WELCOME !
Dear Parents,
It will be my privilege to serve as your child’s math teacher in the 2025 – 2026 school year. It is my hope that we can partner together to create a meaningful educational experience for your child.
This newsletter 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 76113. My school email address is amber.adams@nhcs.net I check my emails throughout the day and try to respond quickly. I will send home weekly emails 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.
You can follow my classroom on twitter using the handle @aladams7m
BEHAVIOR
Good behavior is a must for my classroom! I do a lot of hands-on activities that the students will find interesting. Unacceptable behavior impedes the learning process. To deal with those situations when problems do arise, I have derived 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 60% and Formative will be worth 40%.
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.
4. Bathroom breaks – Students are expected to use the restroom at the start of class. I do understand emergencies occur.
5. Daily Assignments – will be made weekly and must be completed to experience success. Assignments are due two days after they are assigned unless notified. To help students grow, I must see all supporting work accompanying each problem; otherwise, NO CREDIT will be given.
6. When a student is absent – Students who have been absent will need to check the “While you were out” board (located in the classroom) to get assignments they missed. Students need to make up assignments as soon as possible. Remember that all assignments are posted on my website. 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 Mondays 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. Your child must sign up for tutoring using the tutoring tab. I also hold Smart Lunch once a week during lunch and recess time.
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 student must attend a tutoring session to retake the test. The better of the two grades will be used.
9. Late work – I do accept late work with NO additional points deducted. If the assignment does not have a name on it, it will be located on the “no name” board.
10. 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. These notebooks can be left in the classroom for safe keeping. It will serve as an interactive notebook as well as a place to complete bellwork.
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 with Desmos. Work books will be given to students however they are to remain in the classroom. 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,
Amber Adams