From Erika Garner
ACSD Community Coordinator
Dear ACSD Community,
This is the last bi-weekly MUMS communication! I enjoyed having this opportunity to work with MUMS on these communications and learn about all of the changes being made to welcome the 6th grade into the MUMS community. I have been really impressed with the significant amount of thoughtful planning that went into preparing for this fall. There were so many details, big and small, being made. When we started to work together on these communications, we did our best to communicate things that were already decided, which meant we sometimes couldn’t share some of the bigger details because decisions on some of the smaller details still needed to be made. There were also times that things changed after we shared information with you, such as having an Odd Day/Even Day schedule which is now going to be called an “A" Day/”B” Day schedule. We appreciate you hanging in there with us as we work through all of these details.
As a parent who has had three children grow up in ACSD schools, I would have welcomed the opportunity to have my children experience this sixth grade program at MUMS. Andrew Conforti, Laura Kiefer, the guidance team, and the educators at MUMS have done an incredible job getting ready for this fall and it is going to be amazing!
Sincerely, Erika Garner
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Mathematics at MUMS
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Math
The study of mathematics at MUMS is inquiry-based and student-centered. As students explore different math topics, they discover that there is more than one way to solve a mathematical problem. Our students are given opportunities to share strategies and learn from each other. Throughout 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, the mathematics units focus on the Common Core State Standards of the Number System, Ratios and Proportional Relationships, Expressions and Equations, Geometry and Statistics, and Probability.
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Math Exploratory
Math Exploratory is an elective course that will focus on extending what is done in math class through fun and engaging activities. This course is designed for students who are curious about math, and would like additional time to explore math concepts. This class will take place during half of a WIN block throughout the year.
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Advanced Math
Advanced Math is a challenging 2-year course that will focus on strengthening Algebra problem-solving abilities. In this class, students will engage in both guided and open-ended mathematical explorations that help make connections. Solid conceptual foundations will be developed in the following areas: scientific notation, integer exponents, laws of exponents, direct and inverse variation, comparing slope of perpendicular and parallel lines, midpoint/distance formulas, functions, solving systems of equations, and quadratic equations. This class will take place during half of a WIN block throughout the year.
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Math Oasis
The definition of Oasis is as follows: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. The intent of Math Oasis at MUMS is to provide mathematical relief to students. We want students to feel comfortable going into their core math classes and confident that they can, and will, master the material. How will this take place? We plan to accomplish this goal by pre teaching, reteaching, and progress monitoring. Meaning that the core math skills and concepts will be previewed prior to students studying them in their core math class. Additionally, after students interact with the material in core math, the skills and concepts will be reviewed and reinforced in Math Oasis. Periodically, we will access students' basic skills to track their progress in that area.
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MUMS Staff Members 2021 - 2022
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Jan Broderson Math Teacher
My name is Jan Broderson. I live in Middlebury, VT with my husband, 2 children, 2 cats and 1 dog. I love paddle boarding, kayaking, reading mystery novels, and eating chocolate. I have been teaching math since 1995 and have been at MUMS since 2001. I have been on the Quicksilver team, off-team and on the Mosaic Team. I am excited to welcome the new 7th graders on Team Acadia! I love meeting new 7th grade students who bring good energy and excitement to the building. I am also excited to work on a team of teachers who all love teaching and supporting students. While I understand that many of you are nervous about being in a new building, using lockers, and meeting new friends, I know that your teachers and peers will also support you to have a wonderful school year.
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Alison McNamara Math Teacher
Over the past 19 years, I have been a teacher of mathematics, with the last 12 of those years teaching 7th and 8th grade math at MUMS. I LOVE teaching at MUMS, and I think middle school students are awesome! Middle schoolers are so much fun and bring so much energy to teaching and learning. I am looking forward to being able to do more hands-on activites next year. I would like to wish a warm welcome to the incoming 6th and 7th graders, and I am exctied to get to know the 8th grade students.
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Paul Cherrier Math Specialist
I began teaching in 1992, in Baltimore City, MD. I have been teaching math at MUMS since 1997. I am excited for my new role as math interventionist at MUMS next year. Welcome new sixth & seventh grade students! It was great meeting you all on June 2nd! Looking forward to seeing you all again and getting to know you better. I would also like to welcome the 8th grade students to our new school. I enjoyed getting to know some of you in the hallways this year and I am excited for the opportunity to see some of you in the classroom next year. Have a safe and relaxing summer--see you in August!
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Joseph Crodelle Math Specialist
I started teaching Advanced Math and Math Intervention at MUMS in 2020 after 6 years of teaching in Albany and New York City. I am extremely excited to meet all of the incoming students and have everyone take part in school wide activities and events! Let's have a great school year! |
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Tracy Allen Custodian
I have been at MUMS for a little over a year but have been a custodian for over 5 years now in the district. I`m excited to see all the new face`s coming to MUMS. I welcome you all back and hope you have a wonderful and exciting year. |
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Terri Metcalf Custodian
I have been a night Custodian here at MUMS for the past 7 years. I am excited for the new students to experience new educational opportunities as we all transition into untreaded waters. I welcome all new and returning students to have a fun filled awesome 2021-2022 educational experience! Go Tigers!
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Annamae Gero Custodian
I have been at MUMS for 10 years not as a teacher but as a custodian. I am hoping the next school year will start off as normal as it can and hoping the pandemic will be just about over.
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Jennifer Billings Math Teacher
I first started working at MUMS in the fall of 2003 as a paraprofessional, supporting students. After acquiring my VT teaching license in June 2006, I accepted my first teaching position at St. Mary's School in Middlebury. I was later hired to develop a math intervention program (FAME) at MUMS in the fall of 2008. Throughout my 13 years as a math teacher at MUMS, I have earned a master's degree at UVM through the Vermont Mathematics Initiative (VMI) and achieved National Board Certification for teaching middle school mathematics. Being a life learner, it is my hope to gain a PhD in mathematics education through VMI in the future.
Aside from teaching in the math classroom, I have been the MUMS Memory Book advisor for 16 years and the Mathcounts coach for the past 6 years. Through these extracurricular activities, I have fun working with students and building relationships. In addition, I have spent many summers working in the MUMS summer program as program coordinator, teacher, and support staff.
I am excited to be teaching 6th grade this fall and welcoming the ACSD 6th grade students to MUMS. I believe an extra year of middle school will enable students to be better prepared for MUHS as 9th graders.
I want our returning and new incoming students to know that MUMS is a great school, where the staff loves to have fun with students! This past year has been the hardest year of school ever because of COVID. So, I want you all to do these 3 things: look at the hard work you accomplished ~pat yourself on the back ~ say "Darn I'm Good!"
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Have a great summer vacation!
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