Holiday Break

I hope everyone has a nice and relaxing holiday break!

Here are some ideas to stay busy over break:

• Read a book
• Watch an old black and white movie
• Make a movie with your friends!
• Go sledding
• Ice Skate at Seven Bridges
• Make a snowman bigger than Mr. Little
• Bake cookies ( I like chocolate chip!)
• Have a slumber party with your friends.
• Paint each one of your nails a different color
• Have a snowball fight
• Sleep in late!
• Go shopping
• Bowling

Be safe and have a happy holiday!

Happy Pajama Day!

The students and staff really had a fun time dressing up today!

Miss Payne and I even wore footie pajamas, they are very comfortable and warm in this cold weather!

Next week in Course 2 we will be working with multiplying and dividing integers.

In Pre-Algebra we will have a quiz on MONDAY, then we will be looking into volume of three dimensional shapes!

Week of Dec. 7th

This week in Course 2 we will be starting our chapter on integers! This chapter will be split due to Holiday break. This is a great chapter to do around the holidays because the students can practice adding and subtracting integers while out shopping!!

There will be a Quiz on Friday 12/11.

This week in Pre-Algebra we are beginning the unit on Area and Perimeter! Since these are formula the students have used before we will be taking things a step further and working with variables.

Have a great week and enjoy the snow!!

December is almost here!

I hope you all had a nice and relaxing Thanksgiving break. It is very hard to believe that it is almost December!

Some upcoming events for this week:
Tuesday December 1st- Report cards are issued
Thursday December 3rd- Parent teacher conferences
Thursday December 3rd- CHAPTER 5 TEST ALL CLASSES (including Pre-Algebra)

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone enjoys a few days off!

This should be an easy two days for my classes.

On Monday in Course 2 we will be converting Customary units using fractions. It is a very useful lesson, especially since it is the season for baking and cooking! Tuesday will be a fun day since we have shortened periods, I am thinking we need to play some FRACTION BINGO!

On Monday in Pre-Algebra we will be looking at translations.

All classes will have a test the week after Thanksgiving. We will be reviewing that week since sometimes turkey effects our memory!!

Week of 11/16

This week Course 2 students will be using all operations with fractions! There will be a Quiz on Wednesday


This week Pre-Algebra will be working on chapter 5: Plane Geometry

The quiz on Thursday will cover the following vocabulary:
point
plane
line
segment
ray
angle
right, acute and obtuse angle
complementary and supplementary angles
congruent
vertical angles
parallel and perpendicular lines
transversal
Triangle Sum Theorem
acute, right and obtuse triangles
equilateral, isosceles and scalene triangles
polygon
regular polygon
trapezoid
parallelogram
rectangle
rhombus
square
slope
rise
run

OOPS!

I apologize that it has been a little while since I last updated.

Course 2 just finished up Chapter 4 and we are starting Chapter 5. Chapter 5 is our chapter on fractions! I love this chapter because we talk about pizza everyday. This week we will be adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. This is a pretty quick chapter, please use Classzone.com for extra practice!

Log in Reminder:
Go to www.classzone.com
Select middle school math and Illinois
Next select our textbook: McDougal Littell Math Course 2
At the bottom of the page select Online Book
When prompted enter the activation code 2432737- 380 (Note: you must manually enter in the code, do not copy and paste)
You will then be asked to create an account. Please be sure to write down the user name and password you create so that you can log on in the future.

This week in Pre-Algebra the students are finishing their Data Project. I am exciting to see the finished products due Tuesday. We will then be starting Chapter 5: Plane Geometry. This chapter is heavy with vocabulary. Students may want to make note cards to help memorize the definitions.

ABSENT WORK

I have complied a list of the homework for COURSE 2 for the past two weeks. If you were absent any of the days make sure to turn in your homework.

Tues. 10/13: 4.1 Practice Worksheet
Wed. 10/14 : pg 167 #3-33 all
Thurs. 10/15: pg 172 #4-14,18-28 Evens
Fri: 10/16 : 4.2 Practice Worksheet


Mon. 10/19: pg 178 #6-26,40-42 all
Tues. 10/20: Quiz-No homework
Wed. 10/21: pg 181 #1-6 for a grade
Thurs. 10/22: pg 184 #1-13 odds 31-33 all
Fri. 10/23: 4-9 Practice Worksheet

Week of 10/18

This week in course 2 we learning about least common multiple. There will also be a quiz on Tuesday over divisibility rules and greatest common factor.

This week in pre-algebra we will be looking at statistics and way to display them.

Week of 10/12

I hope everyone has a nice day off this Monday! I will be in Washington D.C. on the 8th grade trip.

