait to purchase one.  In the meantime, many dollar stores have FCAT (simple, non-scientific) calculators for $1.00, and other stores have scientific calculators on sale for less than $20.00 during the summer.  If you purchase a scientific calculator, be sure it has a hard case and a fraction function. 

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August 23, 2009

Are you getting excited yet?  Tomorrow's the big day!  This is year number 42 for me, but I bet I still will have trouble sleeping tonight!