Deer Creek Intermediate School

WELCOME STUDENTS AND PARENTS

This is my 34th year teaching in St. Francis. I have taught both 7th and 8th grade at Deer Creek. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Education (1-9) with a minor in Math from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1989. I also have a Master's Degree in Education that I received from Cardinal Stritch in 1999.

At Deer Creek this year I am teaching 7th Grade Math and Tier-3 Math Enrichment/Intervention. I am also the Student Council Advisor at Deer Creek and co-advice an after school Mariner Mentoring program with Mrs. Clarey.

I think the students will find me to be a firm but also a fair teacher. My philosophy is based on each student as an individual and I place high value on respect and responsibility. I expect the very best behavior and effort at all times. I embark on the mission of every child learning, growing and succeeding.

I believe my classroom community is a place where everyone can learn math! 

Through exploration and discussion, students are making sense of math in a way that they can understand and make connections to the real world.

Mistakes are valuable in my classroom community as students challenge their brain muscles. The math curriculum is problem-centered, which helps students make sense of mathematics as they share and discuss their ideas within a study team and learn from their peers.

My math students approach problems in multiple ways and use different strategies. Math takes time; math takes effort. 

Ms. Zeman's 7th Grade Math Info

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1.      Respect yourself, the teacher & others

• Show respect for the teacher, yourself, and others at all times.

• Respect others’ property.  Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not belong to you (including desks, textbooks, teacher’s belongings, students’ belongings, walls, chalkboard, etc.). Don't expect that others will clean-up your messes. Please pick-up after yourself.  Respect yourself and the rest of us by using appropriate language.

•  Be a kind person.

2.      Put forth your best effort at all times

• Always do your own best work.

• Put learning ahead of getting good grades. 

• Put quality ahead of just getting it done.

3.      Be prepared for class each day

• Complete homework assignments each night so that you are getting the necessary practice needed to move forward the next day.

• Come to class with all materials necessary. 

  • school agenda

  • math textbook

  • math binder with graph paper stored it in

  • math spiral

  • calculator

  • pencils

  • pen

4.      Follow directions when given

•  When directions are given, do your best to follow them the first time.  If you are confused or have questions, ask.  I would rather have you stop class to clarify than be off task while everyone else is working.

5.      Pay attention, participate and ask questions

• Engage in what is going on in the classroom. Be an active member each day in class. Speak up and share your ideas and knowledge.

• If you have a question, ask it!  There are no stupid questions, and chan. Be proactive about your learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you feel most comfortable waiting until after class, that is okay, too, but do keep communication open between us.

• Take notes in class so that you have them to use as a resource and refer to later on. Notes that you take can be used on ALL quizzes. 

6.      Preserve a positive learning environment

• Come to class each day with a positive attitude and ready to learn and improve on your math skills. I believe in you and know that you can be successful in math this year! YOU GOT THIS!! I am here to support and help you. 

• Be a positive influence on others. Work well with all in your math pod and be supportive of others when they need help. When you are helping them learn you are strengthening your skills as well. 

• Student actions that interfere with teaching or learning in the classroom will not be tolerated. 

• Minimize classroom interruptions by arriving to class on time and not leaving the classroom unless it is during independent work time when at all possible.

7.      Take responsibility for your actions

•  If you are confronted about a rule infraction, own up to it.  Don’t deny it, lie about it, or blame someone else.

•  Take responsibility for missed assignments.

• All school handbook rules will be enforced. Students that choose to break these rules face the possibility of consequences.

Absent Or Late Work:
When you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and turn in assignments. There are folders organized by class on the counter to the left of the TV where any late or absent work should be turned in.  DO NOT hand in late or absent assignments to me or place them on my desk. If you need a worksheet from when you were absent or you lost it, these are on the counter by the pencil sharpeners or please see me for them.

If you missed a quiz or a test please see me to set up a date as to when this can be made up.

10 Ways to Help Yourself Be Successful in School

1. Listen—really listen in class
2. Improve your note-taking skills
3. Take part in the class discussions
4. Review your subject notes before class
5. If necessary, change your seat assignment
6. Do an extra-credit project
7. Ask questions
8. Double check your homework and test material before handing them in
9. Hand your homework in on time
10. Two days before a test, do some additional studying in that subject area

From - ParentsWorld.com