Newsletter 2016-2017
Mrs. Dewey
Pre-Algebra 7, English 8, Strategic Math 7, Advanced Pre-Algebra
Website: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Growth Mindset
Stay positive. Expect growth. We will begin our year exploring the incredible ability of the human brain to grow and learn. Research indicates that believing in your ability to achieve has an enormous impact on learning. We will focus on growth mindset for our first week as well as throughout the year. Embrace challenges with this in mind:
Pre-Algebra 7
We will be utilizing Connected Mathematics (CMP) materials for Pre-Algebra 7. Textbooks are small paperback books for each unit. These books are to be clipped into the binder and are NOT to be written in. This is an excellent series with an emphasis on deeper understanding of concepts. This transition is exciting because there is so much support for our learners. There is a site specifically for family support :
http://mymathuniverse.com/programs/cmp3/channels/8
https://connectedmath.msu.edu/families/
Your child will have an individual login for their math support on mathxl.com.
7th Grade Standards:
-Number Sense (Positive and negative numbers including fractions and decimals
-Rates and proportions (Proportional thinking and percents)
-Expressions and equations (Simplifying expressions, writing and solving equations
and graphing inequalities)
-Geometry (Perimeter, area, volume, surface area and scale factor)
-Probability (Prediction outcomes of events).
English Language Arts 8
In English class this year, we will be working on standards for writing, reading, speaking and listening, and vocabulary. In class students will be writing in journals daily. Students will be reading daily either from a book of their choice, or from two of the classroom novels that we will read together this year. Vocabulary work will be done using an online assessment tool .
Throughout the year students will create pieces that will demonstrate their growth in ELA, as well as other classes. These finished pieces of student work and achievement will make up the 8th grade portfolio. Be on the lookout for a portfolio informational packet later this fall.
Grading System
Student grades at Pathfinder are comprised of 80% summative assessments and 20% formative assessments. Summative assessments are unit tests and projects while formative assessments are quizzes and homework.
Homework
Students should expect 30 min. of math homework each night they have math. Answer keys will be located online and students are expected to complete, check, and correct their homework at home. We will then review questions as needed at the beginning of each class.
Supply List: These are suggested items. Please e-mail me if this creates a hardship to you and your family and I will handle it confidentially.
Pre-Algebra 7
✩1-1 1/2 in. binder
✩6 tabs/dividers
✩1 spiral notebook
✩PENCILS
✩Pens(blue/black)
Colored correcting pens
✩Highlighters
✩glue/tape/scissors
✩Calculator
✩Markers
✩pencil pouch
✩Computers
w/earbud, power cord
English Language Arts 8
✩2-1 1/2 in. binder
✩6 tabs/dividers
✩1 spiral notebook
✩PENCILS
✩Pens(blue/black)
Colored correcting pens
✩Highlighters
✩glue/tape/scissors
✩2 packs 3 x 5 cards
✩Markers
✩pencil pouch
✩Computers
w/earbud, power cord
Strategic Math 7
✩1-1 1/2 in. binder
✩3 tabs/dividers
✩1 spiral notebook
✩PENCILS
✩Pens(blue/black)
Colored correcting pens
✩Highlighters
✩glue/tape/scissors
✩Calculator
✩Markers
✩pencil pouch
✩Computers
w/earbud, power cord
Teacher wish list:
•Pencils
•Colored Pens
•Glue Sticks/tape
•Clorox Wipes
•Kleenex
•Hand Sanitizer
•Post-it notes
•AA batteries
•Baggies:sandwich/ gallon
Chromebooks
Students will be receiving their chromebook in September. It is important to have their laptop charged and ready for use everyday. The charging cord should also be brought to school everyday. The chromebook must be kept in the case at all times. Cases should remain as they look when distributed.
Classroom Norms
During the first week of school we will discuss classroom norms or expectations that students feel are necessary to have the best learning environment for both themselves personally, and collectively as a whole class.
My expectations for students in all of my classes are that each student respect the classroom as a learning environment in which their behavior reflects what they already know to be appropriate behavior. Students need to honor both themselves and their classmates’ differences in learning styles, in opinion and in personality.
Parent/Guardian Support
★ Check website weekly for agendas noting assignment and assessment dates.
★ Check for emails regarding classroom behavior and work completion.
★ Check MiStar for assignment and assessment grades.
★ Stay positive. Embrace mistakes as part of learning.
Questions or Concerns?
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I will return your email within 24 hours on schools days. It is important for us to work together!
Looking forward to a great year!
