Week 38

Textbook Returns
If you did not return your textbook by this past Friday, you have been billed for the cost of the textbook ($75).  If you have the textbook and bring it to school, you may return it to the library before school, during lunch or after school and the bill will be removed.

Staying Sharp in Summer
Several parents have asked about different programs for staying sharp in summer.  Math Enrichment is a program that some of our math teachers promote (our own Mr. Cabral and Ms. Schuler work there during the summer).  I also have some workbooks from our textbook publisher that students could work through (please let me know if you would like a copy; supplies are limited).  However, I really believe that the best way to stay sharp in summer is to see math in real life: through daily interactions and through games.  Playing games and solving real life math problems helps kids see that math is not an academic subject in a vacuum.  The number sense that they build through games and problem solving creates a context for the content they see in the classroom.  This is one of the reasons that I have hosted board games club during lunch on Thursdays this year.  In class, I'll be going over this with the students using the attached handout.  I want to give students the opportunity to learn the different games (some of which require as little as a paper and a pencil) and hopefully something will stick.

Below is a sample of my recommendations:

Apps for Mobile Devices:

• Flow Free
• 2048
• Ticket to Ride

Solo Games:

• KenKen
• Sudoku
• Kakuro
• Logic Puzzles
• Jigsaw Puzzles

Multi-Player Games:

• Mastermind
• TicTacToeTen
• Card Games (Rummy, Crazy Eights, Hearts, Spades, Euchre, etc.)
• Board Games (e.g. Guillotine - $13, Lost Cities - $19, Blokus - $18, Connect Four - $8, Set - $11)

Final Days
I will be on medical leave from Wednesday, May 27 through Wednesday June 3, but I will return for the last day of school on Thursday, June 4.  Mr. Ayala will be the substitute teacher for all 6 days.  He will be leading the students in the various games that I have described above.  I will be available over email the entire time.

Placement for 6th Accelerated Students
The data collection for determining placement for 6th Accelerated students has been complete (except for students who have been absent the last few days).  Students will be receiving letters on Tuesday that detail their scores for the various measures as well as their math placement for the 2015-2016 school year.  The criteria for Algebra 1 and 7th Grade Accelerated are as follows:

• Algebra Readiness Test Multiple Choice (80% for Algebra 1, 50% for 7th Accelerated)
• Algebra Readiness Two Free Response (4 for Algebra 1, 3 for 7th Accelerated)
• Semester 1 and 2 Grades (B for Algebra 1, C for 7th Accelerated)
• Unit Test Results (4 for Algebra 1, 3 for 7th Accelerated)

The two free response questions as well as the unit tests were scored on the following rubric:

• 5 - Above Grade Level
• 4 - At Grade Level
• 3 - Basic Understanding
• 2 - Minimal Understanding
• 1 - No Effort

The free response section of the Algebra Readiness Test was only scored as a tie-breaker for students who were on the cusp of either Algebra 1 or 7th Accelerated.  

Week 37

Textbook Return
Please remember to bring your textbook back on Friday, May 22.  This is our scheduled date to return the math textbook.  If you do not bring it back on Friday, it will be up to you to return it to the library before school, during lunch, or after school.

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
On Monday, we will play a review game for the final unit test.  We will take the unit test on Tuesday.  Students will receive the results on Wednesday.  On Thursday, we will take the Algebra Readiness Tests (45 multiple choice questions and 2 short response questions).  On Friday, we will be returning our textbooks to the book depository.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will be completing our study guide and practice test in preparation for the final unit test.  The final unit test will take place on Thursday, May 21.  On Friday, we will be returning our textbooks to the book depository.

Week 35

Open House Reminder
Open House is this Wednesday evening.  Please come visit our math classroom 504 from 6-6:45pm.

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
We are continuing our final unit on Probability.  This week, we are seeing how probability is played out in different types of simple games (spinner, dice, cards, etc.) on Monday/Tuesday.  On Wednesday, we will be taking notes on Independent versus Dependent Events and Disjoint versus Overlapping Events.  On Thursday/Friday, we will be playing more probability games and writing reflections about those games.

