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.

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