Student Expectations

Each student will bring to class each day:

·         Last night’s homework

·         Binder (with plenty of paper inside)

·         Pencils and grading pen

 

Students must be in their seats with their materials for class and be working on the morning’s warm-up by the time the tardy bell rings.  Students who chose not to be prepared will be counted tardy, as they will have to go back and get their needed supplies.  Three tardies earn lunch detention, as per GWJH Student Code of Conduct.

 

Students are expected to behave appropriately.  I expect us all to use proper manners (please, thank you, kindness, good hygiene) so that we can all thrive in a safe, fun learning environment.  Mainly, the rules are:

·         Behave in a way that allows me to teach.

·         Behave in a way that allows everyone to learn.

·         Protect the property and feelings of others so that they will protect yours.

We will discuss some social behavior issues on the first day so that everyone is familiar with exactly what is expected of them in math class.

 

Students are also expected to ask questions when anything is confusing or when they need help. 

 

Grading Policy

 

Grading Weight:

            50%  Unit tests, special projects, quizzes and vocabulary tests 

            25%  Home practice, class practice, binder

            25%  Six-week exams

 

Grading Summary:

Home Practice:  Homework may be given any day.  It may be corrected in class the day after it is assigned or it may be collected to be graded by Mrs. Pawelek.  Late work will be graded according to GWISD Late Work Policy (details further below).  If you received a low score on your home practice and would like extra help, you may come after school for tutoring and will be allowed to redo the assignment for full credit.  Arrangements must be made ahead of time.   

 

Quizzes:  Quizzes can be given at any time. These are used to quickly check students’ current level of mastery on the current topic. 

 

Class work:  Class work is done ONLY in class, as the name implies, and serves as independent practice.  Students will be graded on what they complete in the time they are given.  They are not penalized for not finishing every problem, because different students work at different paces. 

 

Vocabulary tests:  May be given at any time. 

 

Binder:  A binder must be kept and brought to class each day.  Please see binder guidelines on the next page.

 

 

Six-week exam:   These are TAKS-style tests that will cover everything learned in class to date, including all past topics in other six-week periods. 

 

Accommodations and modifications:  If a student qualifies for and is entitled to any accommodations or modifications, these will be used on a daily basis in class and on all tests and exams.

 

Extra Credit:  Extra credit is available for all students each six weeks.  A binder of extra credit pages is located by the pencil sharpener.  Any student may do any or all of the pages available each six weeks and the work is not due until the end of the six week period.  Each page can be done ONLY once.  Extra credit counts only in the six-week period in which it was made available.

 

Corrections:  Students may correct any class work, home practice, vocabulary test, quiz or unit test.  Corrected answers, with all work shown, will receive half-credit back for the first attempt at corrections, one-quarter back for the second attempt.  Corrections will not be accepted after the second attempt.  Corrections must be done in pen and MUST be done on correction paper.

 

 

Progress Reports:  Progress reports go out on the Monday after the third week of the six-week period. 

 

Other Grading Notes:

1.     All work MUST be done in pencil.  Work in pen results in a deduction of 20 points on the assignment.

2.     Name and date MUST be on all papers in the upper right-hand corner.  No name results in a deduction of 10 points on the assignment.

3.     Answers must be written in the designated spaces.  If there is no designated space, answers will be boxed in.

4.     You will show all work on each problem.  If you worked a problem in your head, then you must explain your thinking process.  When working with formulas, you will begin with the formula and show all steps of simplification.  Not showing work may result in a deduction of points or a rejection of the assignment.  This is stress the importance of the PROCESS of mathematics and in preparation for Algebra I.

5.     Work must be neat and easy to find, follow and read.

 

 

Late Work Policy:   

 

Late work is defined as any assignment that is not turned in on the day in which the assignment is due.

The purpose of the deadline is to set expectations that students will learn to meet deadlines as a part of a real-life skill. Points will be deducted for each day that the work is late. If the total is 100 points, one day late begins at 90 points; two days late begins at 80 points.

 

After the second day, work will be accepted but recorded as a zero (0) if a grade is being taken.

Meeting deadlines is a real-life skill that can be practiced and reinforced. Teachers are discouraged from allowing a student additional time, except for extenuating circumstances or designation on a student’s IEP.

 

Extenuating circumstances may occur that are directly out of the student’s control and prevent them from completing and returning assignments. Students are to inform the teacher of any such circumstances that prevented them from returning homework. Teachers may grant exceptions to this regulation.

 

 

Make Up Work: 

 

1. Students who miss work in class due to an absence (excused, unexcused or suspension) are permitted to  make up work.

2. A student is required to make up all work missed while absent. Teachers will provide the student with a packet of missed work when a student returns from an absence.

3. For work assigned when a student is absent, one (1) day is given for each day missed up to a maximum of five (5) days, except for extenuation circumstances.

1 day absent – 1 school day after return to school

2 days absent – 2 school days after return to school

3 days absent – 3 school days after return to school

4 days absent – 4 school days after return to school

5 days absent – 5 school days after return to school

Ex: If absent on Monday, work is due on Wednesday.  If absent Monday and Tuesday, work is

due Friday.

4. Work, projects, or tests assigned when a student is present will be taken immediately upon return to the next scheduled class.  Teachers should announce major assignments or scheduled tests at least 2 days in advance; therefore students who are absent have a general idea as to what class work or scheduled tests are in progress during the absence. Some teacher discretion should be used in cases involving more severe situations, such as illnesses, etc.

5. Make-up tests should be scheduled before or after school. Make-up tests may be given during class at the teacher’s discretion. If a student is absent from a schedule make-up exam on two occasions, he/she may be given a zero for that exam.

6. A student should make prior arrangements with the teacher for making up missed work when he/she anticipates being absent (school activity, doctor/dental appointment, etc.).

7. After an absence, students may contact the school to secure assignments which are not available from classmates with the understanding assignments may not be available until the end of the next school day.

8. Exceptions for extenuation circumstances may be granted by the campus administration.

 

Tutorials

All teachers are available for tutorials from 3:30 to 4:00, Monday through Thursday.  I will be happy to stay on a Friday if prior arrangements have been made.   

 

 

Math Binder Guidelines

 

 

The math binder is to be brought to class each day and taken home each night.

 

 

At the front of the binder, before the dividers, you will have:

 

1.    Binder cover sheet, with your name and class period.  You may be creative with this and decorate it if you wish.

 

2.     Current grade sheet

 

 

Use your dividers for these 5 sections:

 

1.    Home Practice and Class Practice:  This will be cleaned out each six weeks.  Papers will be kept in date order.

 

2.     Quizzes and Vocabulary Tests:  Kept all year, in date order.

 

5.    Handouts:  Any important papers that you are given during the year.

 

Binders will be collected periodically at unannounced times.  Students will be given a daily grade for keeping the notebook organized.