Week of December 15-19, 2014

This is our final week before the break! I expect you to go over material we've covered throughout the first 3 six weeks and prepare for the Math Benchmark.


Schedule is as follows:
Monday: Review
Tuesday: Math Benchmark
Wednesday: Reading Benchmark
Thursday: Perfect Attendance Field Trip
Friday: Early Release!


Enjoy the Holidays!

Week of December 8-12, 2014

This week we have three instructional days for math! On Monday I will finish going over the area of a circle with common word problems found in STAAR. Thursday will be a review day over everything we've gone over this six weeks and Friday we will have our six weeks test!

The schedule is as follows:
Monday: Area of circles word problems
Tuesday & Wednesday: Writing Benchmark!
Thursday: Review!
Friday: Six Weeks Test!!

Please try to be in school every single day, and limit the amount of absences. It benefits you to be in the classroom learning!

Good luck to ALL students testing and for all those counting there are 20 days left for Christmas, and 2 weeks for the break!

Work hard and it will reflect on your grades.
Remember... I don't give you your grade, you earn it!

Week of December 1-5, 2014

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holidays! A much needed break and some time to catch up with family and friends.




It's time to hit the books again, because our Math benchmark is coming up soon!

This week we will cover Theoretical probability in depth and we might get to start on Linear Relationships! I know, I know, how exciting right?!

This video is to help you get a head start with linear relationships...

CSI: Blood Basics

Blood Basics:
A look into blood analysis and how it is used in crime scene investigations.
We discussed the different blood types and how you inherit them. A, B, AB, and O. We discussed the different blood spatter patterns that blood spatter analysts use to help solve a crime. We did an activity where the students were able to recreate certain blood spatter patterns mentioned in class. There were cast offs, pools, drops, smears, mist, etc. They were able to do this in groups on big sheets of paper. They were very creative and excited about this.
Don't worry, they were just using red paint diluted with some water to get a good consistency going.

This is what ensued...

Someone was extremely proud of their masterpiece. :)



6th grade students using straws to create the droplets and some used their hand to create a smear

6th graders making the droplets fall from different heights to observe the effects of droplet size and spatter



You can see this droplet fell from a larger height than the one below because of the spatter around it

This one had some spatter but not as much as the one above



Some of my 8th graders intent on filling up the entire paper using the bristles of a paintbrush to create the mist look described in the different spatter patterns

Week of November 24-28, 2014

Monday & Tuesday: Ac2E Seminars
I will be teaching you how to make a paper plate dream catcher.
If you will be in my seminar you will need string, beads and feathers to decorate it and give it a personal touch.

Tuesday will be Early Release!

Wednesday-Friday: Thanksgiving Break!
Enjoy your time off from school and when you come back be ready to work hard!

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving and don't forget to count your blessings!

 

Week of November 17-21, 2014

This week we will continue with Theoretical and Experimental probability and go more into depth with questions and different scenarios.
There will be a test at the end of the week, so make sure you pay close attention in class, ask questions, and use all your resources.
I know the Thanksgiving break is approaching, but we can't go into break mode just yet.
Come to class prepared and on time.
Have a great weekend!

CSI- Chromatography

This week we covered Chromatography!


Chromatography is the physical separation of a mixture into its individual components.

So I had the students test 4 different black markers and observe the separation of the inks and dyes. They filled in this chart with their observations.

They tested a vis a vis, a Crayola marker, a permanent marker, and an Expo marker. As expected, the permanent marker did not separate because the dyes and inks are insoluble in water. The rest of the markers separated into different colors.

 

These strips are 3 different black markers. The lighting is horrible but you can still see a separation of colors.

I then gave the students an opportunity to let their creative juices flow and they came up with nice designs and different colors on coffee filters.

They really enjoyed the activity and understood the concept. The colors on the outer edge of the filter paper are the most soluble which is why they traveled faster.

 

 

Week of November 10-14, 2014

1st Week of the 3rd Six Weeks!!!

Let's make this six weeks the best one yet. Make sure the level of responsibility goes up.

NO MISSING WORK
NO LATE WORK
NO EXCUSES
STUDY
GET TO CLASS ON TIME
COME PREPARED

This week we will cover ratio and pi and we will also introduce probability. The video below should help you become more familiar with the idea of probability as I know that you have already touched on pi in 6th grade.

