Princess Anne Middle School
2013-2014 Math 8 Course Expectations
Teachers Tori Beck
Jenny Walker
thbeck@vbschools.com
jlwalker@vbcps.onmicrosoft.com
* Email is the best way to reach us, even if the email says that you would like us to call you.
School Telephone Number: 648-4950, ext. 72067 (Ms. Beck)
72130 (Mrs. Walker)
Assignment Information: Subscribe to My School Mail through PAMS website. Choose “Ms. Beck.” General
information and assignments can also be found on my Wikispace. (www.pams-beck.wikispaces.com)
Course Description: Mathematics 8 is designed to help students make the transition from elementary mathematics to
algebra. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and concepts needed for algebra. The course focuses on problem
solving, communication, reasoning, mathematical connections, greater use of manipulative materials and technology, and
relating mathematics to students’ lives. Topics include number properties, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement,
ratio, proportion, percent, graphs, probability, and statistics.
Course Objectives: All of the mathematics Sol’s for the Commonwealth of Virginia are included in the Virginia Beach
City Public School’s mathematics curriculum. A detailed listing of the objectives for Mathematics 8 and their correlation to
the Sol’s can be found on the VBCPS website. Mastery of this material will help prepare students to pass the Math 8 Sol
test and to be successful in Algebra 1.
Course Scope and Sequence:
Unit 1: Numeric and Algebraic Expressions
Unit 2: Algebraic Relations and Functions
Unit 3: Real Numbers and Proportional Reasoning
Unit 4: Geometry and Measurement
Unit 5: Probability and Statistics.
*Students will take an SOL Test at the end of the year.
Texts and Materials: We will be using as our textbook this year Mathematics, Course 3 (Holt McDougal). The textbook
will be available on-line. The following items should be brought to class every day: Binder, Spiral Notebook, Pencil,
Paper, and Agenda. All graded assignments, notes, and handouts should be kept in the binder. All Math work must be
done in pencil. A calculator and textbook will be provided for use in class each day. Please have a calculator available at
home for use during homework.
Assessment Measures and Grading Procedures and Policies: Please sign up for Parent Portal. Grades will be
updated at least once a week. A blank means the grade has not yet been entered. “0” means your child is missing that
assignment. Please discuss all “0”s with your child. Concept Tests (Standards Based Grading) count 75% of the grade.
Concept Tests may be retaken. Students have the option of arranging to take a second version of a Concept Test after
successfully completing corrections to the first version. The higher grade is recorded. Skills Reviews (Cumulative) count
15% of the grade. Skills Reviews may not be retaken. Classwork/Homework counts 10% of the grade. Homework may
be shown one block late for half credit. Incomplete work is also given half credit, which includes not following directions
(such as showing work). Projects may be counted in any of the three categories. The school system grading scale is:
A 93-100, A- 90-92, B+ 87-89, B 83-86, B- 80-82, C+ 77-79, C 73-76, C- 70-72, D+ 67-69, D 64-66, E 0-64.
P. A. Middle- a school where every child achieves
Help Sessions: Please make sure your child is working on homework assignments on the day they are assigned. If
they have trouble, then they should come see one of us the next day during homeroom or PAMS time to discuss the
problem or to arrange a before or after school time for extra help. We will sign an appointment time in your child’s
agenda.
Procedures for conferences, parental contacts: If something comes up that you would like to discuss in a
conference, please feel free to contact the guidance department. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Mr. Lavalle at
any time with any concern you might have. Email is the best way to reach us, even if the email says that you would like
us to call you.
Citizenship Expectations: Students are expected to show respect for the staff, the other students, and themselves at
all times. During class your child will be expected to sit correctly, keep hands and feet to self, pay attention during
instruction, work silently at times and collaboratively at others, copy all notes and examples, and participate appropriately
in all activities. They are to refrain from unkind comments and actions at all times.
Attendance Information: Please remember that on block scheduling, each class is equivalent to 2 daily classes. So, it
is imperative that your child attends class as regularly as possible. Math is especially difficult to get caught up due to its
cumulative nature. When scheduling appointments, please try to avoid having your child miss Math class, if possible. If
your child misses class, please encourage him/her to get on the wikispace and attempt the homework. If that is not
possible, they are allowed one day for every day missed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Math 8 Course Expectations
Please return by September 13, 2013
I have read the class expectation sheet and reviewed it with my child and will support the teacher’s efforts to meet the
goals listed therein.
Parent Signature _________________________________________
Student Signature ________________________________________
Home Phone ______________________
Work/Cell Phones _______________________________________________
E-Mail Address _________________________________________________
Additional Information _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
P. A. Middle- a school where every child achieves