Have you ever said? But have you ever said? I can’t read or write. I don’t have the reading or writing gene. Anything after middle school reading or writing forget it, I’m terrible. Reading was always my worst subject. I can’t do math. I don’t have the math gene. Anything after middle school math forget it, I’m terrible. Math was always my worst subject.

Mrs. Helenski’s Classroom Welcome to Mrs. Helenski’s Classroom My mission statement: To provide a safe, non-threatening environment in which mathematical concepts can be used to promote and develop critical thinking skills for mathematical knowledge and every day life.

Mrs. Helenski’s Biography Upper Merion graduate University of Delaware (Bachelor’s degree) Cabrini College (Masters degree) Saint Joseph’s University (Continuing Education) Upper Merion Resident 24th year of teaching mathematics. .

Why does Math sometimes prove confusing? WELL... Try translating the following with only some of the alphabet. HE QUI ON FO MP VER HE LY DG. How did you do?

Why does Math sometimes prove confusing? TRY AGAIN…Only the vowels are missing. TH QCK BRWN FX JMPS VR TH LZY DG. A Little Easier?????

Why does Math sometimes prove confusing? What if you know ALL your CONSONANTS and VOWELS? THE QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER THE LAZY DOG.

To make math less confusing sometimes, we need the right tools: Mathematical background. (i.e. vowels & consonants) Supplies Practice ATTITUDE! (A little thing that makes a BIG difference.)

About the Course This course is designed to strengthen your student’s math skills and arm him/her with the tools necessary to become critical thinkers in preparation for the Pennsylvania State Keystone Exam in Algebra. This course you will improve your student’s algebra skills, practice test-taking strategies, and support what he/she is learning in his/her regular math classes. This course meets three days a cycle. The Keystone Algebra Exam is January 12-13, 2017.

Supplies Pencils Laptop and Headphones or Ear buds Calculator* TI-84 graphing calculator = $100.00 - $129.99 180 days in 1 school year = $.55 - $.72 a school day for 1 year. 360 days in 2 school years = $.28 - $.36 a school day for 2 years. 540 days in 3 school years = $.14 - $.24 a school day for 3 years. 720 days in 4 school years = $.07 - $.18 a school day for 4 years. A student’s high school career = Priceless

Keystones Module 1 Score: Operations and Linear Equations and Inequalities Anchor 1 (1.1): Operations with Real Numbers and Expressions Anchor 2 (1.2): Linear Equations Anchor 3 (1.3): Linear Inequalities Module 2 Score: Linear Functions and Data Organizations Anchor 1 (2.1): Functions Anchor 2 (2.2): Coordinate Geometry Anchor 3 (2.3): Data Analysis Constructed Response

Ways to be Prove Proficiency Option 1 – The average of both modules is 1500. Option 2 – Proficient score of 1500 in both Modules. (Not necessarily on the same exam.)

Course Curriculum

Course Curriculum* * Not necessarily in this order.

A Friendly Reminder Please NO TEXTING during the hours of 7:35 – 2:21 Upper Merion is a Distraction Free Learning Zone.

Sapphire vs. Schoology Sapphire Schoology See Grades. Class Notes Handouts/Answer Keys

Other General Information Interim Dates: 9/30, 12/09, 2/24, 5/5 End of Marking Period Dates: 11/4, 1/20, 3/31, 6/8 Report Cards Issued: 11/11, 1/27, 4/07, 6/19 Conference Dates: 11/17, 2/16

Important Links Email: Shelenski@umasd.org Website: http://www.umasd.org/133310710134432687/site/default.asp Schoology: https://umasd.schoology.com/login/ldap?&school=263908734 Sapphire: https://umasd-parents.k12system.com/CommunityWebPortal/Welcome.cfm Textbook: http://share.umasd.org/groups/textbooks/ Textbook Publisher site: http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078738181/student_view0/ Mathematical Resources: https://www.khanacademy.org/http:/ http://www.purplemath.com/ http://www.regentsprep.org/

THANK YOU. Thank you again for coming out tonight and investing in your student’s education. Together we can assist your mathematician in meeting his/her mathematical potential. Please have a safe drive home.