Week of November 3-7, 2014

The last week of this six weeks!! (which was cut short by one week) Our six weeks test will be on Tuesday November 4 and might continue on to Wednesday November 5 depending on the number of students who finish.

We will review on Monday so make sure you go over the review I handed out and try answering as many problems as you can for that day. It will definitely benefit you.

The rest of the week we will cover circumference, pi, diameter, and radius.

REMINDERS:

• Discount project is due Wednesday November 5
• Extra Credit must be turned in no later than Thursday
• ALL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS AND RE-DO'S DUE ASAP
• Study your review and notes
• As always, I am available during lunch if you have any questions.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

 

My homeroom students that came in costume! We had an Olaf, a greaser, a ninja turtle/superman, a tin girl, two softball players, a cheetah girl, a scary masked villain, and a dagger wielding hero girl.

 

I asked them for a funny pose and this is what they gave me. lol!

CSI

The students covered Hair and Fibers and how they can be useful to an investigation. They were able to identify the differences and even had a chance at guessing between two mystery samples. It was an enjoyable experience!

 

 

They had to draw what they saw through the lens and write a description.

The two mystery slides shown above and more than 75% of the class got the right answers!

 

 

A synthetic fiber on the left and a human hair on the right under a microscope.

Week of October 27-31, 2014

This week we will be covering similar shapes and how to find their measurements using proportions. We have a lot to cover in the small amount of time we have in class. Make sure to always bring your binder, turn your assignments in on time, ask for help if you need it, and come prepared to learn. I know math can be daunting, but always be receptive to new ideas.

REMINDERS:

• Bring in $2 and you may come out of uniform on Tuesday
• Donate $1 =  5 DOJO points. Max of $5 for 25 DOJO points
• The list of drug free events are posted up in class Monday you can bring a cap
• Friday will be the day you may attend the Halloween dance or watch movies.
• You may come in costume on Friday but NO face paint

Have a great week, and Happy Halloween!

We had a couple presentations that the students attended.

 

Mr. Ryan Guillen presented on the importance of voting and touched on

Texas History

We had a drug free presentation at the Ringgold Middle Cafeteria

The students put me in jail during the Jamaica (bc I give too much homework) hosted by the ECHS

Week of October 20-24, 2014

This week we will finish covering percent (Markups and Markdowns, Applications of Percent). We will have another quiz on Wednesday (tentative). Please make sure you study and pay attention in class! ASK QUESTIONS! Math is a subject where practice makes perfect!! TIME is limited in class so make sure you get to class on time and start on your work right away. We need to utilize the time we have in class.
My door is always open to those who are seeking help. Depending on the time and schedule we might cover Similar Shapes this week. We can use similar shapes to find unknown measures, and we will learn to use ratios to determine if two shapes are similar. It is the 3rd week of the 2nd Six Weeks, which means progress reports are coming up. Take every assignment seriously.


Have a GREAT week!


REMINDERS:

• BINDER CHECK MONDAY!!!
• Organization is important!

• RESPECT your teachers
• STUDY and TAKE YOUR WORK SERIOUSLY

• ASK QUESTIONS
• I am here to help you, but you need to help me, help you.

 Remember, I don't give you your grade, you EARN it.

Week of October 13-17, 2014

This week we will review dividing/multiplying decimals. There are a couple videos I posted below that should help you with that. We will go over percent increase and decrease as well as markups and markdowns. Again, if you feel like you are having problems come by my room for 5-10 minutes during lunch and I will help you. DO NOT be afraid to ask questions! Have a great week! :)

REMINDERS:

• Be kind to one another
• Always show RESPECT
• Be receptive to new information
• Falcon Spirit Shirt Re-Order ($10)
• Try your best to limit absences and always ask for missed work

Dividing Decimals

Use these videos to help you review dividing decimals. When you have viewed all 2 videos leave a comment on this post. I will give you 2 DOJO points if you do this. It's for your benefit!

 

Week of October 6 -10, 2014

The first week of the 2nd Six Weeks! I hope everyone had a great weekend, back to work Monday. This week we will cover Converting between Measurement Systems, Percent Increase and Decrease, Markups and Markdowns!

