Math, 2013/2014

Mr. Todd Peterson

todd.peterson@phxschools.org mrpetersonsclass.blogspot.com

MATH OVERVIEW
Welcome to

TRIMESTER 1 AGENDA
The first three months of school will focus on the Civil War. In August we will study the actual battle itself (participants, battles, outcomes, significance). In September we will back up and look at what caused America to split apart. In October we will look past the Civil War at the time period known as Reconstruction

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
The expectations to which we adhere will set us apart from the other schools in the district and ensure that we are maximizing our time together every day. I encourage all students to: a. b. c. d. e. Be polite, respectful, and helpful Not disrupt the learning environment of others Follow directions the first time given Always use complete sentences Challenge yourself!

CLASSROOM RULES
Just like my expectations, the rules are straightforward and nonnegotiable. I promise that you will be amazed with the results of your learning if you follow these two basic rules. Failure to abide by these rules will result in an automatic detention. a. Stay in your seat unless permission has been given to leave it b. Perform an action silently until otherwise instructed or directed

CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCES
Let me be clear: I do not give detentions; you have done something to warrant them. Accepting this responsibility will make the academic year smooth and rewarding; fighting it will lead to more consequences. Every day you have the power to make the correct choice and I encourage you to do so! Outlined is this classrooms consequence system: a. b. c. d. Warning/Private Discussion Lunch Detention Removal from classroom Principal Referral

CHEATING

Out of respect for yourself and others, please do not cheat. Cheating can mean copying an assignment, test, or receiving help otherwise not allowed. If you are caught, you AND the person helping you will be receive appropriate consequences and earn a ZERO on whatever assignment it is without the possibility of a make up.

CLASSROOM REWARDS (FOR SOCIAL STUDIES)

I would prefer to reward us for the things we do correctly than discipline us the times we mess up. Each day you have an opportunity to earn points that lead up to a reward. They will be tallied on the board. Here are the opportunities that exist for classroom-wide rewards: 1) ENTERING THE ROOM SILENTLY 2) WORKING ON DO NOW SILENTLY 3) TAKING NOTES/DISCUSSING RESPECTFULLY 4) WORKING IN GROUPS COOPERATIVELY 5) CONCLUDING CLASS APPROPRIATELY AND ON TIME
**I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ADD POINTS FOR SEEING POSITIVE BEHAVIOR AND ALSO TO ERASE POINTS
IF THE CLASS FAILS TO MEET CERTAIN EXPECTATIONS

For meeting each of these expectations, the class as a whole will earn a point. These points will be cumulative, meaning they add up, and work towards a bigger goal each month.
1) Laptop usage every Thursday (15 points) a. On a weekly basis, you will earn the right to make use of our laptops. By reaching our target, you will use the laptops in groups of two for the daily lesson. Failure to reach 15 means you will be reading independently from the text. 2) Friday snacks with Newspapers (20 points) a. Every Friday we will read newspapers after the weekly quiz. On a weekly basis, you may earn an opportunity to bring in a bag of chips, drink, etc. that you may enjoy while you read through the paper. 3) Choice of Groups on Unit Project (if we earn rewards 1 and 2 each week) a. Each unit (for example, our first unit is the Civil War) will conclude with an independent research project, completed by groups of 3. If we reach the goals outlined by 1 and 2 for the entire unit, you will be allowed to choose your group members. 4) If we earn 1-3 in a given unit, you will earn the right to watch a movie that is related to our topic of study. Teacher choice.