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Welcome to Mrs. Rippon's Math Class

 Friday March 5th will be the first in class retake for Learning Targets 20-30. Students should be making test corrections to the last test on a separate sheet of paper.



                     

Sixth Grade Math 2008-2009                                                                       HRMS

Donna Rippon             

www.rippond@psd401.net                  (253) 530-1941

http://peninsula.swiftclassroom.com/hrms/drippon/index.php

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

       My name is Donna Rippon and I will be your child’s math teacher this year.

       This is my fourteenth year at Harbor Ridge Middle School. I started my teaching career in Cumberland, Maryland in 1971 and have taught in Louisiana and Hawaii. My husband served in the Air Force for 22+ years and is currently a veteran’s counselor. We lived in eight states (Alabama, California, Michigan, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia, and Hawaii) and moved 26 times during his AF career.  My husband and I will celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary this month. We have three growth married children that live in Washington, Texas, and Delaware and they have given us seven grandchildren. My oldest daughter’s husband is in the Army and currently deployed to Afghanistan with Ft Lewis' 5th Brigade.

      I completed my Masters in Education with an emphasis on technology in January 2004. I continue to take classes that have value to me as a math teacher.  
For the past two years the math department has used the concepts of  How to Grade for Learning. The math department has found that we now have a very clear picture of what students have learned and the areas that need to be furthered mastered. We will continue to collaborate and use some of the late start Wednesdays to further develop ways to improve learning.  Most math classrooms  have smart board and senteo technology.

 

What will we learn in class this year?

This year in math class we will study a wide variety of math content and processes. They are:

  • Number sense
  • Measurement
  • Geometric sense
  • Probability / Statistics
  • Algebraic sense
  • Solve problems
  • Communicate understanding
  • Making connections

 

 

How will I be graded?

Students will be graded using a Standards Based method of grading.  Each unit will have a set of learning targets (performance expectations) that I will use to guide our study.  Quizzes and homework will be given throughout the unit for each learning target.  Each learning target will have its own section on the unit test.  Re-teaching and reassessment will not only be available but is expected until the standard is met for each learning target.

 

  Daily work is an important part of the process of learning a new concept.   Homework is expected to be completed on time, with all work shown.  Class notes are to be used as a resource when completing work and should be kept organized.   Daily work contributes to learning but will not be a major component of a student’s grade. 

 

Re-teaching and retakes will be addressed during class time and/or before or after school. 

 Power school for parents will allow you to track your child's progress. 

 

What do I need to bring to class?

You will need by September 14th:

  • Spiral notebooks ( one per unit )
  • Lots of pencils
  • Blue pen
  • Pencil pouch
  • Lined paper
  • Graph paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Ruler *
  • Scissors*
  • Calculator *
  • Pencil sharpener (enclosed type to hold shavings)

 * these items are available in my classroom but students will need to have them at home.

Please let me know if you are unable to obtain any of these supplies.  I’d be happy to help. 

 

In conclusion, I want you to know that I am here for you.  If there is any way I can help your child to be a more successful learner, please let us know.  I can be reached by phone before or after school, but the best format is email.  Please allow me 24 hours to return your call or email.  Thank you and I look forward to working with you and your child this year.