Mrs. Bourque
Stafford Middle School
7/8 West Math

For more information, contact me at bourqued@stafford.ctschool.net


Class News
 Classroom Policies Classroom Procedures Math Resources


7th Grade
Homework		 Pre-Algebra
Homework
Algebra 
Homework
 SMS Home Page Problem of the Week

Some other members of the 7/8 West Team:
Mr. Budaj Mr. Dean Ms. Dennis Mrs. Farr

Ms. Knowlton


Class News...


Classroom Policies

Math class begins on time.  Students must be prepared for the daily warm-up when the bell rings.

Grading Policy

Grades for the marking period are determined by averaging tests*, quizzes, homework, notebook, and problems of the week.  Tests count as two quiz grades.   Progress reports will be sent home each marking period as necessary.

*Any test or quiz grade below a 60 must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the teacher.

Homework Policy

  • Homework is graded.  Lack of effort results in a zero for the assignment.
  • Homework must be done and is due the following school day.
  • Homework missed due to a school absence must be completed within two school days after return.
  • (Assignments are posted daily on my classroom bulletin board and the school web site.  It is the student’s responsibility to check for missed work).
  • Homework is to be done in pencil and work must be shown for credit.


Notebook Policy*

A three-ring binder will be given to each student. Students are required to take notes daily and the notebook will consist of the following sections:

1. Daily math warm-up
2. Homework
3. Notes
4. Tests and quizzes
5. Problems of the week


 *Notebook checks count as a quiz grade and are done every marking period.

Behavior Policy

Appropriate behavior, described in the procedure agreement, is expected from all students.  Learning cannot happen if behavior interferes with the education process.  Respect and courtesy for classmates and teacher are always expected.
 

Extra Help

The teacher will be available for extra help after school by request.  Students need to inform the teacher at least one day ahead so arrangements can be made.




Classroom Procedures
Welcome! Below are the procedures to follow for everyone’s success in math: 

All students will:
1. Be prepared for class everyday by bringing completed homework, sharpened pencils, math notebook,
    and covered textbook.
2. Go directly to assigned seats and prepare for timed, daily warm-up.
3. Be respectful to each other and the instructors.  (no loud voices, no teasing and absolutely no
    inappropriate/offensive language will be tolerated).
4. Respect school property, especially assigned calculators
5. Keep objects and body parts to yourselves at all times.
6. Refrain from eating in class (absolutely no gum chewing is allowed!)

REWARDS for following procedures are:
1. SUCCESS in mathematics
2. Free night from homework
3. Extended privileges (extra computer lab time, game day, puzzles, etc.)
The consequences for not following procedures are:

1.   Homework notices sent home that must be signed by parent and returned
2.   Points deducted from term homework average - this counts as a quiz grade!
 2.   Letters or emails sent home to parent/guardian.
3.   Student/Parent Conference and/or Office Referrall (including detentions)


 
 

Math Resources

For information or extra practice, try the following links :

McDougal Littell Algebra 1

Prentice Hall Pre-Algebra

Scott-Foresman/Addison Wesley 7th Grade Course 2

       It is especially helpful to visit the textbook-sponsored sites!
For Parents: For Students:
  Curriculum Resources 
Algebra help - SOSMath or  Algebra Help
  State of CT - Curriculum & Frameworks        CoolMath has all levels of math help and games
National Council of Teachers of Math
   (NCTM) lists CT teaching standards		      AAAMath and APlusMath have practice worksheets
 Online math quizzes for most topics


           
        


Problem of the Week

Problem of the Week Guidelines

The Problem of the week is intended to be a more complex problem that takes some thought. 
You will be given one week to complete it, but do not wait until the night before it is due to start work!

The Problem of the Week is worth 10 points (100 quiz grade) and will be scored based on the following breakdown:  

1 Point :    Identify and clearly state the problem you are trying to solve.Read through the entire problem
                   and write, in your own words, an accurate version of the problem and identify the question.

2 Points:   Answer the problem correctly.  This must be presented in one or two complete sentences. 
                   Even if you aren’t sure of the answer, give your best guess.

5 Points:   Explain the process you used to solve the problem.  If you used scrap paper, attach it,
                    but be sure to write out and explain what you did in complete sentences.
                    If you tried something and it didn’t seem to work, explain that, too! 
                    This should be at least a paragraph, but may be two or three paragraphs in length. 
                    Remember, a paragraph usually consists of five to seven sentences.

