Dear 7th grade families,

Welcome to a new school year! I would like to introduce myself to those of you who may not know me. I taught sixth grade math and science last year, and before that taught fifth and sixth grade science and worked in a first through third grade classroom at our school. Before that, I worked as a research geneticist at UC Berkeley for more than ten years, and have been a parent at our school since 2000. My oldest son graduated from our school last year, and is now attending Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco, and my younger son is starting 5th grade in the Cerrito Creek classroom. I am looking forward to meeting those of you new to our school, and reconnecting with the rest of you!

One of my core beliefs is that every student is capable of success at learning math. My goal is to help students achieve deep understanding. To do that, we set up a math community aimed at discovering together the excitement and beauty in math. Students share with each other many ways of solving problems, to find methods that make sense to them. We will focus on communication of ideas, since this helps develop clear thinking; for some students, finding the right answer is not as challenging as explaining how they got it!

In 7th grade, we will continue using The Connected Mathematics Project curriculum used in the 6th grade, full of interesting problems for students to solve cooperatively that have relevant connections to real life situations. I will supplement this with other lessons and activities to ensure that students have opportunities to work with number and operations, geometry, data analysis and probability, measurement, and algebra.

Our first unit, Variables and Pattern, is an introduction to algebra, specifically looking at variables, tables, graphs, and how to use symbols as representations. Please find a description of the unit goals and concepts here.

Below is a little homework for you, the parent! I would appreciate it if you could return this by Monday, September 14. If it is more convenient, you may email me your answers.

Student assignments will be posted regularly on this homework blog.

Please do not hesitate to email me or leave me a voicemail if you have any questions or comments. I look forward to a great school year and our partnership together in support of your child’s learning.

Sincerely,
Sima Misra
BMS Middle School Math & Science Teacher

About My Student

My child’s name (please print) _______________________________________

My name ________________________________________________

1. What are your child’s favorite hobbies, interests, pastimes, books? What do they spend time doing after school?

2. In what ways is mathematics part of your child’s life at home?

3. What, if any, concerns do you have about your child’s knowledge of math?

4. What is challenging for your child as a learner? What challenges him or her in math?

5. What strengths does your child have as a learner? What is a mathematical strength that you see in your child?

6. Describe your child’s experience with math homework.

7. Is there anything else should I know about your child? If there are counselors or tutors I should be in contact with, please provide contact information.