Welcome 8th Grade Mathematicians.  I am honored to be your teacher this year and look forward to all of us having a successful year. In order to have a successful year, you must be willing to work hard and demonstrate perseverance when the work is difficult. We have two 8th grade math classes here at Jefferson (8th Grade Math and our Jefferson District Algebra class, which has students from all 3 sites attend.  Both classes uses version of the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt series (CALIFORNIA GO MATH Middle School Grade 8  and California Algebra 1).  This series has excellent online resources, including access to your textbook online.  You can view online tutorials that go with the lessons, and find other useful features and tools.  We will also be implementing online homework assignments and /or quizzes through the website.   Our areas of focus this year will be guided by the California Common Core State Standards in Mathematics which all students will have a copy of and be responsible for assessing their progress in mastering these Essential Standards. Grades are weighted with a majority of your grade focused assessing whether you know the standards.  Many of the essential we will be stressing practical applications of the concepts whenever applicable.  For our class to be successful for everyone, it is extremely important for you to do your part by doing your best each and every day.  Be responsible by being prepared for class each day and be an active participant in class discussions.