Questions & Answers about Honors Mathematics

How will my child’s math grade be calculated on the Report Card?

Grades will be calculated as follows:

• Tests (50%):  Unit and Chapter Tests

• Assessments (20%):  Cumulative Reviews and Class Assignments

• Quizzes (25%): Simple Solutions and Lesson Quizzes

• Homework/Preparation: (5%):  Cumulative grade is given at the end of each trimester. 

What are the repercussions for missing, incomplete, or sloppy homework?

Each student begins the trimester with a 100% in homework.  Students are expected to complete homework and it must be done neatly.  Four points are deducted from the homework/preparation grade if homework was not completed at all.  Three points are deducted if assignment is incomplete or sloppy. Each trimester starts a new homework grade.  

When will I see my child’s test, quizzes, and assessments?

As soon as I grade an assignment I will post the grade on “FACTS.”  However, the actual graded assignments and tests will come home for you to sign at the end of every unit.   I do use class time to have students correct their mistakes.  Each assessed grade will have the necessary corrections made before your child brings home their test folder.  

How should math work be completed?

I am a firm believer in each student taking pride in his/her work.  I expect work to be completed neatly and orderly.  Copybooks and assignments should reflect a student's best work.  Copybooks will be collected and graded periodically throughout the year.  For your reference, the rubric is glued inside your child’s copybook.

What other information of importance should I know?

In addition to content homework which is typically given at least three times a week, students will also complete a lesson each school night, and one lesson over the weekend in their Simple Solutions Workbook.   Simple Solutions is a maintenance workbook that addresses skills and mathematical concepts that should already or will become familiar to the students.  The purpose of Simple Solutions is to have students practice math computation beyond the point of mastery to retain learning for a lifetime.

Simple Solution Quizzes will be given bi-weekly.  Every two quizzes equal one quiz grade.  Quizzes are unannounced.

Cumulative Reviews:  After each Unit/Benchmark Test, students will bring home a Cumulative Review.  Students are given at least three days to complete the Cumulative Review.  Work must be attached to the Cumulative Review for credit to be given. Students may use all their resources to complete the review: copybook notes, Google, reference pages, etc.   Cumulative Reviews count for an Assessment Grade. 

 What if my child needs extra help?

Although your child is in the Honors Math Program, there will be times when a concept needs more reinforcement.  I am available every day during “STAG TIME,” (9:55-10:25) and arrangements can also be made to see me during lunch/recess on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Absentee

Although sickness occurs, when a student is absent he or she often misses a great deal of work. It is the student's responsibility to come to me for missed assignments and the assignments are required to be completed. Please keep in mind that frequent absences in Honors Math may cause a student to fall behind quickly.

Once my child is accepted into the Honors Math Program, will he/she remain there for all four years?

No, each year a student is evaluated based on performance. In order to remain in the program, the following criteria must be achieved:

• A Terra Nova score of 90 or above in Mathematics Composite and 80 or above in Reading Comprehension

• Final cumulative report card average in mathematics must be 90 or above.

• Above average grades should be reflected across all curriculum areas and a student must exhibit a positive behavioral record.

• A strong work ethic is essential and academic honesty and integrity is expected

• Attendance and the commitment to be on time for class is of the utmost importance

How should I contact you?  How am I kept informed in regards to the Honors Math Program?

My email address:  thodlofski@saintagnesschoolwc.org  I am available to discuss any concerns you may have at any time throughout the school year. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours, so please do not hesitate to contact me. I also have a webpage in which I update daily with homework and announcements.  You can access the website using the following address:

 https://sites.google.com/saintagnesschoolwc.org/mrs-hodlofski-honors-math/home

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