1. Welcome to Back to School Night! Ms. Karen Rutkowski krutkowski@chatham-nj.org

2. What is 7 th Grade Replacement Pre Algebra? We will be working on Pre-Algebra Skills through out the year. Some topics we will cover are: Algebraic Expressions and Integers Solving One Step Equations Decimals and Equations Factors, Fractions, & Exponents Ratios, Proportions & Percents Area and Volume We will take our time with all of these topics and stress the importance on how math is cumulative.

3. What is 8 th Grade Replacement Algebra? Some of the topics we will cover this year are: Order of Operations, Variable Expressions and Equations, One and Two Step Equations, Slope, Functions, and some Geometry. This is a slower pace algebra course where we will cover 6 out of 12 chapters. Students will get a solid foundation for the skills being covered so they are able to retain the information and apply it through out the year.

4. What is Foundations? This is a 2 year Algebra course. The first 6 chapters are taken here at CMS the second 6 chapters will be given at CHS. There are 2 options in how the Algebra I requirement can be met. 1.Take Concepts part B in CHS 2. Take Algebra I at CHS This is a regular Math course here at CMS that allows for more time to work on skills and topic so that our students can work at a slower pace but really grasp the concepts being taught. Some of the topics we will cover this year Order of Operations, Variable Expressions and Equations, One and Two Step Equations, Slope, Functions, some Geometry, Radicals, and Rational and Irrational Numbers just to name a few.

5. In Class we… Check boards for daily routine. Copy homework Take out homework /review homework Work together to learn new material Share information Have FUN!!!!

6. Quizzes & Tests. Tests -Tests are given at the end of each chapter or unit of study. -Tests will always be announced. Quizzes -Quizzes usually occur once a week. -Quizzes are given to check the students’ understanding and to identify areas of weakness. -Quizzes may be unannounced.

7. Homework -Homework is an important requirement of this course and is checked each time it is assigned. Usually 4 days a week. Never on weekends or holidays -An honest effort is expected and work must be shown. If a particular problem is difficult, write the problem out and leave space to complete it in class. -Students will receive 100% for completing homework on time, 50% if late, or a 0. Students will have two days to hand in a late assignment. After two days, they will receive a 0. If absent, students will have two days of make-up time for each day they are out.

8. Classwork / Class Participation -Classwork is checked each day. -Students are expected to complete all assignments that they are given during class periods. -Students are expected to arrive to class each day with the appropriate materials (notebook, pencil, textbook, etc.). If they are unprepared for class, their class participation grade will be lowered

9. Communication with You Please e-mail me at krutkowski@chatham-nj.orgkrutkowski@chatham-nj.org

10. Roses “When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice it is small but we do not criticize it as ‘rootless or stemless.’ We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we do not condemn it as immature and underdeveloped; nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.” -Timothy Gallaway