Looking ahead, we have two final tests coming up that will be used for consideration for next year's math placement.  The last unit test will take place on Tuesday, May 19 and will cover Probability.  On Thursday, May 21 students will be taking the Algebra Readiness Test, which includes 45 multiple-choice questions and 2 short answer questions.  This final exam carries the most significant weight on math placement and students who score at least 80% on the multiple choice and a 4 or 5 (out of 5) on both short answer questions will be recommended for Algebra 1.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
We are continuing our final unit on Probability.  This week, we are seeing how probability is played out in different types of simple games (spinner, dice, cards, etc.) on Monday/Tuesday.  On Wednesday, we will be taking notes on Independent versus Dependent Events and Disjoint versus Overlapping Events.  On Thursday/Friday, we will be playing more probability games and writing reflections about those games.

Letters to select 7th grade students will be going home this week about a special summer math program.  7th grade students who demonstrated grade level (or above grade level) proficiency on the unit tests this year and their grade will be receiving invitations to attend a ramp up math course.  Successful completion of the course and a passing grade on the Algebra Readiness Test will qualify these students to be enrolled in the Algebra 1 course at John Muir Middle School in the fall (instead of Math 8).  Algebra 1 is an advanced math course where students may earn high school credit if they successfully complete the course.

Week 32

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, students will be working on a 2-D 3-D project where they must design one complex prism (built of two simple prisms), find its volume, create a net, find its surface area, and build both.  They may choose to work in partners or alone.  The project is due on Thursday, April 9.  Students will have time in class on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to complete the project.  It should be able to be completed in class without taking it home.


7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will be preparing for and taking the Unit 5 Test on Geometric Reasoning.  On Monday, students will receive a packet that includes the Study Guide (with notes and exercises) and Practice Test.  Students will have the majority of time in class to work on this packet.  The Study Guide Notes should be completed by the end of the period on Monday, the Study Guide Exercises should be completed by the end of the period on Tuesday (last chance to ask the teacher questions!), and the Practice Test should be completed by the end of the period on Wednesday.  The test will be this Thursday, April 9.  I will be out on Wednesday, but Mr. Ayala (the substitute teacher) will have the answer key for the entire packet and will go over the answers to the Practice Test at the end of the period.

Week 31

Office Hours Reminder
Due to the Talent Show rehearsals which take place on Monday afternoons, my office hours will be on Thursdays through May 14.

Upcoming Absences
I shared with the students in December that I am pregnant.  I'm about 28 weeks along now and some complications have come to light that require me to see several specialists for extended appointments during the day.  I will be out this Wednesday (April 1) and next Wednesday (April 8).  My due date is June 20 and I hope to finish teaching through the end of the school year, but this may not be something that I can control.  Thank you for your understanding.

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will be reviewing for our 6th Unit Test (Geometric Reasoning).  Students will receive a Study Guide on Monday (which is also available on box).  We will play a review game on Tuesday.  On Wednesday, they will take a Practice Test and the solutions will be given at the end of the period.  The test will be on Thursday, April 2.  I have shared with the students the data regarding their progress towards Algebra 1.  In making the final decision, the math department will be taking into account multiple measures: Semester 1 grade and Semester 2 grade (minimum: 84%B), each Unit Test rubric score (mostly 4/At Grade Level and 5/Above Grade level), an objective final exam (minimum: 80%), and two final short answer questions (minimum: 4/At Grade Level).  Students that meet these criteria will be recommended for Algebra 1 in 7th grade.  Students that do not will considered for 7th Grade Accelerated or 7th Grade Common Core.  I have met individually with each student to let them know what they are "on track" for.  At this point, there is enough data to show students with reliability where they are headed, but there is still enough time (there are 3 remaining unit tests) for students to increase their unit test scores and overall grade, if they are motivated to do so.  If you have any questions, please email me and I will be happy to respond over email or set up a conference.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will extend our knowledge of angle relationships (complementary, supplementary, and vertical angles) by adding angles in a triangle to our repertoire on Monday.  We will practice challenging problems that require students to synthesize all of the angle relationships on Tuesday and Wednesday.  On Thursday, we will add another level of complexity: algebraic expressions.  We will practice these skills on Friday (no quiz this week).  Our next Unit Test 5 is scheduled for the following week on Thursday, April 9.

