Week 31 - CST Preparations

Countdown to the CST: 15 days
In the next two weeks, we will be preparing for the CST.  On Saturday, April 23 from 9:30am - 11:30am, I will hold an extra Saturday study session for the CST.  I have a sample CST available for 6th grade and Pre-Algebra and will administer the exam at 9:30am in my classroom.  The test will be graded immediately and students will receive instant feedback on areas of improvement.


Unit 7 Test Results
Last week, all 6th grade students took the Unit 7 Test on Probability and Statistics.  Our Big Goal was for each student to demonstrate at least 80% mastery of the objectives.

The following students also achieved the Big Goal of 80% mastery: Daisy Adin, Ivon Aguilera, Matthew Canepa, Rafael Diaz, Emerald Doan, Brendan Flores, Mako Goldston, Angela Kurysh, Daniel Martinez, Nate McCauley, Nubia Mendoza, Adin Sabanovic, Catherine Salazar, Roman Sanchez, Adrianne Taylor and Anny Tran.

Congratulations to all of our hard-working students!

Below are some brief statistics by class period.

Period	# Students > 80%	# Total  students	Average  score
1	4	22	62%
2	5	23	63%
3	10	28	70%
6	11	26	67%

Students will receive their tests back on Monday and have the opportunity to correct their mistakes for half credit. If they would like to receive full credit, they must come after school on Wednesday to the Math Lab to retake the test.


6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will begin preparing for the California Standards Test (CST).  The CST will take place in the first week of May (May 2 - 6).  Actual testing will only occur on Tuesday - Friday, but every day of that school week will be a minimum day.  Students will receive a packet of CST released questions that they will complete for homework.  During the week, we will review key standards and have a quiz at the end of the week.  Homework is below:

Monday (4/18): CST Released Questions #1-12
Tuesday (4/19): CST Released Questions #13-24
Wednesday (4/20): CST Released Questions #25-36
Thursday (4/21): CST Released Questions #37-48
Friday (4/22): No HW (CST Review Quiz 1 today)

Pre-Algebra (6th Grade) Announcements & HomeworkThis week we will begin preparing for the California Standards Test (CST).  The CST will take place in the first week of May (May 2 - 6).  Actual testing will only occur on Tuesday - Friday, but every day of that school week will be a minimum day.  Students will receive a packet of CST released questions that they will complete for homework.  During the week, we will review key standards and have a quiz at the end of the week.  Homework is below:

Monday (4/18): CST Released Questions #1-12
Tuesday (4/19): CST Released Questions #13-24
Wednesday (4/20): CST Released Questions #25-36
Thursday (4/21): CST Released Questions #37-48
Friday (4/22): No HW (CST Review Quiz 1 today)

Pre-Algebra (7th Grade) Announcements & Homework
This week we will be continuing to review the key standards that will be covered on the CST. Homework is below:

Monday (4/18): CST Released Questions #1-12
Tuesday (4/19): CST Released Questions #13-24
Wednesday (4/20): CST Released Questions #25-36
Thursday (4/21): CST Released Questions #37-48
Friday (4/22): No HW (CST Review Quiz 2 today)

Week 30 - Unit Test Results

Last week, the Pre-Algebra students took their Unit 5 Test on Exponents, Roots, and Geometry.  Our Big Goal was for each student to demonstrate at least 80% mastery of the objectives for 7th grade and 90% mastery for 6th grade.  There were several outstanding performances from students that I would like to recognize.

Emily Summers earned a perfect score!

Alex Black, Emerald Doan, Nikki Hunt, Carla Juarez, Mackenzie Meyer, Will Whitworth, and Ashlynne Yap only missed one question.

The following students also achieved the Big Goal of 80%/90% mastery: Grant Cooperman, Melissa Murphy, and Aaron Nguyen.

Congratulations to all of our hard-working students!

Below are some brief statistics by class period.

Period	# Students  on Dean's List	# Total  students	Average  score
3	9	28	81%
4	2	28	48%

Students will receive their tests back on Monday and have the opportunity to correct their mistakes for half credit. If they would like to receive full credit, they must come after school on Wednesday to the Math Lab to retake the test.


6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will be finishing our unit on Probability and Statistics.  Our unit test and Math Journal Check will be this Friday.  Homework is below:

Monday (4/4): Problem Solving Worksheet
Tuesday (4/5): WB 7-7 all
Wednesday (4/6): Unit 7 Study Guide
Thursday (4/7): Unit 7 Study Guide
Friday (4/8): No HW (Unit 7 Test and Math Journal Check today)

Pre-Algebra (6th Grade) Announcements & Homework
Since all 6th grade students, regardless of which math class they are taking, will be taking the 6th grade CST, I will be using the remaining time between now and the CST to teach and review for the 6th grade CST.  This first week will be covering the Probability & Statistics unit that is taught in regular 6th grade and not in Pre-Algebra.  At the end of the week, there will be a 25-question unit test, but in fairness of the 4-day unit, it will be counted as a quiz grade.  Homework is below:

