Welcome to an Exciting Year of Math Class! I Look Forward to Working with You in Class
Pre Algebra
Mr. Kerzmann (2015-2016)
Expectations
Welcome to an exciting year of math class! I look forward to working with you in class and anticipate a successful year for all of us. All of the class guidelines and grading criteria for the Tiger Team will be used in this class. The following is a guide to explain a few additional items pertaining to this class.
GRADING
For each unit, there will be quizzes and tests. Tests are generally worth 100 points. Quizzes normally range from 25 - 50 points. On occasion, projects and other assessments may be assigned. Homework will be checked randomly. Every few weeks a graded set of PSSA Practice problems will be assigned.
You will be graded on a points system. To find your grade at any given point of the period, simply add up all your points earned and divide by total points. Each marking period will have about 500 total points.
RE-TESTS will be offered for all quizzes, but not for unit tests. Prior to taking the re-test, a student must meet with the teacher to diagnose themisconceptions and properly learn the concepts. The original score will be averaged with the re-test to calculate the new grade.
HOMEWORKis expected to be completed on time. Your name, class, period, assignment title, and turn-in date should be in the upper left-hand corner of every assignment. Expect to receive about four (4) homework assignments each week.
Example Heading:
REMEMBER:
- Copy down the problem.
- Make an honest attempt on all problems.
- Show your work.
- Write down any questions.
- Assignments are expected on time.
CLASSWORKwill depend on the day’s activity. However, as a general rule, many classwork assignments will be collected or checked at the end of the period, so please use your class time wisely. Again, as in the case of homework, classwork assignments are expected to be complete and thorough.
NOTE: Classwork will not be accepted late.
PROJECTS
Each marking period there will be at least one project that pertains to the material being covered over that time frame. Projects will require the use of various learning styles. Since most of the projects will be given over a span of a couple of weeks, it is important that you follow the proposed time frames as the projects are assigned.
PSSA WORK
One important part of the eighth grade year is getting prepared for your MarchPSSA Test. In an effort to become better prepared, all students will be responsible for answering one open-ended math word problem each month. Also, periodical spiral reviews will be assigned to check on retention of various anchor concepts. Some of this PSSA work will be completed in class, while other portions may be assigned as a long-term homework assignment.
PENN Period
Over the course of the year students may be given a pass to come for extra assistance for math during their PENN period. The primary purpose of this time is for students to receive extra practice and guidance in a small group setting on skills they have shown an area of weakness in based upon their performance on various assessments. If a student is given a pass to attend PENN period, they are expected to be there in order to take advantage of an opportunity to strengthen their math skills.
MY MATH GOAL is . . .
September 1, 2015
Dear
(Parent or guardian of )
I would first like to express my gratitude to you for allowing me the privilege of teaching your child about mathematics. The 8th grade year in math is ultimately centered on preparing for everyone’s favorite course, PRE-ALGEBRA. What does this mean? Well, by the end of this school year, your child will have a solid understanding of rational number operations, become proficient in solving equations, and established a foundation for next year’s Algebra 1course.
Your child should have brought home a copy of the expectations for my class along with this letter. I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to read over this brief packet so that you know what is expected of your child for the 2015-2016 school year.
I hope I will get the pleasure of meeting you at our Pennfield Back-to-School Night (on Thursday 9/10), where I will share some more detailed information about each class with you. If you ever have any questions about your child, please feel free to contact me by email () or by phone (215-368-9600 ext 4708). I will do my best to be expedient with my responses in an effort to maintain an open line of communication.
Sincerely,
Gerald Kerzmann
Pennfield Mathematics Teacher
Please return the portion below to Mr. Kerzmann
OR
Send a brief email to to be added
to the contact list for Pre-Algebra.
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Mr. KerzmannDate
I have read and understand the Class Expectations and rules set for Pre-Algebra.
______
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