HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

I sincerely hope you enjoy the holiday vacation and use it to rest up for the second semester. 

Remember we have early release Friday 12/18

GMS 12:20
VMS 12:45
RMS 12:50

Enjoy your time with family!

December 14-18, 2015

3RD SIX WEEKS ASSESSMENT

The 3rd Six Weeks is coming to an end! Time flies when you're having fun. Please be here all week, and turn in ALL missing/late work. Holiday vacation starts Saturday 12/19 and you return to school on January 6.

Monday: REVIEW for Six Weeks test TRY NOT TO BE ABSENT!
Tuesday: SIX WEEKS TEST
Wednesday: SIX WEEKS TEST CONT. (if needed)
Thursday: Circles Stations
Friday: EARLY RELEASE!
GMS 12:20 PM
VMS  12:45 PM
RMS  12:50 PM

Week of December 7-11, 2015

PROBABILITY & CIRCLES

We will continue having a review of all probability topics covered, and then we will start with circles. We will cover area and circumference of circles. There is a relationship between area and circumference and we will explore it. We have one week before our six weeks test, and we have to continue preparing for it. I know it's easy to become distracted with all the Christmas programs, holiday cheer, and the break coming up, but we have to remain focused and make attendance a priority. 

If you have any missing assignments from weeks 1-3, turn them in on Monday!!!

REMINDERS:

• TUESDAY 12/15: MATH SIX WEEKS TEST
• TURN IN LATE AND MISSING WORK ASAP
• REDO'S MUST BE TURNED IN WITHIN 2 DAYS OF RECEIVING

Week of November 30- December 4, 2015

Continue Probability & Introduce Circles

Welcome back from a beautiful week long vacation! I hope you were able to rest and eat a lot of turkey.
I am hoping to finish summarizing probability this week, and I want to jump into circles. We will cover basic vocabulary along with brand new formulas.
I hope you come back prepared and ready for new information.

REMINDERS:
Monday: Picture Money is Due $$$
Wednesday: Progress Report Night at PPP

Please make sure to turn in any missing assignments, you are responsible young adults and we have very high expectations for you.

Week of November 16-20, 2015

Experimental and Theoretical Probability
This week we will finish covering experimental probability and start on Theoretical probability. I know it's easy to become distracted with all the holiday fun around the corner, but we need to keep focused.

Things to remember:
1.Experimental probability measures the ratio of outcome vs. attempt while theoretical probability measures the favorable or wanted outcome vs. the possible outcome.
2.Experimental probability is widely used in experimental research while theoretical probability is widely used in businesses.

REMINDERS:

• Turn in ALL work on time
• If you know you won't be coming ask for the work in advance
• Decorate the turkey feather and include what you are thankful for
• Turn in Picture money
• Thanksgiving Break November  23-27

Students are seen tossing cups where they performed 20 trials to determine the experimental probably of three possible outcomes: landing open-end up, open-end down, and on its side. Needless to say, they really enjoyed themselves. :)

I predict the cup landed on its side.

Striking a pose!

Recording their data on a chart.

Week of November 9-13, 2015

Scale Drawings/Probability
This is the first week of the 3rd Six Weeks! We will wrap up our lesson on Similar Figures and Scale Drawings at the beginning of the week. We are going to start on a brand new and very important lesson, probability! I ask you to please show up to class everyday willing and ready to learn.

REMINDERS:

• Turn in PERMISSION SLIPS
• Late work MUST be turned on Monday absolutely the last day
• Bus Safety presentation Monday

Week of November 2-6, 2015

BENCHMARKS
This is the 5th and final week of the 2nd Six Weeks. I have been reminding you for the past few weeks that this one would be a bit shorter than the first. I hope that you work on any missing assignments over the weekend. We will be having a very busy week with benchmarks. Try your absolute BEST and I guarantee your results will reflect your determination.

REMINDERS:

• Turn in the end of the year trip permission slip
• Turn in ANY assignments you are pending ASAP
• Come in during lunch on Monday if you need assistance with pending assignments
• MONDAY-Regular Schedule
• TUESDAY- Reading Benchmark 8:30-12:30 1st pd after lunch
• WEDNESDAY- MATH Benchmark 8:30-12:30 3rd pd after lunch
• THURSDAY- Writing Benchmark 8:30-12:30 4th pd after lunch
• FRIDAY- 1st and 2nd period Social Studies Six Weeks Test

Please try to come to school ALL of next week it is for your benefit!