Week 30

Office Hour Change:  Due to the Talent Show rehearsals which take place on Monday afternoons, my office hours will be on Thursdays through May 14.

Practice SBAC

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, students will take their skills of finding missing angles through angle relationships (complementary, supplementary, vertical, and angles in a triangle) to solve for missing variables of algebraic expressions in angle diagrams.  Their quiz will be on Wednesday this week because on Thursday and Friday they will be doing the Practice SBAC (Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium), the practice test for the standardizes assessment that will take place after spring break.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, students will be learning about several angle relationships and using those to find the value of missing angles (complementary, supplementary, and vertical).  Their quiz will be on Thursday this week because onFriday they will be doing the Practice SBAC (Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium), the practice test for the standardizes assessment that will take place after spring break.

Week 29

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will finish our series on volume by exploring the proof and formula for volume of all kinds of right prisms.  On Wednesday, we will start our study of angles (adjacent, vertical, complementary, and supplementary).  On Thursday, we will look at angles in a triangle.  There will be a quiz on Friday.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will start our series on volume of right prisms.  Additionally, we will review area and circumference of circles.  There will be a quiz on Friday for volume and a re-take on the circles quiz from last week (the score from this week's quiz on circles will replace last week's score on the quiz on circles).

Week 28

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will be reviewing the different types of triangles by angle (acute, obtuse, right) and side (scalene, isosceles, equilateral) and plotting them on the coordinate plane.  We will also begin looking at volume.  There will be a quiz on Friday.  Notes and worksheets are available on the Box link above.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will be studying circles (it lines up with the upcoming Pi Day of 3.1415 on Saturday).  We will be identifying the parts of a circle (center, radius, diameter, and circumference) and determining whether word problems are area or circumference.

Week 27

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we are extending our knowledge of area to the three dimensional space.  We are sketching prisms in three dimensions and their corresponding nets and finding the surface area.  There will be a quiz on Friday.  Notes and worksheets are available on the Box link above.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we are practicing more on area and focusing on the surface area of both rectangular and triangular prisms.  There will be a quiz on Friday.  Notes and worksheets are available on the Box link above.

Week 24

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, will will be wrapping up our fifth unit on Algebraic Reasoning.  On Monday, students will be working on a Study Guide and Practice Test (.pdf version available on Box).  We will be playing a review game in class on Tuesday.  The test will be administered on Wednesday, February 11.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, will will be wrapping up our fourth unit on Percents.  On Monday, students will be working on a Study Guide and Practice Test (.pdf version available on Box).  We will be playing a review game in class on Tuesday.  The test will be administered on Wednesday, February 11.  

Week 22

On Thursday this week, there will be a substitute teacher.  All math teachers at John Muir Middle School are participating in professional development related to meeting the different needs of all students at John Muir.  There will be a quiz on Friday for both classes, to prepare any questions for Mrs. Tamura on Wednesday (or at the latest the beginning of class on Friday).  Students in both classes will be working on a Practice Quiz and Review with the substitute on Thursday.

6th Grade Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, students will be learning more about expressions: combining like terms and the distributive property.  We'll see how these skills help us solve multi-step equations.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, students will be using everything they know about percent problems (wholesale price, mark up, retail/selling price, commission, tax, discount, and profit) in longer story problems that involve multiple steps.  We will be doing problems that begin with wholesale all the way through profit.  From Tuesday through Thursday, students will be working "backwards" from different parts of the problem (starting with the mark up, for example, and figuring out what the wholesale price was).  There will be a quiz on Friday.

Week 21

Math Survey for all!

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week we will be going deeper into two-step equations by practicing writing and solving them along with doing word problems involving two-step equations.

7th Grade Common Core (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will extend our understanding of percent problems by looking at mark up and profit (retail/selling price minus wholesale price) and doing multi-step percent problems that involve at least two categories in the same problem (e.g. tax and tip or discount and tax).  There will be a quiz on Friday.

