About Me
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year.
My name is Michael Herman, and it is my great pleasure to introduce myself as your scholar’s math teacher at Naples Classical Academy (NCA). I feel truly honored to be a part of the faculty and have the opportunity to teach 7th-grade pre-algebra and intensive math.
Before joining NCA full-time, I had the privilege of working as a substitute teacher at the school while continuing my prior career. Witnessing the dedication and passion of the staff, as well as the positive impact of NCA's program on my own children, convinced me becoming a full-time faculty member was the right path for me.
NCA's mission to "train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a content-rich classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue" resonates deeply with me, and I am committed to upholding this noble mission in my role as a teacher.
My background includes a 26-year career in law enforcement, with over 19 years dedicated to serving the Naples community. For the last 12 years of my law enforcement career, I served as a police supervisor. Additionally, I have 20 years of experience as an instructor, teaching various standard and high-liability topics.
In my approach to teaching, I firmly believe in fostering a strong partnership between the individual scholar, their family, and myself. This collaborative effort is essential to ensure the success of each student. My promise to the scholars in my classes is simple but unwavering: "I will do all I can to help them succeed." In return, I expect scholars to meet me halfway by putting in the effort to succeed. Together, we can create a supportive and encouraging learning environment that brings out the best in every student.
I encourage open communication and invite you to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns throughout the academic year. Your involvement and support are vital in helping your scholar thrive in their mathematical journey.
Once again, I am truly excited to embark on this educational journey with your child and witness their growth in knowledge and character. Let's work together to make this a rewarding year for everyone involved.
Thank you for entrusting your child's education to Naples Classical Academy. I look forward to a productive and meaningful academic year.
Best regards,
Michael Herman
Math Classroom Teacher
Naples Classical Academy
mherman@naplesclassical.org
Homework
Homework Philosophy
Let's face it, nobody likes homework.
Scholars do not want to think about school after 3 pm. As students, we were the same. Parents are already busy, so finding time to ensure their scholar has completed their homework adds more stress. Teachers, already busy with class prep and moving forward in the curriculum, need to review and grade the homework.
So, why do we assign homework?
Studies show learners retain about half of the information teachers provide in class. Therefore, homework reinforces classroom learning. For middle schoolers, there is a direct correlation between homework and overall academic achievement.
Homework teaches students to:
* take responsibility for their part in the educational process.
* work independently and improve time management skills.
* develop good study habits and life skills.
* think critically and have independent problem-solving skills.
Homework Policy
Pre-algebra: Scholars can expect homework about three times per week. The assignments will be equivalent to a one-page handout.
Intensive Math: Intensive math is a supplemental math class to assist scholars in developing core math skills. Scholars in intensive math can expect homework once or twice per week.
Weekend Homework (All Classes): I typically do not assign homework for the weekend. The only rare instance would be if it is assigned as a review immediately before a text/quiz scheduled on the following Monday.
Due dates (All Classes): From the Syllabus:
All assigned homework is considered due the next school day after being assigned. However, homework turned in by the end of the week it is assigned (Friday), will be accepted without penalty (point reduction).
Lateness (All Classes):
Homework turned in after the last day of the week assigned will be reduced in grade by 10% for each day late.
Monday = 10%, Tuesday = 20%, etc...
Homework not turned in by the end of the week after assigned will not be accepted.
Absent scholars will be given one school day extension for each day absent to turn in assignments.
*All accommodations will be respected.
