August 2011

Welcome to Mrs. Ledwick’s 6^th Grade Mathematics Class

Team 602

            Hi and welcome to my 6^th grade math class.  My name is Mrs. Ledwick; this is my sixth year teaching mathematics here at Arnold Magnet Academy (AMA).  I have received my bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education (Math and Science) from Columbus State University (CSU).  I am currently enrolled in the Masters Degree Program in Middle Grades Education (Math and Science) at CSU.

            I know that we will have a great year here at AMA.  Below you will find helpful information about classroom supplies, student responsibilities, assignments, Accelerated Math, grading policy, student expectations, and consequences for failing to follow expectations.

Supplies (Needed Each Day)

1. Pre-sharpened Pencils (Several with erasers), absolutely no pens!  I will not accept any work if written in pen.  This includes erasable pen.

2. Loose Leaf Notebook Paper

3. Binder (use for all classes)

4. Hand held Pencil Sharpener

5. Student Handbook/Agenda Book (students will use this for hall passes, parent communication, and writing down assignments for all academic classes).

6. Reading Book for those who finish assignments early and do not have anything else to work on during math class.

            We will be working from the Georgia Performance Standards, which can be found at the following website: www.georgiastandards.org

            The binder is required to help students keep up with all of their assignments.  We will organize this in class.  The students will be keeping track of assignments in their assignment section of the notebook in addition to their agenda book.  It is imperative that students do not throw away any graded assignments until after receiving each nine week report card.

            When a student is absent from class, it is the student’s responsibility to find out what the missed assignment/s were.  The assignments will be posted in the back of the room at the student center along with any missed handouts.  Also, all graded assignments will be listed on a poster sized assignment sheet on the wall towards the front of the classroom.  Students must write down all assignments on their provided assignment sheet.  Students will have up to three school days to turn in missed assignments.   If the assignment/s is not turned in by the third day after the student returns to class, those assignments will be recorded as zeroes.  There will be no makeup assignments!

            For those students who simply fail to hand in assignments when due, their grade will suffer.  For students who have not been absent, they have up to three days to hand in assignments, after the third school day, I will no longer accept the assignment and it will become recorded as a zero.  These zeroes will drastically lower students’ math grades.

1 day late- 10% reduction of grade

2 days late- 20% reduction of grade

3 days late- 30% reduction of grade

After the third day, the assignment becomes a zero.

            During math class, students will be expected to work on Accelerated Math (AM).  AM will help to improve math skills.  You will be given AM goals to work towards each nine weeks. You must reach your AM goal that was set for you.  If you fail to reach this goal, your overall math grade will suffer.  AM will be counted towards your math grade, so please take it seriously and do the best you can on all math problems.  An AM guide will be placed into your child’s AM folder (I will provide).  The AM folder must remain in my classroom at all times.  A copy of this AM guide will be given to students to bring home.

            Grading Policy

Test Grades -                                     30%

Class Work (includes quizzes)-         40%

Mini Projects-                                    20%

Homework-                                         10%

Student Expectations in my classroom

1. Be courteous when others are talking; no talking when others are.

2. Stay in your seat unless given permission.

3. Come into the classroom quietly and begin the warm up immediately.

4. Come to class prepared to work (paper, pencil, math notebook, math book, and reading book).

5. Keep your hands, feet, and negative comments to yourself.

6. Clean up your area prior to being dismissed, please do not leave trash in/on desk or on floor.

7. No gum, candy, or food unless I give it to you.

8. Follow all AMA and Muscogee County School District (MCSD) Rules and Expectations.

Consequences for failing to follow my expectations

1^st offense – Verbal warning/name on board

2^nd offense- check next to name and teacher counsel

3^rd offense- Note in agenda book to parent or phone call home and Time Out

*Severe Misconduct will result in immediate office referral.  I will also give Silent Lunch or Team Detention to those students who are habitually off task.

            If you need another copy of my welcome letter, it is posted on my webpage @ http:arnold.mcsdga.net, click teams (left side of screen), scroll to Team 602 and click on my math section.  You can also find all assignments posted at this website.  Please refer to this website often for important updates on assignments/tests/projects.  I look forward in a great year with you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ledwick

Team 602 Math

 Please sign and return both pages tomorrow, after discussing the expectations and procedures with your child.  This page will remain in your child’s math notebook so they may refer to it as needed.  Thank you.

I have received the expectations of Mrs. Ledwick’s Mathematics Class.  I have read and discussed them with my child.

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Child’s Name (Please Print first and last name)                                 Date

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Parent’s/Caretaker’s Name (Please print)

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Parent’s/Caretaker’s Signature

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Parent Email Address (for weekly progress reports and comments)

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Phone number (Home or Cell)

If your information changes throughout the year please have your child notify me of changes so that you can receive updates on your child if needed.