Week of October 3-7, 2016

Mighty Falcons,

Welcome to the 2nd Six Weeks!

I can not believe how fast time is going and how much we have accomplished. Many of you earned a Level III on your 1st Six Weeks Test and I am very proud of you, keep up the good work. Some of you still have room for improvement and I know we are going to get there with hard work and  dedication. I will begin to work with you during recess and remember to always ask for help when need be.  Remember it's okay to make mistakes, that only means we are learning.


Congratulations to my homeroom MIT for wining 1st Place in  the school-wide popcorn sale fundraiser! We all worked together and none of you ever complained. Anything is possible when we work as a team, you guys are the best!

This week we will be representing ratios and proportions.

A ratio is a comparison of two things. We might compare boys to girls, cars to trucks or hours asleep to hours awake.

Whatever we choose to compare can then be written as a ratio. There are three different forms.

A ratio can be written as a to b, a : b or  

Here are some examples:

1.) 4 boys and 5 girls would be written as 4 to 5, 4 : 5 or 

2.) 3 parts yellow and 4 parts blue would be written as 3 to 4, 3 : 4, or 


Click on the following link to learn more about proportions.
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/proportions.html


EXTRA CREDIT: Create a Mini-3D Factor tree by using any number of your choice and turn in by October 12. You can use hangers, pipe cleaners, etc. BE CREATIVE! :)


REMINDERS:
-$30 FOR SIX FLAGS TRIP DUE BY OCTOBER 3.
-FALL PICTURES THIS WEDNESDAY! COME IN YOUR SUNDAY'S BEST.
-REPORT CARD PICK UP  @ PETER PIPER PIZZA THIS WEDNESDAY FROM 4-6PM
-HESTEC TRIP THIS THURSDAY!

Week of September 26-30, 2016

Mighty Falcons,


You survived your first six weeks of middle school! You did it! I have loved every single moment we have spent together and I am glad I will get to see you grow both mathematically and in age.

Our first six weeks common assessment will be on Tuesday and will cover all material that has been taught. You can go over your notes on your interactive notebook and login into Agilemind to go over the math lessons.  We will have a short review on Monday so make sure you do not miss!


Reminders:
Popcorn Money will be due this Tuesday.
Hestec $5 fee will be due on Friday (My homeroom fees are complete).
HESTEC TRIP TO UTRGV ON OCTOBER 6!

PLEASE DO NOT BE ABSENT MIT STUDENTS!

WATCH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO FOR TIPS ON HOW TO EASILY DIVIDE! DIVISIBILITY RULES WILL MAKE MATH A MILLION TIMES EASIER TRUST ME! :)

EXTRA CREDIT:  WRITE A HALF PAGE OR MORE SUMMARY ON DIVISIBILITY RULES AND HOW TO USE  THEM. INCLUDE ALL RULES AND MAKE AT LEAST 6 EXAMPLES.

Week of September 19-23, 2016

Mighty Falcons,

It has been a great four weeks of school and I can't wait to see what else is in store for us this year.

You already received your progress reports and I hope you are proud of your grades but remember not to slack off so that your grades don't suffer the consequences. Remember to turn all work in on time and stay on top of your game at all times.The last thing you want is to have missing assignments and then realize your grade dropped at the end of the six weeks.Stay ALERT at all times.

We will begin to work with ratios and proportions by Tuesday so try your best to be at school everyday so that you do not stay behind. Next week you will have your 1st Six Weeks Common Assessment so make sure you are  reviewing your Math INB; you can come see me for help during your recess if  needed just ask for a pass.                                                                                                                                                                    
You will have an agile mind assignment to be completed by next Monday, this assignment will have to be done on your own time and will also help you review for your six weeks exam. You can also review the previous lessons on your own for extra help.  :)

REMINDER:
AGILEMIND WEBSITE IS RIOGRANDE.AGILEMIND.COM

YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD ARE YOUR ID NUMBER WITH NO ZEROS AT THE FRONT.


Play the following video to get ahead of the game!

Reminders:
-Popcorn Sale $ will be due by September 27.
-HESTEC $5 fee by September 30.
-I still need a few students in my homeroom to turn in the end of year field trip form; DUE on the 19th.
-Try your very very best not to be absent.
-Be Awesome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Week of September 12-16, 2016

DEAR FALCONS,


WELCOME TO THE 4TH WEEK OF THE 1ST SIX WEEKS! I AM VERY PROUD OF YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. YOU GUYS DID WELL ON YOUR  FIRST SIX WEEKS MINI- ASSESSMENT AND IF YOU FEEL YOU COULD DO BETTER MAKE SURE YOU COME AND SEE ME FOR HELP. REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE AND KNOW WHEN TO DEDICATE ON YOUR STUDIES AND WHEN TO HAVE FUN.

