Tumwater Middle School

Mrs. Santee - 6th Grade Math Teacher - Tumwater Middle School

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

1. How do I view my child’s grades? Skyward will be updated regularly so that you can stay informed about student progress.  If you do not have Skyward access to view your son/daughter’s grades, please contact Sally Riddle.  Email: sally.riddle@tumwater.k12.wa.us 

2. My child is having trouble completing the practice problems. How can I help my child? 

• Most of the time, students will be given class time to complete these problems. Sometimes, students may need to complete the practice problems at home. Have your son/daughter  try their best by attempting to solve all the assigned problems. The next day, encourage your son/daughter to ask questions about homework.  I set aside a few minutes each day to go over requested homework problems.  

• Parents and students can access the Illustrative Math materials, including the workbooks and family support materials https://im.kendallhunt.com/MS/families/1/index.html.

• Have your child read over the lesson summary or lesson notes.  Each lesson has a summary that summarizes what was learned that day and students should also have class notes.  

• If you are still stuck, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/mrmorgansmathhelp/illustrative-mathematics/math-6 This site has videos that help with most of the practice problems. 

3. How can I help my child be prepared for upcoming summative tests? I will send parents an email before each mid or end of the unit test. In addition, we spend time in class the day before each upcoming test reviewing the concepts that will be on the test. A great way for students to study for an upcoming test is by using their review packet that we complete in class together. It may also be helpful to review lesson summaries, lesson notes, fire-ups and practice problems from the unit.

4. What if my child wants to retake a test? If students are beginning or developing in one or all the standards on a mid or end of a unit test, they will receive additional help and then retest. To qualify for the retake, the student must have spent the required time studying. The retake will have different questions, but will test the same standard. The goal is for students to become proficient in each standard.  

5. What are Fire-ups?  Fire-ups are generally 1 to 2 problems and students get about 10 minutes to complete them.  These problems check for understanding of the standards that we are working on. Students are encouraged to use their math books to help them. I will always show students how to accurately solve these problems. Students are expected to correct mistakes as we go over these problems.

6. How often do you assign quizzes?  Quizzes are given infrequently.  They are formatted just like a Fire-up. Students may use their math books to help them. After collecting these, I will show students how to accurately solve these problems. Retakes on quizzes are not provided since I go over the answers. Please remind your child to take their time and do their best.

7. What do students do when they are absent? 

• Visit TMS’s webpage, click ‘teachers’ and then ‘Santee’. My web page provides an up to date list of assignments.  

• Please visit Google Classroom, you will find videos of the lessons that you missed. Students are expected to write what the teacher writes when they are watching lesson videos.

• When your child returns from an absence, please have them ask for missed Fire-ups, quizzes and tests.

8. How do I get to the class webpage? Visit TMS’s webpage, click ‘teachers’ and then ‘Santee’.

9. Are there additional FREE math resources that my son/daughter can access from home? 

• Khan Academy has practice problems, quizzes and tests that align with the Illustrative Math book  This is great information for the students to review to make sure they have a full understanding of the math standard we are learning.  https://www.khanacademy.org/math/illustrative-math

• Also, I would love to see students working on IXL math 2-3 times a week at home (10-15 minutes a day).  Each student has been assigned individually designed learning opportunities that help them with the growth areas in math.  This math program is linked to the students’ google accounts and it is very easy for them to access anywhere. 

I want to be the best teacher I can be for my students so I constantly reflect on my teaching and recording practices. If research shows me there are better ways to track student progress, there may be adjustments to the grading program. 

I will keep parents updated via Skyward Messages (emails are delivered automatically to all parents). Parents, please check Skyward often and please have conversations with your child. Please email me any time you have questions. Please do not wait until conference week. Thank you! We are going to have a great school year!

September Class Work and Practice Problems: