MA08 2015-2016 Parent Letter
August 12th, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians,
My name is Amber Galvan. I wanted to send out a letter to introduce myself and let you know a
little bit about our class policies and more importantly my role in your child's education.
Communication: The Parent Portal is the best form of communication for students and parents and
allows you access to your student’s grades, district testing results, schedule, and teacher email.
Additionally, we will update our websites weekly so you have access to the class calendar which will
have assignment topics, test and quiz dates. The Smith Planner is also a valuable tool for information, and
students will record the week’s topics and assignments daily.
Students will be given a detailed progress report during the third week of each /quarter. Please review,
sign, and return the progress report. The signed report will be a communication grade.
Material: Materials are listed below and are required unless stated otherwise. The graphing composition
notebook is an important tool as it will have the notes students may need in order to complete
assignments at home. Materials must be in class by Monday, August 17th.
Student Work: Daily assignments (homework) are given a percentage grade. Homework is considered
missing if it is not ready at the start of class. Missing assignments are accepted up until the end of the
grading period each quarter for partial credit. Absent work is accepted for full credit if received within 5
school days. Incomplete assignments are not accepted. “No name” papers will be kept until claimed up
to the end of the grading period each quarter. Math related extra credit worksheets will be available
throughout the year and will be included as an assignment grade
Grading:
Assignment Grading Scale
90%-100% A
80%-89% B
70%-79% C
60%-69% D
50%-59% F
Assignments only: Each letter grade receives 10 points. This gives each student the opportunity to build
their grade up from a reasonable point.
Assessment Grading Scale
90%-100% A
80%-89% B
70%-79% C
60%-69% D
0%-59% F
Retakes will be given based on the needs of individual students.
MA08 2015-2016 Parent Letter
Class grades are weighted: Tests 45%, Quizzes 30%, Assignments 10%, and Communication 15%.
A student’s grade reflects their knowledge of content material.
Behavior: Discipline is essential for academic progress. No student is allowed to disrupt the learning
process for other students. Students are expected to follow the behavior guidelines as stated in the Smith
Planner, as well as the rules and expectations presented to them in the classroom. Parent contact is an
absolute in my room if a student has disobeyed the rules in any way.
Tutoring: I will be available Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3:50 to 4:30pm. I will also be
available at lunch every day for any student who requests it.
Textbook: Students will be using the Big Ideas textbook this year. You and/or your child may check out
this resource from the bookstore if needed. There is a large replacement fee if lost or damaged. Otherwise,
each child will be given login information this year to have access to the online version of this resource.
The online resource has every component the textbook has.
Devices: Beginning second quarter, we will be given a class set of tablets. This is a great opportunity to
involve more technology and interactive learning in the classroom. A letter will be sent home with
students at that time, discussing more specific information on the use of these devices. A safety contract
will be attached to the letter for both you and your child to sign. This will be a communication grade.
I noticed one of the biggest issues affecting the student’s grades are missing assignments that overwhelm
the students. I am going to do my best to stay on top of each student's progress, however, it is a major
responsibility of theirs to turn these assignments in on their own.
Thank you so much for everything you do at home to ensure your child's success! I look forward to
speaking with you as well as getting to know your child! Please feel free contact me if you have any
concerns. You may leave an email or a voicemail, and I will return the message promptly. Thank you in
advance for your support!
Sincerely,
Amber Galvan
480-472-9943
angalvan@mpsaz.org
Supplies for 8th Grade Math
Please have supplies available by Monday, August 17th
•
Pocket folder − specifically for math only
•
•
•
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Graphing Composition notebook- specifically for math only (Can be found at Walmart, Fry’s, etc.)
Pencils- Students need to come every day with a pencil, no exceptions
Highlighter (optional)
Calculator (optional)
MA08 2015-2016 Parent Letter
Please read the following and return this page only by Tuesday, August 18th.
Students: Print and sign your name. Your signature indicates you have read, understood,
and agree to follow the guidelines and procedures outlined for this Math class. This
includes taking care of your textbook while at home.
___________________________________
Print Name
______________________________________
Student Signature
Date
Parents/Guardians: Please fill in the blanks below. Your signature indicates that you have
received the classroom guidelines for the 2014-2015 school year. This includes making sure
textbooks are cared for appropriately and returned in May. Thank you.
Please provide the following:
Email Address: __________________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________________
How would you prefer to be contacted? (Please circle)
email
phone
Anything you would like to add about your child :
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Print Name
______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date