Week 20

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will be continuing our study of equations.  On Monday, we will be practicing one-step equation word problems.  On Tuesday through Thursday, we will be learning to solve two-step equations and write two-step equations from a word problem.  Our first quiz of the semester will be on Friday and will cover both one-step and two-step equations.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will continue exploring percents of numbers in the context of commission, tax, and tip.  We will be looking at instances that combine these examples together.  We will also begin using calculators to solve these types of problems and learning what it means to "show your steps" compared to "showing your work."  Our first quiz of the semester will be on Friday and will cover regular percent problems as well as percent problems including commission, tax, and tip.

Week 18

Last week before break means finals unit tests for all!  This week, the 7th graders will be taking their Unit 3 Test on Wednesday.  The 6th graders will take their Unit 4 Test on Thursday.  I have a VERY ambitious goal of having all of the tests graded by Friday, so that students can know before going on break.  We will see...

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will wrap up our study of percents.  Students will be doing more practice exercises in class on Monday and Tuesday.  On Wednesday, they will take a Practice Test and receive feedback before the end of class.  They will take the Percents Unit Test on Thursday (it's very short).  A study guide will be distributed on Tuesday in class and on box.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
The 7th graders did a really fantastic job on their projects and presentations last week.  The students worked very hard to put together their slides and were great audience members giving both positive and constructive feedback.  You can watch the videos below.  We will be reviewing on Monday and Tuesday everything they need in order to be prepared for the Unit 3 Test on Wednesday (the study guide and practice test are already in box).

Period 1 (videos 101 - 109)

1. Dakota, Jazmin, Elysia, Janisty
2. Ian, Josh, Elena, Jesus
3. Demetrio, Angel, Anissa, Joseph
4. Nate, Richard, Jair
5. Diego
6. Ayn
7. Xoe, Yas
8. Julian, Cameron, Melvin, Johann
9. Amy, Cheyenne, Nayele, Erika

Period 4 (videos 401 - 413)

1. Rubi, Michelle, Joyce, Chelsea
2. Dominick, Jordan, Kenan, Richard G.
3. Christian
4. Jackie, Rachel
5. Michael
6. George, Richy
7. Richard A., Alfonso
8. James, Jose, Adam, Daniel
9. Frances
10. Jaylene, Shay, Kimberly
11. Jake
12. Maddie, Dani, Virginia
13. Zach, Juan

Period 5 (videos 501 - 512)

1. Lauren, Dulce
2. Natalie
3. Nicole
4. Isaac, Joey
5. Cassy, Malia, Lily, Adriyanna
6. Kaylee, Jacob, Karen, Jackie
7. Norlando, Homer, AJ, Keven
8. Reese, Alex
9. Elena-Grace
10. Hugo, Michael, Giovanni
11. Angel, Nathan, Ednovi, Jayden
12. Daniel

Week 17

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
Last Thursday, the students took their Unit 3 Test.  Overall, the results were pretty solid with most students earning a 4 (At Grade Level) or 5 (Above Grade Level) on the rubric for each of the three sections.  I've included the rubric that the grade that it translates to for the gradebook below.  We went over each of the questions on Friday and in small groups and then as a class "graded" a sample of questions.  Students will receive their individual scores on Monday.  Again (as with all unit tests), students and parents are welcome to come to school between 7:30am - 7:55am or after school on Mondays from 2:42pm - 3:30pm or by appointment to see the tests.

In the next two weeks, we will be completing a unit on percents.  We'll be studying this week the meaning of percents and how they relate to fractions and decimals as well as calculating percents in real world situations such as sales tax, tip, discounts, mark ups/mark downs, commission, and more.  It's a short unit and the test is scheduled for Thursday, December 18.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, students will be completing their projects on Rates, Equations, and Graphs.  Last week, each student (with their group, if applicable) had worked on their rough draft and received teacher approval for completed sections.  As soon as each group is checked off for Parts 1 - 7 of the rough draft, they can check out materials to complete their poster, keynote presentation, or google presentation.  The project will be due on Thursday, December 11.  The rubric and sample presentation are available on the box.

Graph Template - Choose this to help you make your graph for the presentation.

Week 12

Math Center
The topic for Math Center this week is Subtracting Integers.  It will be held in room 802 from 3pm - 4pm on Monday and Wednesday.

