Teacher Mr. Labrador, MA E-mail: jlabrador@sandi.net Phone number:(619)479-7111ext: 4614

Alexander Graham Bell Middle School

Pre-Algebra Explorations 7

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome! It is a pleasure for me to be your student’s math instructor for the 2008-2009 school year. This is my seventh year at Bell Middle School, and I look forward to the challenging road ahead. I would like to take this time to share my background and what credentials and expertise I hold as an educator in this institute of learning.

I have had the opportunity to live in diverse places such as Philadelphia, Virginia Beach and San Diego during my early childhood. I was a Navy brat, and moving to a new city or country was a standard routine every two to three years. Luckily, my father decided to finish off his military career in San Diego, California, and this beautiful city has been home to me for the past 23 years.

Growing up in a strict Filipino household, education has always been valued. In every society, it is ideal to pursue higher education and make it a priority in life. I obtained both my bachelor of arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Education with a minor in Psychology, Multiple subject teaching credential, a Mathematics Specialist Certificate and most recently, my master of arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction at San Diego State University. During the first three years of my teaching career, I taught a 5^th grade self-contained classroom at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. From there, I ventured off teaching 7^th grade Pre-Algebra, 7^th Grade English, and 7^th Grade Honors Pre-Algebra all at Bell Junior High School for the past six years.

I look forward to meeting you all as an exciting and productive school year awaits us. If you have any questions or concerns, please free to contact me at your convenience. Email would be the best way to reach me.

Attached to this introductory letter is the course syllabus. Once you have read and understand the course breakdown, please sign the bottom portion of this letter and have your student return it to me the next day.

Sincerely,

Jere Labrador, MA

Mathematics

jlabrador@sandi.net

We, the undersigned student and parent/ guardian, have read and fully understand the expectations and requirements of this course. Further, we pledge to work closely with Mr. Labrador and the school learning community in hopes of mastering the expectations and standards of this course.

Student Name (PRINT): ______________________________________ Period: _______

Parent/Guardian Name (PRINT): ___________________________________

Student Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________

Work Number(s) where parent/guardian can be reached: ________________________

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Home Phone Number: ________________________

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Email address: ____________________________ _______________________________

Alexander Graham Bell Middle School

2008 - 2009 Course Profile

Pre-Algebra 7 Explorations and Honors Pre-Algebra 7

Teacher: Mr. Labrador, MA Phone: (619) 479-7111 Ext. 4614

E-Mail:jlabrador@sandi.net Tutoring: By Appointment

Teacher Website URL: To be announced and determined

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will prepare students for 8^th grade algebra. It is designed to consolidate the core ideas of previous mathematics courses, so that it will serve students of varied mathematics backgrounds. The content of this course are many of the fundamental ideas and procedures necessary to succeed in subsequent mathematics courses and many career. The course also meets local, state, and national curriculum standards.

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

Pre-Algebra is a prerequisite course that will develop the foundational skills students will need in order to succeed in future mathematics preparatory courses. Students will engage heavily in investigations where they must apply both critical and analytical thinking. In addition, this course will also support students in the development of the skills required to meet the mathematics content standards.

MATERIALS REQUIRED: Daily, unless noted otherwise

• Spiral notebook

• 2 pencils

• Inexpensive calculator

• College ruled paper

A positive attitude to succeed

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

In order to be successful in mathematics it is critical that students actively participate in their learning. This means that each student must read and work all of the problems. Students need to discuss mathematical concepts and the reasoning involved in the steps of their solutions. In order to provide these discussion opportunities, students are encouraged to work with a study partner both inside and outside the classroom.

Participation/Partner Work: Students are expected to participate consistently, enthusiastically, and in a positive manner during daily whole class, small group, and individual lessons. Effort is a big part of every student’s grade. They shall receive full credit on their assignments if they have attempted and completed any given assignment, regardless of their solutions. In order to be successful in math, it is critical that students actively participate in their learning. This means that each student must read and work all of the problems. Students need to discuss mathematical concepts and the reasoning involved in the steps leading to their solutions. In order to provide these discussion opportunities, students are encouraged to work with a study partner. At the conclusion of each lesson, clarification sessions shall be conducted as needed.

Class/ Homework: It is critical that students complete ALL of the assignments, including homework, to develop their individual skills. Students should expect homework at least three times a week. CHECK YOUR STUDENT'S PLANNER FOR SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS. Homework MAY or MAY NOT be collected, yet it will be checked for completeness on a daily basis. To develop accountability, students will be required to grade their own homework assignments at the beginning of each class and seek clarification as needed. This will enable them to monitor their thinking and take on an active role in their learning. Equally important is that students take accurate, complete notes and ask questions about any problem, question, or concept that they find confusing or difficult to understand.

Notebook: Every student will bring a spiral notebook to class EVERYDAY. All students will use their notebooks for warm-ups, class/group work, and homework.

GRADES

Scale

Tests 50% 100-90= A Superior, Exceeds Standards

Quizzes 30% 89-80= B Above Average

Homework/Classwork 20% 79-70= C Satisfactory

Total 100% 69-60= D Below Average

59- 0= F Fails to meet standards

Please Note: Grade in course does NOT determine progression or retention of student

Classroom Behavior Standards:

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS MY STUDENTS

1. To be prepared and on time when the bell rings

2. To follow all directions

3. To respect everyone

4. To keep your hands and feet to yourselves

5. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak

6. To not disrupt the learning of another classmate.

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES

1. Verbal Warning

2. “Time” right after class

3. After school detention

4. Parent Contact

5. Referral

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES

1. Homework Passes

2. Math Activity/Games

3. Parent Contact

4. PARR slip

Absences

If you are absent, it is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to find a study team member and inquire about a missed homework assignment, class work, or project. You are to copy their planner for the particular missed day(s). You may also refer to the classroom calendar for these assignments as well. Once you have done this, you will then come to your instructor to confirm the information. Any missed assignment will be due the day after your absence and it is the responsibility of the student to turn it in to their instructor. For each assignment or assessment missing, the grade will marked as a “zero” until the student makes it up.