REMEMBER I AM ALSO AVAILABLE DURING YOUR RECESS TIME IN CASE YOU DON'T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AT HOME AND NEED TO FINISH YOUR AGILE MIND ASSIGNMENTS ONLINE.


THIS WEEK YOU WILL WORK WITH ORDER OF OPERATIONS, DIVISION, AND PRIME FACTORIZATION.  MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALWAYS  100 PERCENT  ATTENTIVE!


CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO REVIEW PEMDAS.
https://www.mathsisfun.com/operation-order-pemdas.html


REMINDERS:
PROGRESS REPORTS OUT THIS WEEK.
PRACTICE YOUR MATH.
ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT.
BE AWESOME!

Week of September 5-9, 2016

Dear Falcons,




Welcome to the third week of the six weeks!  We are half way through the first six weeks. This week we will continue to work with order of operations and begin covering factors, multiples, and prime factorization. We will also have a mini-assessment on Friday to check for understanding so make sure you are prepared and let me know if you need any extra help.

Reminders:
-University T-shirt money due on September 9, 2016.
-Don't forget to download the Class Dojo App.
-Prepare for Mini-Assessment.
-Parent Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 @ 5PM.
-Try your best not to be absent.
-Be the best you can be!



Check the following link to get a jumpstart on prime factorization.
http://www.mathsisfun.com/prime-factorization.html

Week of August 29- September 2, 2016

Dear Falcons,

We had an amazing first week of school. I'm looking forward to the next week. We will be learning many new things which include: analyzing different algorithms for division of whole numbers, make reasonable estimates with justification, and solve problems involving common factors and common multiples.

Make sure you continue to bring your math folders to class everyday.


Reminders:
-Student Council Representative Elections- Monday, 8/29/16
-Spirit shirt money due this week.
-Bring in nurse forms ASAP and thank you very much MIT homeroom and parents  for bringing in all your student information forms on the day after they were issued! Continue being responsible :)
-College T-shirt day on Thursdays.
-Spirit Shirt day on Fridays.
-Stay Alert in class so that you do not miss out.
-Be the best you can be!



Thank you for sharing your ideas on why you believe math is important. I was amazed by some of your responses. The following picture demonstrates different examples

Week of August 22-26, 2016

WELCOME TO AC2E 6TH GRADE STUDENTS AND PARENTS! I AM PUMPED FOR THIS NEW SCHOOL YEAR AND I HOPE THAT YOU ARE TOO. I WILL BE YOUR MATH TEACHER AND I HOPE YOU ARE READY TO WORK HARD MIGHTY FALCONS, WE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR YOU AND WE ARE 100% SURE YOU WILL SUCCEED EACH AND EVERYDAY. 

THIS WEEK WILL BE FULL OF  INFORMATION SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALERT AND FOLLOW ALONG,

I PROMISE YOU THAT YOU WILL LOVE OUR SCHOOL AND WILL  HAVE AN EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOL YEAR. WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE TO ASSIST AND GUIDE YOU WITH WHATEVER YOU MAY NEED. 

LET'S MAKE IT AWESOME KIDS!

6^th Grade Honors Math Syllabus

2016-2017                                                                                                           

Teacher:  Mrs. Isabel Lopez

Room:  8017

Cell Phone: 956-573-7011

Email: ilopez042@rgccisd.org

Welcome  to Ac2E Middle School 6^th graders! I am looking forward to a brand new school year with new students!  My goal is to empower my students mathematically by coaching them to be critical thinkers as well as scholars understanding our new concepts.  Also, by building self-esteem each will be enabled to be positive and productive members of society.

Course Description:

6th Grade Math reinforces basic mathematical concepts and introduces skills that are essential for all students.  Concepts, procedures, and vocabulary that students will need in order to be successful in upper-level algebra and geometry courses are introduced and continually practiced.  Students begin with a general review of the four basic operations. They are introduced to exponents, geometric formulas, algebraic concepts, ratios, percentages, and adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing signed numbers, etc.  6th Grade Math students work extensively with fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and estimating.  Problem solving strategies are also an integral part of the curriculum.

To be successful in this course, you will need to attend class on a regular basis, do all assigned homework, be prepared for class by bringing materials, ask questions, and have a good attitude.  These things will not only make you successful in this class, but also in life.

