Mathematic Contests Schedule 2008- 2009

TEACHER
Mrs. Sullivan

BACKGROUND
I have been teaching Advanced Mathematics at St. Joseph's since 1989.  I have 4 children who are all graduates of St. Joseph's, Pope John, and various colleges.  I taught in public school for 3 years and I am New Jersey State Certified K-12 Mathematics.  My program is as follows:

CURRICULUM

• 5th Grade: 6th Grade Math
• 6th Grade: Pre-Algebra on an advanced 7th Grade Level
• 7th Grade: Pre-Algebra on an advanced 8th Grade Level.  Students complete 8th grade mathematics with a strong emphasis on algebra.
• 8th Grade:  Algebra I.  Students take a full year of Algebra I and it is the same course taught at Pope John and the various public high schools.  Students can only enter this program if they have been in my Advanced Math 7th grade class.
• I have some of the 4th grade students, once a week, as a gifted and talented math program.

GRADING SYSTEM

• All chapter tests count as a double grade.
• All quizzes count as a single grade.
• The Notebook counts as a double grade.  All classroom notes must be in the notebook and legible.  If a student misses a class, it is his responsibility to obtain the notes from another student in the class.  I collect the notebooks and grade them each marking period.  Every missing section is 5 points off, beginning with 100%.
• Homework counts as a double grade.  I add up the number of assignments.  The number of homework assignments completed correctly divided by the number of homework assignments assigned x 100% is the grade.
• All chapter tests must be signed by a parent and returned.  Quizzes do not have to be signed or returned but I do write those grades on the progress report.  Quizzes should be kept and studied in preparation for the Chapter test.
• Students can get extra credit by doing extra homework, such as if I require odds, they can also do evens.  I also give projects periodically.
• I give Midterms and Final Exams.
• We also enter many math competitions and the students receive awards.

HOMEWORK

• All homework must be done in pencil and legible.
• I hand out a homework assignment sheet with each Chapter.  I list when quizzes and Chapter tests will occur.  Students know in advance about tests.
• If an assignment is not complete or correct, corrections must be done and handed in so that the student gets credit for teh assignment.  If the homework is not completed correctly in a timely manner, your child will not do well on tests.  You may wish to ask them to see the homework list and verify that it is done.  I collect the homework, review it and put a check mark on it and return if.  If corrections are needed, I write "correct numbers...., hand back in."

BEHAVIOR

• I expect your child to be quiet and listen in class while I teach, and to participate during the question and answer period.  If you child has questions, they should ask.
• I expect your child to be courteous to other students in the class and to me.

GRADE EXAMPLE

TESTS
At the end of our school year, students take an exemption test at the various high schools.  If they obtain 70% or greater, they are allowed to take Honors Geometry as a freshman.  If they do not exempt, they retake Honors Algebra I at the local high school.

All of my students have done well in the Honors Program.  We have had students exempt at Pingry, Blair Academy, Pope John, Morris Catholic, and Kittatinny High School.