Where we're at

WOW...it's 4th quarter already!

Algebra is just beginning chapter 7. We will be taking a look at properties of exponents and polynomials. We should finish this chapter about 2 weeks after we come back from break.
8-2 is working on the Geometry chapter. We are currently exploring different symmetries and transformations. After break we will connect this to congruence of figures.
7th graders have just begun the Algebra chapter where we are learning the basics of linear relationships in forms of equations, tables, and graphs. After break we will formalize the ideas of linear functions and learn how to solve equations with variables.

Contest Results

Your votes have been counted and the winner is Erkenometry. This entry was submitted by Micaela in 7-1. She will get her choice of seats in the April seating chart as well as a homework pass! Congratulations!
The 2 second place winners will each receive a homework pass. They are Scott from 7-2 and Dylan from 8-1.
Thank you to all who submitted entries and voted.

Math Meet Competition

Yeah team! We took second place in our regional competition which means we are on our way to Madison for the state wide competition in May. How awesome is that!?
Our team members are Tim, Dylan, Kelsey and Kelsey from 8th grade; Brandon, Trey, Mikaela and Tiffany from 7th grade. Be sure to congratulate them!

March 17th

Lots have happened since the last post.
8th Grade
Algebra is into Chapter 6 and will be taking a quiz tomorrow. 8-2 has just finished their chapter on Quadratic Relationships and I am happy to report a class average of 87% on the test! Great job! We will be starting the next chapter on Symmetry. I am looking forward to seeing the strengths of the artistic thinkers in this chapter!

7th Grade
Well, the dreaded Integers unit is over...you all survived! Please remember what we talked about in class, the rules of that chapter are not to be forgotten, we will be using them throughout the rest of the chapters. Our newest journey is into the chapter Moving Straight Ahead. This is another challenging chapter in which we will be looking at some basic Algebraic concepts. We will be doing a lot of graphing to explore linear relationships and we will learn how to write and solve linear equations. Remember to get extra help as soon as you think you need it rather than waiting until it's too late!

Contest
I was a bit disappointed in the entries to the Name My Blog Contest. A little more seriousness would have been appreciated. But...the top 6 entries have been chosen and are posted as a poll for you to vote on. Please be sure to cast your vote! The polls will close on April 1st.

Vacation
My short vacation to Mexico was wonderful! I had a great time with my friends and got some much needed relaxation on the beach. I am trying to post some photos as a slideshow but am still a little technologically challenged so keep watching for that in the future.

REWARD DAY!

Friday the 20th will be our next Jr. High Reward Day. Remember to get any missing assignments turned in before the end of the day on Wednesday to be eligible.

Algebra News

Hang in there guys- I know this is getting tough!
Chapter 5 is winding down and I know that some of you are feeling frustrated. Don't give up! Keep working hard and it will pay off. Please make sure you are getting extra help if you need it. We are going to be taking the test on Friday the 20th. STUDY!!!!

7th Grade Update

Seventh graders have been working really hard on adding, subtracting, and ordering integers. They took a quiz on this today and their hard work has paid off! Good job to all!
As part of our practice with the integers, the class has learned some new card and dice games. Playing these at home is a great way to keep improving on these skills.
We will continue our work with integers into the next 2 weeks. The next topics will be multiplying and dividing the integers as well as using the order of operations rules. The next quiz is planned for Thursday the 19th. Keep going strong!

Algebra Reminder

Algebra class has a quiz on Friday, Feb. 6th. The quiz will cover chapter 5 lessons 1-5.

CONTEST!

Ladies and Gentleman of 7th and 8th Grade, I am asking for your help. I need to come up with a name for my blog page and the Math teacher in me seems to be lacking in creativity. I will be accepting suggestions for my blog title starting on February 2nd and ending on February 12th.

I will take all of the suggestions and narrow them down to my top 4 choices. Those 4 choices will then be voted on by YOU on this very blog page! If your suggestion is the winner, you will be awarded 1 homework pass and you will be allowed to choose your seat partner for the next months seating chart. The second place entry will recieve an award of 1 homework pass.

Please, be creative! Also, make sure that your suggestion is appropriate for school!

Pick up your entry form in my classroom today! There is a box in the classroom to drop your suggestion, be sure to have your entry in by the 12th! Only one entry per student will be accepted.

Welcome students and parents!

Thanks for coming to visit my blog site. As some of you may know, I am no longer just a teacher but a student as well. I have begun the journey of obtaining a Masters Degree in Educational Technology. I am very excited about this new adventure and am looking forward to the challenges that it will bring. As part of my first course, I have set up this blog page to better communicate with all of you, even when we're not in class. I hope that you will find this helpful and I welcome any feedback you have for me. Thanks again!
Mrs. Erke :)