September 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to sixth grade math! This letter will provide you with information
about our math class and answer some questions you may have about the year. As
a sixth grader, your child will build on all of the math topics he or she has learned in previous years and eventually extend
his or her thinking algebraically.
Our math class will always begin with a warm-up consisting of problem sets similar to those seen on the NJ ASK assessments
(grades 6-8). Warm-ups will include, but not be limited to topics such as number
sense, computation, data-analysis, and geometry. As for new learning, we will
start the year with an important unit on estimation. Estimation is the first
step in any successful problem solving strategy and a skill we will incorporate in the classroom throughout the year.
Homework is an essential aspect of learning and will be assigned every night (including Fridays). Your child should expect to spend between 15 and 30 minutes on each assignment. If your child misses class (due to illness, music lesson, etc.), he or she is responsible for making up
the assigned homework, as well as any activities from class that day. I will
be available after school everyday to work with any students in need of additional help.
Assessment is another important aspect of learning. There will be a quiz or a test approximately every 4 to
6 class periods. Grading will be done in accordance with the math department
policy and quarterly grades will be calculated as follows:
Tests: 50%
Quizzes:
30%
Class work,
assignments, and activities: 10%
Homework:
10%
Two texts will be used for this course: Scott Foresman – Addison Wesley Middle School Math and Everyday
Math. Additionally, we will use a variety of instructional resources to develop
the math. It is essential that each student come prepared to class everyday with
his or her math binder and a pencil. The calculator we will use this year is
the Texas Instrument TI-34II. In the event that your child does not have a calculator,
I can provide one for him or her to use in class only.
I am very happy and excited to have the opportunity to teach your child mathematics this year. I will make every effort to make lessons both interesting and effective.
A strong home-school line of communication is essential to academic success and I invite your questions and concerns
at any time. Please contact me via e-mail at cbeatty1@somsd.k12.nj.us or through the main office at (973) 378-2772 ext. 2000. I will do my best to
return your calls within 24 hours and your e-mails within 48 hours. I look forward
to meeting you at “Back to School” night on September 17th.
Sincerely,
Chris Beattys