Monday (4/4): Introduction to Probability Worksheet
Tuesday (4/5): Sample Spaces, Disjoint, and Independent Events Worksheet
Wednesday (4/6): Analyzing Data Worksheet
Thursday (4/7): Bias Practice C Worksheet
Friday (4/8): No HW (Quiz today)

Pre-Algebra (7th Grade) Announcements & Homework
This week we will be reviewing the key standards that will be covered on the CST. Homework is below:

Monday (4/4): Number Sense 1.2 Practice #1-29 odd
Tuesday (4/5): Number Sense 2.5 Practice #2-20 even
Wednesday (4/6): Number Sense 1.7 odds
Thursday (4/7): Number Sense 2.3 #16-28 even
Friday (4/8): No HW (Quiz today)

Week 29 - Pre-Algebra Project

Climate Surveys
On Thursday, I passed out Climate Surveys to each student. This must be completed in pencil. The first three classes to have 100% turn in will receive ice cream from the administration. It is best to complete the survey together (parents & students).

Blog Readers Prize
I'm just curious to see how many of my students are reading the blog.  If you are a student reading my blog, write me a note with  your name on it and this week's secret blog word: raspberries.  Also, don't tell others the secret word.  However, you may tell them how to find the secret word.  The first five students will receive a prize.

6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will be continuing our study of probability.  We will be using tree diagrams to show all of the possible outcomes and then list them in ordered pairs.  We will also calculate the probability of disjoint events (e.g. rolling a 5 OR a 6) and independent events (e.g. rolling a 5 AND THEN a 6).  Homework is below:

Monday (3/28): Probability Worksheet Part 1
Tuesday (3/29): Probability Worksheet Part 2
Wednesday (3/30): WB 8-5 all
Thursday (3/31): Quiz 15 Practice Problems
Friday (4/1): No HW (Quiz today)

Pre-Algebra Announcements & Homework
This week we will be working on a geometry shapes project.  Students will become experts in a two-dimensional figure and the related three-dimensional figures.  The project is due on Wednesday at the beginning of class.  On Wednesday, we will take a practice test in preparation for our final unit test on roots, exponents, and geometry, which will be on Thursday.  Homework is below:

Monday (3/28): Shapes Project
Tuesday (3/29): Shapes Project
Wednesday (3/30): Benchmark 5 Practice Problems
Thursday (3/31): No HW (Test today)
Friday (4/1): Unit 5 Test Corrections

Week 28 - Unit Test Results

Last week, the 6th grade students took their Unit 6 Test on Geometry.  Our Big Goal was for each student to demonstrate at least 80% mastery of the objectives.  There were several outstanding performances from students that I would like to recognize.

Angela Kurysh earned a perfect score!

Mako Goldston and Danny Martinez  only missed one question.

The following students also achieved the Big Goal of 80% mastery: Karly Brooks, Matthew Canepa, Aidan Corral, Mindy Dinh, Briana Evangelista, David Gamali, David Guerrero, Kristin Madruga, Nubia Mendoza, Eliel Gonzalez Garcia, Chelsea Lara, Nate McCauley, Ayranny Medina, Adrianna Ng, Pauline Nguyen, Diana Rendler, Gabe Reyes, Cierra Rucker, Roman Sanchez, Pedro Tellez, and Anny Tran.

Congratulations to all of our hard-working students!

Below are some brief statistics by class period.

Period	# Students  on Dean's List	# Total  students	Average  score
1	9	24	70%
2	6	23	66%
6	9	28	69%

6th grade students have already received their returned tests and must make corrections for homework (due on Monday).  When students correct their mistakes, they will receive half credit.  For full credit, they will need to take the test again.  Students needing assistance can get help in the homework center and math lab.  The re-take will take place in the Math Lab on Wednesdays or by appointment.

Benchmarks This Week
This Tuesday and Wednesday will be block scheduling to accommodate the final district benchmark test for the year.  On Tuesday, students will go to periods 1, 3, and 5.  On Wednesday, students will go to periods 2, 4, and 6.  This benchmark exam is supposed to be an indicator for performance on the CST.  Please remember to come to school on time, fully rested and appropriately nourished, and ready to perform your best!

Blog Readers Prize
I'm just curious to see how many of my students are reading the blog.  If you are a student reading my blog, write me a note with  your name on it and this week's secret blog word: orchids.  Also, don't tell others the secret word.  However, you may tell them how to find the secret word.

6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will be beginning our final unit: Statistics and Probability.  We will begin with an introduction to probability, followed by lessons on experimental and theoretical probability.  This unit spirals in material from previous units, particularly converting between fractions, decimals, and percents.  Homework is below:

Monday (3/21):  WB 8-1 all
Tuesday (3/22): No HW (Benchmark today)
Wednesday (3/23): No HW (Benchmark today)
Thursday (3/24):  WB 8-2 odds
Friday (3/25):  WB 8-3 evens

Pre-Algebra Announcements & Homework
This week we will be continuing with the geometry portion of this unit, looking at three-dimensional figures.  On Monday, we will explore the volume of cylinders and prisms and on Thursday, we will look at the volume of pyramids and cones, and on Friday, we will calculate the surface area of prisms, cylinders, pyramids, and cones.  Because of the benchmarks and the shortened instructional time, there will be no quiz this week.  Homework is below:

Monday (3/21):  WB 10-2 #1-6 all, 11
Tuesday (3/22): No HW (Benchmark today)
Wednesday (3/23):  No HW (Benchmark today)
Thursday (3/24):  WB 10-3 #1-6, 8
Friday (3/25):  WB 10-4 evens, WB 10-5 evens

Week 27 - Unit Test (6th grade)

Blog Readers Prize
I'm just curious to see how many of my students are reading the blog.  If you are a student reading my blog, write me a note with  your name on it and the secret blog word: tulips.  Also, don't tell others the secret word.  However, you may tell them how to find the secret word.

