<p>Dear Parents and Guardians, and Students, September 5, 2012</p><p>Welcome to the 2012-2013 year at Rainier Middle School. As with any year, there are changes; but our interest in and care for our students has not changed. Our top priority remains the academic and social growth and personal safety for all students at Rainier. </p><p>Your student’s math progress places her/him in a Pre-algebra math class this year. Pre-algebra is a crucial step in algebra-readiness. It reviews and expands the arithmetic and math skills your student has learned through their school career. It weaves the skills into an understanding of numbers as a language and system that can be used to solve problems; an essential skill for algebra and all higher math classes. Attached find the outline of the topics covered in Pre-algebra 115, a mixed 7th and 8th grade class.</p><p>Materials: Bring the following to class daily:  Spiral Notebook : 90-100 page, one subject spiral or composition book  Textbook  Lined Paper and Graph Paper  Pencils (at least one non-mechanical)  Colored Pencils  Red or Pink Pen for grading  Dry Erase Pens and Highlighters  TI-30x Calculator </p><p>Each student will be required to keep a math notebook. Class notes and vocabulary will be completed in the notebook. Some of the practice work will also be done in the notebook. </p><p>Practice work, in the classroom or at home, reinforces concepts that have been taught and prepares students to be successful on tests. To start the year, practice work will be completed in class and self- corrected by students. As practice work routines evolve, they will be noted on my SWIFT page. It will be the student’s responsibility to keep a Weekly Practice Report current. Daily skill practice assignments will be recorded on the WPR and posted on my SWIFT page. The WPR will be collected each Friday along with some of the practice work. </p><p>When students are absent, they are responsible for collecting make-up work and arranging to take any missed tests or quizzes upon returning to school. Make-up work for multi-day absences can be requested by phone through the attendance office: 931-4855. This year I am again participating in the Auburn district standards-based reporting pilot. Remember, it is a pilot and the system still has its quirks. Please bear with me through this transition process. We are all learning as we go. Standards-based teaching and learning helps students know exactly where they stand in respect to the specific learning targets taught. As the reporting system is refined, it will provide a clear picture of a student’s progress to both parent and student.</p><p>While we are in the transition phase, I will record tests and quizzes as points out of total points. The grading program will assign it a 3, 2, 1, or 4. Practice work will be recorded as a 3, 2, or 1 (3 being meets standard, 2 approaching). Because fewer scores are recorded than in a traditional averaging system, expect the letter grade to jump around a bit. The important question to ask yourself when reviewing a report is not, “What is the averaged grade?” but “Is my student achieving 3s?” which means she/he is reaching the expectation of the specific learning goal.</p><p>As you may be aware in a standards-based reporting system, students are allowed to prepare for and retake tests and quizzes as proof of their continued learning. In the near future I will hand out more information to students on this process and post it on my SWIFT page. </p><p>I expect students’ classroom behavior to reflect the qualities of a Classroom Citizen (see the attached page). In the classroom we:</p><p> focus on learning</p><p> give our attention to the work at hand</p><p> act with integrity and courage</p><p> support our classmates </p><p>All students are expected to follow the Rainier Middle School rules which are outlined in the student rules and regulations handbook. Please sign and return to the homeroom teacher (first period) the signature sheet from the handbook once both student and parent/guardian have read and understand the school rules.</p><p>When a student’s behavior does not meet these expectations and causes a disruption to the learning environment, a student will first receive a warning. If the disruption continues, the student will be sent to Think Time in another classroom. Filling out the Think Time form gives the student time to reflect on the offending behavior and make a plan for changing it. If behavior does not change through the Think Time process, an infraction slip will be issued. An infraction slip is part of the school-wide Honor Level system. Please, read about the Honor Level program and school-wide discipline in the student handbook. </p><p>Parents, feel free to phone or e-mail me with any questions or concerns about your child’s progress at Rainier: 253 931-4843 or [email protected]. I am available before and after school, 7:00- 7:30 and 2:00-2:30, and during my second period planning. It takes a team− student, parents, teachers− to educate a child. I look forward to working with you all this year creating a great, successful year for everyone.</p><p>Sincerely, Michele Rock</p><p>P.S. Any donation of facial tissues or cleaning wipes to the classroom is greatly appreciated! Thank you.</p>