REMINDERS:

• Homeroom T-shirt Money is still due! I am missing a few who haven't paid. $10
• After every absence you need to come and ask for assignments, please try not to be absent it's for your benefit
• My email for parents to contact me is vsolis044@rgccisd.org
• I prefer to be called to the school phone if you need to contact me (488-6024)

The following video is an awesome guide for finding the % Increase and Decrease! Remember to use outside resources as well when studying, you might find something that works better for you.

Week of September 29 - October 3, 2014

The last week of the 1st Six Weeks. You survived! The Math Common Assessment for the six weeks will be held Tuesday and will continue Wednesday if it is needed. I urge you to study your notes and journal foldables. Remember that practice makes perfect! We will review on Monday and the last part of the week will be dedicated to converting between measurement systems. Make it a great week students!

REMINDERS:

• HOMEROOM T-SHIRT MONEY DUE! $10
• If you are absent or picked up early please ask for missed work
• If you are missing an assignment or need to makeup a quiz come by my room during lunch I will gladly help you
• Attendance is VERY important. Try to make it to class every day!

CSI Class:
If you are absent from class you need to ask for the work you missed.
Attendance is important!

*Responsible: Able to be trusted or depended upon; trustworthy or reliable.

Remember, you are a Magnet student, responsibility is a must.

 

Have an AMAZING week, and good luck with all your upcoming assessments! :)

 

 

Week of September 22-26, 2014

This week we will explore constant rates of change and proportional relationships and graphs. We will also be covering conversions between measurement systems. It sounds difficult, but it really isn't. I expect you to have your thinking caps on starting Monday morning! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready to tackle this week head on.

REMINDERS:

• The last day to turn in Fundraiser money is Monday 9/22
• Have your parents sign up with Dojo and bring in signed paper
• Always turn in homework/corrected quizzes in a timely manner

A little humor to start off the week. :)

Class Elections!

My homeroom class representatives, Raul Salinas and Ismael Talamante! I expect your leadership to blossom and to encourage the rest of the students to do their best as well.

 

Some students from my homeroom blogging!

 

 



 

How to Find the Better Buy! (Unit Rate)

You can use this to help you better understand unit rates and how to calculate what item is the better buy.

Week of September 15-19, 2014

This week we will start off by applying what we learned last week into word problems. Also, we will cover unit rates, constant rates of change, and proportional relationships and graphs. I have a training on Wednesday so I won't be in school. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior.

REMINDERS:

• Bring your binder to class daily!
• All money for the fundraiser is due this Friday Sept. 19
• All corrected quizzes due by Friday
• Make-up quizzes are on your own time (lunch)
• Be responsible and pick up after yourselves in class
• Sign up for DOJO points
• Sign up for the Remind app so parents can receive reminders from Mrs. Gonzalez
• Progress reports will be issued on Tuesday
• Student council representatives will be elected Wednesday
• Student council officers will be elected Friday

Please ask questions if you feel at all confused with anything. I'm here to help! :)
Below is an example of Integers in real world settings!

Week of September 8-12, 2014

This week we will continue with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers. I found a link that will be able to help clear any remaining questions about what was covered over the past two weeks. Please make sure to visit it if you are ever in doubt. Make it a great week and don't forget to wish me a Happy Birthday this Wednesday! :)

REMINDERS:

• If you have not turned in my detached portion of the syllabus do so!
• Start on your E-portfolio ASAP! Any questions come see me.
• Shirt money is due this FRIDAY! 9/12/2014
• Meet the teacher night is this Tuesday 9/9/2014 from 2-5 PM
• Last day to turn in number line activity for credit is Tuesday 9/9/2014
• Please bring your binders to class daily!

http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/rational-numbers-operations.html

Week of September 1-5, 2014

This week we will continue with rational numbers. We will introduce addition and subtraction of rational numbers using a number line.

When in doubt ask questions!

