Mr. Harl's 8th Grade Math

After 2 months without Hotmath, the Math Homework Helper has returned. Please click below to get the instructions on how to access the site!

Hotmath allows your student to get step-by-step assistance on his or her homework problems. If your child is struggling with his or her math homework, this is the first place to send them. I get lots of comments from parents that this site really helps them help their child. Please try it out and let me know what you think of the site.

2) One down, one to go! We are half way through the new school year, and have started the new semester. This semester will be more difficult that the last one was due to harder material and very intense study for TAKS exams. Please encourage your child to spend the time necessary to do their homework and TAKS study guides. They HAVE to pass their Math and Reading TAKS tests to advance to 9th grade!

Do your Homework! Any late work or re - work must be turned in on or before the test day. No grades will be changed after you take the test for the regular 8th grade Math class.

Show up on test day prepared!! Review all assignments and vocabulary prior to the test. There are online practice tests available at http://tx.msmath3.com. There are additional practice tests/quizzes in the textbook. Tests are 50% of your math grade. For students who fail a test, test corrections are not optional and must be completed within 3 days of getting the test back. They may get up a 70 on any failing test. Test corrections are optional for passing grades on tests.

Use your time in class wisely! We will have 90 minutes of classtime every day. If your child uses his/her time in class wisely, there will not be a lot of homework. Any assignment not completed in class will be done as homework. In general, homework assignments are due two days after they are assigned.

Take responsibility for your own learning! If any student's math average falls below 80, he/she should to come to tutorials for extra help!

I keep my gradebook very caught up. Family Access provides up to date information on your child's average and missing work. Additionally, I plan to give out a weekly grade sheet to every student so that they will know what assignments they are missing and what their average is. We do take a grade almost every day in math. Getting addional help when needed would be the best choice they can make for their success, but it is up to them to take advantage of the times I have to offer.

My preferred method of communication is e-mail if I need to contact you directly, but I will call you if that is what is needed. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail or by leaving a phone message with the front office at your convenience. I usually respond to every e-mail or phone message I get within 24 hours. Additionally, please make sure your e-mail address and phone numbers are up to date with the school office.

Since I have extremely high expectations of my students performance and behavior in my classroom, I feel that's it's only fair that my students have the right to have equally high expectations of me. Therefore, I have two sets of classroom expectations posted in my room at all times.

2. Respect - I will treat you with respect at all times, and will strive to provide you with specific feedback on your performance … both good and opportunities for improvement.

1. Integrity – You will conduct yourself with integrity at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, obeying all school rules and not cheating, lying, or stealing.

2. Respect – Teacher, Classmates, and their possessions - Treat others as you would want them to treat you. This includes no name calling, use of appropriate language, keeping your hands to yourself, being in your seat when the bell rings, allowing others to speak, and no threats or bullying.

3. Hard work – If you give 100% effort to this class, you will not fail it. I expect you to do the assignments, come to tutoring when needed, and make an effort to learn the material.

4. Class participation – Come to class prepared, be willing to share. Obviously, you can’t participate if you aren’t here, so please make every effort to be in your seat before the bell rings. Also, do not check your brain at the door. You will need it!

My name is Casey Harl. I was born in Corpus Christi, TX and reared in South Texas. I played basketball and was involved in numerous honors societies while in high school. Of the 69 students in my graduating class, five of us went to Texas A&M University, where I graduated with University Honors and a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. While attending TAMU, I participated in intramural basketball, joined several honors societies, and had the opportunity to spend 3.5 months studying in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy where I gained an appreciation for the arts and other cultures.

I spent the first 14 years of my employment working for a Fortune 500 Chemical and Polymer company in their Information Technology department. I traveled all over the world in various technical and management positions, and grew to understand what it takes to be successful both in life and in a career. My personal goal is to teach my students the skills to be successful not just in math, but in life as well.

I have been married for over 12 years, and I have three daughters aged 4, 6, and 7. My hobbies include teaching 1st grade Sunday School, woodworking, basketball, and rearing children!