Office Hours Change (this week only)
There are some personnel changes in the math department, so we are having to change around some responsibilities.  Because of this, my office hours this week will be on Thursday after school.  I know that the 7th graders have a Unit Test on Thursday, so I will also be available during lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
Last week, the students took their second unit test.  To give more transparency regarding their performance, I've entered their grade a little differently than compared to the first test.  Instead of seeing one cumulative score, I've entered three separate scores.  This is because the second unit breaks down into three major topics: (1) the meaning and calculation of GCG and LCM, (2) decimal operations, and (3) dividing fractions with pictures and the algorithm.  In this way, everyone can see through the gradebook which parts of the test the student excelled in and which parts still need attention.  Similarly from the Unit 1 Test, we will review the test during class on Monday, but the documents must remain in the classroom.  Everyone (parents & students) are welcome to come before school from 7:30am - 7:55am to see the test again or during my office hours, or by appointment.  We will begin our third unit on Tuesday (Ratios, Rates, and Proportions), which should take us through the end of the month.  Our fourth unit will be on Percents and will be the end of the first semester.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will be preparing for our second unit test.  Students will receive a study guide on Monday and a Practice Test on Tuesday.  Wednesday will be our final day of review before the test on Thursday.  I will be available during lunch Monday - Wednesday this week and I invite students to come with questions to class or during these extra office hours.

Week 11

Math Center
Monday's and Wednesday's Math Center topic is Multiplying Decimals.  It will be located as usual in Room 802 from 3pm - 4pm.

Math Contest
John Muir Middle School will be participating in the American Mathematics Contest (AMC 8).  It will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 from 3pm - 4pm in the Cafeteria.  There are only 50 spots for the entire school, so it will be first come first served (students must return a signed permission slip to Mrs. Tamura).  The AMC 8 is a 20 question, multiple choice test.  There is no penalty for guessing and is open to all middle school students (no question will require Algebra nor Geometry).

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will be preparing for the second unit test.  Students will receive a study guide and a practice test.  The second unit test will be administered on Thursday, October 30.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will further our understanding of solving equations and inequalities by looking at real world situations and writing equations and inequalities that represent the situation.  We will take our second unit test on Thursday, November 6.

Week 10

Math Survey

Math Department Goal
This year, one of the our department's overarching goals is to conform student mindsets about math.  As teachers, we believe that "intelligence" is malleable and that success in math is not fixed (so we are not born or naturally good at math).  The mindset that we are trying to convince students to discard is that they are either "good at math" or "bad at math" and instead embrace the idea that "I am good at match because I work hard" and "I can get better at math."  These ideas are important for all students because for those who believe that they are good at math because they born that way, the day will come (and it may be in Algebra 1, or Trigonometry, or Calculus) when math becomes difficult and if students believe that they used to be good at math because they were born that way without hard work, then when they face a challenge, they will give up.  For students who see themselves right now as "bad at math because they are born this way," there is no hope that things can get better.  We want to equip all of our students with the attitudes that will set them up for success.

This idea is the whole reason for our simplified in grading categories (Assessments + Effort) and why we allow students to retake assessments.  The message we are broadcasting is that maybe you didn't understand a concept at the time of the original quiz, but it's never too late to master it because WE BELIEVE YOU CAN.  We also want to reward students for making an effort, so all classwork/homework/warm ups etc. are graded only by completion.

You as parents can help us change the minds and attitudes of our students.  Below are some helpful things that you can use to encourage your child:

• "Great job!  I can tell your studying paid off!"
• "Amateurs practice until they get it right.  Professionals practice until they never get it wrong.  By practicing, you are becoming a professional student!"
• "It looks like you did well on Topic X, but not on Topic Y.  Why don't you talk to Mrs. Tamura about getting better at Topic Y?  I know that you can do it."
• "I wasn't always good at Skill A.  But I got here because I work hard and spent many hours honing that skill."

Please avoid remarks like the following:

• "I was never good at math," or "I don't like math, either."
• "Math is not your strong suit."

We'll be monitoring how students feel about math 3 times during the school year (this week, in January, and in May) to see how they perceive themselves and compare that with their grades/assessment scores.

Math Center
This week's Math Center topic on Monday and Wednesday is simplifying fractions.  There will be a special Math Center on Thursday on the 8th Grade topic of Rate of Change (a.k.a. slope).  Math Center is in room 802 from 3pm-4pm and all students are welcome to attend.