Thank you for a wonderful week, and have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Week of October 26-30, 2015

Similar Figures and Proportions
This week we will continue going over similar figures and using proportions to find unknown measurements. It's going to be a very busy week, so please try not to miss any days.
This is the 4th week of the 2nd Six Weeks, and remember we only have 5 weeks this time around.

REMINDERS:
Monday- PICTURE DAY! You may wear your Sunday best. Anti-bullying presentation
Tuesday- Regular Day
Wednesday- FALL FESTIVAL/EARLY RELEASE
Thursday- ECHS Fall Festival
Friday- Social (homeroom) and PPP LOCK-IN

This is also RED RIBBON week!

Week of October 19-23, 2015

Simple Interest & Similar Figures

Tomorrow we will be discussing simple interest, and breaking down the formula to solve simple interest problems. There will be a short assessment taking place tomorrow, so that I may see how much progress you have made throughout this past week. We will also be covering similar figures, and using proportions to solve for unknown measurements. 
Get ready for another week full of learning!

REMINDERS:

• $5 Fall Festival
• Fall Festival Oct. 28
• Early Release on Oct. 28
• Peter Piper Lock-In Oct. 30 ($25)
• Wear orange on Wednesday and Pink on Friday
• Make sure you are up to date on any missing/late work
• Get a lunch pass if you need assistance with any work

Make it a great week!

The video below is a great introduction to similar figures and proportions.

Week of October 12-16, 2015

Percent Change, Applications of Percent, Mark-Up and Mark-Down

Last week we learned how to calculate unit conversions using proportions. This week we will learn all about percent; how to solve for it, where we can apply it, and discuss real world scenarios. 

REMINDERS:

• Report Card Night at Peter Piper Pizza from 5-7 pm
• $25 for Lock-In on October 30, 2015
• ALL assignments should be turned in
• If you need to see me don't forget your lunch pass

Below are a few pictures of some of my students at HESTEC at the UTRGV campus. They were asked to build a rocket using just a straw, a piece of clay, and a notecard. The students also participated in an astronomical bingo,and the prize was a NASA sticker.

Week of October 5-9, 2015

Converting Measurements

The 1st week of the 2nd six weeks, my how time flies by! This week we will take what we learned about unit rates and proportions and apply them to converting measurements! Have you ever thought about how tall you are in inches? How about in meters? We will be able to answer all of these questions and more by the time we get through this unit. Let's make it a great week by starting off our Monday on a good note!

REMINDERS:

• Monday is the last day to input grades
• HESTEC TRIP $5 due as soon as possible
• Turn in all work on time

The video below will break down converting measurements beautifully. Enjoy!

Week of September 28- October 2, 2015

Proportional Relationships

This is the last week of the 1st Six Weeks! We will spend Monday and Tuesday going over constant rate of change and proportional relationships. On Wednesday we will have a review of all the concepts we've covered so far. I am confident you will do great on all your assessments this week. Good luck and happy studying! :)

REMINDERS:

• THURSDAY: Math Six Weeks Assessment
• Any and ALL makeup work should be submitted by Wednesday
• If you're absent on Thursday makeup day will be Friday

The video below will help you recall what we have covered in class, and it will also prepare you for Monday's lesson. See you in class!

Week of September 21-25, 2015

UNIT RATES
This week we will be covering unit rates and proportional relationships. Everything we have done so far will tie into this new unit. 

REMINDERS:

• HESTEC $5 by October 7
• Wednesday: Early Dismissal
• Journal Check on Friday
• Any missing work should be turned in ASAP
• I'm available during lunch for any questions or to catch up on work

Week of September 14-18, 2015

This week in Honors Math...

We will review the basic concepts of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers. I will introduce a number line for those of you who prefer a more visual approach. I am hoping to start on unit rates by the end of the week, but I want to make sure everyone feels 100% confident with operations using integers before we move on. I will also start grading your INB (interactive notebooks) weekly. It is an easy grade, so make sure you keep up with it.

REMINDERS:

• Homeroom T-SHIRT: $15
• Progress Reports
• Cookie dough $
• Syllabus! (I'm still missing some)

Let's make this week extra productive!

