What to expect in Mr. Knaeble's 8th grade math class

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Materials:

Pencils only - Work done in pen will NOT be accepted...everyone makes mistakes and pencils make it easier to correct those mistakes.  No, you can NOT use erasable pen...it's very messy and I correct in pen.

Folder or binder - Each student will use this folder or three ring binder to place all of their math work.

Paper - Loose leaf paper ONLY.  You will need a lot of loose leaf paper for math class.  No spiral notebook paper!!!  Spiral notebook paper makes a mess :-(

Calculator - Calculators are not used for 8th grade students.

Useful information for parents and students:

Most questions can be answered by calling the homework hot line.  For any specific questions, e-mail is the most convenient form of communication for me.  I check my e-mail daily...which means I will get back to you today or tomorrow.  Voice mail works well too.  Please leave your name, your child's name, a phone number that you can be reached at between 8 am and 3 pm, and the information that you would like.

E-mail address: brian.knaeble@anoka.k12.mn.us

Web page www.anoka.k12.mn.us/jms    ...click on "staff web sites"

Voice mail number (763)506-5293

Homework hot line (763)506-5218

Online grading AH-Connect

If your child is struggling or just needs a little help:

I am ALWAYS available BEFORE school between 8:00 and 8:30 am.  Appointments are not necessary.  If I have a meeting and can not help your child at that time, I will give them a pass to get help that same day during advisory.

Grading:

A student's grade is made up of four main things:  homework, quizzes, tests, and participation.  It is possible to get "A"s in three of the categories and not get an "A" overall.  An "A" means excellent, and 3 out of 4 is not excellent, it is above average, but not excellent.

A 90-100%

B 80-89.9%

C 70-79.9%

D 60-69.9%

F 0-59.9%

Common questions:

Q:  How much homework should I expect?

A:  It depends on the student and the class that the student is taking.  A student who catches on quickly and uses the time in class wisely might only have 30 minutes of homework every week.  An average student who uses the time in class wisely might have 60 minutes of homework every week.  A student who struggles with math might have 90 minutes of homework every week.  These times are estimations.  There will be weeks where it is significantly more, and weeks where it is significantly less.  If a student is spending an hour every night on math, something is not right.  Just give me a call.  I want all students to have success in math.  If that's not happening, we need to look into what needs to be done to make that happen.  This can include;  using the assignment notebook, calling the homework hot line, changing classes, coming in early for help, e-mailing me weekly to check progress, or setting up consequences and rewards.

Q:  Can I retake a quiz or test when I didn't do well the first time?

A:  No.  I use quizzes and tests to determine two main things.  First, if you are doing your homework and second, if you are taking the time to understand the concepts in your homework.  To ensure that each student is prepared for the test, it is imperative that the student studies.  The day before a test we will always have review time.  In the beginning of the year, this time will be spent walking the students through the idea of studying for a math test, what to study, and how to study.  As time goes on, the review will be more brief and students are expected to use the techniques learned earlier.

Q:  What happens if the grade sheet or AH-Connect shows that I am missing an assignment that I know I handed in?

A:  You find the assignment and show it to Mr. Knaeble, who will correct the mistake(no proof, no credit).  No assignment should be thrown out until you are certain it is in the grade book(which is updated weekly).  If you can't find it, you do it over and get half credit.

Q:  What happens if I forgot my homework at home?

A:  You turn it in tomorrow for half credit.  No exceptions.

Q:  Do you offer extra credit?

A:  I guarantee at least TWO extra credit opportunities each quarter.  One before mid-quarter grading and the other before the end of each quarter.