Class Syllabus
SYLLABUS
Riverside Meadows Intermediate
GRADE 7 Math
Leticia Gutierrez- Teacher
lgutierrez@plusd.org
TEXT/RESOURCES (*Are not limited to the list below)
MATHEMATICS FRAMEWORK FOR CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HOLT MATHEMATICS COURSE 2: PRE-ALGEBRA
COURSE OVERVIEW
The 7th grade mathematics program will include the development of logical reasoning skills, effective communication skills, and real-life problem solving. The student will build on prior mathematical knowledge through increasing challenging situations. The content will also include a strong introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra and geometry. Calculators will be used when appropriate.
COURSE CONTENT
Principles of Algebra
Rational Numbers
Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities
Exponents and Roots
Ratios, Proportions, and Similarity
Percents
Graphs and Functions
Foundations of Geometry
Two-Dimensional Geometry
Three-Dimensional Geometry
Data, Statistics, and Probability
Polynomials
SUPPLIES STUDENTS WILL NEED
Students are expected to have the items listed below daily:
- A three ring binder with dividers. This is a must as students will have their binders checked periodically. During the first week of class I will show the students how their binder needs to be arranged. AVID students may use their AVID binder.
- A compass
- A protractor
- Graph paper
- Lined paper
- Pencil (homework will not be accepted if done in pen)
- Expo dry/erase marker with washcloth or small rag
HOMEWORK
Meaningful homework will be assigned daily with few exceptions. It's very important that students complete homework daily. It is the student's responsibility to record homework assignments in the STUDENT PLANNER each day as a procedure/responsibility while in class. The PLANNER should be checked daily by the parent to make sure your child is utilizing this helpful resource. Homework is documented both in the classroom as well as on the website. Homework and class work will be listed as one category on Parent Portal as most work is started in class and finished at home. Please compare the Parent Portal to your child's Homework Planner to ensure accuracy, that the work is being completed, and to stay informed of your child's progress. Homework will typically be worth twenty points per assignment, broken down as follows:
- 5 points for the daily warm-up
- 5 points for notes
- 5 points for completed homework. Must either show work or explain in complete sentences how you got each answer.
- 5 points for a daily reflection
GRADING
Student's grade will be based on completion and quality of assignments, turning them in on time, following directions, class participation/cooperation, test scores, and projects. If a student is absent, as long as that absence is excused, they will have as many days to make up the work as they have missed. If this period is more than three days parents will need to contact the office for information on school policy. If a student is missing work without an excused absence it may be necessary for them to forfeit their allotted free time (breaks/lunch) until the work is completed. Due to budget constraints I will not replace handouts or worksheets that have been lost by students. I do have a binder in my room containing one duplicate of each handout or worksheet for students to hand copy if an assignment is lost. I will accept late work under the following conditions:
- 1 School day late: ½ credit
- After 1 day: no credit
It is the student's and parents' responsibility to stay informed of their grade by checking the assignments and grades online, and by the Progress Report/Report Cards.
Grade Calculation
Homework/Classwork 40%
Tests/Quizzes/Projects 60%
ASSIGNMENT HEADINGS
Assignment headings should have these 4 lines in the upper right hand corner of their paper:
Example
(First name) (Last name) Gregorio Gutierrez
(Class Period) Period 5
(Date the assignment is due) 09-08-10
(Assignment name including its #) Ch.9 Lesson 3 #2-30 even
DISCIPLINE
Riverside Meadows Intermediate School's Discipline Code and assertive discipline will be strictly enforced throughout the school year. My classroom rules are:
Always do your best!
Respect yourself and others.
Raise your hand for permission to speak.
Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
Have a positive attitude.
POSSIBLE POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES
- Intrinsic reward of feeling good
- Various Classroom Freedoms
- First in line
- Classroom jobs
- Etc.
POSSIBLE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES
- Warning/Redirection (reminder to the students)
- Buddy Room (students are sent to another classroom for a change of venue)
- Phone call home
- Lunch Detention
- Etc.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP YOUR STUDENT AT HOME
Parents may help students at home by providing the following:
A quiet place for your student to study away from distractions.
Resources to assist your student in completing assignments such as (math textbook, paper, pencils, erasers)
Daily assistance and encouragement to help your student get to work.
Computer to check our classroom website including the Parent Portal and my.hrw.com.
Special rewards or incentives for a job well done each nine weeks.
MOST IMPORTANTLY - Consistent monitoring!
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Communication between the parents and the teacher is essential to maximizing our students' success. Remember, parents have a larger impact on a child's development than their own teacher due to two main reasons. One, parents are their child's first teacher and two, parents spend more time with their child.
Parents are expected to contact me as frequently as they wish via email, handwritten note, or telephone. My preferred form of communication is email but for extended conversations I find that a face to face meeting is most beneficial. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Contact Information
lgutierrez@plusd.org
(530) 743-1271 Ext. 218
NEXT STEP
Please review the information in this packet with your child, fill out the form at the bottom of this page, and return it to me by the next class meeting. If you have any questions, please contact me. I look forward to assisting your child in achieving the high level of success that you and I know they can achieve.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Gutierrez