Week of September 7-11, 2015

Last week we were able to identify rational numbers and their equivalents. This week we will begin reviewing the rules of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing rational numbers.
Can anyone recall the definition of a rational number? If you do, please leave it as a comment down below.

REMINDERS:

• 3rd Week of the 1st Six Weeks Test [FRIDAY]
• Cookie dough money due
• T-shirt money due $15

It's my birthday week students, so let's be extra awesome! I hope you have had a restful weekend, and I'll see you in class on Monday.

Week of August 31- September 4, 2015

The first week of school was such a success! It was a great indicator of what's to come. 
This week we will be reviewing general concepts about integers and rational numbers.

REMINDERS:

1. Bring ALL materials to class

• Composition Journal
• 3-Pronged Folder
• Dry erase markers
• 1 pack of colored copy paper

     2.  Bring in ALL signed papers

     3. T-shirt money due $15

     This week we had a group collaboration activity involving marshmallows, spaghetti, and tape. The tallest free standing tower would win. These are a few pictures of some of the final products.

Also, thank you students for keeping our journal/folder bookshelf super neat. Let's continue this tradition for the rest of the year!

If you are absent students please come to class and go directly to our MIA bulletin. You will find all the work you missed under the appropriate day.

Let's make it a great week students!

Week of August 24-28, 2015

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS!

Honors Math/CSI

Classroom Expectations and Procedures

Miss Vianna I. Solis: vsolis044@rgccisd.org

Ac²E Middle School: (956)487-4476

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 being your teacher. 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:

1 composition notebook
6 three pronged folders (one for each six weeks)
Loose leaf paper
1 pack of fine point dry erase markers
Sharpened pencils (bring at least 2 daily)

 

Class Expectations:
1.      Follow directions the first time given.
2.      Respect the rights and feelings of others by not using abusive or offensive  language.
3.      Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
4.      Do not eat, chew gum, or groom in class.

 

Consequences:

Positive                                                                                                         Negative

Miss Solis can teach!                                                                 1. Verbal warning

You are able to learn!                                                                2. Deduct DOJO points

Praise/Positive notes/Phone calls!                                             3. Student-teacher conference

                                                                                                   4. The following until behavior is corrected:

                                                                                              • Parent contact/conference

                                                                                              •Cluster conference with student and principal

                                                                                              • Cluster conference with student and parent

                                                                                              • Referral to Office

 

Our Class Goals:
1.      Turn in every assignment on time.
2.      Keep the absences to an absolute minimum.
3.      100% of Ac²E 7^th graders will pass the Math STAAR.
4.       Be completely prepared for 8^th grade Math by the end of the year.

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.

·        I will not assign a grade of “A” for work turned in late.
·         Work not turned in will be recorded as “M” (missing) so that the grade reports will compute the grade as a zero until handed in. This will allow students and parents to see what the grade will be if work is not completed.
·         I may count off as much as 10 points per day for late work.
·         Work that is turned in and is of good quality will not be assigned a grade lower than a “70.”
 
Make Up Work:

If a student needs to re-do/make up work they will be given the opportunity to come in during lunch on an appropriate day.

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.

Late to Class:

I will decide whether the tardy is excused or unexcused. Tardies accumulate all day and start over at the new six weeks. They will be referred to the office for the tardy.

Note: 8+ tardies- Referral to administrator. Student will be transferred to home campus.

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.

 

Week of May 25-29, 2015

FINAL WEEK OF SCHOOL!!!

Students, we have come to the end of the road. I am so proud of each and every one of you. You have all come so far throughout this long journey. These will be the last five days of school, and there will be many activities going on. Thank you for all your dedication, and I am so happy to have experienced my first year of teaching with such excellent students. I will always carry the memories with me, and I wish ALL of you nothing but the best in your road to success. 

REMINDERS:
Monday: Ac2E seminars
Tuesday: Ac2E seminars
Wednesday: Awards Assembly
Thursday: One Act Play
Friday: School Activities/ Last Day of School

Below are some pictures of our end of year project. The students were asked to make a scale drawing of their favorite candy wrappers. It involved converting measurements as well as constructing their own grid. This was a great activity to introduce them to certain professions they can pursue in the future. Engineering involves a lot of math, but it can be such a rewarding career. Overall, I was extremely happy with the results, and many of the students were surprised by their own artistic talents.

