1st Quarter Review and 2nd Quarter Preview

Algebra 1
In the first quarter we began to understand the use of variables in all types of equations. A review of previous math skills such as integers, one-step and two-step equations, inequalities and decimals were reviewed. New math skills included matrices, function tables, using of the distributive property with negatives and transforming equations.

Looking ahead to the 2nd quarter we will begin new formulas in algebra. (slope-intercept, direct variation, point slope and others. Students will continue to work at the high school pace.

Pre-Algebra 8-2
In the first quarter we have moved along quickly to cover skills that we will use in the second semester for algebra. This quarter we covered properties, ordered pairs, operations of integers, one-step and multi-step equations, exponents, and scientific notation. We have just started to get ready of rational numbers by learning GCF and LCM.

The second quarter will be a review of fractions, percents and geometry. We will use geometry formulas to solve for area, volume and surface area of regular and irregular figures.

Pre-Algebra 8-3
The first quarter and first chapter in the textbook covered a lot of various math topics. We translated verbal phrases into algebraic expressions or equations. Reviewed basic math properties and plotted ordered pairs on scatter plots. The second chapter was a refresher of the rules for integers and we began the third chapter by learning one-two and multi-step equations.
The second quarter will begin with using formulas then move into rational numbers and their operations as positive and negative fractions.

Math 7-1 and 7-2
Seventh grade math started the year by organizing a math binder, doing weekly review sheets and learning the process for solving an extended response math problem. Students have also covered the first two chapters in the textbook on topics such as order of operations, exponents, properties, sequences, metrics, scientific notation and a study of graphs. (bar, line, line plot, scatter plots, stem-and-leaf, histograms and box-and-whisker plots. Math group 7-1 also covered the first three sections of chapter 3 on ordering integers and plotting ordered pairs on a coordinate system.
Second quarter will cover the rules of integers, one and two-step equations, changing from fractions to decimals to percents, and the beginning of applying fractions.

Science 7
During the first quarter we covered a unit on astronomy. We studied phases of the moon, the solar system and stars. We learned some new scientists such as Kepler, Newotn and Galileo. The quarter ended with a project on constellations.
The second quarter will start with the process of a science fair project. We will present our projects to judges at Nativity in February and then at the University of Cincinnati in March. After learning the steps of the scientific method we will move into our study of the earth. We will make topographic maps and learn to classify minerals and rocks.

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year. I am looking forward to greeting back many familiar faces and welcoming some new ones. Listed below are some general guidelines for all classes followed by some specifics for each subject. Any time there is a question please contact me through email or the school office. I look forward to working with all students and their parents in having a successful year.

General Information
All students will be given a specific subject information paper on the first day of school. We will go over the information on the paper in each class. This paper will go over supplies, grading policy, homework policy, and behavior expectations. Parents will be required to sign the bottom portion of the paper and return it to school during the first week.

Behavior Expectations
  • All students will come to class prepared with all necessary supplies.
  • All students will follow the Nativity School dress code.
  • All students will respect the property of others.
  • All students will treat each other with respect regarding language and classroom learning.

  • A first offense will be a conference between the student and the teacher.
  • A second offense will be a phone call home to the parent.
  • A third offense will be a conference with the student, parent and teacher.
  • A fourth offense will be a referral to the office.

Of course, the type of infraction that occurs could impact the degree to which any student is disciplined. My goal is for all students to have a comfortable and safe environment in which to learn.

Science 7
We will begin the year by starting in the back of the book with chapters 19-21. This unit will relate to astronomy. The study of the moon, sun, planets and stars. I have lots of hands-on activities we will use to help our understanding of these concepts. A field trip to the Cincinnati Observatory and a possible night sky viewing is in the works.

Math 7-1 and 7-2
Students in seventh grade math can expect homework on Monday through Thursday. There is also assigned a weekly review and a problem of the week sheet given out on Mondays and due on Thursdays. Students are required to have a math notebook and will use it to copy examples worked from the board. Our first unit in math will include the study of decimal patterns and algebra, statistics and integers.

Pre-Algebra 8-3
Students in pre-algebra will be challenged with algebra concepts and a review of basic math skills. Students will do the weekly review and the problem of the week, which will be given out on Mondays and due on Thursdays. Students will be required to keep a math notebook in order to write examples from the board during class. Our beginning unit of study will be the tools of algebra, integers and equations.

Pre-Algebra 8-2
Students in this class with begin the year with the pre-algebra text and then move to the algebra 1 text for the second semester. Students will do the weekly review and the problem of the week, which will be given out on Mondays and due on Thursdays. Students will be required to keep a math notebook in order to write examples from the board during class. We will begin with a quick pre-algebra review of chapters 1-6 in the first quarter. The concepts covered will be properties, integers, equations, inequalities, fractions, decimals, rations, proportions and percents. The second quarter will be geometry, statistics, and probability.

Algebra 1
This class is structured and paced by Purcell Marian High School Freshman Algebra 1. We will move at a rapid pace and cover the entire book in the course of this year. We will begin with Chapter 1: Connections to algebra and review the concepts of variables, exponents, order of operations, equations, inequalities, tables, graphs and functions. Chapter 2 will cover the four operations of integers and use of the distributive property. Chapter 3 with be one-step and multi-step equations, variables on both sides, decimal equations, formulas and functions. Emphasis will be placed on problem solving during the first quarter.

Please use this link to access homework assignments
http://teacherweb.com/OH/Nativity/MrsGruenke/

E-mail - Karen@gruenkes.com