Class of 2020 Mathematics

Newell Barney Junior High School

Believe Achieve Succeed
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome Class of 2020 to Ms. Murrays Mathematics at Newell Barney Junior High! I am
looking forward to a great year full of mathematical problem solving and collaborative learning.
Throughout the year, we will be working together to create a classroom where students feel safe to learn,
are pushed to be the best they can be, and are rewarded with opportunities to enjoy math in fun ways. It is
important to me that students and parents feel comfortable to communicate with me through the good, the
bad, and the ugly. I truly enjoy teaching 8th graders and work hard to make the last year of middle school
a positive learning experience.
Communication
E-mail:
emurray@qcuds.org

Website:
www.murraysmarvelousmath.weebly.com

School Phone:
480-474-6700

ParentVUE:
https://qc.apscc.org/Login_Parent_PXP.aspx

Course Description
In 8th grade mathematics, students will be engaged, and encouraged to challenge themselves to participate,
in various activities, which are designed to meet Arizona State and Common Core Standards in
Mathematics. To view these standards at greater length, visit:
http://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/mathematics-standards-2/
Topics Covered
Number System
Expressions and Equations
Functions
Geometry
Statistics and Probability
Mathematical Practices
Textbooks
Beyond Textbooks is the curriculum the math department at Newell Barney uses. It is a web-based
curriculum that gives teachers the freedom to utilize various sources in order to teach common core
standards. We do not use just one textbook, but pull from numerous sources to best suit each topic.
Students will not be assigned a textbook however, information that they may need may be accessed
through my website.
Daily Schedule
Each period will begin with a warm-up activity, which ties in to part of the lessons for that day. The
warm-ups are generally a time to either introduce a new topic or a quick check of understanding of the
topic we are learning. Then students will be expected to participate in the daily tasks. These might include

class notes, inquiry exploration, mathematical practice, educational games, etc. Students who use their
time wisely in class will have less homework on a regular basis.
Part of the Common Core Standards is that students be prepared to work cooperatively with peers in order
to complete a task. Throughout this school year, your child will be working in a variety of groups.
Students will be monitored as they are working in groups as well as taught how to communicate with a
variety of group members. I realize this is a new experience and a challenge for some students. Students
are always encouraged to speak with me if problems arise throughout the group work process because if I
am not aware of a situation, I am unable to address it. They may do so in a discreet manner and the
situation will be addressed in a way that all students may learn from the issue and that anonymity is
maintained.
Grading System
Quarter grades will be calculated based on:
Homework: 30%
Classwork: 10%
Quizzes: 10%
Tests: 50%
Semester grades are then determined by the following:
Quarter 1/3 grade (40%), Quarter 2/4 grade (40%), Semester Final (20%)
Letter grades are assigned as follows:
A+
99-100
C
73-78
A
93-98
C70-72
A90-92
D+
69
B+
89
D
63-68
B
83-88
D60-62
B80-82
F
0-59
C+
79
Progress reports will be sent home roughly every four weeks. All progress reports will be sent home with
the students. Please be cognizant of the approximate times of progress reports so that your child can stay
on top of his or her grades throughout each quarter and there are no surprises as far as grades are
concerned. In addition, all families will have access to student grades through our StudentVUE program.
It is a good idea to periodically check your childs grade on the computer through ParentVUE. Lastly,
looking at your childs planner on a daily basis will ensure that you are aware of assignments not turned
in on time; most often by the time assignments are posted on ParentVUE, it is too late for students to
make up the assignment based on the schools late-work policy, so it is advised that students stay on top
of turning assignments in and parents periodically check the planners to make sure students are not
receiving excessive PRIDEs for not turning in assignments. If an (H) is written in the no stamp column
of a day or a yes box is taken for homework from the first page of the planner, your child did not turn an
assignment in and full credit will not be given for the assignment.
Homework Policy
Full credit is only available on assignments turned in on the day they are due. After the second late day,
credit for assignments will no longer be given. Homework is imperative to being successful in our
classroom.

