Expectations

WELCOME !

Dear Parents,

It is my privilege to serve as your child’s math teacher in the 2023 – 2024 school year. 

The information below will inform you of my expectations regarding student behavior and performance, classroom procedures, and contact information.

COMMUNICATION

I believe that communication between teachers and parents is vital in forming a positive educational environment.  The school phone number is 350-2142 and my extension is 76114.  My school email address is mark.samuel@nhcs.net, I check my emails throughout the day and try to respond within 24 hrs.  I will post weekly plans on the agenda page letting you know what is happening in the classroom. 

 I have a web site where I post daily assignments along with helpful videos and notes. You can access my website by visiting the Trask web page and looking under faculty and 6th grade.

BEHAVIOR

Good behavior is a must for my classroom! Unacceptable behavior impedes the learning process. To deal with those situations when problems do arise, we have the following consequences for rule infractions during a class period:

·         1st offense – warning

·         2nd offense – parent contact

·         3rd offense – lunch detention and parent contact

·                4th offense- office referral

I will reserve the right to make office referrals for major disruptions or incidents of disrespect.

GRADING

Classroom assignments and assessments will all be taken as a point system. Assessments will be worth more points than classroom assignments. It is imperative that I see all supporting work on assignments and assessments because students can earn partial credit. Grades will be broken up into two categories; Summative will be worth 70% and Formative will be worth 30%.

EXPECTATIONS

1.    Talking – Students will need to raise their hand in order to speak during direct instruction. During group work I welcome collaborative discussions and conversations.

2.    Pencil Borrowing – I understand that occasionally students forget supplies. For that reason, students may borrow one of my pencils if needed. 

3.    Arrive Prepared for class – Students must arrive to class with ALL the materials they need for class. I do not allow students to return to their lockers once class has begun.

4.    Bathroom breaks – Students are expected to use the restroom in between classes. I do understand emergencies occur. 

5.    Daily Assignments – will be made weekly and must be completed to experience success.  To help students grow, I must see all supporting work accompanying each problem.

6.    When a student is absent – Students who have been absent can find missing assignments on my webpage.  Students need to make up assignments as soon as possible. Please call or e-mail me if you know your child will be out ahead of time. 

7.    Tutoring – I will hold after school tutoring on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30. Please be at school by 4:25 to pick your child up on time.  Early morning tutoring is available by appointment only. 

8.    Testing – I conduct numerous assessments during the course of instruction. I firmly believe that these assessments should be a part of the learning process. I will allow any student to retake a quiz/test one time.  It will be the student’s responsibility to correct the original quiz and to study before retaking the quiz.  The better of the two grades will be used.

9.    Notebooks/Composition Books – Students will need a composition notebook that will need to be brought to class each day.  Being organized can really help a student be successful in my math class. 

10.    Smart Lunch - I will hold smart lunch every Monday during lunch time. Students can bring their lunch into the classroom to eat and work on any missing assignments. No need to sign up. 

CURRICULUM

It is my goal to broaden students’ thinking about the math world around us. I believe that students benefit from being able to participate in real-life experiences that will prepare them for successful futures. This year students will be using Open Up resources. Students and Parents are encouraged to use the online resources to assist with Open Up curriculum.

I am sure this will be a great year for your child.

Sincerely,

Mark Samuel