RESPECT IN THE CLASSROOMTo enhance a child’s self-esteem, every child needs to feel respected. Throughout the school year, the students will be reminded of the following important statements.

 There will be no put-downs in this class.

 There will be no teasing in this class.

 No one is to be belittled for asking for help. At some time, in some way, everyone needs help.

 Prejudicial slurs, or name-calling will not be tolerated.

 If a person cries or seems upset, that person is not to be criticized. Some people are more emotional than others.

 Do not criticize shy people. Shyness often means that a student is afraid. A shy person cannot be persuaded to be “un-shy.” It takes time and trust.

 Everyone makes mistakes. Do not laugh at someone who makes a mistake. If you make a mistake, you may feel discouraged. Learn to say, “Everyone makes mistakes” and try again, using more effort if necessary.

 Nobody in class is any more important than any other person.

 Even though I am an adult, I have feelings, too.

 If someone has made an error in the past, that is history. Reminders of past problems are disrespectful.

A positive classroom climate is achieved when students feel respected and protected. I want my students to be inspired and more receptive to learning everything they can. Thank you for reading these and respecting my classroom

environment. Mrs.

Mars

Seventh Grade Math with Mrs. Mars

Hi Everyone,I am Mrs. Michelle Mars and I am going to be your 7th grade math teacher for the 2009-2010 school year. I am looking forward to meeting each of you and your family. We’re going to work closely together. I wonder if we have a lot in common? I know we have this...we both love MATH. If you don’t, hopefully soon you will. We’re going to have a very busy, and fun year in math. I can’t wait to get started! Here’s a little about myself.I started teaching middle school math in 2003 here at Trafalgar Middle School. This is a great school to be a part of, whether staff, student or parent.

“Life is good at Trafalgar Middle.”  My husband, Mr. Mars, also teaches here. He is one of the other 7th grade math teachers. Our family loves MATH, can you tell? I have 2 children, Kayla (9th grade at Ida Baker High School) and Benjamin (7th grade here at TMS). I am very close to my parents and entire family. We have a lot of laughs and fun together. I enjoy NASCAR, boating, camping, beaches and especially taking cruises. Cruises are usually what my family does for vacation. I have been on 19 of them and have planned another one to be number 20 soon. As much as we all love vacations, our focus now needs to be on our academics. I hope you’re ready!  I’m looking forward to what this new block scheduling has to hold for all of us. Our math time will be different from any other schedule you’ve ever had. It is important that you keep up on all work and devote extra time at home to be sure you understand the concepts. It won’t always be easy, or hard, but the time you spend working on math will make a difference in your understanding and grades. I promise you that the time you invest in math will not be wasted. We use math everywhere, all the time. Think about it. I’ll tell you that I love to laugh, smile, and tell stories; I hope to incorporate it into our academic time and make learning math fun. Students have a lot of pressure to perform on FCAT, and we as teachers want to make sure that we’ve used every minute of school time to help them prepare for the test. My #1 goal though, is to give all of my students the skills needed to succeed in whatever future endeavors they choose to do. It’s all about life. Here are a few of my favorite quotes. Do they mean anything to you?  

“YOUR ACTIONS TODAY WILL AFFECT TOMORROW.”Have a dream and then work hard to achieve that dream.

“YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO!”

“I Can’t,” doesn’t exist in my classroom, so let’s take time to get to know each other, have many laughs, and learn more math than you ever thought possible. I believe in all of you, so now, believe in yourself!

 “EVERYONE CAN’T DO EVERYTHING, BUT EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING!”

You may not know how to do every math problem, but I’ll bet there are problems you CAN do. Now think positive, study hard, and do your best! It’s going to be a great year!

ParentLink Phone: 337-3347 Box # 34634 E-mail: MichelleLM@Leeschools.net

Website: http://new.schoolnotes.com/mlmars/

TRAFALGAR MIDDLE SCHOOL* Life Is Good at Trafalgar Middle *