Welcome to 8th Grade Mathematics

Christine Pruski
Room 310
Email: christinepruski@salemk12.org
Website: http://mspruski.weebly.com/

September 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians;
Hi! I am excited to be your childs math teacher this year. This will be my 13 th year teaching middle
school mathematics. I believe that with perseverance is the most important part of being a successful
math student. And, it is important that we all agree that mistakes are okay and part of the learning
process. The mistakes allow for growth. And then a little more practice with the corrections will build
the success. Our classroom routines and expectations are outlined in this packet. Please read
together and discuss with your child, then sign below, and have your child return this front sheet
tomorrow. Keep the remainder of the packet for your reference at home throughout the school year.
Homework will be an important aspect of this course. In order for your child to be prepared for daily
discussions and class work, it is imperative that she/he completes all nightly assignments in a graph
paper notebook with all work shown. I will post assignments daily on my website and in my classroom.
Students should record nightly assignments in a manner that works best for them. There is homework
99% of the school year. Please check my website to help determine if your child has homework or not.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns about your child.
acknowledge receipt and that you have read the class expectations attached.

Please sign below to

Sincerely,
Christine A. Pruski
christinepruski@salemk12.org
Student Signature:___________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:____________________________________________________________
Information about your child as a learner (use the back if necessary):

Welcome to the
Nathaniel Bowditch School
Grade 8 Math
Instructor: Christine Pruski
On Monday in math class, Mrs. Fibonacci says, YOU KNOW, you can think of almost everything as a math
problem. ---Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Math Curse, 1995.

Approach to Mathematics:
Our goal is to prepare students to use math effectively in the world. Well work with the language of algebra, patterns,
functions, data & statistics, probability, measurement, number sense and operations, geometry and problem solving. Well
spend time in discussion, explore concepts, problem solve, and reflect on our learning. Well make connections to other
disciplines and real-world problems. I believe that learning math is a journey; there may be ups-and-downs along the road.
The road to success is paved with perseverance and practice. I hope the class will be challenging and fun too!

Curriculum:

See Math Units of Study on Website

Website:

Website: http://mspruski.weebly.com

Homework and important dates are posted on the calendar

Current unit of study is highlighted
Daily objectives, lessons and work are posted for each day
Links to online textbook and practice information

o
o
o

www.assistments.org
www.coolmath-games.com
www.mathplayground.com

Class Rules:

Commit - to your learning, meeting class expectations, keeping our class a safe place for learning, and Levels of
Learning (opening, listening, clarifying, wondering, scholarship).
Individuality - is valued. Be supportive of classmates and contributions to our discussions.
Respect - yourself and others as well your environment.
Communicate politely, mathematically, in word form, and anytime your feeling stressed.
Persevere it takes grit and hard work to learn. Take set backs in stride. Mistakes are part of math.
Participate in a learning community learn, teach, ask for help using specific questions, explore, share, disagree
respectfully, and reflect upon your learning and work.

What you can expect from (me) your teacher:

Help you study the 8th grade mathematics curriculum (based on the Common Core Standards).
Maintain a safe atmosphere that encourages everyone to take risks in problems solving.
Encourage the use of multiple strategies for solving problems.
Listen to you and help you have fun while you are learning.
Communicate with you and your parents through your planner, email, website, and phone calls.

Supplies: Students must bring the following to class every day:

Math Binder
Homework (done before class)
Pencil and Erasers

Absences:

Planner
Tape/Glue

See student handbook. Please check web page for the lesson and homework assigned on the day you were
out. Make plans to stay after to catch up.

Grading:

Grades are based on a numerical point system. Summative assessments (tests, quizzes, writing, etc.) that reflect
a child's final understanding will contribute to a report card grade. 5-10% of most assignments and tests will include
challenges that may or may not have been directly addressed in class. Problem solving in novel situations is a crucial piece of
applying problem-solving skills to mathematical content. Here are some assignments and typical numeric score applied:

Assignment

Expectations

Homework

Based on a 2-point per assignment system. A student receives 2

points if the work is done completely and all work is shown. A
student receives 1 point if work is partially completed or only some
work is shown. A student receives 0 points if the assignment is not
done before class. A student may earn back 50% (or 1 point) if an
that assignment if the missing assignment is turned in the following
day.
Homework will be given almost every night and weekends. Students
are expected to copy assignment details into their planner on a
daily basis. The assignments are to be completed for the next
days class. It is the responsibility of an absent student to get any
missed work from another student, the website, or Ms. Pruski
(through email or after school immediately upon return).
Incomplete homework will not receive full credit. Pencil is the only
acceptable writing instrument in math class and on homework.
100 points (may vary depending on length)

Tests & Summative Assessments

Quizzes and Exercises

Problem solving & Mathematical Communication (POWS)

Projects

(These are SUMMATIVES ASSESSMENTS) At times we will do

pre-tests, check-in quizzes or exercises which are formative and
will not be reflected in the grade)
40 points (This is MATHEMATICAL WRITING) Students may
choose revise work within a 1 week period of receiving the work
back from me if they would like to try for a better grade. CRSs
are 5 points.
Based on a rubric with assigned points.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned almost every night. It must to be completed by the next days advisory. Not
completing homework is considered being unprepared for class and will be recorded as not complete in the Paycheck system in
advisory . Students will be permitted to complete the assignment during the detention (based on Student Handbook) for late
credit. All homework should be done in the math binder with work shown. Assignments should take about 30-45 minutes; if it
takes longer than expected, please contact me.

Homework Procedures

1. At the beginning of class, copy down homework assignment into Agenda.

2. Write the Assignment Name, date, and problems to be completed at the top of your
notebook page.

3. Copy down problems, exactly how they appear, in your notebook. You do not need to
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

If you
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

re-write an entire word problem.

Do the work in pencil.
Solve each problem to the best of your ability.
Show your work!
Have vocabulary completed (if assigned).
Have problems done in the correct order in math notebook (pages are not skipped).

are stuck on your homework:

Check your notes.
Look at the examples in the book.
Ask a parent, older sibling or classmate.
Email me
Write down your question and ask in class the next day.

Class Work

Class work is where the majority of your learning will occur. Some days I will teach you
directly. Other days you will participate in investigations and discover new concepts. Every
day, you will learn a great deal from classmates.

Expectations:

Come prepared to class every day. Arrive on time with your pencils/erasable pen,
colored pen/pencil, calculator, and math notebook with nightly homework completed.

Listen carefully to what everyone says. Whoever is presenting deserves your attention
and your respect. We have a lot to teach one another.

Respect yourself and other students. Do not interfere with the right to learn of your
classmates.

Always be sure that you understand what is being taught. If you do not understand
ASK! There are no foolish questions. Both questions and mistakes are wonderful
opportunities for learning.

Be an active participant in class. Share your ideas and your thinking. There are many
approaches to problems. Volunteer to answer a homework question, go to the board, or
attempt a problem you dont think you understand. Remember, mathematics is not a
spectator sport. The way to learn is through practice. Taking risks is a critical part of
learning.

Remember that to use only your own computer. Its better to just not touch someone
elses computer.

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up all work by finding out what was
done, getting any worksheets, taking any notes that were missed, and checking for
homework online.

Looking forward to a great year!!!