Tardiness

My plan is to promote punctuality. I want the students realize that passing period is 5 minutes of leeway to get from one class to another. Please explain to your student the importance of making it to class on time. Alexander Graham Belll Middle School’s tardy policy shall strictly be enforced and multiple tardies may result in the lowering of citizenship grades, detention, and/or suspension. I CANNOT teach you if you are not present. If is important for you to come to class on time, prepared and ready to succeed. You CANNOT accomplish this if you are late.

Expectations for the Honors Pre-Algebra 7 class: The following is stated in the staff handbook regarding students enrolled in an honors class, “students are expected to earn an “A” or “B”. If it appears that a student may earn a “C” at the semester, the teacher must send a special progress report to parents no later than five weeks prior to the semester closing. Students who receive a grade lower than a “C” will be considered to transfer to a regular class.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding This Pre-Algebra 7 or

Honors Pre-Algebra 7 Course;

MR. LABRADOR , MA; Room 614

Alexander Graham Bell Middle School

COURSE PROFILE SUPPLEMENT

How is the best way to contact the teacher? The best way to contact me is through E-mail. My E-mail address is as follows: jlabrador@sandi.net. I check my E-mail frequently throughout the day. You may also contact me through the phone after 2:30 P.M. The phone number for my classroom is (619) 479-7111 Ext. 4614. You may also write notes for your student to give me. I will return notes, E-mail messages and voicemail messages as quickly as possible. If you have a chance, you are more than invited to spend a period with us. I would look forward to that opportunity as well.

When can my student receive tutoring? Tutoring is available everyday through appointment. By appointment, I mean that your student must inform me regarding his or her intentions of coming before or after school and/or during lunchtime. Tutoring times will vary depending on the needs of your student or scheduled teacher meetings that I must attend.

How often can I expect to hear about my student’s progress in this class? Students are assessed almost weekly and I take great pride in returning those assessments back to the students within a week after it’s been given. Progress reports can be obtained at any time throughout the school year. You make this request either through E-mail, a note, phone call or any means of communication. Please give me at least 24 hours after your notification to receive the report. Daily updates can give given through any type communication. Grades are also available through the Internet (more info to follow regarding availability).

How often will my student be given homework and tests? Homework is given daily and you can expect your student to have homework at least three to four times a week. Homework assignments will have a maximum of 15 to 20 problems depending on the difficulty of the concept. Students should expect homework at least three times a week. CHECK YOUR STUDENT'S PLANNER FOR SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENTS. Homework MAY or MAY NOT be collected, yet it will be checked for completeness on a daily basis. Students are allowed to turn in late homework assignments for a small penalty however arrangements can be made with me if there is a SPECIFIC reason or need on why a homework assignment was not completed in the allotted time given. Tests, quizzes, assessments are given at least once a week. Projects are given in this class quarterly (approximately every three to four weeks).

How does the teacher deal with behavior issues inside his classroom? I take pride in teaching my students each and everyday. I treat each student with the same amount of respect regardless of academic progress in my class. I expect and demand that my students practice the PARR concept that Bell insists all our students to practice. PARR stands for the following: Be Prepared, Be Accountable, Be Responsible and Be Respectful. I will not tolerate any student to disrupt either my teaching or the learning of another student. If there are any types of behavior issues inside my room, I will make every attempt to first work with the student to resolve the issue. If the student and I cannot find a resolution, his or her parents, counselors and/or administrators are contacted immediately to ensure the issue is resolved in a timely manner. I hold my students to a high expectation both academically and behaviorally. This cannot be attained without communication with his or her parents.

What happens when my student is absent or misses a homework assignment or test? It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missing homework or test missed inside my classroom. For each assessment or assignment missing, the grade will be marked as a “zero” until the student makes it up. Since homework and tests are daily inside my room, it is highly recommended that the student make up any work immediately so he or she does not fall behind. In my classroom, there is an academic calendar that lists each assignment and assessment. Student may take a missing assessment before or after school and/or during their lunch period.

Are there extra expectations for the Honors Pre-Algebra 7 class? There are no differences between the titles and definitions between Advanced Pre-Algebra 7 and Honors Pre-Algebra 7 courses. The following is stated in the staff handbook regarding students enrolled in an honors class, “students are expected to earn an “A” or “B”. If it appears that a student may earn a “C” at the semester, the teacher must send a special progress report to parents no later than five weeks prior to the semester closing. Students who receive a grade lower than a “C” will be considered to transfer to a regular class. Students who are placed in the honors class have been chosen by former instructors or based upon a qualifying CST Math Standardized Test Score from last year. Honors students must be able to extend their knowledge of mathematics from concrete to abstract reasoning. This will be done through writing, projects, discussions and assessments.

In closing, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to teach your student this year. It is MY personal mission to help prepare your student for their future in mathematics. I look forward to hearing from you, talking with you, visiting from you, and most importantly working with you. TOGETHER we build a better future each and everyday.

Mr. Labrador, MA

Pre-Algebra 7 and Honors Pre-Algebra 7

Room 614

E-mail: jlabrador@sandi.net

Phone number: (619) 479 – 7111 ext. 4614