Greetings! I am your child’s math instructor, and I am excited to have your child in my class this year.  Your child and I will share in a very successful year because I believe in every student’s ability to excel.  Hence, I have set high expectations for both of us.  Finally, you can trust that I will work diligently to ensure that your child achieves to his/her potential.

Course Description and Goals:

  Vine Middle Magnet, as a Project GRAD (PG) school, follows a program called MOVE IT Math.  MOVE IT Math is a major component of the PG comprehensive school reform plan.  The program is a student-centered program designed to improve math skills through the discovery process rather that rote memorization.  There will be a variety of manipulative-based and hands-on experiences. MOVE IT Math is aligned with both the Tennessee and Knox County Schools’ curriculum.  It is my goals to meet or exceed the student mastery standards for Knox County Tests, MIM Benchmarks and TCAPs.

Course Requirements:

   Each student will be expected to keep a three-ring binder for math class.  I have provided one.  However, if the first binder is destroyed or misplaced, students are responsible for obtaining a replacement.  In this binder, students will keep notes, warm-up activities, class assignments, and all graded work.  The notebook will be checked every grading period.  *See Grading scale for more information.

Student Responsibilities:

1. Be in your seat and ready to begin class when the tardy bell rings.
2. Be prepared with book, paper, pencil, and notebook.
3. Follow directions the first time that they are given.
4. Respect the rights and properties of others.
5. Behave in a way that will not prevent other from learning.

  If a student chooses not to abide by the above procedures, there will be consequences.  First, the student will receive a verbal warning.  Next, the student’s parent/guardian will be contacted.  On the third reminder, the student will receive a discipline referral, which can result in parent conferences, suspensions, or even expulsions.   **Remember the classroom is a place where learning occurs!

Classwork/ Homework

  Each day assignments will be issued that are to be completed in class.  In the event that a student does not finish in time, the assignment automatically becomes homework (some items such as tests are excluded).  In addition, some work may be assigned at the end of the class period as homework.  Parents/Guardians can provide assistance with homework if needed.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to ask students daily if they have homework to ensure that the homework is completed.

Grading Scale

   Grades for each nine weeks will be based on the following:

34% Class work (this includes participation)

33% Quizzes and Notebook

33% Tests 

93-100 = A

85-92   = B

75-84   = C

70-74   = D

0-69     = U

Make Up Policy

   It will be the responsibility of the student to request work missed during an absence.  Make up work is due within three days of an excused absence.  Time will be adjusted for extended absences.  Late homework not due to an absence will be accepted with at least one letter grade deduction.

  I look forward to working with you and your student this year.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call me at school.  The number for VMMS is 594-4461.  My email address is harperm5@k12tn.net.  I am available to talk to you after 3:10 or by appointment.