Topics and homework for the week of 03/25/2024 - 03/28/2024
This week, we will finish Chapter 7 (Percentages)
Chapter 7 (Percentages):
7.1 Meaning of Percentages
7.2 Reverse Percentages
7.3 Percentage Increase and Decrease
7.4 Discount and Sales Tax
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Thursday, March 28, Quiz 7.2 and 7.3
Wednesday, April 3, Chapter 7 test
Homework:
Monday: 3/25 03_25_2024MondayTeacherLessonSlides74DiscountSalesTax.pdf
Tuesday: 3/26 - Study Chapter 7
Wednesday: 3/27 - Study for quiz Quiz72733STUDYGUIDE.pdf
Thursday: 3/28
Friday: 3/29 - No School
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 3/25
03_25_2024MondayGUIDEDNOTES74DiscountSalesTax.pdf
03_25_2024MondayTeacherLessonSlides74DiscountSalesTax_1.pdf
Tuesday: 3/26
03_26_2024TuesdayLessonSlides75SalesTax.pdf
Wednesday: 3/27
03_27_2024WednesdayLessonSlides75SalesTax1.pdf
Thursday: 3/28
Friday: 3/29 - No School
Topics and homework for the week of 03/18/2024 - 03/22/2024
This week, we continue with Chapter 7 (Percentages)
Chapter 7 (Percentages):
7.1 Meaning of Percentages
7.2 Reverse Percentages
7.3 Percentage Increase and Decrease
7.4 Discount and Sales Tax
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Homework:
Monday: 3/18 Handout Converting Between Fractions, Percent, Fractions, and Ratios. MUST BE TURNED IN BY FRIDAY, 3/22/2024, FOR 3RD QUARTER.
Tuesday: 3/19 Textbook, Page 163, #1 (d - f), #3, and #4. MUST BE TURNED IN BY FRIDAY, 3/22/2024, FOR 3RD QUARTER.
Wednesday: 3/20 7.3A Percentage Increase. Due next week and will be included in 4th quarter grades.
Thursday: 3/21 7.3B Percentage Decrease. Due next week and will be included in 4th quarter grades.
Friday: 3/22
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 3/18 7.1 Review and 7.2 Introduction
Tuesday: 3/19 7.2 Reverse Percentages, Lesson Slides
Wednesday: 3/20 7.3B Percentage Increase
Thursday: 3/21
Friday: 3/22
Topics and homework for the week of 02/12/2024 - 02/16/2024
This week, we will begin chapter 6 in our math book.
Chapter 6 (Ratio, Rate, and Speed):
6.1 Ratios Involving Rational Numbers
6.2 Average Rate
6.3 Speed
Monday: 2/12 6.1A Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 6.1A Ratios
Wednesday: 2/14 6.1B Ratios with 3 values
Thursday: 2/15 Ratios and Rates
Friday: 2/16 Rates & Quiz 6.1
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 2/16/2024 (Quiz 6.1 Ratios)
Homework:
Monday: 2/12 Handout, Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 : None new
Wednesday: 2/14 Handout, Ratios with 3 values
Thursday: 2/15 None new: TEST CORRECTIONS DUE FRIDAY 2/16.
Friday: 2/16 None
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 2/12 Lesson Slides, Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 Lesson Slides, Ratios Continued
Wednesday: 2/14 Lesson Slides, Ratios of 3 Values
Thursday: 2/15
Friday: 2/16
Topics and homework for the week of 01/29/2024 - 02/02/2024
This week, we will finish chapter 5 in our math book. We will review the early part of next week and have the 5B exam next week.
We will continue Chapter 5:
5.1: Simple Linear Equations in One Variable
5.2: Equations Involving Parentheses
5.3: Simple Fractional Equations
5.4: Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Monday: 1/29 Stations Maze Activity, reviewing material from sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Tuesday: 1/30 Discuss Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Wednesday: 1/31 Practice Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Thursday: 2/1 Practice Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Friday: 2/2 Quiz 5.4
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 2/02/2024 (Quiz 5.4 Fractional Equations and Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems)
Wednesday: 2/07/2024 (Test 5B covering sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 of the math textbook)
Homework:
Monday: 1/29 Finish the Stations Maze Activity Handout. The actual equations can be found on the 1/29 Lesson Slides.
Tuesday: 1/30 Textbook Page 127, Try It 13. Turn it in on a separate piece of paper.
Wednesday: 1/31 Textbook Page 129, 3, 4, & 5. Turn it in on a separate piece of paper.
