Syllabus 2009

James S. Rickards Middle School 6000 NE 9th Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 754-322-4400

August 2009

Course Title: 6th Grade Mathematics Teachers: Mrs. LaVette

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:

Welcome to a new school year, 2009-2010, at James S. Rickards Middle School.. I am looking forward to an exciting and rewarding year; one in which every challenge and experience promotes discovery, advances personal growth, and enables students the opportunity to attain excellence. Being involved in your children's learning is demanded as it will have the disposition to producing successful scholars and a greater impact on the level of their success.

OUR MISSION The mission of Rickards Middle School is “to provide a directed learning environment that is challenging and relevant to students of all abilities.” My commitment is to bringing out the best in my students academically and socially. I want my students to be free to explore math through a variety of activities, with the use of technology, and hands-on experience. In addition to securing knowledge, my students are to become empowered life-long learners, those characterized by self-responsibility, self-motivation, self-management, interdependence, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and high self-esteem. They are learning lessons for a lifetime enabling them to become the future professionals and leaders of our world.

COURSE OBJECTIVE This course is designed for 6th grade students to acquired the skills identified in the Sunshine States Standards. They are to progress with an in-depth understanding in mat, develop an ability to explore and reason logically, and use a variety of methods to solve problems. Students will master at least 80% of the skills taught. Students will extend their understanding of and fluency with multiplication and division of fractions and decimals; connect ratio and rates to multiplication and division; write, interpret and use mathematical expressions and equations; determine the perimeter, area, and volume for geometric figures; select and analyze the measure of central tendency or variability to represent, describe, analyze and/or summarize a data set; and apply math to real-world situations.

TEXTBOOKS Each student will be assigned a textbook to keep at home for the academic year, and will be responsible for keeping it in excellent condition. There is a set of books in class for students to use, therefore; students will not have to carry their assigned book back and forth to school. Students taking Regular Math will be assigned the Glencoe Course 1 textbook. Students taking Advance Math will be assigned the Prentice Hall Course 2 textbook. Students taking GEM will be assigned the Prentice Hall Pre-Algebra book.

Supply List 1 1 4 3 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1

Textbook (Prentice Hall Mathematics Course 2) pack of Graph Paper composition books (per subject) sharpened #2 pencils sharpeners with holders (non-electrical) eraser blue or black pen protractor ream of copier paper tissue scissors highlighters 3x5 pack of 100 index cards box of manila folders

ASSIGNMENTS All assignments will be given according to the county policy. Any incomplete assignments will receive a grade of zero. This is non-negotiable. All assignments must be done in pencil unless otherwise stated. Completed assignments will include the heading, questions copied and work shown. Late homework without a parental excuse will be acceptable one day late for a letter grade lower. For each day of an excused absence, the student will have two days to make the missed work upon returning to school. Students with an unexcused absence will not receive make up assignments. If the homework was assigned during the student’s absence, the student will be responsible for making up the work upon returning to school in accordance with excused absences. Any work not make up will result in a grade of zero. Students are responsible for turning in assignments on time while on field trips or school sponsored events unless special arrangements have been made in advance. Any student placed in Alternate Suspension is responsible for obtaining, completing, and returning missed assignments in accordance with county policy. A parent must sign student’s planner daily to evidence awareness of assignments and due dates. NOTE: Homework is a very crucial part of your child’s academic success. Your shared responsibility with assisting your child with homework will greatly contribute to your child fulfilling, even possibly surpassing your expectations. I look forward to working with you in this endeavor.

GRADING POLICIES Grades will be based on regular tests, daily quizzes, class work and/or homework, technology assignments, occasional math journal writing, projects, random binder check, and class participation. Test 30% Quizzes 20% Project 20% Homework/Classwork 20% Participation 10%

GRADING SCALE (%) A (90 – 100)

C (70 – 74)

B+ (85 – 89)

D+ (65 – 69)

B (80 – 84)

D (60 – 64)

C+ (75 – 79)

F (Below – 60)

RULES AND PROCEDURES In addition to the guidelines established by the Broward County Schools code of Conduct, the following rules/procedures will be strictly enforced in the classroom: CLASSROOM

RULES: THE FOUR (4)P'S 1. Punctual: Sitting quietly in assigned seat before the tardy bell rings. 2. Prepared: Having supplies, sharpened pencils, homework, and a positive attitude; copying the daily agenda from the board into your planner; and completing the initiating or warm-up activity. 3. Polite: Being respectful, showing regard for others in manners, speech, and behavior (not insulting, swearing, touching, or fighting); staying in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise; raising your hand to be acknowledged, and waiting to be addressed before speaking; and being responsible for cleaning area at the end of the period. 4. Productive: Reading instructions carefully and entirely before asking questions; being most efficient and effective by using your time wisely and constantly maintaining your focus and attention to the task at hand; and leaving hats, toys, and electronic devises at home or they will be confiscated by ANY Staff Member. CONSEQUENCES (for violating any of the rules mentioned, a student will receive):

AUTOMATIC ADMINISTRATIVE REFERRAL

1. Verbal warning

2. Deliberate profanity

2. Writing assignment

3. Four unexcused tardies

3. Parent contact

4. Insubordination

4. Detention

5. Repeated violation of classroom rules

5. Parent conference 6. Referral

REWARDS 1. Parent contact 2. Positive referral 3. Special privilege (such as going on field trips) 4. Student award and recognition

1. Fighting