2013-2014 Class Syllabus - Mathematics
Mrs. Kaela Kunde
Hello, Welcome Back to School and to our Math Adventure! I am so excited for our math
adventure and look forward to leading the way to an exciting and productive year in math. There
are many new changes this year and I look forward to growing through them with you as we
explore problem solving and critical thinking and how it relates to the world around us!
Curriculum
We will be using the College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM): Core Connections. This textbook
comes as a digital ebook and can be found at the following addresses per grade.
Grade 6 http://ku8912.textbooks.cpm.org
Grade 7 http://ku1591.textbooks.cpm.org
Grade 8 http://ku1352.textbooks.cpm.org
The login information is unique for each class and child (login ID and password is attached) so
please be sure to use the correct url for your ebook edition. It would be easiest for your child to
have access to the ebook eliminating the need to carry the textbook around in their backpack and
preserving the life of the textbooks. If a textbook is needed at home one will be provided to leave
at home. The cpm.org website is a great resource to assist with homework hints, additional
questions, clarifications, practice problems, and many other valuable activities. Also available
through the website is a parent-guide that is good for courses 1-3 with explanations and extra
practice problems where needed. If you would like additional information regarding the curriculum
and research on cooperative learning, problem based learning, and spaced practice please contact
me and I will be happy to provide you with it.
Class Synopsis
Course work will rely heavily on cooperative learning, problem based learning, and spaced
practice. The ability to verbalize and express thoughts with others is a crucial life skill and
students will engage in mathematics by working cooperatively with others on classwork,
participation quizzes, presentations, and team tests. Students will also work independently to fill
out planners, organize personal work in binders, take notebook quizzes, solve homework
problems, and demonstrate internalized knowledge on individual tests. There will be ample time in
class to explore and work on these assignments and I will circulate the room answering questions
and guiding learning and study skills. Writing and expressing oneself effectively is an important
component to mathematics and life and all students will be required to write in class daily.
Learning Logs and Notes will be done in class and kept in a Math Toolkit Journal.
Course Materials
We will be using the following materials daily.
1. Planner (provided by Junction, replacement fee $5.00)
2. Pencils & Pens (pens are for grading only)
3. 1” Three-Ring Binder (used for math only)
4. Loose Leaf Paper (for classwork & homework – graph paper desired, but optional)
Grading
Students will be graded on daily classwork, daily homework, tests, quizzes, and presentations.
Grading will be weighted in the following way:
Classwork/Homework
30%
Quizzes, Presentations, & Team Tests
20%
Individual Tests
50%
Grades will be posted on a bi-weekly basis in the classroom and are always available online
through the Aeries system.
Homework/Classwork Policy
Classwork and homework assignments will be assigned and checked daily. It will be required that
students keep an organized math binder of classwork and homework. Unless stated otherwise, all
classwork and homework is due the next school day. Work is to be completed in pencil only and
will not be accepted if completed in pen. All assignments need to be completed neat and legibly
with problems numbered appropriately, numerical answers identified (with a circle or box), and
written justifications or explanations in complete sentences. Assignments not meeting this
criterion will be asked to be redone. Homework less than 50% complete will receive a zero until
completed and returned for late credit. In the event of an absence, it is the student’s
responsibility to complete what was missed; absent work will be given the absence and one day to
complete.
Quizzes
Occasional Notebook Quizzes will be given testing organization as well as how thoroughly they
have been completing assignments. Participation by all team members is necessary and there will
be occasional Participation Quizzes.
Tests
The CPM program is designed for mastery over time and tests will reflect this as they will always
be spiral and cumulative. Each chapter will conclude with a Closure Assignment, Team Test, and
Individual Test. Students will also be taking benchmark tests throughout the year. Students will
be allowed to use all classwork, homework, and closure assignments on the Team and Individual
Tests. Teams will collaborate together on Team Tests and all participants will be encouraged to
discuss answers and come to agreed upon solutions. Individual Tests will be administered a few
lessons into the next chapter as the curriculum spirals and this allows a few more nights of
homework practice to prepare for the test content.
Website Links (you may need to click or drop-down to your book)
E-book Link: Grade 6 http://ku8912.textbooks.cpm.org
Grade 7 http://ku1591.textbooks.cpm.org
Grade 8 http://ku1352.textbooks.cpm.org
Homework Help Link: http://www.cpm.org/students/homework/
Resource Pages: http://www.cpm.org/students/resources.htm (extra copies)
Checkpoint Practice Link: http://www.cpm.org/students/extraByCourseCC.htm
Interactive Manipulatives: http://www.cpm.org/students/technology/
Parent-Guide Link: Please call CPM at (209)745-2055. For Parent-Guide Table of Contents see
Checkpoint Practice Link above.
Classroom Expectations
In my classroom, we will create a sense of community where every student feels safe and
comfortable to participate in class. Students will be taught how to work in groups and be a
valuable team player. In order to accomplish this positive learning environment I expect students
to come prepared, follow directions promptly, and show exemplary character by being:
1. Prompt – on time and in regular attendance
2. Prepared – have all classwork, homework, pencils, pens, and math binder
3. Productive – finishing classwork and possibly some homework
4. Positive – approach math and problems with an open mind
5. Polite – treat others in the class or in your team with respect
Discipline
Consequences will be given for breaking rules or disrupting the safe learning environment of fellow
students. First disruption a warning will be given; if behavior persists student will have a teacher
conference and/or infraction and reflection forms will be given and parents/guardians will be
contacted. For severe disruptions there will be immediate removal from my class in conjunction
with Junction School District policies and California Ed Codes.
I look forward to a great and exciting year with you! Please feel free to contact me should you
ever have any questions or concerns. Communication is very important to me. Email is the best
way to contact me (kkunde@junctionesd.net) but you are welcome to leave me a message at
530.547.5494 and I will respond as soon as I am able.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kunde
P.S.
I will be using Remind101 to send reminders to parents and students, in addition to emails and
Aeries. To subscribe to text alerts:
Sixth Grade text @mrskunde to (424)529-6743
Seventh Grade text @3c56 to (424)529-6743
Eighth Grade text @836a1 to (424)529-6743
*Remind101 is a one-way text messaging system. You can unsubscribe at any time. All personal
information remains completely confidential. I will never see your phone number, nor will you ever
see mine.
Also…don’t forget to check out our class website to find anything you may need and
find out what’s going on in our classroom! kunde.weebly.com
2013-2014 Class Syllabus - Mathematics
Mrs. Kaela Kunde
Please complete and return this form to confirm that you the parent/guardian and your child have
read and understood Mrs. Kunde’s course objectives and policies. Please make any additional
notes you may like for me to know in the space provided below. I look forward to getting to know
you better throughout the next year; please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Check One: ___Grade 6
___Grade 7
___Grade 8
Student Signature
Printed Name
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
Printed Name & Relation to Student
Date
Preferred Method of Textbook at Home (ebook highly suggested)
Hard Copy Text
Ebook
Any Additional Information…?
Contact Information:
*email is priority, but please include any phone numbers you wish to be contacted at
_____
Parent/Guardian Name
Email
Cell #
Parent/Guardian Name
Email
Cell #
Home #
Work #
Home #
Work #
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