Welcome To Desert Shadows Middle School                                                                                                                                                                                    Pre-Algebra                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Mr. Babcock or Mr. B,  room 406        jbabcock@ajusd.org                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Message phone-982-1110 ext.5411                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Webpage: http://www.dsms.ajusd.org   then go to departments, Mathematics and then my page                                                                                                                                                   Homework Hot Line- 677-7564  Ext. 4178                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to my Math class! It is my goal this semester to provide a positive and well- structured environment in my classroom. As a teacher, I believe that every student can behave appropriately in my classroom, and that every student has the capability to succeed. I will not, however, tolerate any student stopping me from teaching and/or any student from learning.

Your support of the following rules and recommendations will help ensure this environment is present.         

Course description:   Pre-Algebra- This course is designed to concentrate on preparing a student for Algebra.  The course will emphasize the operations with integers, properties or real numbers, properties of equality, usage of numbers in equivalent form, probability, application of geometric properties, customary/metric measurement and problem solving.

Teaching procedures: Classes will start with students working quietly in groups on a Mindset activity. Next will be a quick review of previous day's topic and homework. New material will be presented through a combination of instruction, discussion, and hands-on exploration. Finally, students will have a chance to work on practice problems in preparation for the homework.  The lesson will end with a summary of the lesson covered in that class.

Homework: It is essential for students to persevere through each homework assignment before the following class meeting. Students are encouraged to work together and to use the answers at the back of the book to help figure out any difficult problems. There is always a way to check your answers.  There will be time at the beginning of each class to answer any remaining questions about the homework. You must show your work on all appropriate problems to get a “yes” stamp.                                                                                            

Grading policy: Grades are assigned as follow:

50% -test
35% -classroom activities
15% final

Activities include but are not limited to the following:

1. Mindsets-Start of each classroom.
2. Quizzes/tests
3. Class Notes
4. PLATO-individualized Plato
5. Participation in all class discussions and assigned class work.

No extra credit will be accepted for anything.
Each test counts! We do not take re-tests for a better grade!

100% - 90% - A
89% - 80% - B
79% - 70% - C
69% - 60% -D
59% - 0% - F

Other materials: Students will be required to keep all notes IN a NOTEBOOK; loose- leaf paper and returned work in folder; a planner; stamp sheet; and two sharpened pencils along with erasers.

Required materials for YES stamp:
Your folder with extra paper, planner, stamp sheet, 2 sharpened pencils, NOTEBOOK, silent reading book , HOMEWORK! And an open mind about mathematics.

Make-Up- If the student has an excused absence, she/he will have the same number of days absent to make up the work. NO make-up work from an unexcused absence will be accepted.

It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed before or after class, NOT DURING CLASS TIME. All tests, and quizzes must be made up before or after school, or by appointment only. Again, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule a make-up test, or quiz within the given time frame.  Assignments will be posted on the homework hotline as well as on my webpage.

Team Rules: Students are expected to obey all school rules and classroom rules                                                                                                                                                                                                1.Be in your seat with all needed materials when the bell rings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Materials include: AR book, notebook with paper, pen, pencil, homework, stamp sheet, planner, etc.                                                                                                                                                      2. Don’t talk without teacher permission.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Work quietly without disturbing others.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       4. Follow directions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Follow all school rules.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         6. No food, drinks and gum (except water).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I have two behavioral expectations:
Everyone in my class will work and give an effort to the best of her/his ability.
Everyone in my class will treat everyone with consideration and respect.       

Consequences:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1st offense - warning
2nd offense-Responsible Action Plan and removal from activity
3rd offense – call to parents
4th offense – office referral                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       SEVERE disruption -: immediate office referral !                

Positive Consequences: following the above standards may result in the following consequences:
-Positive phone call or note sent home to parents.
-Points toward class celebration, theme or game day.

Keeping classroom clean: All classroom waste is to be discarded at the end of the period. As the student exits the room, throw away undesired items into the trash basket. No one is permitted to discard waste materials after the period begins. Students need to leave behind a classroom ready for the next class. Incoming students have the right to enter a clean and well organized classroom.

EATING AND DRINKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE CLASS.

Tutoring/ Extra help: Tutoring is REQUIRED for students who are not passing proficiency tests. Tutoring is each Wednesday after school from 2:15-3:05. If students need extra help with anything, I will be available after and before school from 6:30 to 7:15 and 2:15-3:00 as my schedule permits. Please schedule an appointment in advance, and parent permission is needed.

It is my hope that my students and your children will have the best educational experience of their life attending our school. If you have any questions regarding our Math program or your child's progress, please contact me or Mr. Joshua Babcock. A message can be left at the numbers at the top of the page.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Mr. Babcock, or Mr. B

Teacher reserves the right to change the classroom policy any time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please cut off this part and bring back for homework credit.

Keep the above rules and procedure part at home!

General Math --- Mr. Babcock -- Room 406

I read and discussed with my child the classroom rules and procedures.

Student Name.........................................................

Parent signature .........................................................

Student signature .........................................................