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To:      Mr. Rua’s students and their families From: Jack Rua, Mathematics Teacher, Mills HS

I think it is appropriate, as we begin a new school year, to introduce myself to you and set my expectations for students and their math course. Following a 13-year business career as a CPA and controller, I became certified to teach mathematics through the Alternate Route to Certification program. This will be my ninth year teaching math. I truly enjoy helping students learn and I hope I can get you excited about learning and applying math. I believe wholeheartedly in the relatively new standards being applied to math education that have emphasized understanding and discovery of concepts. My courses will emphasize the application of math principles and the use of these principles in solving real world problems. Like most of you, I enjoy being a part of the Region 10 community. I look forward to an enjoyable and rewarding year working with you.

Here are some important matters you should understand and practice:

Notebooks.

I require each student to have a separate notebook used for math class only. You should keep all material filed by date. This procedure will help guaranty that all material on a given topic can be located quickly. Proper note taking is an important skill you will develop this year and is essential for becoming a good math student. There will be notebook checks and quizzes throughout the year.
Do not use spiral?type notebooks. The three?ring binder type works best and I will punch holes in everything I hand out to you (a binder size of 1½ -2 inches should be adequate). Your notebook will need dividers, or tabs, to separate sections. Keep some blank, lined paper in your notebook at all times. I have attached detailed instructions on proper notebook setup.

Calculators

Lewis Mills requires all students to own their own graphing calculators. Although we will not be using calculators on a daily basis, and many computations must be done mentally, graphing calculators are an integral part of the math curriculum. If you do not already own one, I would like each of you to purchase a graphing calculator as soon as possible. You should buy only the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus or the Texas Instrument TI-83 Plus versions. The TI84+ is relatively new and is fully compatible with the TI83+ version. Please contact the Central Office if you require financial assistance. Calculators are usually on sale at most large stores during the beginning of the school year (cost is approximately $100).

Other supplies- See the attached listing of supplies you will need for your class.

Homework/Missed Assignments

Students should expect math homework almost every night (including Fridays). Homework is practice - not punishment - and it is essential to practice math if you want to learn it. On average, I expect most students will be able to complete their math homework each night within 45 minutes.

Odd numbered problem answers are in the back of the textbook. These are assigned so that you may check your answers on your own. We will not have time to review every homework problem in class (although answers will be provided). It is important that you come to class prepared with those problems that gave you the most trouble so we may review them in class. We will review and correct homework in class. You must show your work to receive full credit on assignments. Geometry students must show diagrams.

Homework will be accepted up to three days late, but you will earn ½ credit if not presented on the day it is due. An absence does not excuse you from doing homework. It is your responsibility to determine the assignments you missed and show me that you have completed them in accordance with the school absence policy. All assignments will be posted in the room. Grading of homework will be on a scale of 0-4 based on effort, showing work, and completeness. Homework is not graded for correctness.

Grades

Grades for each marking period will be determined based on points earned as shown below

Tests and long quizzes will always be announced ahead of time. Short quizzes/checkups may not be announced. Other forms of assessment such as writing about math and special projects will be used to determine your understanding of topics and grades. If you miss a test or quiz, you must make arrangements with me to complete it after school.

Extra Help/Email.

I will be available for extra help after school and welcome the opportunity to provide additional assistance to any student who requests it. I would also encourage you to find a homework buddy to share ideas or get missed assignments. You or your parents may email me at RuaJ@region10ct.org with any questions or for an update on your progress.

Please sign below as an indication that you have read and understood this outline and your responsibilities. Please ask your parent(s) to read this letter and sign below as well. 

Thanks - I'm excited about teaching you!

Student:_________________________       Parent/Guardian:________________________________

Parent/Guardian Contact Info: (email address): _______________________