Course Goals:

         •For students to demonstrate comprehension and application of the above topics with 100% proficiency.

        •To prepare students for the STAAR exam by covering the Texas state standards (TEKS) and have a 100% passing rate.

·         Always work extra hard in math class and be the best you can be.

Grading Policy: Students are strongly encouraged to take home all graded material the day it is returned.  The material should be reviewed by the parents.

Quizzes/Classwork/Homework/Project/Journal/ etc: 75% of student grade

Tests/Exams: 25% of student grade NOTE: IN ORDER FOR STUDENT COMPREHENSION TO INCREASE AT AC2E MIDDLE SCHOOL WE WILL INCLUDE BOTH OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS AND MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS ON TESTS/QUIZZES. OUR GOAL IS TO DECREASE THE USE OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR SUPERIOR STUDENT SUCCESS. STAAR TEST FORMAT QUESTIONS WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED FOR PRACTICE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

·         Teachers will not assign a grade of “A” for work turned in late.

·         Work not turned in will be recorded as “M” (missing) so that grade reports will compute the grade as a zero until handed in. This will allow students and parents to see what the grade will be if work is not completed.

·         Late Assignments- Assignments that are received late shall be reduced by no more than five points per day after the due date to a maximum of 20 points. Assignments MUST be completed within five days.

·         Work that is turned in and is of good quality will not be assigned a grade lower than a “70.”

Homework/Class Work Policy:

You are expected to come to class prepared to learn.  This means having homework assignments completed BEFORE class starts every day, having a pen, a pencil, paper, and a good attitude.  We all have “bad days” from time to time, but let’s all make a conscious effort to leave any discouraging words, thoughts, and attitudes at the door.

Homework must be completed in pencil, and all problems must be written down, worked out and at least attempted in the way shown in class in order to receive credit for the assignment.  YOU MUST SHOW ALL WORK ON HOMEWORK, TESTS, AND QUIZZES TO RECEIVE CREDIT!  There will not be extra time given at the beginning of class to finish homework.

Homework assignments are given for the purpose of extending lessons and for additional practice. It is the student’s responsibility to ask the teacher for the assignments whenever the student does not attend class.

Assignments may include, but are not limited to:

            Group work

            Projects/tasks

            Individual activities

            Homework problems

            Practice papers/worksheets

            Journal entries

            Warm ups

AGILEMIND: Agile Mind’s Intensified 6^TH Grade math course provides clear learning routines that support students in building conceptual understanding of algebraic thinking, using multiple routes to solutions and multiple ways to represent answers.  This design fits right in with our class components of consistent routines, clear expectations, and close learning relationships between adults and students. Students will be able to review daily lessons and complete assignments online from home when asked to do so. If student does not have internet access at home please notify me so that I can accommodate the best I could.

Interactive Notebook (Journal)

Each student will have a Math Interactive Notebook that they are expected to update daily; specifically: math notes and foldable cut outs. *STUDENTS MUST TAKE THEIR JOURNAL HOME EVERYDAY TO REVIEW THEIR MATH NOTES. This notebook is collected at least once a month and will be graded on organization, neatness, and completeness.

*Daily math bell ringer problems are a crucial part of defining students’ metacognition of mathematical processes and concepts.  Warm up bell ringers will tend to be a variety of math problems or a review of previous concepts. 

*If you find yourself getting behind, or not understanding something, please see me for help.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.   Our goal is to help you be successful and learn as much as you can.

Class Rules and Expectations:

1. Responsibility-bring all necessary materials (pencil, notebook, and agenda) to class.  You will not be permitted to go to your locker to get anything you forgot. Do all assigned work, make up any missed work, use time appropriately, and be mature.

2. Respect -classmates and all teachers.  Teasing will not be tolerated.  Be fair and listen to each person’s ideas.   Also respect all school property.    This includes desks, computers, bulletin boards, and all classroom materials.

3. Raise- hand and wait to be called on.   If a teacher is talking, you are not.

4. Use- only constructive criticism.

Consequences:

Behavior will be dealt by following the Discipline Plan outlined below.  There will be no tolerance of the impeding of others’ learning.

1.            Warning

2.            Parent Contact

3.            Team Meeting

4.            Detention

5.            Administrative Referral

Any offense that is disrespectful or hurts another person will result in an automatic discipline referral to the office.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please sign below that you and your child have read and discussed the Math Syllabus for this year.  This will be checked off and returned to the student.

____________________________________________________________            ___________

Student Signature                                                                           Parent Signature                              Date