This week in Pre-Algebra we will be having our Chapter 3 Test on Wednesday then we are going to be exploring Data and Statistics.

Course 2 students have their Data project due on Tuesday! We are going to be focusing on factors this week.

Week of October 5th

Since this is the first week in October I wanted to share a scary picture. This was taken in my backyard and I am not sure what type of spider it is.

This week in Course 2 we will be taking a quiz on Tuesday. This quiz covers mean, median, mode, range, bar graphs, line graphs, stem and leaf plots, and histograms. We will then be starting the project "Are you an average 7th grader?" IF YOU ARE OUT THIS WEEKEND GET A POSTER BOARD, YOU WILL NEED IT NEXT WEEK.

This week in Pre-Algebra we will be taking a quiz on Tuesday. This quiz covers all the operations with rational numbers.

Week of 9/28

I cannot believe that September is almost over!

The magazine drive is underway and if we raise enough there will be the inflatable horse derby again this year! For those of you who do not know teachers will be racing across the gym on a giant inflatable horse. It is definitely a site to see!

This Monday Pre-Algebra will be taking their chapter 2 test. We will then be cruising through Chapter 3. Remember Fractions are your friends!

This week in Course 2 we will be focusing on data and the different ways that we can display it. The student's will be taking a brief survey on Tuesday after their quiz. This data will be used in a group/individual project to show "What is an average 7th grader". If you have a chance pick up some poster board this weekend!

Week of 9/21

This is your last week to collect for the Memory Walk. Here is a link to check out for more information:

http://memorywalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=299600

Be sure to check out Mr. Little's blog, he has some great resources and ways to raise money.

MONDAY: WEAR PURPLE TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE Alzheimer's Association.

This week in Course 2 we will be finishing up Chapter 2: Decimals. The chapter 2 test will be on THURSDAY!

This week in Pre-Algebra we will be wrapping up Chapter 2. This week we will focus on exponents. The Chapter 2 Test will be on Monday 9/28.

Week of 9/14

This is a busy week!

There will be a math quiz on ALL CLASSES Friday 9/18.

This week in Course 2 we will be exploring the wonderful world of decimals!

In Pre-Algebra we are starting Chapter 2 Integers and Exponents.

Math Club is having their first meeting this WEDNESDAY 9/16. Everyone is welcome to join!

Week of 9/7

I hope you all enjoy the three day weekend!

Although this is a short week we will be busy! There will be a Chapter 1 Test in math on Friday. I encourage you to check out www.classzone.com for some extra study aids.

In Pre-Algebra we will be finishing up Chapter 1 and the test will be on Friday.

Welcome to 7th Grade Math!

Welcome to the 2009-20010 school year! I am very excited to be starting my third year here at Lakeview. It appears that the 7th grade students are excited to start school again, especially since they know their way around Lakeview so well.
I am looking forward to working with you and your child this year. The textbook for 7th grade math has an online version. This will be a good addition to the various resources available for our students. To access the online version:
Go to www.classzone.com
Select middle school math and Illinois
Next select our textbook: McDougal Littell Math Course 2
At the bottom of the page select Online Book
When prompted enter the activation code 2432737- 380 (Note: you must manually enter in the code, do not copy and paste)
You will then be asked to create an account. Please be sure to write down the user name and password you create so that you can log on in the future.
Although the 7th grade Pre-Algebra text does not have an online book, the publisher does offer great study materials online. There are various online games, extra practice, as well as vocabulary lists. Simply go to http://go.hrw.com/gopages/ma/prealg.html to explore.

Week of 5/11

College Cost Project Due Monday 5/11

This week in Pre-Algebra we will be working on Permutations and Combinations. There will also be a quiz on Monday 5/11 over the first three sections.

This week in Course 2 we will finishing up our mini version of Chapter 11. There will be a test over square roots, Pythagorean Theorem, and Area next Wednesday 5/13. This will be an open note test.


On a lighter note, Happy Mother's Day! I hope everyone has a nice day!

College Cost Project

COLLEGE COST PROJECT

The College Cost Project will be due in ALL CLASSES ( Math and Pre-Algebra) on MONDAY MAY 11th.

Students have been working on their cost projection worksheets and posters in class. The College Cost Project is a great way for students to see how much college will cost. On average college increases about 5% each year, this can be a scary number but I also take this time to explain different options such as scholarships, in state schools as well as financial aide.

This is a great conversation starter for your family. Ask your child what college they picked out and why? The answers may surprise you!

April 17th

I am looking forward to attending the Mother Daughter Tea on Saturday. It is always nice to see the students dress up!

