CLASSROOM AND CONTACT INFORMATION
For Rhonda Haes – 7 th grade Math and Pre-Algebra Teacher
I try to make the students think of math in the same way they think of sports. They cannot become great mathletes by just doing math in my classroom. They need to work on math outside the classroom-just like they do when they shoot hoops before school, after school, at home in the driveway, etc. I will push my mathletes to make them better at math. My mathletes need to be ready for practice (prepared for class with pencils, homework, and the math book) and should be ready to work hard for the entire practice. A positive is ALWAYS a necessity at every practice (class). The more students practice, the better they will be! No coach has ever told his team to lose the game; every coach wants to win. I expect all my students to be winners.
Planning Period: 8 th hour from 2:30 – 3:14.
E-mail: rhaes@hallsville.org
This is the preferred method of contact as I can return your e-mail between classes, before and after school.
School Telephone: 573-696-5512 x448
During the school day you can leave me a message at my extension number. During my planning period I will try to check my messages and try to return you call at that time or later that day. There are times when I have meetings during my planning period and am unable to eturn calls at that time.
School Webpage:www.hallsville.org
I have webpages for my classes. These pages can be found on the District website. Click on my name and then select the appropriate class hour.
Calculators:
The school has provided a classroom set of scientific calculators. They are to remain in the classroom. They cannot be checked out. We will be using calculators for some chapters later in the year. There will times when a calculator will be allowed on quizzes and tests.
Homework:
Students can expect to have homework almost every day. Time will be provided during class to finish some if not all of the assignment. Homework shows the students efforts outside of classtime. To receive full credit, a student must show all work and attempt all problems assigned.
PENCILS ONLY!
All homework, tests, quizzes and any other graded assignments must be completed in pencil. Assignments completed in ink will need to be re-done in pencil.
Assignment Books
The school issues assignment books to each student and I require their use. I expect each student to bring the assignment book to class every day and I will sign each student’s book (for first quarter). Students will keep records of all assignments from math class so that they and their parents can track the activities of the class. At the beginning of second quarter I will stop signing the assignments books. It is my hope that the students will be in the habit of writing their assignments down in their assignments books.
Grades:
Quarter grades are calculated in this manner: 40% tests, 30% quizzes, 30% homework. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Corrections will be allowed for all students. It must be completed under my supervision. Quizzes will be given a couple of times each week. No corrections will be allowed. Homework policy was addressed earlier. This weighting of tests, quizzes, and homework ensures a balanced representation of the student’s ability as well as providing an opportunity for the student’s success. This grading policy was created by the middle school math department.
Textbook:
We use the McDougal Littell Math Course 2. You can visit www.classzone.com and get connected. There are online resources for students and parents. ClassZone resources are linked together and provide instruction, practice and learning support. Some sites you will discover there are:
@HomeTutor – you will want speakers to go through more examples of what we covered in class that day
Hints and Homework Help for selected homework problems as noted in the book
Practice Quizzes and Tests
Extra Work:
“The best way to learn math is to DO math.” This is my motto for my classroom; therefore, I offer extra assignments for the students to do. These assignments are NOT mandatory and NOT graded, rather they are for the students to practice what they have learned. These extra assignments are a great way to study for an upcoming quiz/test. There will be a few times when I offer extra credit assignments to the entire class. I encourage students to complete these extra credit assignments even if they think that they do not need the points at the time because they might need the points later (when no other extra credit assignments are given).
Extra Help for Students:
I am available about 7:30 each morning. Students are welcome to come to my room for extra help, to ask questions, or just to work on homework. Students that wish to stay after school to get extra help will need to ask in advance (i.e. during the school day) to ensure that I am available. I stay after school until 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday
Parental Contact:
I view your child's education as a "team effort". I believe that keeping in touch with parents can help the student achieve. Phone calls and letters from me should be expected-for good reports, not just bad. With the student, parents and teacher working together, I know this will be a very successful year!