Benchmarks Next Week
Next Tuesday and Wednesday will be block scheduling to accommodate the final district benchmark test for the year.  This benchmark exam is supposed to be an indicator for performance on the CST.  Please remember to come to school on time, fully rested and appropriately nourished, and ready to perform your best!

6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will be reviewing geometry standards including angle relationships as well as the area and circumference of circles.  The unit test will be on Thursday, March 17.  Homework is below:

Monday (3/14): No School (Happy Pi Day)
Tuesday (3/15): Unit 6 Study Guide #1-13
Wednesday (3/16):  Unit 6 Study Guide #14-26
Thursday (3/17): No HW (Test today)
Friday (3/18): Unit 6 Test Corrections

Pre-Algebra Announcements & Homework
This week we will be reviewing the circumference and area of circles as well as the area of composite figures and begin the introduction to three dimensional figures.   Homework is below:

Monday (3/14): No School (Happy Pi Day)
Tuesday (3/15): WB 9-4 odds
Wednesday (3/16): WB 9-5 all
Thursday (3/17): WB 10-1 all
Friday (3/18): No HW (Quiz today)

Week 26 - Circles for everyone!

Monday & Tuesday Substitute
I will be off campus on Monday and Tuesday.  The math teachers are taking Tuesday to collaborate and strategize CST test-taking strategies.  Mr. Ayala (retired John Muir teacher) will be the substitute teacher on both days.

TeachScape Taping on Thursday
On Thursday (3/10), Ms. Vickery (math), Ms. Filipek (language arts, writing, and social studies), and I will be participating in a TeachScape study.  TeachScape has developed a 360-degree board camera that captures a panoramic picture of the classroom to help educators evaluate teacher effectiveness.  My periods 2 and 6 have been selected for the taping and each student in these classes must turn in a release form before Thursday.  Those who do not wish to be taped will be moved to another classroom (and will complete the same work) while the taping is being completed.  The release forms and information letters are below in English and Spanish.

Release Form (signature required) - [English] [español]
Family Letter (read only) - [English] [español]

No School Monday Next Week
Next Monday (3/14) is an In-Service day. No school for students.

6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will be reviewing how to find the missing angle in angle pairs and triangles and learning how to find the circumference of a circle.  Homework is below:

Monday (3/7): Area of Circles WS
Tuesday (3/8): Cryptic Quiz / Daffynition Decoder WS
Wednesday (3/9): WB 10-2 all
Thursday (3/10): Quiz 14 Practice Problems
Friday (3/11): No HW (Quiz today)

Pre-Algebra Announcements & Homework
This week we will be delving into the geometry portion of the curriculum, looking at coordinate geometry, congruent polygons, perimeter, area, and circles.  Homework is below:

Monday (3/7): WB 8-5 all
Tuesday (3/8): WB 8-6 all
Wednesday (3/9): WB 9-1 all, WB 9-2 all
Thursday (3/10): WB 9-3 #1-12
Friday (3/11): No HW (Quiz today)

Week 25 - WPA

WPA
On Tuesday, every student will be taking a writing test, administered in their 3rd period class.  For 6th and 8th graders, this is a district assessment.  For 7th graders, this is part of the CST (California Standards Test).

Thursday Substitute
This Thursday, I will be attending the UCLA training for the intervention class that I will be teaching next year.  Students are expected to behave well for the substitute teacher and complete the given worksheet.  Next week, I will be out of the classroom on Monday and Tuesday.  Mr. Ayala (former John Muir teacher) will be the substitute teacher.

6th Grade Announcements & Homework
This week we will be studying area of quadrilaterals, triangles, and circles.  Homework is below:

Monday (2/28): WB 10-4 #1-6
Tuesday (3/1): WB 10-5 #1-11 odd
Wednesday (3/2): WB 10-5 #2-12 even
Thursday (3/3): Area Quiz Practice Problems
Friday (3/4): No HW (Quiz today)

Pre-Algebra Announcements & Homework
This week we will be learning about geometric relationships (parallel, perpendicular, and skew lines and planes), angle relationships, triangles, and the Pythagorean Theorem.  Usually, all Pre-Algebra students at John Muir have the same homework, but this week and next it will be different (out of order) because of the days that I will be out.  Homework is below:

Monday (2/28): WB 8-2 all
Tuesday (3/1): WB 8-3 odds, WB 8-4 odds
Wednesday (3/2): WB 4-9 #1-6
Thursday (3/3): TB Pg. 208 #5-12
Friday (3/4): No HW (Quiz today)