Sunday, January 26: 6th grade trip update

David W has offered to drive! With these three cars we are set for the trip up to Montpelier.

Please be on time to leave TGS by 7:45 on Thursday morning.

Kathy

1-26-14

6^th grade math update:

The students will be taking an end of unit assessment early this coming week and then begin work in a new unit covering the following ideas.

v Review the notations for rational numbers- fractions, mixed numbers, decimals and percents

v Review ordering of fractions

v Review operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication with fractions and extend these to mixed numbers

v Build connection between whole and decimal division and construct a division algorithm for fractions

v Review the meaning and uses of percents

7^th grade math update:

            The students are working in small groups that allow them to master necessary content and skills as they build mathematical understanding.

            The overarching theme for the rest of the year will be examining the basic operations for their applications and connections to algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics.

8^th grade math update:

            Group B is working in the Harold Jacobs book “Elementary Algebra” with the intent of finishing an Algebra 1 course. The completion of the material will be dependent on the motivation of each student. Group A is continuing to work on material to prepare them for Algebra 1 next year. Each year, approximately one third of the class will be ready for Geometry in 9th grade, one third will be ready for an accelerated Algebra 1, and one third will be ready for a regular Algebra 1. We are one half of the way through the school year and this second half goes very fast for these 8th graders. They will have many assignments and undertakings to juggle during the spring. Along with all the academic demands they will also be coping with the emotional upheaval of leaving TGS for new beginnings. Students will need to dedicate significant time and energy in order to complete the Algebra 1 course. I am determined to help any student accomplish his or her math goal for this year, but they will have to take a substantial role in initiating and following through. I am happy to help before and after school, but the student must ask. I will continue to have homework hour on Thursdays after school (3:15-4:30).

January 6, 2014

Happy New Year to one and all!

6^th grade NEWS:

Our next trip will be a day trip to Montpelier on Thursday, January 30. I am looking for driver/chaperones. We leave TGS at 7:45 AM and return by 5:00 PM. It is a full day with visits to the Vermont Historical Society Museum, the State House and Supreme Court.

Winter sports start when we return. Please make sure your child has all the gear to keep them warm outside. An extra set of cloths stashed in their cubbies is a great back up if they get wet.

6^th Math

The students will be exploring the connections between algebra, arithmetic and geometry as they explore data sets, algebraic expressions and how these are expressed in graphs. Additional they will be introduced to constant and variable rates of change.