Upper Division Math
Ruben Escamilla
About Mr. Escamilla
stf.rescamilla@saintfrancissolano.org
Mr. Escamilla has been teaching mathematics to both high school and middle school students since 1999. He holds a degree in applied mathematics, a single-subject mathematics teaching credential, along with an administrative credential. Mr. Escamilla is also quite active in his parish and looks forward to sharing his Catholic faith with our students.
Mr. Escamilla is the father of three children, Sylvester, Brittny, and Migueal and is married to his beloved wife Maggie. He enjoys many sports activities such as walking, running, wakeboarding, snowboarding, soccer, bike riding, and many more. He also enjoys developing the mind by reading books dealing with self development/growth, educational practices, and many other topics that range from auto repair, home repair/gardening, and of course the scripture. He is a fan of Star Wars and Marvel with Yoda and Captain America being his most influential characters.
STEPS for SUCCESS in Math
- Master basic arithmetic
- Come to class prepared with all necessary tools
- Stay on task in class
- Ask questions when you have them
- Show all your work in pencil
- Be organized (very organized)
- Work at least 20 min. on math each night
- Utilize the time I am available to you
- Keep a positive attitude
Important class information:
- Grading information: Quizzes and tests are only a part of the trimester’s grade for math. It is important to note that if a quiz or test score is below passing (70%), a student needs to give up some time to see me, discuss the mistakes and complete a few make up problems. The grade will then be raised to passing. (Since this is a second chance, the grade will be raised to 70%). These retakes should be completed within one week of getting the original test returned. Tests are usually worth about 70 points and quizzes about 40. Notebooks are also part of the trimester grade. They will be collected weekly from 8th grade and every two weeks for 6th and 7th grades. Expectations are very clear and a sample notebook is hanging in the classroom. Labeled and dated notes, class assignments and homework are key. Each assignment and homework page should be corrected/scored by the student. Neatness and organization count. If a worksheet is assigned it should be clipped in on the appropriate day. Work must be shown for all assignments on binder paper. Only if there is room on the worksheet for work to be shown neatly will it be accepted. Notebooks will be graded out of 10 points each time they are collected.
- Extra Credit: There are two opportunities per week for students to earn extra credit. The ECOW, which is class specific, will be a set of problems to review what we’ve done or what we are currently working on. They will be posted on this website on Monday, and if completed with 80% accuracy and turned in on Friday will earn the student extra credit points. The second way to earn points is by practicing math on khanacademy.org. The student must be signed up with me as their ‘coach’ so I can track their progress and see what they are working on. Thirty minutes of grade level practice on what we are working on or what needs to be reviewed will earn them extra points. Please note that there are 6 points per week of extra credit. If a student wants to see a difference in their grade they must do more that just one week worth of extra credit.
- Office hours: My 2018-19 yard duty schedule (times I am not available) is Monday thru Friday: Before school, 7:45 – 8:10. If I am not on duty I am available to students. However, as a courtesy to me and others who need to meet with me (in case there may be a scheduling conflict) please let me know when you’d like to come in. After school most any day is also an option.
Favorite Math Websites
These websites can help you find answers to math questions, extra practice sites (interactive) and printables.
- The Math Forum at Drexel University
- The publisher of the textbook, McDougal-Littell, has a text-specific site at www.classzone.com
- Ask Dr. Math is a great resource for students and parents to get answers to math related questions. You can browse the archives (a great rainy day activity!) and if you can’t find the answer to your question you can email Dr. Math and await the answer. Visit Dr. Math at: www.mathforum.org/dr.math/
- Explanations and help with difficult concepts can be found at: www.purplemath.com
- Practice worksheets (with an answer key): www.kutasoftware.com
- More practice worksheets (with an answer key): www.mathmaster.org
Video lessons:
Everything Math:
ECOW
Grade 6 Extra Credit – ECOW – (2nd Pd) ECOWs will be discontinued for the rest of the year. However, to customized your study requirements for the final exam, I will give 3 additional points for 30 additional minutes on Khan Academy. That way, the bonus points will still be available. Due on Friday.
Grade 6 Extra Credit – ECOW –3rd Pd. ECOWs will be discontinued for the rest of the year. However, to customized your study requirements for the final exam, I will give 3 additional points for 30 additional minutes on Khan Academy. That way, the bonus points will still be available. Due on Friday.
Grade 7 Extra Credit – ECOW –4th & 5th Pd. ECOWs will be discontinued for the rest of the year. However, to customized your study requirements for the final exam, I will give 3 additional points for 30 additional minutes on Khan Academy. That way, the bonus points will still be available. Due on Friday.
Algebra Extra Credit – ECOWs will be discontinued for the rest of the year. However, to customized your study requirements for the final exam, I will give 3 additional points for 30 additional minutes on Khan Academy. That way, the bonus points will still be available. Due on Friday.
Intro to Algebra Extra Credit – ECOWs will be discontinued for the rest of the year. However, to customized your study requirements for the final exam, I will give 3 additional points for 30 additional minutes on Khan Academy. That way, the bonus points will still be available. Due on Friday.