Week of May 18-22, 2015

Only 10 more school days left! I advise you to turn in any missing assignments, and we will be finishing our scale drawing project this week. This will definitely be an eventful week, so if you have any questions (especially 8th graders) feel free to ask.

Monday: Continue/finish the scale drawing math and writing portion
Tuesday: School dance during 5th and 7th periods
Wednesday: 9:00 AM Leo Lopez III presentation/ 8th grade mass @4:30
Thursday: 8th grade MORP 6:00-9:30 PM
Friday: GT training/8th grade promotion ceremonies @ 6:30 PM Paco Zarate Auditorium

We went to Fiesta Texas as our end of the year school trip, and our 7th graders definitely enjoyed themselves.

I wasn't able to capture a picture before they entered the park, because everyone was so eager to enter. However, this is the aftermath and everyone was tired but content.

Week of May 11-15, 2015

Only 15 more school days until you turn into 8th graders! It is so exciting, but first we must finish this school year strong.

This week we will continue with our scale drawings using our candy wrappers as the models. You should already be finishing off your drawings and starting to color them in. I am excited to see your finished products, and the math behind it all as well. Remember, this project is worth 5 individual grades, so please do not fall behind as it will be difficult to catch up. If you have any questions or concerns about it please see me in between classes, during lunch, or any time I am not helping another student during class.

REMINDERS:
Monday-Wednesday: Continue with project
Thursday: Continue with project/ Talent Show
Friday: Fiesta Texas field trip

For those of you attending the trip, please make sure you are brought to campus by 3:30 AM. You will be given breakfast at school before we leave, but you are not allowed to take snacks on the bus. The bus drivers work hard to keep their buses clean and they want to keep it that way, so please adhere to their rules. You may bring a pillow/blanket for the ride over. We expect you to be on your best behavior while at the park as well as on the bus ride to and from San Antonio. You will receive Whataburger after exiting the park and before starting the long drive back home. If you have any remaining questions please see me or any other faculty/staff member.

This past week I attended a GT training along with 3 other teachers from our school, and these are a couple of pictures from our eventful/educational time there.

We were asked to come up with illustrations incorporating the words into the actual drawing. The words chosen were the following: Protagonist, statue, tornado, and equation. The protagonist is batman, the tornado was drawn in the shape of a funnel, the equation was "balanced", and the word statue was incorporated into the Statue of Liberty.

The butterfly was a representation of the many different types of GT students you might encounter in a school setting. They are all beautiful and capable of morphing themselves into whatever they set their mind to, with the guidance of great teachers. On this particular day we were discussing GT students with disabilities. You might not be able to discern the words on the drawing, but they are all relating to twice- exceptional students.

Week of May 4-8, 2015

This past week we had a GT expo. We had a short amount of time to work on our projects, but we got it done. I am so proud of my homeroom class for coming through, and as always we got the job done.

We concentrated on polyhedrons which are 3D geometric shapes that are found throughout architecture structures all over the world. That just proves math really is all around us. My students enjoyed learning how to manipulate pieces of square paper and turn it into a beautiful shape with cycles of pyramids. We also created a structure using circles and a perfect equilateral triangle. An equilateral triangle has all sides the same length. Many of the students wanted to make some for decoration to display at home.

This coming week we have a busy schedule.
Monday: Bring a candy wrapper to class or a small piece of your favorite comic strip.
                Last day to turn in $25 for lock-in.
Tuesday&Wednesday: Continue with our project on dilation using scale factors
Thursday: Movie trip. Bring in $10 if you did not have perfect attendance.
Friday: Worksheets on scale factor/GT training

Below are a few pictures of my students working on their GT projects and also the finished product set up at the MPC.

Week of April 27 - May 1, 2015

STAAR is finally over!
We will continue with project based math activities, so continue making school a priority.  I understand that your minds are already set on summer, but we still have 5 weeks left. We have many upcoming school activities, so make sure you are up to date with deadlines.

Monday: GT projects
Tuesday: continue with GT projects
Wednesday: Create a Grocery Store Flyer
Thursday: Continue with flyer
Friday: Deadline for Lock-In $Money Due$

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and see you Monday!