Saturday, August 23, 2014

Week 3

This year, SJUSD has partnered with box.com to share documents through network storage.  I'm taking the plunge, too, and am going to try to put classroom documents (notes, practice problems, assignments, etc.) online for you all to have access.  These are the links for the courses that I teach:

7th Grade Common Core: https://sjusd.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg
6th Grade Accelerated:  https://sjusd.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874

6th Accelerated
This week, we will fortify our skills of adding integers and rational numbers (and our explanations for our algorithms) and begin lessons on subtracting integers and rational numbers.

We have a quiz on Friday!
Practice Quiz available in Box.

7th Grade
Last week, many students did an excellent job of mastering the skill of adding integers and explaining the process for doing so.  This week, we will dig deeper into addition with adding all kinds of rational numbers: positive and negative decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers.

We have a quiz on Friday!
Practice for adding rational numbers available in Box.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Week 2

This week, students will be taking home their textbooks.  According to the Williams Act, the school district is required to supply all students with a textbook.  The textbooks should stay home and be used as a possible resource if students are stuck.  We also may have homework from the textbook.  So, keep it at home and take care of it there!

We will also be taking the STAR test on the computer (or iPad, whatever is first available).  The STAR test is a computer-adaptive test: a correct answer on a question leads to a more difficult one and an incorrect answer leads to an easier question.  Additionally, if too much time is spent on a problem, a wrong answer is assumed and the student is moved on to the next question.  The results estimate the grade level proficiency of the student and we use this test to track overall progress throughout the year.

Everyone needs a math journal starting this week.  Please make sure that your child comes to school with a math journal (a notebook with graph paper inside).

6th Accelerated (Periods 2 and 6)
Students should have received their score from the MDTP placement test.  Some student schedules may change as a result of this test.  If your child's schedule is changing, you will receive a phone call from Mr. Chamberlin.

This week, we will be exploring the addition of integers and rational numbers.

On Friday, we will be taking our first quiz on Adding Integers and Rational Numbers.  There is a Practice Quiz here that is due at the beginning of class on Friday.

7th Grade (Periods 1, 4, and 5)
This week we will continue practicing the addition of integers and look for patterns to help us do this quickly.

On Friday, we will be taking our first quiz on Adding Integers and Rational Numbers.  There is a Practice Quiz here that is due at the beginning of class on Friday.


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

New Year, New Name

Welcome Falcon Families!

For those of you who know me from before, I used to be Ms. Li.  Last March I got married and have a new name: Mrs. Tamura.  I am so excited for this new school year.  A lot of things have changed, including the curriculum, the grading policy, and overall strategies for the school year.  We may have some bumps along the way, but I hope that we'll overcome them as we proceed in the right direction.

The first few days of school we'll be reviewing key concepts and vocabulary from the previous year and also getting organized.  Students in all of my classes must have a math journal that has GRAPH PAPER inside (not a regular notebook).  They will also need a folder to hold worksheets and pencils.  A dry-erase marker is also highly recommended.  If you are able to donate any of these supplies, it would be greatly appreciated!  If you need any of these supplies, please let me know and we will make it happen.  Organization day will be on Monday, August 18, so everyone has the weekend to grab (or see me for) supplies for the big day.  Thanks!

This year, I am teaching 6th Accelerated and 7th Grade.  Please check the section that applies to you or your child.

6th Accelerated (Periods 2 and 6)
In this course, students will be learning the common core standards for both 6th grade and 7th grade.  The intention is that they will take Algebra 1 as 7th graders and then Geometry as 8th graders.  It is a very challenging course and is reserved for the highest performing 6th graders.  To determine placement, we have looked at past CST scores, the Illuminate end-of-course test from 5th grade, and the Pre-Algebra readiness test that will be administered on Thursday, August 14.  Please be advised that student schedule may change after the results of the Pre-Algebra readiness test.

7th Grade (Periods 1, 4 and 5)
In this course, students will be learning the common core standards for 7th grade.  We will take last year's introduction to integers and extend it to operations with rational numbers for Unit 1.  Some students may just have me as their regular grade level 7th grade math teacher.  Some students have an additional period of Math Lab with the fabulous Ms. Vickery.  No matter what, it's going to be a fantastic year with everyone learning a lot.