Teacher: Mr. Reuss
Phone: 466-0336
Best time: 8:30 - 9:15
and after 2:50
dreuss@bridgmanschools.com

Math is a skill at which every American must attain a certain proficiency in order to survive in today's world. Whether you are getting change back at the store or designing a space shuttle to Mars, mathematics is the tool that you will use to get the results that you want to achieve.

Allow yourself to enjoy the challenge of math and have fun while working to solve the problems and puzzles that math will offer you. How can you help yourself to do this? Here are some suggestions:

-Participate in class. Listen. Ask questions. Practice by working out math problems.
-Read each lesson as it is assigned. Look up words you don't know. Jot down questions to ask the next day.
-If you don't get something right away, try it again ... and again ... and again. Leave the problem for a short time and then come back and try it again. Ask questions the next day.

What you need each day in class:
You will need some basic tools to use in this class. These include paper, pencils, and erasers. Don't do math in ink. Ink pens are not allowed in class (including erasable pens).

No felt-tip markers allowed!

You will need a spiral notebook of paper for your math homework

You will also need the following math equipment:
-a scientific calculator
-ruler (to draw and measure along lines, with centimeter and inch markings).
-protractor (to draw and measure angles)
It is best if your ruler and protractor are both clear plastic.
Scientific calculators are available at any store where school supplies are sold for around 10 to15 dollars. Just be sure it says scientific calculator.

Classroom Expectations
-Be in attendance every day - mentally and physically. (Make-up any work missed due to excused absence.)
-Listen when others have the floor. -Participate in class activities.
-Be prepared with textbook and mathematics tools. -Turn in all assignments when due.
-Respect yourself and others.
Classroom Discipline

If problems should arise, every attempt will be made to first solve the problem within the classroom. This will take care of the vast majority of most situations that will come up. However, if that should fail, or if the problem is more serious, then parental contact will be made. Any disciplinary steps beyond that will follow school policy.

Grading

Your grade in Math is determined by an accumulation of points that you receive for every assignment, quiz, test, and class participation. For example, if there are 500 possible points in the marking period, your grade will depend upon the percentage of points that you earned. Under this system, every assignment is important because every point counts!

Classwork

What will you have to do in Math? Here's what you can expect:
-a homework assignment every day
-frequent unannounced quizzes to check your understanding
-periodic announced tests
-discussion periods in class for presentation of material and questions from students

Other activities will be taking place as well, but this should give you a pretty good idea of what will be happening.

"Office Hours"

Mr. Reuss will be available to help any student or to talk to any parent. Time will be available immediately after school unless there is a previous commitment that must be met. Please feel free to make an appointment. Students should not hesitate to just stop by Mr. Reuss's classroom.