Ms. Wilhoit’s MATH Class LAKE NONA MIDDLE SCHOOL

1. Ms. Wilhoit’s MATH Class LAKE NONA MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade Mathematics 2012/2013 Welcome to 6th grade math on Team Valor at Lake Nona Middle School. My name is Ms. Wilhoit and I will be your math teacher for the 2012/2013 school year. I am looking forward to an exciting year as we explore math together. I am sending home this letter to explain the course description, supplies, daily activities, due date expectations, grading, classroom expectations and consequences for misbehavior. Course Description The topics we will cover this year include: Number Patterns Percent Fractions Decimals Geometry Measurement Algebra Ratios/Rates Functions 2 Step Equations Area Supplies Sharpened pencils with erasers Highlighter Stapler or tape Pocket pencil sharpener with cap 1 5-subject notebook (plastic cover) Grading System Grades are calculated on a total points system.  Each assignment is worth a total number of points.  To calculate the final grade, add the total points earned and divide by the total points possible.  All assignments are to be completed and turned in on the assigned due date.  Late or missing work impacts a student’s final grade.  Please encourage students to complete all assignments and turn them in on time.  Parents and students can view student grades on Progress Book:  http://parentaccess.ocps.net • Contact Information • Ms. Wilhoit: • e-mail: katherine.wilhoit@ocps.net • phone (407) 858-5522 ext. 5344115 • School website:www.ocps.net/lc/southeast/mln Grading Scale A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F 59 & Below. Katherine.wilhoit@ocps.net

2. Daily Activities Bellwork – When students come into the classroom, they will begin working on bellwork. This assignment is a comprehensive review of sixth grade math skills. Students will complete the bellwork at the beginning of each class and on Friday their work will be graded. Classwork – Students are given time in class to work on individual or group assignments. The daily lessons will be designed to expose students to a variety of learning styles and skills as well as hands on activities. Interactive Notebook – Each student will create an interactive spiral notebook. This will be a personal diary which will contain all classwork, notes, homework, and handouts. This notebook will be the main study tool for this class. Tests/Quizzes – Tests and quizzes will be given periodically throughout each grading period and announced well in advance. In addition to that, notebook checks will take place occasionally during each quarter. Notebook checks will count as quiz grades. Students will need to make sure to maintain their table of contents, keep accurate notes, staple all workbook pages in accurately, and make-up missing assignments. Homework – Homework will be assigned 3 to 4 nights per week to reinforce concepts presented in the classroom. It is important for students to complete their homework each evening. All work must be shown. NO work = NO credit. Homework is to be completed and returned the following day to receive credit. Planner – The student planner is a valuable tool to help record assignments, reflect on daily learning and manage time. Students are required to write the homework and assignment due dates in their planner daily. Students are given the first few minutes of class to enter information in the planner as part of the daily routine. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review. Math Textbook Math textbooks will be sent home with the students to complete homework assignments. These books will stay at home. A class set of books will be used at school. Each student will receive a username and password for the online textbook resources. Students are HIGHLY encouraged to utilize these resources. Absences It is the responsibility of the student to make up any missed work missed during an absence. Students are responsible for checking progress book, class blog, and check with a classmate for missing notes. Students will be given the number of days absent plus one extra day to make up the work. No assignments will be accepted more than 5 days late. Due Date Expectations Each student is expected to turn in all assignments on the due date. Assignments turned in late will receive a grade of 50%.

3. Classroom Expectations • While in class, students will always… • Enter and exit the classroom quietly. • Raise your hand to speak. • Respect each other and the teacher. • Follow classroom rules/code of conduct at all times. • Be prepared with all necessary materials • Wait to be dismissed from class by the teacher. • No gum chewing in class • Cell phones must remain off and put away at ALL times. Consequences for Misbehavior Step 1 - Warning/ Verbal Reprimand Step 2 - Behavior Reflection To Be Signed By Parent/Guardian Step 3 - Phone/Email Contact To Parent/Guardian Step 4 -Parent/Guardian/Team Conference With Behavior Plan Step 5 – Discipline Referral For Administrative Action ***Severe behavior will result in an immediate referral to administration. Classroom Blog http://teacherpress.ocps.net/katherinewilhoit/ Students and parents please check my classroom blog daily. It will contain a detailed agenda for the week. You will be able to print classwork or homework that is missed, and receive up to date information regarding your child’s math class. Keep the math syllabus as a reference to use throughout the school year. Please return the completed acknowledgement page to me by Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Please feel free to contact me if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. This syllabus is subject to change if the teacher believes it is in the best interest of the students. Sincerely, Ms. Wilhoit Lake Nona Middle School 407-858-5522 ext. 5344115 Katherine.wilhoit@ocps.net