FAQ Frequently Asked Questions About Mr. Wedges Classroom

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) About Mr.
Wedges Classroom
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Should I use Mr. Wedges website?

• YES!! The website not only has the lesson plans
  and homework assignments, but for each math
  lesson, there is an on-line tutor, extra
  examples, the lesson power point (notes) and
  lesson quiz. In addition, there are review games
  you can play to help you understand the concept.

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Will I have to bring my textbook to class each
day?

• We will rarely use the Saxon math textbook. You
  will be given a studdy buddy for every 8 lessons.
  The studdy buddy has notes, sample problems,
  class problems and extra practice worksheets.
  The studdy buddys include just what you need to
  know to learn the standard and complete the
  homework. You will be creating your own textbook
  in the form of a math-foldable, which includes
  the vocabulary words and sample problems for each
  concept we learn.

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If Im gone, do I get my assignment when class
starts?

• NO!! If youre gone, I expect you to come in
  before school starts to get your assignment.
  Remember you can go on-line to get the notes and
  information at any time!

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What is Wedge-Mart and the Bank of Wedge?

• Wedge-Mart is a locally owned store that sells
  food and school supplies. Its a place to spend
  your Wedge. The Bank of Wedge offers savings
  bonds, checking accounts and stock certificates.

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When is Wedge-Mart open?

• Wedge-Mart is open from 800 am until
  announcements begin. It is also open between
  passing periods. Once the tardy bell has rung,
  the store will close. The store is open during
  all study halls and after school.

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How do I earn Wedge?

• A variety of ways! Exceeding class expectations,
  answering tough math questions, participating in
  class, helping Mr. Wedge when he needs it,
  working at Wedge-Mart, earning interest by saving
  your money in the Bank of Wedge are just a few
  ways.

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What Can I do with Wedge?

• You can spend them at Wedge-Mart and you can save
  them in your bank account. You earn a certain
  interest rate if you have money in your checking
  account. Speaking of checking account, you are
  responsible for keeping your check book updated
  and neat!

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Do we have to pay taxes?

• Yes! At the end of each quarter, you will pay
  income taxes. However, it is possible to get
  rebates by having no late assignments, green dots
  and playing all-star games.

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What are Math All-Star Games?

• Math all-star games are challenging math and
  critical thinking puzzles you and 1 partner may
  work together to solve. Most all-star games take
  between 5-15 minutes to solve. If your answer is
  correct, you will be given a math sticker to put
  on your chart. Generally, class time is provided
  on Fridays for you to work on them. However, you
  may have to use study hall time to complete them.
  At the beginning of the quarter, you decide how
  many you think you can complete (as part of your
  math goal.)

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What is the Wedge-Land Stockmarket?

• Some people like to invest their money in order
  to (hopefully) earn more. You can invest Wedge
  in the stock market. Simply choose a company and
  then make an appointment at the Bank of Wedge.
  You buy stocks or pieces of the company. For
  example, if you buy 10 stocks (or shares) in
  Coca-Cola at 1.25 a share, for a total of
  12.50, you own that much of the company. Then,
  you can sell your shares at any time, hopefully
  for a better price. Lets say 2 weeks later,
  Coca-Cola stock sells for 2.75! You sell your
  10 shares for 27.50! A companys stock price
  rises when it comes out with a new product or a
  large number of people invest in it. Be careful
  though, stock prices can drop!

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What are The Essential 32 Expectations?

• They are the 32 most important expectations we
  have of each other. We will expect everyone to
  work towards meeting the expectations, Mr. Wedge
  included. If any person needs help meeting
  expectations, there will be re-training sessions
  at 8am, during lunch and after school. During
  this time, Mr. Wedge will practice meeting the
  expectations.

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What is the Wall of Fame?

• The Wall of Fame is in the back of the classroom.
  Each student will get his/her own section to
  place clippings of themselves, stars that theyve
  earned and other examples of positive behavior.
  Mr. Wedge encourages all students to write
  positive messages on stars and place them on
  someones block.