2 Points:    Justify your answer.  Explain why you think your answer is correct.  Is your answer reasonable? 
                    Does it answer the question? Show how it answers the question, i.e., “My answer is reasonable because…”
It is expected that a complete Problem of the Week assignment will be one full page.  You do not have to use a
computer but it does help make your paper look better.  Otherwise, neatly write your report in blue or black ink on white lined paper.  Remember to attach any diagrams, models or scrap paper along with your written answers, this also shows how you figured out the answer!

Notice that getting the right answer is only worth 2 out of the 10 points.  If you make a mistake but explain it well and provide a good reason for why you believe it is correct, you could still score an 8 out of 10.  If you get the answer right
but don’t explain or justify it, you could get a 2 out of 10.  So it is very important that you EXPLAIN!  Showing how you think, figure things out and explaining yourself
is very important. 




8E - Problem of the Week - NO LATE PAPERS!





7W - Problem of the Week - NO LATE PAPERS!

7th Grade Problem of the Week – Term 2        DUE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6   

The five couch potatoes are sitting around in their living room, enjoying their two favorite activities: eating
and watching television.  Each has put out his or her favorite snack:   PIZZA, POPCORN, PEANUTS,
DIET SODA, OR BEEF JERKY.  And each has circled their favorite TV program:  DANCE PARTY,
LAUREL & HARDY COMEDY; LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN MOVIE; GIANTS-DODGERS GAME; AND THE
PBN NEWS HOUR.  Spud does not like any butter with his snack. Idaho eats only meat. Russet, who likes
to laugh, is concerned about his weight.  Small Fry does not like to clean up the mess he makes when he
tries to catch his snack in his mouth and misses.  Chip likes to have her snack delivered.  The couch
potato who likes peanuts jumps up and down during his or her program, shouting at the screen. The one
who likes pizza also likes to move rhythmically when his or her program is on.  The potato who likes beef
jerky is also a history buff, and the one who likes popcorn is also very interested in world events. 
Can you match each potato with his or her favorite snack and tv program? 





Mrs. Bourque's Weekly Homework

Week of:  11/17/08 - 11/21/08

7th Grade Homework (Periods A, B & G)

(Remember these assignments are subject to change based upon classwork completed)


Monday    A:  Textbook pg. 176, #13-26 and pg. 177, #33-40
  B:  Textbook pg. 176, #13-26 and pg. 177, #33-40
  G:  Textbook pg. 176, #13-22
Tuesday     A:  Finish workbook problems pg. 37, #11-18 and add/sub mixed numbers (both sides)
  B:  Mixed number worksheet (both sides)
  G:  None

   QUIZ ON THURSDAY - ALL CLASSES
Wednesday    A:  Complete workbook pg. 38, #1-16 - Quiz tomorrow
  B:  Complete workbook pg. 38, #1-20 - Quiz tomorrow
  G:  Finish fraction/mixed number worksheet

  NOTEBOOK CHECK ON FRIDAY
Thursday   A:  Multiplying fractions wksht 68 & Organize notebook
  B:  Multiplying fractions worksheet 68 & Organize notebook
  G:  Multiplying Fractions worksheet 68 & Organize notebook

    NOTEBOOK  CHECK  TOMORROW
Friday    A:  Multiplying fractions (both sides)
  B:  Multiplying fractions (both sides)
  G:  Multiplying fractions (both sides)

  Grades Close on Tuesday



8th Grade Pre-Algebra Homework (Period E)

(Remember these assignments are subject to change based upon classwork completed)
 

Monday   Roll the Presses
Tuesday  Complete workbook pages 47-52 - QUIZ on Wednesday
Wednesday   Mean, Median and Mode situation problems
Thursday   workbook pages 54 + 56 - NOTEBOOK CHECK TOMORROW
Friday   Ch. 3 Practice Test pg. 172, #1-42 (show all work) - TEST on Monday


Algebra Homework

(Remember these assignments are subject to change based upon classwork completed)
 

Monday   Read Lesson 4.3 in textbook and complete Workbook pages 76-78
Tuesday   Pg. 221-223, #14-55; 60-63 and 69 a-d  - QUIZ on Wednesday (4.1-4.3)
Wednesday   Read pages 226-229, pg. 230, #1-11 and slope worksheet (Activity 72)
Thursday   Complete workbook pages 79-81 and study for quiz!
Friday    Practice 6-1 on Slope


Last updated:  11/21/08

***If you have any questions or comments about this page, please contact me at
bourqued@stafford.ctschool.net




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