Thursday: 2/1: Study for Quiz 5.4
Friday: 2/2: None
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 1/29 Stations Maze Activity
Tuesday: 1/30 Lesson Slides Class Activity 1 (Page 126)
Wednesday: 1/31 Lesson Slides Practice Writing Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Thursday: 2/1 Lesson Slides Continue Practice Writing Linear Equations to Solve Problems
In-class handout they used in groups
Friday: 2/2
Wish List
Class Newsletter
Topics and homework for the week of 03/25/2024 - 03/28/2024
This week, we will finish Chapter 7 (Percentages)
Chapter 7 (Percentages):
7.1 Meaning of Percentages
7.2 Reverse Percentages
7.3 Percentage Increase and Decrease
7.4 Discount and Sales Tax
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Thursday, March 28, Quiz 7.2 and 7.3
Wednesday, April 3, Chapter 7 test
Homework:
Monday: 3/25 03_25_2024MondayTeacherLessonSlides74DiscountSalesTax.pdf
Tuesday: 3/26 - Study Chapter 7
Wednesday: 3/27 - Study for quiz Quiz72733STUDYGUIDE.pdf
Thursday: 3/28
Friday: 3/29 - No School
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 3/25
03_25_2024MondayGUIDEDNOTES74DiscountSalesTax.pdf
03_25_2024MondayTeacherLessonSlides74DiscountSalesTax_1.pdf
Tuesday: 3/26
03_26_2024TuesdayLessonSlides75SalesTax.pdf
Wednesday: 3/27
03_27_2024WednesdayLessonSlides75SalesTax1.pdf
Thursday: 3/28
Friday: 3/29 - No School
Topics and homework for the week of 03/18/2024 - 03/22/2024
This week, we continue with Chapter 7 (Percentages)
Chapter 7 (Percentages):
7.1 Meaning of Percentages
7.2 Reverse Percentages
7.3 Percentage Increase and Decrease
7.4 Discount and Sales Tax
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Homework:
Monday: 3/18 Handout Converting Between Fractions, Percent, Fractions, and Ratios. MUST BE TURNED IN BY FRIDAY, 3/22/2024, FOR 3RD QUARTER.
Tuesday: 3/19 Textbook, Page 163, #1 (d - f), #3, and #4. MUST BE TURNED IN BY FRIDAY, 3/22/2024, FOR 3RD QUARTER.
Wednesday: 3/20 7.3A Percentage Increase. Due next week and will be included in 4th quarter grades.
Thursday: 3/21 7.3B Percentage Decrease. Due next week and will be included in 4th quarter grades.
Friday: 3/22
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 3/18 7.1 Review and 7.2 Introduction
Tuesday: 3/19 7.2 Reverse Percentages, Lesson Slides
Wednesday: 3/20 7.3B Percentage Increase
Thursday: 3/21
Friday: 3/22
Topics and homework for the week of 02/12/2024 - 02/16/2024
This week, we will begin chapter 6 in our math book.
Chapter 6 (Ratio, Rate, and Speed):
6.1 Ratios Involving Rational Numbers
6.2 Average Rate
6.3 Speed
Monday: 2/12 6.1A Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 6.1A Ratios
Wednesday: 2/14 6.1B Ratios with 3 values
Thursday: 2/15 Ratios and Rates
Friday: 2/16 Rates & Quiz 6.1
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 2/16/2024 (Quiz 6.1 Ratios)
Homework:
Monday: 2/12 Handout, Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 : None new
Wednesday: 2/14 Handout, Ratios with 3 values
Thursday: 2/15 None new: TEST CORRECTIONS DUE FRIDAY 2/16.
Friday: 2/16 None
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 2/12 Lesson Slides, Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 Lesson Slides, Ratios Continued
Wednesday: 2/14 Lesson Slides, Ratios of 3 Values
Thursday: 2/15
Friday: 2/16
Topics and homework for the week of 01/29/2024 - 02/02/2024
This week, we will finish chapter 5 in our math book. We will review the early part of next week and have the 5B exam next week.
We will continue Chapter 5:
5.1: Simple Linear Equations in One Variable
5.2: Equations Involving Parentheses
5.3: Simple Fractional Equations
5.4: Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Monday: 1/29 Stations Maze Activity, reviewing material from sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Tuesday: 1/30 Discuss Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Wednesday: 1/31 Practice Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Thursday: 2/1 Practice Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Friday: 2/2 Quiz 5.4
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 2/02/2024 (Quiz 5.4 Fractional Equations and Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems)
Wednesday: 2/07/2024 (Test 5B covering sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 of the math textbook)
Homework:
Monday: 1/29 Finish the Stations Maze Activity Handout. The actual equations can be found on the 1/29 Lesson Slides.
Tuesday: 1/30 Textbook Page 127, Try It 13. Turn it in on a separate piece of paper.
Wednesday: 1/31 Textbook Page 129, 3, 4, & 5. Turn it in on a separate piece of paper.