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What is the Math Challenge?

• Each Monday, during DAPS, everyone will be given
  a copy of the Math Challenge problem. Write your
  answer on the back and place it in the tray. On
  Friday, we will go over the math challenge
  question. Students who correctly answered the
  question will receive 5 and can sit in the Math
  Star desk all the next week. This is optional!!

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What do I need to bring to class everyday?

• Have your trapper that has your math-foldable and
  studdy buddy. ALWAYS have your homework
  assignment completed. In addition, bring a
  pencil and correcting pen.

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What Happens if I dont bring my materials to
class?

• You will have to pay a fine and have a
  re-training session with Mr. Wedge at lunch that
  same day.

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When is an assignment considered late?

• If you come to class without your assignment, it
  is considered late and it will automatically be
  reduced to a C-. You will then have to stay
  after school that night or come in early the next
  morning to complete it with Mr. Wedge. You will
  also have to notify your parents. Mr. Wedge is
  very consistent about NOT tolerating late
  assignments!

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What is D.A.P.S.?

• DAPS stands for daily arithmetic problem set.
  These are 5-6 review questions that you will
  answer within the first 10 minutes of class.
  They are bell-ringer problems designed to help
  you review important concepts. Mr. Wedge and/or
  the teacher assistant will have to correct
  them. On Friday, you will turn your DAPS sheet
  in for 25 points.

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Who is a Teacher Assistant?

• Each week, Mr. Wedge will select a student or
  students to help him correct DAPS and assignments
  during the first 10 minutes of class. TAs will
  get paid, but have to meet certain expectations.
  You will be expected to know enough about the
  DAPS problems to help your classmates.

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Do I have a Math Folder?

• Yes, these folders are kept in Ft. Knox (the
  class filing cabinet.) These folders have your
  math goals and dots. At the beginning of each
  quarter, you write 5 specific math goals for you
  to work towards. If you achieve them, you will
  be in Mr. Wedges math all-star club. Also, in
  your folder are your dots. You will test on
  each math standard (concept) that we learn. If
  you get none wrong on the quiz, you are green,
  which means you are above level. If you get 1-3
  wrong, you are yellow, which means you are
  on-level. If you get more than 4 wrong, you are
  red and considered below-level. These dots help
  you figure out what you need to practice on for
  re-tests.

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Why should I care about math?

• Math is all around you!! How much time do you
  need to get ready in the morning? How much does
  this new CD cost? If I need to save 20 of my
  allowance to buy a new bike, how much is that?
  What is my running rate during track? What is my
  free throw percentage? Math is the most
  important subject to study! Im not just saying
  that because Im a math teacher, but math is
  something you use every day!

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What is Mr. Wedge going to do to make class
interesting and fun?

• The job of the teacher is to make class
  interesting and different. I do this by playing
  review games. But, before we can play games, we
  have to learn the concepts. Not everyday can be
  fun and games, some days require us to sit and
  pay attention and practice. But, I promise to
  provide enough time and examples so everyone can
  understand what were doing. Math is fun, as fun
  as you want to make it!

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What is the class routine?

• First 10 minutes of class
• Have your homework assignment laying on your
  desk, ready to exchange and correct.
• Complete DAPS. Mr. Wedge or teacher assistant
  must correct.
• Correct homework assignment (answers on white
  board.) Once corrected, give assignment to the
  owner.
• Once you have your homework assignment corrected,
  make corrections to earn points back.

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• The next 20 minutes
• We will either be presenting a new lesson (notes
  and examples) or at stations. Stations
  include practice at whiteboards, practice using
  website on the smart board or playing a math
  game. Generally, Monday and Wednesday will be
  new lesson days. Tuesdays and Thursdays will
  be used to review the previous days concepts
  using stations. Fridays will be used for math
  challenge and quiz and re-quiz. As a rule, no
  homework is given on Fridays.
• The last 10 minutes
• You will have this time to work on your
  assignment and ask any additional questions.