Welcome to Ms. Smith’s Classroom
DEAR PARENTS & STUDENTS,
Welcome to Algebra 2, Exit Level TAKS, Pre-Calculus, or Statistics. I am Kim Smith. Please read this letter and
keep it close at hand so that you are able to contact me when you need to. My students will work together in
groups daily. Group work allows them to discuss what and how they learn with their peers and this can
benefit all students. I truly believe that all students can be successful in my mathematics class. My class
requires a lot of in depth thinking, routine discussions, various forms of testing, and traditional class work. I
believe math can be fun and still have learning occur. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of
you. Welcome to Ms. Smith’s Mathematics Class.
My Philosophy:
I believe every student has a right to learn and that part of my job is to make my classroom a safe
environment in which learning takes place. Learning sometimes involves taking chances, investigating ideas,
and discussing those ideas with peers. Students learn differently; therefore, I will use varying activities that
reflect different learning styles. Additionally, my students will work in groups because they learn as much from
each other through discussions as they do from me. I have high expectations of all students and we as a
community of learners will help each student reach those expectations. TEKS are what the TAKS test is based
on and each TEK will be addressed fully with activities to enhance the students’ understanding of the concept
taught.
Behavior Expectations:
Rules:
 Be on time and be prepared for class
 Be polite, courteous, & respectful at all times
 Complete ALL assignments on time
 Leave your seat only with teacher permission
 No eating, drinking, or gum chewing
 Obey all OISD school rules
Consequences:
 Warning
 Parent Notification/Detention
 Office Referral
Grading Policy:
Each 6 weeks: Grades will consist of various worksheets, quizzes, tests, benchmark assessments, journal
writings, planner communications, vocabulary journal, and projects. A planner, notebook, journal, vocabulary
journal are required every day along with the student’s book and completed assignments.
Home work:
There will be homework most every day. I will give some time in class to work on it and if the student uses
their time well, it is possible to finish most of it if not all of it in class. All assignments are due the next day
unless otherwise stated. If a student does not turn in their work, they will be assigned to ZAP.
PROJECTS TO EXPECT THIS YEAR
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Binder – vocabulary
History of a Famous Mathematician
Various Oral Presentations
Various Web Quests
Conics in the real world
TAKS practice book
Journal writing about math
Pi Day
Tools in the classroom:
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Graphing calculator
Computer/Internet usage
Researching tools
Various Hands on Learning Activities
School Supplies:
 2 inch binder
 Composition book
 Dividers
 Spiral or notebook paper
 1 pocket/brad folder
 Pencil, pen for grading
Optional: TI 83, 84, or N-spire calculator
Please have the following everyday with you in class:
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Vocabulary, Journal, and Notes binder
Book and planner
Pencil, pen, paper
Calculator
Assignment completed
Positive learning attitude
Websites to visit
Here are a few sites that you and your student might find helpful and fun including tutorials, &
games. www.nctm.org, www.school.aol.com, www.math.com, www.glencoe.com, www.ticares.com
www.drmath.com,WWW.FUNBRAIN.COM/, WWW.MATHFORUM.ORG/, WWW.GOHRW.COM
Tutorials: I have tutorials every morning from 7:15 to 7:40 in
room 306. Additional tutorials will be available after school with
various teachers. Schedule to follow.
Ms. Smith
kimsmith@onalaskaisd.net
Conference: 7:40 to 8:35
Onalaska Jr./Sr. High School PO Box 2289 Onalaska, TX 77360
Ph: 936 646 1020
Math Rocks!