This week in Course 2: we will be finishing up our chapter on Percents.

This week in Pre-Algebra: we will be finishing up our chapter on linear equations.

All 7th graders will be attending the Career Fair held at the Technology Center of Dupage... More information to come next week!

Week of April 13th

The Lakeview Swim Team will be having our first practice this MONDAY April 13th at DGS. I am really excited to be the coach this year! I am sure we will all have a great time.


This week in Course 2 we will be working with the percent proportion. Remember "IS over OF = % out of 100"


This week in Pre-Algebra we will be exploring the exciting world of linear equations. I am able to bring my students into Mrs. Myers room to work on the Mimio Board. This is a fantastic new technology that allows the regular white board to become interactive.

SPRING BREAK

I hope that everyone has a safe and relaxing spring break!Many of you will not be leaving the state.. here are some ideas to keep boredom at bay:
1) Plan a sleepover with friends ( popcorn and movies, make-overs, video game tournaments)
2) Pretend that you are on vacation: drink Florida orange juice, watch a Disney movie, and try to get a tan outside ( wear sunscreen)
3) Plan a family outing to a museum, shopping in Chicago, sightseeing along the lake front, or just taking a walk.
4) Plant flowers
5) Start a neighborhood game, my favorites included ghost in the graveyard, tag, hide and go seek, and kick the can.
6) Read a book! ( or two)
7) Pick up a craft, try to knit, make jewelry or paint
8) Ride your bike, Rollerblade or just walk around the neighborhood.
9) Turn off the computer and talk with your friends face to face, it can be more fun!
10) Relax! Take a bubble bath, read a magazine and sleep in!

3/20

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!

We had our first fire drill of 2009. It was a bit chilly but actually it was very nice to be outside!

This weekend I am lucky to be part of Snowflake. Lakeview is getting together with Herrick Middle school on Saturday. Snowflake is based off of Snowball which is a high school organization that promotes self esteem, positive peer relationships, staying drug free and overall positive attitude. I was lucky enough to be a Snowball leader in high school and I am looking forward to helping out with Snowflake.

Week of 3/16

Happy Pi Day!! Saturday March 14th ( 3.14) is Pi day. Pi is the ratio of any circle's circumference to it's diameter. The cool thing about Pi is that it is a decimal that goes on forever and does not repeat. How many digits can you remember?

Week of 3/9

We "Spring Forward" this Saturday. Make sure you reset your clocks. This is also a great time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Next week Course 2 will have a test on Chapter 7 on WEDNESDAY.

Pre-Algebra will be taking their Chapter 8 Test on MONDAY.

Week of 3/1

I hope everyone has a nice day off on Monday. Here is a little bit about Pulaski Day:

Sometimes called the "Father of American Cavalry," Casimir Pulaski was born March 4th, 1747, in Warka, Poland.He became a national Polish hero in 1771, when he and his army overwhelmingly defeated Russian forces in Czestochwa, Poland. Pulaski was wrongly accused in a plot to capture and kill the King of Poland and was banished from Poland.While in Paris, Casimir heard of the American Revolutionary War and the colonies' struggle to break free from England. He wrote Benjamin Franklin, who was in Paris, to ask if he would consider hiring him to fight against the British. After hearing of his reputation as a great leader, Franklin recommended him to General George Washington.Washington knew that the colonists had no trained cavalry, so he met with Pulaski and introduced him to LaFayette and John Hancock. In September 1777, Washington convinced Congress to give Pulaski temporary command of the small, new cavalry detachment. On the same day Pulaski saved military supplies and pushed back the British at the Battle of Brandywine. The next day he prevented a surprise attack at an area called Warren's Tavern. Congress acknowledged Pulaski's leadership and bravery and commissioned him as Brigadier General. He was placed in command of four light cavalry regiments.During the winter at Valley Forge in 1777-78, Pulaski wanted to train the cavalry properly, but was instructed by Congress to rest his men during the winter, as was customary at the time. Later in 1778, Pulaski became frustrated that his cavalry had not been involved in any important battles. Considering resignation, he asked Washington to allow him to start his own legion. He offered to recruit men, outfit them, and train them his own way. He would prepare this cavalry for active duty. After many letters from Pulaski, Congress finally agreed. With 68 horses and 200 foot soldiers, the Pulaski Legion would become the colonists' first true fully-trained cavalry.He recruited many men, European and some Americans. At first, some of the American soldiers did not like him because he did not speak English, but they soon began to respect him in battle for his courage and intelligence.During a battle in Savannah, Georgia, Casimir was wounded by a cannon. He died from complications of this wound. The first Monday in March has been designated Pulaski Day in Illinois. There is also Pulaski County honoring this great war hero. The Pulaski National Monument is located in Savannah.

