Dear Parents and Guardians:
As always, I want to keep you informed of what your child is learning in Algebra 1.

Your child's next Algebra I test is on Wednesday, November 7 for Red Day and Thursday, November 8 for Gray Day.  Your child will be graphing lines of slope and applying transformations.  I pushed the test date until this date because of our early release schedule.  Plus, this allows me to expand the topic much further than needed.  Notes and PowerPoint presentations are available online, through my website at www.dangmath.com

Test 2-2 is material growing from Test 2-1.  As an incentive for your child, starting today and until test day, I will replace their first test grade with their second test grade.  Here is how it works:

- They must complete ALL of their assignments on time.  I am asking for a legitimate attempt of the assignment.  Late work or not turning in any assignments will disqualify this incentive.

- They must complete ALL quiz corrections.  They must rewrite the question they missed, show all work, box answer, write one complete sentence as to why they missed it and one sentence as to what they can do not get it wrong for the test.  They are always due on the day of the test.

If they complete both of these bullets, I will replace their first test grade with the second.  If the second test grade is lowered than the first test grade, I will not replace it.  Regardless, I will NOT replace their second test grade with the first test grade.  This incentive can only help your child with their learning and grade.  For example:  if your child makes a 80 on the first test and scores a 90 on the second test, I will replace the 80 with a 90 (assuming they complete all necessary assignments).  This will only take effect for the 2nd six weeks.

Graphing calculators will be utilized for this test.  You will NOT have to purchase one.  However, students were asking where the best deals for calculators are.  If your child would like a used calculator and not prefer to use the online calculator, eBay has numerous calculator deals out there.  As always, buyers beware.  Also, I believe the school store has it in stock. Stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc... have them in stock, as well.  The models that can be purchased are TI-83, TI-84, or TI-84 Plus.  No TI--89's or higher please.

My tutoring times are Tuesday and Thursdays during lunch and Friday mornings at 7:15am.  No appointment is necessary.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Have a great week.

Thanks,
Jim Dang

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I hope everyone is doing well.

Our next test will cover Chapter 4.1 to 4.4, which starts the linear equations and establishing slope unit.  They will take the test on Thursday, October 18 on Red Day and Friday, October 19th on Gray day.  They will be establishing the identification of a linear function, determining slope through two points, and creating an equation.

As a matter of information, I will not be available on Thursday, October 11 and Friday, October 12 in class.  I will not be able to answer any e-mails at that time.  I will return on Monday. In the meantime, during my absence, your child will be completing an in-class project that is a quiz grade.  If you would like to preview the project, it is available on my website at dangmath.com

After this test, your child will start using graphing calculators.  Please do not worry about purchasing one.  We do have a school set of calculators for them to borrow at school only.  If you would are planning on purchasing a graphing calculator, TI-83 to TI-84 plus are highly recommended.  I know that the school store does have them available but I am unsure of the price.

As always, thank you for being so supportive of your child.  If you have any additional questions, please let me know.  You can definitely reach me (except for the weekend on October 11-14) at vdang@houstonisd.org.  

Thanks,

Jim Dang