1 Day Late: 75% possible credit

2 Days Late: 50% possible credit
As far as absences are concerned, I will assist students as much as possible with a system which includes
a list of homework daily and reminders of absent work when possible. However, the responsibility to
follow through on turning in assignments which were due on the day of absence, collecting necessary
information, and making up all work, lies completely on the student. I highly encourage students to check
my website for work they missed while they were gone! Students have one day for every one day absent
to make up their work. After those allotted days, the late credit policy applies. All work for unexcused
absences must be completed but receiving credit for the work will be up to my discretion. If a major
project is due on the day of an absence, and the students have been given ample class and home time to
work on it prior to the absence, the student will be expected to turn the assignment in the day he or she
returns to school in order to earn full credit. The same concept applies to an absence on the day the major
project is assigned as well as when a student is absent for a day or two throughout the extended time
period allotted to work on that major project.
It is extremely hard for me to teach a student who is not present at school. Im good, just not that good.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend school on a regular basis and when absences do occur,
students need to ensure that they are following through with completing and turning in work within
the late-work policy timeframe.
All work turned in on the assigned due date will take priority in grading. Late work will be graded and
entered into the grade book secondary to that which is turned in on time.
Like riding a bike, learning math topics takes time and practice. Students will have homework most nights
of the week. However, if students choose to use their classroom time wisely, they will have less
homework to complete at home. Homework tasks will always be given over a topic that students have
already had instruction on. I will not expect students to teach themselves a math topic but to simply
practice topics already covered.
Any major projects are due on the assigned due date, at the beginning of the class period. It is the
students responsibility to make sure emails have been received and to retrieve items out of the printer so
that they are ready to be handed in at the beginning of class. If relying on email, it is suggested they
complete it the first night and email it so that they can verify it was received and printed by the due date.
If a student has emailed but the email was not received, assignment and late work policies apply. In the
same respect, poster boards are to be brought in by the students; there will be a designated area in the
classroom where students can drop off their posters and projects before going to first hour. Lastly, in
hopes of encouraging students to develop quality work and organization habits, illegible work or
crumpled papers may be subject to losing points.
Extra Credit
Throughout each quarter, extra credit may be offered on a random basis. It is suggested that students
attempt to complete the extra credit assignments as they are assigned because extra credit opportunities
will not be given to help bring up a grade after progress reports or in order to become eligible to
participate in an extra-curricular activity. While extra credit will be provided to students who consistently
show effort to complete their work and improve in their skills, it will be given solely at my discretion.
Extra credit which is assigned, or due, on days a student is absent may not be given.
Supplies
3-ring binder (one for all classes)

scientific calculator

ruler

1 composition notebook

pencils / erasers

1 pocket sleeve

Students will periodically be given an opportunity to go through their binders to clean out papers. They
will be able to keep a folder in the classroom of their papers which will be emptied quarterly. Students
are strongly encouraged to keep all handed back papers throughout each quarter in case recording
mistakes occur.
Behavior Expectations
Newell Barney Junior High expects all students to be safe, be respectful, and be responsible. Our
classroom is a safe haven. Mutual respect is of utmost importance. Respect me, respect yourself, respect
your peers.
More specific requirements in our classroom include the following.
1. It is expected that students will stay on task. Throughout each day we will have various activities and
assignments to complete in class. Each student needs to remain focused and working on the task at
hand.
2. We will have various discussions in class each day; students are expected to participate in class
discussions in a respectful manner. We will begin with raising their hands to speak, but ideally move
into an adult-style discussion where participants can share their views in an open forum. All
comments are expected to be linked to the subject at hand.
3. Students are expected to maintain control of their bodies throughout each class period. Periodically
during lessons, students might be moving throughout the classroom but they are to remain
appropriately seated during work or discussion times and move throughout the classroom showing
self control (walking with hands, feet and materials kept to themselves).
4. Students are expected to always maintain and display respect. This includes developing and showing
self-respect as well as being respectful toward their peers, the teacher, and any other persons they
might come into contact with. Self-respect includes using appropriate, non-derogatory language.
5. It is expected that class will begin when the students enter the classroom. They are to get seated,
situated, and begin working on bell work before the first bell rings. Class will end when the teacher
dismisses students; not be determined by the bell. When students leave the classroom, it is expected
they will leave it in a clean, organized, and presentable manner.
All behaviors will be dealt with according to our classroom, and the district, guidelines.
Students who consistently meet the classroom expectations will be rewarded with: self-satisfaction,
pride, verbal/non-verbal praise, communication with parents, and possible periodic privileges within
the classroom.
Students who consistently do not meet the expectations will: 1) receive verbal or nonverbal
redirection; 2) be assigned alternative seating (have small conference with teacher to find solutions);
3) have parent contacted; 4) be sent to the school responsibility center or another classroom for
behavior reflection.
Above all, come to class with a respectful, positive attitude and ready to learn.

Student Signature:
I understand the classroom policies and agree to abide by them:
Printed Name
Student Signature

Date:

Parent Signature:
Phone Numbers:

(home)

Parent(s) Name(s)
(cell)
Parent Signature
E-Mail Address

(work)
OK to contact by e-mail concerning issues?
yes no

Is there anything I should know about your child?

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Thank you for all you for allowing me to guide your student through the magical world of
mathematics this year. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or
concerns.
Liz Murray