Thursday: 2/1: Study for Quiz 5.4
Friday: 2/2: None
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 1/29 Stations Maze Activity
Tuesday: 1/30 Lesson Slides Class Activity 1 (Page 126)
Wednesday: 1/31 Lesson Slides Practice Writing Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Thursday: 2/1 Lesson Slides Continue Practice Writing Linear Equations to Solve Problems
In-class handout they used in groups
Friday: 2/2
Topics and homework for the week of 01/22/2024 - 01/26/2024
This week, we will continue in chapter 5 in our math book.
We are continuing to work on section 5.2, algebraic equations involving parentheses. We are spending time working with fractions within equations and learning methods to eliminate fractions.
We will continue Chapter 5:
5.1: Simple Linear Equations in One Variable
5.2: Equations Involving Parentheses
5.3: Simple Fractional Equations
5.4: Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 1/26/2024 (Quiz 5.3: Removing fractions from algebraic equations)
Homework:
Monday: 1/22 Handout
Tuesday: 1/23 Homework Handout
Wednesday: 1/24 Handout
Thursday: 1/25 Study for Quiz Tomorrow In-Class Handout to practice skills for tomorrow's quiz.
Friday: 1/26
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 1/22 Lesson Slides (5.2 Practice)
Tuesday: 1/23 Lesson Slides
Wednesday: 1/24 Lesson Slides
Thursday: 1/25 Lesson Slides
Friday: 1/26
Helpful Links
Topics and homework for the week of 03/25/2024 - 03/28/2024
This week, we will finish Chapter 7 (Percentages)
Chapter 7 (Percentages):
7.1 Meaning of Percentages
7.2 Reverse Percentages
7.3 Percentage Increase and Decrease
7.4 Discount and Sales Tax
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Thursday, March 28, Quiz 7.2 and 7.3
Wednesday, April 3, Chapter 7 test
Homework:
Monday: 3/25 03_25_2024MondayTeacherLessonSlides74DiscountSalesTax.pdf
Tuesday: 3/26 - Study Chapter 7
Wednesday: 3/27 - Study for quiz Quiz72733STUDYGUIDE.pdf
Thursday: 3/28
Friday: 3/29 - No School
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 3/25
03_25_2024MondayGUIDEDNOTES74DiscountSalesTax.pdf
03_25_2024MondayTeacherLessonSlides74DiscountSalesTax_1.pdf
Tuesday: 3/26
03_26_2024TuesdayLessonSlides75SalesTax.pdf
Wednesday: 3/27
03_27_2024WednesdayLessonSlides75SalesTax1.pdf
Thursday: 3/28
Friday: 3/29 - No School
Topics and homework for the week of 03/18/2024 - 03/22/2024
This week, we continue with Chapter 7 (Percentages)
Chapter 7 (Percentages):
7.1 Meaning of Percentages
7.2 Reverse Percentages
7.3 Percentage Increase and Decrease
7.4 Discount and Sales Tax
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Homework:
Monday: 3/18 Handout Converting Between Fractions, Percent, Fractions, and Ratios. MUST BE TURNED IN BY FRIDAY, 3/22/2024, FOR 3RD QUARTER.
Tuesday: 3/19 Textbook, Page 163, #1 (d - f), #3, and #4. MUST BE TURNED IN BY FRIDAY, 3/22/2024, FOR 3RD QUARTER.
Wednesday: 3/20 7.3A Percentage Increase. Due next week and will be included in 4th quarter grades.
Thursday: 3/21 7.3B Percentage Decrease. Due next week and will be included in 4th quarter grades.
Friday: 3/22
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 3/18 7.1 Review and 7.2 Introduction
Tuesday: 3/19 7.2 Reverse Percentages, Lesson Slides
Wednesday: 3/20 7.3B Percentage Increase
Thursday: 3/21
Friday: 3/22
Topics and homework for the week of 02/12/2024 - 02/16/2024
This week, we will begin chapter 6 in our math book.
