Welcome to 7^th grade mathematics. Students will continue to build from 6^th grade material to develop A Story of Ratios. This new curriculum is both exciting and challenging. Many real-world math applications will be explored which makes the material highly engaging. It is crucial that all students keep up and take ownership of their academics.
 
Instructor:                 Mr. Laufersweiler        tlaufersweiler@Libertyk12.org     (845) 292-5400 Ext. 5322
 
I will be available every Tuesday and Thursday for after school help. Students must be in my room by 3:05. Help will run until 4pm. Late buses are available only Tuesday and Thursdays.
 
I. Summary of Year
Seventh grade mathematics is about (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples.
 
Module 1: Ratios and Proportional Relationships
Module 2: Rational Numbers
Module 3: Expressions and Equations
Module 4: Percent and Proportional Relationships
Module 5: Statistics and Probability
Module 6: Geometry
 
Specific Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will:

• Analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems. *
• Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers. *
• Draw, construct, and describe geometrical figures and describe the relationships between them.
• Draw informal comparative inferences about two populations.
• Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models.
• Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and volume.
• Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations. *
• Use properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions. *
• Use random sampling to draw inferences about a population.

* CCLS Major Emphasis
 
II. Required Materials:

Pens/Pencils Binder Scientific calculator

Highlighters Paper Notebook (Spiral or marble)

 
III. Grading Policy:

1. Classwork/Participation (15%)
2. Homework (15%)
3. Quiz (30%)
4. Tests (40%)

 
IV. Procedures/classroom participation:
Procedures for creating and maintaining a positive learning environment will be reinforced throughout the year. To open a locker, you have to input your combination as directed by the manufacturer. To place a call on your phone, you need to enter the number in the right order. To be successful in learning, you will need to follow simple procedures. 
 
Students will receive a classroom participation grade.  They will receive full credit for the day if they come prepared, are punctual, follow directions, actively participate, work well with others, remain on task and are cooperative.
 
V. Homework Policy:
The purpose of homework is to improve student achievement through the reinforcement and review of skills and concepts taught in class. Homework encourages good study habits and skills, better time organization, and creates more independent problem-solving ability. As a rule, homework is usually assigned daily. All homework assignments are checked and computed into the students' quarterly and final averages.
 
VI. PBIS Expectations:
Liberty Middle School has four PBIS Expectations:

1. Be Responsible
2. Be Respectful
3. Be There, Be Ready
4. Follow Directions

 
Specific PBIS Expectations will be created with students during first week of school.
 
VII. Discipline:
We have a significant amount of material to cover this year. Disruptions and discipline will be addressed quickly. Many of the lessons require students to communicate, collaborate, and make connections through discussions and group work. Students must follow directions and participate actively. If a student is disrupting the learning of others they will be removed from the room.
 
General Discipline Policy:

1. One warning is given for the first disruption, distraction or problem.
2. Second disruption results in a student being moved to a separate desk.
3. Any subsequent disruptions will result in lunch detention or being sent out of the room.

 
 
 
I am happy to be here. Let’s learn and have a great year.