Maple Avenue Middle School 2015-2016
Math with Mrs. Koontz
Maple Avenue Middle School—Rm 113
Email: koontzj@lasd.k12.pa.us
Mark Your Calendars:
Phone: 717.359.4146
September 1
Welcome to
6th
Grade Math!
I am looking forward to a great school year with you and
your child. This year, your child will be working with CPM
Math: Core Connections. Within my math classroom,
your child will learn to work cooperatively within a team
of students to share ideas, collaborate, and view multiple
perspectives. Within each team, students will work
together to discover and solve problems while I support
and guide students thinking.
Students will learn how to contribute ideas to a team and
go to their peers for assistance first. This program allows
students to discover math and develop their math skills in
a different way. Mistakes are viewed as a learning tool
within my math classroom because it illustrates that your
child is experimenting with math and trying multiple
solving techniques.
A key to success within this course is to participate within
class each day when working collaboratively among
team members, as well as independently. In addition to
peers, I am available for assistance whenever needed.
The CPM website also provides a variety of resources and
I encourage you to utilize this tool for extra practice and
homework assistance: www.cpm.org.
No School—Labor Day
September 3
Open House: 6:00-8:00pm
Math Supplies:
Pencils, Pencils, Pencils!
You will need to have a
supply of pencils to use on
math work both in school
and at home. Math work
will not be accepted in
pen.
Erasers are needed, when
mistakes are made.
Remember-- mistakes are
common and are seen as
a learning tool.
It is important that you
keep your math book in a
binder to keep it from
being damaged. The
math book provided will
be needed for class each
day.
Calculators will be
available during class.
Page 1 of 2
Homework:
Math homework is assigned daily. Homework allows your
child to practice the skills being taught within class.
Homework typically consists of 5 problems within your child’s
math book. If your child is struggling with homework, I strongly
encourage them to visit the CPM website for homework help.
I am also available for questions and assistance when
needed. I believe that homework is time for students to
practice their work and therefore, I will not grade their work
for accuracy. Students’ homework grade will be based upon
the completion of the assignment. Students work will be
considered late if it is not completed upon entering the
classroom. We will check homework at the start of each class
period.
Homework will also be posted on MAMS website each night.
Make-Up Work:
When a student misses class they are expected to make up
their missed work. Upon returning to school, the student
should see me to receive any missed work or assignments.
Homework is also posted on MAMS website for students to
reference.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy for sixth grade math is made up of the
following percentages:
85% Tests & Assessments—(Tests, Quizzes, Projects)
15% Practice Work—(Homework, Classwork)
Communication:
I would like to keep you updated on classroom information
as well as your child’s progress. Please do not hesitate to
contact me regarding questions, concerns, or to share
information. One way to communicate with me is through
email. I check my email daily and can often respond to you
within the same day. If you would prefer to call you can
reach me between 8:00-8:30 AM, or after 2:45 PM each
school day. I am excited for this school year with both you
and your child and I look forward to meeting with you at
Maple Avenue’s Open House.
My Teaching Philosophy:
I love teaching and
helping students learn to
love learning. Watching
students improve their
math skills is my favorite
aspect of teaching. As
your child’s teacher I aim
to provide students with
math skills and knowledge
that will be used both
within a classroom setting
as well as within your
child’s everyday life.
I will continue to update
you on classroom
information regarding
upcoming concepts and
skills through monthly
newsletters. I will also keep
you up to date on my
class website which is
currently under
construction. When it gets
up and running I will ensure
you receive the website
and can access it when
needed.
Page 2 of 2