Mrs. Dewey
Pre-Algebra 7, English 8, Strategic Math 7, Advanced Pre-Algebra
Website: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Growth Mindset
Stay positive. Expect growth. We will begin our year exploring the incredible ability of the human brain to grow and learn. Research indicates that believing in your ability to achieve has an enormous impact on learning. We will focus on growth mindset for our first week as well as throughout the year. Embrace challenges with this in mind:
Pre-Algebra 7
We will be utilizing Connected Mathematics (CMP) materials for Pre-Algebra 7. Textbooks are small paperback books for each unit. These books are to be clipped into the binder and are NOT to be written in. This is an excellent series with an emphasis on deeper understanding of concepts. This transition is exciting because there is so much support for our learners. There is a site specifically for family support :
http://mymathuniverse.com/programs/cmp3/channels/8
https://connectedmath.msu.edu/families/
Your child will have an individual login for their math support on mathxl.com.
7th Grade Standards:
-Number Sense (Positive and negative numbers including fractions and decimals
-Rates and proportions (Proportional thinking and percents)
-Expressions and equations (Simplifying expressions, writing and solving equations
and graphing inequalities)
-Geometry (Perimeter, area, volume, surface area and scale factor)
-Probability (Prediction outcomes of events).
English Language Arts 8
In English class this year, we will be working on standards for writing, reading, speaking and listening, and vocabulary. In class students will be writing in journals daily. Students will be reading daily either from a book of their choice, or from two of the classroom novels that we will read together this year. Vocabulary work will be done using an online assessment tool .
Throughout the year students will create pieces that will demonstrate their growth in ELA, as well as other classes. These finished pieces of student work and achievement will make up the 8th grade portfolio. Be on the lookout for a portfolio informational packet later this fall.
Grading System
Student grades at Pathfinder are comprised of 80% summative assessments and 20% formative assessments. Summative assessments are unit tests and projects while formative assessments are quizzes and homework.
Homework
Students should expect 30 min. of math homework each night they have math. Answer keys will be located online and students are expected to complete, check, and correct their homework at home. We will then review questions as needed at the beginning of each class.
Supply List: These are suggested items. Please e-mail me if this creates a hardship to you and your family and I will handle it confidentially.
Pre-Algebra 7
✩1-1 1/2 in. binder
✩6 tabs/dividers
✩1 spiral notebook
✩PENCILS
✩Pens(blue/black)
Colored correcting pens
✩Highlighters
✩glue/tape/scissors
✩Calculator
✩Markers
✩pencil pouch
✩Computers
w/earbud, power cord
English Language Arts 8
✩2-1 1/2 in. binder
✩6 tabs/dividers
✩1 spiral notebook
✩PENCILS
✩Pens(blue/black)
Colored correcting pens
✩Highlighters
✩glue/tape/scissors
✩2 packs 3 x 5 cards
✩Markers
✩pencil pouch
✩Computers
w/earbud, power cord
Strategic Math 7
✩1-1 1/2 in. binder
✩3 tabs/dividers
✩1 spiral notebook
✩PENCILS
✩Pens(blue/black)
Colored correcting pens
✩Highlighters
✩glue/tape/scissors
✩Calculator
✩Markers
✩pencil pouch
✩Computers
w/earbud, power cord
Teacher wish list:
•Pencils
•Colored Pens
•Glue Sticks/tape
•Clorox Wipes
•Kleenex
•Hand Sanitizer
•Post-it notes
•AA batteries
•Baggies:sandwich/ gallon
Chromebooks
Students will be receiving their chromebook in September. It is important to have their laptop charged and ready for use everyday. The charging cord should also be brought to school everyday. The chromebook must be kept in the case at all times. Cases should remain as they look when distributed.
Classroom Norms
During the first week of school we will discuss classroom norms or expectations that students feel are necessary to have the best learning environment for both themselves personally, and collectively as a whole class.
My expectations for students in all of my classes are that each student respect the classroom as a learning environment in which their behavior reflects what they already know to be appropriate behavior. Students need to honor both themselves and their classmates’ differences in learning styles, in opinion and in personality.
Parent/Guardian Support
★ Check website weekly for agendas noting assignment and assessment dates.
★ Check for emails regarding classroom behavior and work completion.
★ Check MiStar for assignment and assessment grades.
★ Stay positive. Embrace mistakes as part of learning.
Questions or Concerns?
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I will return your email within 24 hours on schools days. It is important for us to work together!
Looking forward to a great year!
Mrs. Dewey