Week of 2/23

Yesterday Mrs. Snodgrass and I were able to go with the Math Club to the Math Counts competition. The students placed 15Th! Awesome Job!


This week in Course 2 we will be finishing up Chapter 7. The students will be be working with inequalities and basic linear functions.

In Pre-Algebra we are cruising through Chapter 8:Percents. There will be a quiz on Monday.

Pack the Place

Photos are finally here!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! 

This week in Course 2: 

We will be spending all week on solving two step equations. There will be a quiz on Friday!

This week in Pre-Algebra: 

We will be starting chapter 8. There will be no tests or quizzes this week. 

In homebase we have been discussing acts of kindness. The students are filling out and displaying their random acts of kindness. Some of the students have really gone out of their way to be nice, some girls cleaned up trash around their neighborhood! Please take this time to talk with your children about the little extra things they can do to make the world a better place. 

Week of 2/9

Well Pack the Place was a huge success! I no longer smell the pie that was thrown in my face ha ha!

Pictures will be uploaded soon check back in a few days.

This week in Course 2:
Monday: due to some not so good quiz scores we are spending yet another day on writing expressions and combining like terms

Tuesday: we are solving one step linear equations with addition and subtraction

Wednesday: we are solving with multiplication and division

Thursday: a day of solving various equations

Friday: Quiz 7.1-7.4 this one will be a toughie so remember to study and go over your old quiz and homework.

This week in Pre-Algebra:
Monday and Tuesday we are reviewing Chapter 7

Wednesday: Chapter 7 Test

Thursday and Friday : we will be doing ISAT extended responses.

I am really proud of my Pre-Algebra students, they have really stepped up and have been working hard. They are coming in and getting their work checked and asking questions. All their hard work really showed in their last quiz scores! Keep it up!

First week of February

The math club attended the Latin School Competition on Saturday. We all had a great time, even if we didn't place. A special thank you to the chaperons; Mr. and Mrs. Ohlander and Ms. Legan, it was nice of them to take the time on a Saturday to help us out!


This week in Course 2 we will be starting Chapter 7. Chapter 7 begins with writing expressions and equations. We will focus this week on using written models and combining like terms. There will be a quiz on Friday!


This week in Pre-Algebra we are finishing up Chapter 7 on ratios and proportions. We will be exploring scale drawings and models. There will be a project that will be due on 2/9 where the students will create scale drawings of their bedrooms.

Just a reminder to check Parent Connect for all grade updates. It is a good idea for both students and parents to have access. It is a good way to make sure that all homework assignments are turned in!

Week of 1/26

I cannot believe that January is almost over! This year is really flying by fast.

This week in Course 2:
Monday- We will be playing Battleship, it is a great way for the students to practice graphing their ordered pairs.
Tuesday-Thursday- We will be reviewing Chapter 6- Integers
Friday- Chapter 6 Test

Remember I will be giving a quiz on the Integer rules EVERYDAY this week!


Pre-Algebra- We just finished up Chapter 6. This may be a good time to discuss study habits with your child. Many students have not had to study in previous years and therefore do not have any study skills. A great way to study for my quizzes and tests is to try problems on your own. I always tell the students what is covered on the test/quiz as well as how many of each problem.

We have already started Chapter 7 and we will have our first quiz on Thursday!

1/18/2009

Friday was a fun day at school. Students and teachers wore their pajamas, I am sure we all wish every day was PJ Day!



This Monday we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. In homebase we have been watching an Oprah special on his accomplishments. This is such an awesome time to reflect and have some great conversations with your children. Here are some quotes :

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

This week in Pre-Algebra we will be taking our Chapter 6 Test on Tuesday then starting Chapter 7: ratios and rates.

This week in Course 2 we will continue with our daily quizzes on Integer Rules as well as explore rational numbers and plotting points on the coordinate plane.

Miss Enzbigilis 1/9

This week in Course 2 we focused on adding and subtracting integers. The students will be having a mini quiz everyday over the rules for adding and subtracting. There will also be a quiz on integer operations on Friday 1/16.


In Pre-Algebra we have been looking a volume and surface area of three dimensional figures. I will give the students a formula card for all quizzes and tests. There will be a quiz on volume and surface area next week Tuesday.

Iowa Tests will be next week. The students will be testing with their 4th hour classes. Remember some rooms are warmer/colder then others so you may want to bring a sweatshirt. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast ( skip the candy bar and red bull) .

Have a great weekend!