Letter to Parents:

Welcome to a new school year! This is sure to be an exciting one with some of the changes we are making to our math curriculum. The math department has traveled to Denver twice in order to learn about a more problem-solving based approach which will help students not only review some previously learned concepts, but help them improve the way they look at some of those very same concepts. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is responsible for funding this Math Solutions program, which we feel will add a lot to the material we currently teach.

Like sports, music, and even video games, practice is mathematics is essential for success. As a department, we are trying to make homework assignments more than just "drill and kill", instead assigning problems in which we believe will help with understanding and consequently doing well on tests. It is really important for students to do this daily practice and for them to get help whenever needed. Advisory period is also a great opportunity for students to work on homework and either work with fellow students or see one of the teachers in our department for extra assistance.

In order to succeed, students need to come prepared to class with a pencil/eraser, calculator, paper (and graph paper for several chapters), textbook, and a notebook to keep organized. Class periods typically consist of reviewing homework questions, taking notes/examples on new material, and being assigned homework (with around 5 minutes to get started on it).

Helpful websites are plentiful. Classzone.com has some good resources, Khan Academy is useful for extra explanations, and Teacher Tube also has additional explanations. These all might help especially when students are absent or just struggling.

I feel that students best succeed with a good partnership including the parents, teacher, and of course the student him/herself. Colleges often feel that we need to do more to make the students more independent learners, holding them accountable and responsible in the learning process. Therefore, I believe that it is imperative that the student needs to be the key player in his or her own success, with everyone else supporting these ideas. Of course, good communication is key. The best way to reach me is via email: dmilner@bayfield.k12.co.us Please feel free to contact me with any concerns you might have.

Lastly, some of you might already know that I will be here only for first semester, leaving for an Australian teacher exchange at Christmas. Warren Black, from Wollongong, Australia, will be taking my place beginning in January, and I have complete confidence that he will be an asset to your student's learning. We are all fortunate to have his perspective and experience at our school for the 2013 year, and I think the students will enjoy what he brings to the classroom.

Thanks for your support. I look forward to a great year!

Sincerely,
Dianne Milner