apply what we learn

beyond the walls of the

classroom. In order to

get the most out of this

class, you should come

prepared with a posi-

tive attitude and

an open mind

each day. We

will explore

the content and

seek to broaden

your understanding of

the Algebra I curricu-

lum. We are looking

forward to a great

school year!

you’ve never had! This

is a Flipped Learning

Environment. Meaning,

you will engage with

math everyday in class

and in ways you never

imagined. Together we

will expand our mathe-

matical understanding

and search for ways to

We will be respectful.

We will be responsible.

We will be prepared for class.

We will ask a lot of questions.

We will help each other.

Hello &

Welcome!

We are so

glad you are

here! We

know you

have a choice

where you learn

your math, and today

you chose us! We are

going to have a great

time! This class is going

to be an experience like

Class Expectations

Inside this issue:

Expectations 2

Make-Up Work 2

Meet Mr. Johnson and 2

How to get extra help 3

Note to parents 3

Flipped Learning 4

Test Policy 4

Important Numbers 4

8th Grade Pre-Algebra

Mr. Johnson

johnsonad@mtnbrook.k12.al.us

@JHMathGuy

Mountain Brook

Junior High

Volume , Issue

Flipped Learning

A flipped classroom is one where students are introduced to con-tent at home, and practice work-ing through it at school. In this blended learning approach, face-to-face interaction is mixed with independent study via technolo-gy. Students watch pre-recorded videos at home, then come to school to do the homework armed with questions and at least some background knowledge.

Grades are weighted as follows:

Tests = 75% Other = 25%

MA= missing assignment, CAN make-up

EX= excused

0= earned grade, CANNOT make-up

Grades

You are expected to bring your book

each day. You will have an online

book for your use at home. There

will be times that you are expected

to print handouts, graphic organiz-

ers and other supplemental materi-

als. Those items will be found in our

Canvas page and will be required

when you come to class. In addition

to bringing your textbook every day,

you should also have the following

items with you in class at all times:

Textbook: Big Ideas and Workbook

Binder (with plenty of paper)

Ruler

Highlighter and Markers/Color Pencils

Pens and Pencils

Calculator ( I will not be able to loan you one)

All supplemental materials that you are asked to print

An open mind, strong work ethic, willingness to take chances

A Positive Attitude!!!

you miss a test, you have

to schedule a time to

make-up the test (this is

most likely done before

school). Failure to make-

up your test at the sched-

uled time may result in a

loss of points.

From time to time you will

have to miss school. When

this happens, it is YOUR re-

sponsibility to find out what

you missed and arrange with

me how you plan to make up

all missed assignments. If

possible, you should make

arrangements prior to missing

school. You will have

three days to meet with

me to make a plan on

how your missed work will

be completed. It is sug-

gested that you find your

homework on the Canvas

page and complete it be-

fore returning to school. If

friend, Karl Barx. I am looking forward

to continuing my career in the Moun-

tain Brook system for many years to

come and can’t wait to get

to know all of you. This is

YOUR class. I am simply

here to guide and prompt

you along the way. This

class will only be as effec-

tive as you make it. I en-

courage you to actively par-

ticipate each day in order to

make the most of your experience.

mer of 2013, I earned my

Masters degree in

Education Leadership

with a concentration

in Instructional Tech-

nology. In my free

time I enjoy playing

and coaching soccer,

hiking, climbing and

just being outdoors. I

also enjoy spending time

with my four-legged best

Meet Mr. Johnson

I can’t go to school today...I feel awful!

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

“The essence of

mathematics lies in its

freedom.”

Georg Cantor

Page 2

I am beginning my

14th year as a

teacher and my

tenth year at

Mountain Brook

Junior High. I

earned my Bache-

lors of Science in

Mathematics and

Health from Troy

University in 2004.

And, in the sum-

late! Ask for help as

soon as you notice

there is an issue.

If you need help, do

not hesitate to ask!

Please communicate

with me early and of-

ten if you are feeling

overwhelmed or be-

hind with any of the

material. I am usually

available before

school and during

A.O. But I can only

help you if we com-

municate with each

other. Please do not

wait until it is too

classroom experience

that best supports

your child.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

Mr. Johnson

Please communicate

with your child about

important dates and

deadlines. All infor-

mation that pertains

directly to the stu-

dent will be posted

on the Canvas page.

There is a link on the

webpage for you to

fill out a small ques-

tionnaire. Please do

this soon. The infor-

mation you provide

will help me design a

Missing a home-

work assignment.

In order to be suc-

cessful in class, you

MUST do your

homework as it is

assigned. Failure to com-

plete an assignment may

earn a grade of ZERO. If

you fail to complete an assignment it

is your responsibility to let me know.

If you miss an assignment or fail to

complete it, there are procedures in

place for you to complete the assign-

ment as it was originally intended. It

is in your best interest to complete

the homework the when it is assigned.

You can expect to have home-

work assigned to you nightly.

Homework will vary in how it is

assigned and what is expected of

you in order to receive credit.

Please don’t stress...you will

adapt quickly and become a pro!

Typically your homework will

consist of a video lesson. You are

expected to ACTIVELY PARTICI-

PATE with the material AND

take notes as if you are sitting in

a traditional classroom setting.

When the homework requires

you to print supplemental mate-

rial you are expected to make

arrangements to do so. If for

some reason you cannot secure a

printed copy of the supplemental

materials, you are expected to

write/create your own copy of

the graphic organizer. Your ac-

tive participation in the

“homework” is VITAL to your

success. For this course, home-

work is a precursor to what we

will learn… not a wrap-up from

what was covered. A student

who chooses not to do the

“homework” will find it very

difficult to participate in class. If

you have not done your part

prior to class, you will be delayed

in getting started in the day’s

activities.

What a “Flipped” Homework Assignment Looks Like

Dear Parents,

Mr. Johnson, I need

Volume , Issue Page 3

the day before a test

you WILL be expected

to take the test with

everyone else.

QUIZZES

...can be given on any

day and are not always

announced in advance.

Math Test Days are typi-

cally given on the ODD

days of the month. From

time to time we will test

during a “long” class period.

Tests will be announced in

advance to allow the student

time to prepare. If you miss

This space is provided for

you to keep track of any

important numbers, log-in

credentials, passwords that

you may use from time to

time. This list includes

some, not all, of the items

we will use. Feel free to add

to this list as we move

through the school year.

Textbook:

ChromeBook:

Email:

1mp0rtant Numb3r5! And Notes

“Is this gonna be on the Test?”

Page 4