Chapter 6 (Ratio, Rate, and Speed):
6.1 Ratios Involving Rational Numbers
6.2 Average Rate
6.3 Speed
Monday: 2/12 6.1A Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 6.1A Ratios
Wednesday: 2/14 6.1B Ratios with 3 values
Thursday: 2/15 Ratios and Rates
Friday: 2/16 Rates & Quiz 6.1
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 2/16/2024 (Quiz 6.1 Ratios)
Homework:
Monday: 2/12 Handout, Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 : None new
Wednesday: 2/14 Handout, Ratios with 3 values
Thursday: 2/15 None new: TEST CORRECTIONS DUE FRIDAY 2/16.
Friday: 2/16 None
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 2/12 Lesson Slides, Ratios
Tuesday: 2/13 Lesson Slides, Ratios Continued
Wednesday: 2/14 Lesson Slides, Ratios of 3 Values
Thursday: 2/15
Friday: 2/16
Topics and homework for the week of 01/29/2024 - 02/02/2024
This week, we will finish chapter 5 in our math book. We will review the early part of next week and have the 5B exam next week.
We will continue Chapter 5:
5.1: Simple Linear Equations in One Variable
5.2: Equations Involving Parentheses
5.3: Simple Fractional Equations
5.4: Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Monday: 1/29 Stations Maze Activity, reviewing material from sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Tuesday: 1/30 Discuss Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Wednesday: 1/31 Practice Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Thursday: 2/1 Practice Section 5.4 Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems.
Friday: 2/2 Quiz 5.4
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 2/02/2024 (Quiz 5.4 Fractional Equations and Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems)
Wednesday: 2/07/2024 (Test 5B covering sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 of the math textbook)
Homework:
Monday: 1/29 Finish the Stations Maze Activity Handout. The actual equations can be found on the 1/29 Lesson Slides.
Tuesday: 1/30 Textbook Page 127, Try It 13. Turn it in on a separate piece of paper.
Wednesday: 1/31 Textbook Page 129, 3, 4, & 5. Turn it in on a separate piece of paper.
Thursday: 2/1: Study for Quiz 5.4
Friday: 2/2: None
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 1/29 Stations Maze Activity
Tuesday: 1/30 Lesson Slides Class Activity 1 (Page 126)
Wednesday: 1/31 Lesson Slides Practice Writing Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Thursday: 2/1 Lesson Slides Continue Practice Writing Linear Equations to Solve Problems
In-class handout they used in groups
Friday: 2/2
Topics and homework for the week of 01/22/2024 - 01/26/2024
This week, we will continue in chapter 5 in our math book.
We are continuing to work on section 5.2, algebraic equations involving parentheses. We are spending time working with fractions within equations and learning methods to eliminate fractions.
We will continue Chapter 5:
5.1: Simple Linear Equations in One Variable
5.2: Equations Involving Parentheses
5.3: Simple Fractional Equations
5.4: Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 1/26/2024 (Quiz 5.3: Removing fractions from algebraic equations)
Homework:
Monday: 1/22 Handout
Tuesday: 1/23 Homework Handout
Wednesday: 1/24 Handout
Thursday: 1/25 Study for Quiz Tomorrow In-Class Handout to practice skills for tomorrow's quiz.
Friday: 1/26
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 1/22 Lesson Slides (5.2 Practice)
Tuesday: 1/23 Lesson Slides
Wednesday: 1/24 Lesson Slides
Thursday: 1/25 Lesson Slides
Friday: 1/26
Topics and homework for the week of 01/15/2024 - 01/19/2024
* Monday, January 15, School Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday.
This week, we will continue in chapter 5 in our math book.
We are working on section 5.2, algebraic equations involving parentheses. We are spending time working with fractions within equations and learning methods to eliminate fractions.
We will continue Chapter 5:
5.1: Simple Linear Equations in One Variable
5.2: Equations Involving Parentheses
5.3: Simple Fractional Equations
5.4: Forming Linear Equations to Solve Problems
Upcoming Pre-Algebra Quizzes / Tests:
Friday: 1/19/2024 (Quiz 5.2: Removing fractions from algebraic equations)
Homework:
Monday: 1/15 School Closed
Tuesday: 1/16 No Homework
Wednesday: 1/17 Handout
Thursday: 1/18 Handout
Friday: 1/19 No Homework
Lesson Slides:
Monday: 1/15 School Closed
Tuesday: 1/16 Lesson Slides
Wednesday: 1/17 Lesson Slides
Thursday: 1/18 Lesson Slides
Friday: 1/19