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.app.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will continue our study comparing Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple while spiraling review of fraction division with both pictures and the algorithm.  We will also begin our study of dividing decimals (specifically why moving the decimal allows us to still get the same answer).

7th Grade (https://sjusd.box.com/s/fvpzcxpzao0bdhrp86pg)
This week, we will be using manipulatives to solve equations and inequalities.

Week 9

Math Center - This week the Math Center will be focusing on the topic of subtracting integers.  All students are welcome.  Because of the large response, we are holding two workshops on subtracting integers this week: Monday and Wednesday after school.  You can choose which day is more convenient.  Unless otherwise posted, both workshops will be held in Room 802 from 3pm - 4pm.  My students will receive 5 points of extra credit if they attend.

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)
This week, we will be investigating how the pictures for dividing fractions explain why the algorithm for dividing fractions work.  Students will be expected to be able to draw pictures to divide fractions, use the algorithm to divide fractions, and explain how the two are related.  We will also begin to see the mechanics and purposes of the Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/files/0/f/2360577781)
This week, we will continue our study of equivalent expressions (combining like terms and distributive property expressions that include negative constants/coefficients).  Additionally, we will look at taking real world situations and using equations to model and solve them.  There will be a quiz on Friday and their Equivalent Expressions project (which they may do in partners or groups of up to 4) will also be due on Friday.

Week 8

6th Accelerated (https://sjusd.box.com/s/4da00xgz3wfsxk92o874)

Project Presentations: Great job on the the project presentations last week.  I was able to video tape some of the presentations and they are posted below.  In some videos you can't hear the presenters because they spoke softly and didn't have a video microphone.  The password for each video is johnmuir.  I'm limited on the weekly upload bandwidth, so the final two videos will be available on Friday 10/10.

Joshua, James, Oswaldo
Erisela, Unaza, Olivia, Claire
Landon, Alondra, Julia
KC, Jonathan, Nathan, Ben P.
Allison, Jasleen
Maya, Valeria (no video available)
Julio, Alvaro (no video available)
Chris, Christian, Minhtri, Cortez (no video available)
Aria, Ryan, Tanner, Riley (no video available)
Raeven, Justin, Jasper
Mahalet, Lauren, Steven, Adrian
Isa
Noel, Angel, Ethan
Danielle, Kaelynn
Zach, Damen, Nathan, Connor
Sasha, Odette, Mekiah
Tyler, Ben T, Sean, Nolan (coming on Friday 10/10)
Kelani, Ella, Zoe, Alyssa (coming on Friday 10/10)

Unit 1 Test Results: The results are in the gradebook.  Students were able to see their tests along with examples of Level 5 responses for each question.  These tests are intellectual property of the school district and will be used for future iterations of unit tests.  Therefore, they do not leave the classroom.  Students and parents may see the tests in the classroom either before school (7:30am - 8:00am), during lunch (12:08pm - 12:38pm) or after school (2:42pm - 3:30pm Mondays or by appointment on Thursdays and Fridays).  Since I write a Version A and Version B for each quiz, students who earn less than 80% on a quiz may re-take that quiz and replace it with a higher score.  However, there is no second version of the Unit 1 Test at this time, so there is not an opportunity to re-take the test for a higher grade.

This week, we begin our study of Pictorial Division.  Students will be using mathematics to model real world situations and use pictures to represent division of whole numbers, mixed numbers, and fractions.  These pictures will explain why the algorithm of multiply by the reciprocal works.  Indeed, students will need to multiply the reciprocal as well as draw diagrams to model division.

7th Grade (https://sjusd.app.box.com/files/0/f/2360577781)

Unit 1 Test Results:  Since this is the first district assessment of the year, 7th grade teachers from all SJUSD middle schools will be meeting at the District Office in October 14 to grade the tests together and calibrate, so that all assessments no matter which site will be graded in the same way.  Students should expect to see the results on Infinite Campus and in class no later than Friday, October 17.

We are beginning our next unit of Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities.  Students should have some familiarity with the vocabulary (variables, constants, and coefficients) from 6th grade, but the problems and situations are more complex.  We will begin this week by writing expressions and follow it with combining like terms and the distributive property of negative terms.