November 16, 2008         

Dear Parents:

Maybe your son or daughter has told you that I did not have a voice on Thursday or Friday. It is slowly coming back. There was no throat pain just laryngitis. All were very concerned for me and I am appreciative of that.  

I cannot say it enough. A very important factor for the first semester grade is the midterm exam. The exam is already made up for Geometry and is in the works for Algebra II. We must cover the material. All students have portfolios and they should contain all quizzes and tests since the beginning of the year. Although I will give out a study guide, it will just list the topics covered on the exam. If students want practice problems, I recommend they redo the quizzes and tests.

Only 7 school days until Thanksgiving break. This will be the last newsletter until after Thanksgiving break. Enjoy family time together.

I hope to start to grade the Geometry creative writing assignments soon. The assignment on Earthshapes is for a test grade. Algebra II students are writing about their favorite topic in chapters 5.1-5.4. There should be something that they like doing above all others. This writing assignment Topic Conversations is for a test grade and is due right before Thanksgiving.  

If you need to get in touch with me, please call me at the school at extension 403. To check my website, you need to go to smrhs.org, then CONTACT, then FACULTY, then MATH to find Ritzel.      

Geometry

There will be a test on Chapter 4 at the beginning of the week.

Students are now working on the Word Bank for the Exam and the Big Test. It must be typed or written neatly. Chapter 5 is a different kind of chapter. Students are graded on physically doing the drawings. Chapter 5 is on the exam. We are getting closer to exams every day.

Students must know their algebra skills. If a student is having difficulty, they need to let me know.

Students must have a scientific calculator for semester 2.   

Algebra II

We are starting section 5.4. The next test is on 5.1-5.4. Although we have slowed the pace, the review for the test will not be long. Last time it was a four day review. Ms. Ives told the class we will not have that luxury again. Students must keep up with the material as well as review.  We will move quickly after the 5.1-5.4 test. Radicals will be on the exam. I guess we could say it is crunch time.  

Mr. Morris and I have started discussions about the Midterm Exam. They are coming!       

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!