Welcome to MVMS Mathematics!

During the first week of school students will receive a course syllabus with class expectations from your math teacher.  We would like to welcome you to a great year in mathematics.  Teachers in our math department can be contacted by phone or e-mail. 

Carol Clingan (7^th)

Rick Gruen (8th)

Luke Grunberg (7th)

Suzie Mach (TOSA)

Melissa McIntyre (6/7th)

Erinn Olson (7/8th)

Rob Rivers (7th)

Tanya Snyder (6th)

Peter Stockwell (7th)

Elaine Tomko (6/7th)

Laurie Wagner (8th)

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Essential Supplies for a Mathematician

Everyday in class you will need:

• Sharpened pencils
• Correcting pen or colored pencil
• Notebook paper/composition book
• 6” ruler with both standard and metric markings
• Compass
• Protractor
• A binder to house your texts and work
• Calculator (for Pre-Algebra, Advanced Pre-Algebra, and Algebra)

Choosing a Calculator

Calculators are never meant to replace strong student arithmetic and estimation skills, but they are essential tools for visualizing and exploring challenging problems and concepts in math class.   
Additionally, you will find calculators an important tool in science as well as your other classes.  You will need a calculator at school each day.  Here is some information that may help in deciding which kind will be best for your needs.

A TI-84 graphing calculator is recommended for Advanced Pre-Algebra and Algebra.  It is a bit more expensive, but can be used in classes up through high school.  If you do not wish to make that investment now, any scientific calculator will work.

Every calculator should be clearly labeled and kept in a zipper pouch or your binder.  It won’t do you any good sitting at home or in your locker.

Homework and Grading Policy

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you about how the homework and grading policy affects your child’s mathematics grade. 

There will be two types of assessments – formative and summative.  Formative assessments help us determine if the students are accomplishing the learning targets of the unit.  These assessments help the teacher decide whether there is a need for more instruction in a specific area or whether he/ she can go on to the next target.  Included in the formative assessments are daily work, homework, and quizzes.  Students are required to complete these tasks.  Failure to do so will result in consequences.

Summative assessments are performance assessments that measure what the student has learned in the unit.  They may come in the form of unit tests, or projects that provide the student the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of a specific area of study. There are retake assessments offered to students who have completed the required assignments leading up to the assessment. These assessments are used to determine the student’s overall grades.  Students can improve their success by attending class regularly and having all necessary supplies.

Math Links

Math.com – skills practice, homework help, games, and parent resources for all levels

NLVM - activities relevant to grades 6-8

Homeschool Math - links to practice fractions, decimals, percents, and integers

AAA Math - lessons and activities organized by grade level

The Math Lab – Basic skills practice, printable worksheets, and activities by level

NCTM – online activities for grades 6-8

Math Dictionary – math definitions and explanations

Tangram Game – Create pictures using shapes

A Plus Math – Basic skills flashcards, game room, homework helper, and worksheets

Interactivate – interactive activities

Kaboose – Fun, educational math games

Funbrain – fun, educational math games

Coolmath4kids – educational math games, math dictionary, lessons, and problems

Ask Dr. Math – math questions answered for all levels