Owls: Math

Welcome to 6th grade math on the Owl Team!!!  My name is Mr. Webber and things are about to get real exciting in the world of mathematics.  We will be using a program called Connected Math Project III (more commonly referred to as CMP3). You can check in here on a regular basis for important information.  I will also be posting important documents from time to time.  

The majority of homework for math will be through an additional program called Math XL.  This is a computer based program that falls directly in line with the CMP3 program and provides extra practice and challenge questions for the students.

All homework can be found by clicking on the above Homework button.

Curriculum Information:

• Factors and Multiples
• Understanding Fraction Operations
• Ratios, Rational Numbers and Equivalence
• Two Dimensional Measurement
• Computing with Decimals and Percents
• Focus on Algebra
• Statistics and Data Analysis

I am your mathematics teacher, Mr. Webber. This year will make a grand total of 18 years as a teacher (12th in Salem).  I grew up in York, ME and went to college for a couple years in North Carolina at Elon University.  I then transferred to the University of Maine at Orono where I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.  

I taught sixth grade math and science for five years at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton, ME.  It wasn't long before I decided to get closer to my hometown and moved to Newmarket Jr./Sr. High School where I taught seventh grade math for one year. After that an opportunity opened up for me in Salem and I have been here ever since teaching a few years at each grade level.  

I have an awesome wife and three wonderful children, Madeline, Landon and Odin.  We live in Warner, NH and have quite the parade of wildlife marching around our land on a daily basis.  I am super excited to be your math teacher and have a great year.

For Team Owl mathematics this year we will be transitioning to a Competency Based grading system. In order to assess the students abilities within each competency we will use a number of different forms of assessment. These would include, but not be limited to:

Formative assessments:  Formative assessments are meant to provide students with practice during their quest to master the material.  Formative assessments will include assignments such as homework, classwork, learning and journal checks, and exit slips. 

• Homework:  Homework is given regularly in Math and generally reviews the concepts covered in class. Homework for math will be primarily done on Math XL, which is a program specifically designed to support CMP3.  All assignments and completion dates will be posted in the homework section of the large whiteboard on the sidewall in my classroom. Students are expected to write their assignments into their agendas on a daily basis. We do provide a time during "Green Period" that we call "Stop Time," in which students will have a few minutes to record the assignments. Assignments will also be posted here on our team website under the Homework Tab.  Any student looking to take advantage of a re-learning opportunity will need to have all online homework complete.  
• Learning Checks: Learning Checks are quick one or two problem assessments that are used to check student comprehension.    
• Self-Assessments; Students will completing self-assessments from time to time where they will be reflecting on the processes of solving math problems.

Summative Assessments:  Summative assessments are meant to provide students with the opportunity to show that they have mastered the content after sufficient practice.  Summative assessments will include tests, quizzes and unit projects.

• Tests:  Tests will usually be given at the end of each unit, depending on length.  Tests will generally be announced several days ahead of time, but students are encouraged to study regularly, not just before a test.  .
• Quizzes: Quizzes are usually done about halfway through the unit and are used to check mastery of content.
• Unit Projects:  Unit Projects are done throughout certain units and are used as a measure of student comprehension. 

Re-Learning Opportunities:  Learning is not always going to take place at the same pace for all students, and sometimes a student may need a second chance to show mastery of the material.  Students will be allowed to revise/re-take SUMMATIVE assignments/assessments by the following procedure:

1. Summative assessment must be signed by a parent.
2. The student will meet with the teacher to develop a plan of action.
3. The student will work on his/her plan and complete it by the pre-determined due date.
4. The work will then be re-graded, and the new grade will replace the old grade.

Late Work:  Students are highly encouraged to turn in all work on time, as this best benefits learning.  If needed, work CAN be handed in for late credit.  Any late assignment will be graded, but a 10-point late deduction will be applied. 

Absent Work:  Students who are absent are responsible for coming to the teacher for their missing assignments and to find out what material was missed during class.