Set The Hook.
Follow me:
  • Home
  • Fishin' Solo Blog
  • MTBoS
  • Table Talk Math
  • The Classroom Chef
  • Would You Rather...?
  • Meet the Fisherman
    • Resume
  • Flipping 2.0
    • Flipping Your Classroom
    • Troubleshooting a flipped classroom
  • Choose Your Own Assessment
    • Student Work Samples
  • Apps In Class
  • Pre-made Math Lessons

Dear Parents & Students (2020-21)

7/29/2020

7 Comments

 
Spanish Version

Mathematics is beautiful. It is stubborn, it is easy, it is hard, it is used to justify, to sway policies, to influence politics, to influence beliefs, and to defend arguments. It is expansive and it is minute. Its history is complicated, intertwined with racism, colonialism, and concurrent discovery. Its influence is mighty; those who know it, use it to influence and manipulate those who do not. Mathematics, flaws and all, is beautiful.

This year, I get the honor and privilege of helping you explore the beauty (and challenges) of mathematics. For 7.5 years, I taught math and loved it, then transitioned to be a math and technology coach for CJUHSD for another 7.5 years. Now in my 16th year as an educator, I am more eager than ever to be in the classroom (whatever that may look like) to learn and share in this journey with you. When it is deemed safe to be in the same physical space, I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in person. You won't just see me in the classroom. You might catch me on the baseball field, on a hiking/biking trail, fishing at a lake or on the ocean, or at a soccer/hockey/baseball game of my kids'. In the meantime, our virtual interactions will have to suffice, and I will do my absolute best to make the most of them. 

Here are my commitments to you for this school year:
  • For my Black students and families, to know that your life matters. I will continue to learn how to value what you bring to this space. 
  • For my families whose primary language is not English, to know that I will do my best to support the translation and communication of classroom materials and resources.
  • For my families of students with higher needs, to know that I will work with you to ensure that your child(ren) get the services they deserve to be as successful as possible.
  • For my students (and families) with difficult schedules, to know that I will work with you to ensure that you have what you need and that I will be as flexible as possible in making that happen. 
  • For my students with family in law enforcement, in the medical field, and all who continue to serve on the front lines of the pandemic, know that I appreciate you and the work you are doing.
  • For everyone, to see you. I plan to check in regularly with you, not as a way to make sure you're doing your homework or that you can graph a line, but to make sure that you are doing well. And when you're not, to help you find the support necessary. 
  • For my students, to not overwhelm you with countless websites and apps and programs and logins. When you go to Canvas and open the page for your math class, the day's activity and everything you need will be right there to access. 
  • At the same time, I will work to challenge you as much as I can without overwhelming you. There will be things we don't know. Mistakes will be made. Mistakes will be celebrated. And yes, we will work to understand our mistakes, because in that space, we learn. 

Regarding the content of the course, we will follow the Mathematics Vision Project materials, which are completely free online. I will send out more information as the week goes on about specific material and when you can pick up a printed copy. Out of respect to those affected by the Coronavirus, I will not be incorporating COVID-19 content into the lessons unless students specifically ask for/about it. There is a lot of data out, and it could be useful for conversation. However, I am keenly aware that this pandemic has caused a lot of strain and stress, and my hope is that this class can serve as a respite for some, while empowering all.

In summary (for now), I am thrilled to be a teacher right now, as odd as that may sound. 

Welcome to Room 206, and welcome back for the 2020-21 school year.

​- Mr. Stevens
7 Comments
Pat Rogers
7/30/2020 08:49:51 am

Thank you for sharing your heart with this letter. I wish we were colleagues so I could continue learning from your grace and compassion. Stay we. And may the Force be with you always.

Reply
Paula Torres
7/30/2020 11:44:25 am

While I will miss working directly with you every day, I am honored to continue to support you in your new adventures! The students, parents and staff at ALHS have "hit the lottery jackpot" by getting you back. I know that the new experiences you have will make you EVEN MORE of a math leader in this district. Happy trails!

Reply
Marleen Goehring
7/30/2020 04:24:42 pm

I wish my kids would of had you as their math Teacher. They would have thrived in your class with your excitement and energy you bring to them. Your kids are going to love math by the time you are done with them 😊

Reply
Donna Michaels
8/1/2020 06:47:16 am

Thank you for sharing! I love the structure of your letter. It has given me a few ideas of ways to incorporate some of the sensitive topics you've addressed.

Reply
Ethan Weker
8/18/2020 05:41:01 pm

May I include your first paragraph (credited to you of course) in my syllabus? I love your phrasing here!

Reply
John
8/18/2020 05:44:58 pm

Yes, certainly!

Reply
Ethan Weker
8/19/2020 03:43:17 pm

Thanks so much! Hope your year is going well so far. (I've been behind on Twitter this week).


Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    Author

    Math nerds tend to have a reputation for being math nerds.  I'm here to continue that trend.

    For more blog posts, click HERE

    Picture

    Archives

    August 2021
    April 2021
    October 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos from timlewisnm, leppre, KristinNador, Jarosław Pocztarski, Martin Pettitt