REMINDERS:

• Shirt money due September 12, 2014
• Bring all needed supplies this week, no excuses!
• Meet the teacher night is on September 9, 2014
• Bring in all the forms that need to be signed, including your syllabus!
• Thursday is college shirt day
• Makeup quizzes come see me on your own time
• Last day to turn in corrected quiz questions is FRIDAY

Honors Math/Pre-Algebra Syllabus

Honors Math 7/Pre-Algebra

Classroom Expectations and Procedures

Ms. Vianna I. Solis:

Ac²E Middle School: 488-6024

Conference Periods: 1:55-3:35PM

 

Welcome to a Year of Commitment, Focus, and Excellence. I am excited to have you in my class and I am looking forward to teaching you this year. Our class will work hard together to reach our goals and to become OUTSTANDING students. I will work hard to teach you, help you, and treat you with respect. Everyone will be expected to follow the rules in order to create a classroom environment that promotes learning.

Class Materials:

Honors Math/Pre-Algebra:

1 ½ binder (or larger) with loose leaf paper

1 composition notebook

1 package of dividers

Sharpened pencils (bring at least 2 daily)

 

Class Expectations:

1.       Be seated with all supplies as soon as possible.

2.       Follow directions the first time given.

3.       Respect the rights and feelings of others by not using abusive or offensive language.

4.       Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.

5.       Do not eat, chew gum, or groom in class.

 

Consequences:

Positive                                                                                                         Negative

Ms. Solis can teach!                                                                       1. Verbal warning

You are able to learn!                                                                    2. Student-teacher conference

Praise/Positive notes/Phone calls!                                              3. The following until behavior is corrected:

                                                                                                     • Parent contact/conference

                                                                                                     •Cluster conference with student and counselor

                                                                                                     • Cluster conference with student and parent

                                                                                                     • Referral to Office

 

Our Class Goals:

1.       We will achieve at least 90% average score on each quiz and test.

2.       100% of Ac²E 7^th graders will receive an “ADVANCED” (Level 3) score on the STAAR.

3.       All students will create a digital portfolio to showcase his/her work.

 

Late Work Policy:

 You are responsible for working at home on any assignments that you do not finish in the class time I provide. All assignments should be turned in on time. If an assignment is not turned in on time, the student will receive the following:

• 5 pts deducted for the 1^st day
• 10 pts deducted for the 2^nd day
• 20 pts deducted for the 3^rd day
• 30 pts deducted for the 4^th day

After the fourth day late, the assignment will no longer be accepted. Zeros can only be made up under extreme circumstances or through special arrangements with the teacher. I will accept late work if you were absent.

Absences:

In the case of an excused absence, the student is allowed two make-up days for each excused absence day. If you miss the lesson it is your responsibility as an excellent student to schedule a time with me to make up the lesson. You are responsible for missed assignments.

Grading Policy:

Six Weeks Test: 25% of grade

Homework, Quizzes, Classwork, Projects, Journal, Participation- 75% of grade

Testing Policy:  If you score less than an 80% on a quiz you may make corrections for half credit on each problem. It is your responsibility to do this! The only exception is the 6 weeks exam, because of district policy. It will take hard work, dedication, and discipline, but I am confident in your abilities to get it done.

Excellence!

This will be a challenging year and you will have more responsibility as a 7^th grade student. Your goal is to become a student who is EXCELLENT- this means that you do your best in everything: behavior, classwork, tests, etc. I will not accept excuses for your behavior. Do all your work, ask questions, be EXCELLENT, and expect success in the 7^th grade and in YOUR FUTURE!

 

 

Disclaimer: This syllabus is subject to change should unanticipated events merit it.

 

 

 

Detached, sign and return to teacher

 

I have read this course syllabus and will adhere to the rules and expectations in my math class.

Student(s) signature____________________________________________   Date:___________

 

Parent(s) signature _____________________________________________  Date:___________

 

Parent E-mail Address:___________________________________________________________

 

Parent contact information:

 

 Cell #:________________________________   Home #________________________________

                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Parents/Guardian: Please answer the following questions about your student. I’d like to get to know your student as quickly as possible this year.

Student’s Name: _________________________________________________(please print)

 

1.     What is important for me to know about your child?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     How does your child feel about math?                                                 

 

Week of August 25-29 2014

Welcome!

Hello 7th grade math geniuses! I am excited to start a new year with you. I have great expectations for this class, and I know you can tackle any challenge that I throw your way. Always come to class with a positive attitude and a willingness to participate! Cheers to a new school year! 2014-2015!