John Mertes - Room 31

jmertes@sjbschool.org

Math

Introduction

Whether you love math or not so much, I aim to prove that math is the greatest class of all. Developing a true appreciation is always the best way to overcome previous issues a student might have. Once a student wants to come to class, learning naturally follows. My main goal is to help all students love math as I do. I want you to be prepared for high school and eager to take four full years when that time arrives. To reach this goal, my class will follow these key principles.

Class expectations and homework

I want to make this class your favorite. This won't be because the class is easy, as we will work every day. Homework will be assigned daily. We will have the usual grading system, including homework, quizzes, and tests, but most importantly, homework will be daily and requires a genuine effort. Extra credit will always be available. If you work consistently and try your best, everything else will tend to fall into place.

That said, I expect respect from you, and once you enter my classroom, it will never be forgotten. While I want to foster a fun and stress-free environment, students must be polite to me, their peers, and everyone else. Thank you for your cooperation.

Being prepared for class

I need you in class with all materials every day: your book, pencil or pen, paper, etc. I will provide supplies as needed, but I need you to be present. Being in class not only affects your grades but also promotes learning. It’s the only way to guarantee success.  Last year, we had 12 8th graders placed into some type of honors math class in HS.  My goal this year is to beat that placement number.  

Calculator Policy

I am old school about this — the best calculator is your mind. As the year progresses, you’ll see what I mean. Still, sometimes having a calculator helps speed things up. However, a simple basic calculator is all that's needed. Other teachers or schools might have different policies, but with me, please don’t buy anything expensive. Hopefully, something you already own will suffice. If it turns on, that’s enough!

Grading and Powerschool

Our grading will follow STJB standards, and I will use a total point system. If you perform poorly on any assignment, it can be offset. All tests will allow for corrections for extra credit if needed. Still, daily homework remains the main tool for success. Homework will be assigned points, but more importantly, it promotes understanding.

I also believe teachers must keep their gradebook current. Surprising parents by suddenly changing grades is unprofessional. While I can’t guarantee daily updates, my gradebook will be updated constantly.

Other Technologies -  Teacher Page/I-Ready

Both will be set up and shared with students and parents. Yet, the best way to reach me is directly through email, face-to-face, or whatever method works best. I want you to feel comfortable and know I am always approachable. Once I-Ready is set up, this will be incorporated into homework and included in grading.

Times Tables

Mastering times tables is essential for all students to succeed, period. We’ll practice until mastered, even making it fun with music and engaging activities. This will be a daily routine.

Help!

I want to assist you. Ask me for help, and I’ll be there. I only need to know, and I want all students to take ownership of their learning and do what it takes to succeed. I will be your biggest supporter.

Final Thoughts

I hope my passion for math comes through. This is a partnership between the student and me. If we work together, success will follow. I will do whatever it takes for you to love math as I do!

SS

Introduction

SS will be new for me this year.  7th grade will be covering American History to about the Civil War.  8th grade will then continue into the present.  Both will include the constitutions (US and Illinois). These exams will hopefully be completed during the first trimester.  These exams are not meant to cause fear, but to create a basic understanding of the branches of our government and be able to have confidence when speaking to others about them.

Grading will be from three areas.  Homework, tests, but just as important as participation. These will all be clear, and we'll update these in PowerSchool daily, just as we do with math.  As this is my first round teaching SS, I'm not totally sure of how many.  I will never surprise you.  If anything is unclear, please reach out at any time.

The class is called "Social Studies," not history.  WE are studying the social aspect of living in our world.  To me, this is about talking, not yelling.  This is about trying to listen to others even if you do not agree.  Yet, the lesson I want our kids to learn is how important respect for others is.

Social Studies is learning from the past to make the present better for everyone.  I really want the kids to feel they have a voice and the best way to handle some of the hard times we all face at times.  All teachers, parents, and everyone who lives in the United States have a presence here.  SS is trying not to repeat mistakes made by others, but to learn and make better choices when possible.  Just as in math, the grade is really not the goal.  Learning and being able to work together will be the true measure of success.