Welcome! I am very excited and eager to begin this year’s journey within the context of “math.” Math is all around us, and we use it on an everyday basis, which makes this course vital to both your academic and social lives! I hope to provide a positive, fun and unique class experience that you will enjoy!

Over the next school year, we will expand on all of our knowledge of mathematics. The most important trait that I want to help bring out in everyone is the ability to THINK! Math is more than just numbers and formulas. It is being able to apply them when problem solving. Together, we will learn the various tools of math and also, learn how to apply them to real world problems. We will investigate mathematical ideas within the context of realistic problems, as opposed to looking only at numbers.

Classroom Expectations
•We have read and will adhere to the school code of conduct.
•We are polite and respectful ladies and gentlemen.
•We are proud of our environment; therefore we keep it clean and organized.
•We ask permission.
•We travel expeditiously with passes.
•We strive to be on time.
•We eat all form of food and beverages in our cafeteria.
•We will not use cell phone and ipods during school hours.
•We are prepared.
•We exert EAGLE PRIDE in all we do.

Classroom Procedures
•Enter class quietly and be seated.
•Unpack required materials.
•Read objective and agenda.
•Complete “DO NOW” and/or “JOURNAL” of the day.
•Record and define “WORD” of the day.
•Work on “MATH PORTFOLIO” content.

Consequences (I reserve the right to move to various consequences as deemed necessary.)
•Verbal Warnings (2)
•Lunch Detention
•Parent Contact (email/phone call/letter)
•Parent Conference
•Vice Principal Referral
•SEVERE: Student led by security to Vice Principal’s office
 

Required Materials
•Holt Mathematics Textbook and Practice Workbook (provided)
•2 inch Math Binder
oBinder Dividers (Label: Journal, Homework, Vocabulary, Investigations, Assessments)
oPaper (An ample supply of loose-leaf paper)
•Pencil Case
oPencils (3 packs)
oErasers (5)
oSharpeners (5)
•Hand Sanitizer
•Liquid Soap
•Facial Tissue and Paper Towels

Math Binder Guidelines
Students will be required to have a separate 3-ring binder for math, 2inches.
Holt Mathematics Practice Workbook is to be kept in the homework section of the binder at all times.

Before the dividers, keep:
a) Your binder cover sheet, with name, teacher’s name and class. This can be in the cover or the first page inside the binder.
b) Mrs. Bookers Middle School Mathematics Course Syllabus
c) Assignment Log (monthly calendar provided).
d) Daily Agenda

Use the dividers for these 5 sections, clearly labeled:
1) Journal
This section should contain any work that is done for in-class problems, any notes taken and responses to mathematical reflections from each investigation.

2) Vocabulary
In this section, students will create their own math dictionary of words used throughout each investigation. Use lined loose-leaf paper for this section.

3) Homework
This section will include work on the Holt Mathematics assignments. Homework should be written on lined loose-leaf notebook paper or graph paper and clearly labeled.

4) Investigations
In this section, students will keep all investigation problems, which are completed in class.

5) Assessments
This section will include all check-ups, quizzes, tests, projects, and self-assessments.

Math binders will be collected periodically at unannounced times. Students will be given a homework grade for keeping their binder organized.

After each unit is completed, students will clean all sections of their binder except Section 2. These papers will be stapled together and filed in the classroom for further reference.