Policies & Procedures 2018-19

If you have any questions regarding policies and procedures, please feel free to contact me. To do well in these courses, students must be willing to analyze information, apply what they know to new situations, and clearly justify their decisions to others. Please know that I am more than willing to help develop these skills outside of class.

ATTENDANCE: Each student is expected to attend class daily and furthermore, to be SEATED in his/her seat when the bell rings. The attendance and tardy policies of this class follow the official school policies as outlined in the Student Planner/ Handbook.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: The goal is to use the entire class period for teaching and learning mathematics. Students should prepare for class activities before the period officially begins. Observing the following will help to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning:

1) Every individual is RESPONSIBLE for supporting each other and themself.

2) This is a MISTAKE-MAKING PLACE. It's what you do after you make a mistake that grows you as a person.

3) COOPERATION and building relationships through math discussion is an important part of our growth.

4) Be the best you. You are WORTH IT.

Inappropriate language and conduct will not be tolerated and school policy on the matter will apply.

CLASS MATERIALS: Each student is expected to report to class adequately prepared to participate. This includes bringing to class:

· Organization system · netbook (charge battery at home) · loose leaf paper 8 1/2” x 11”

· pencils, eraser, pens · TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator · a smile

HOMEWORK: Doing assignments conscientiously according to instructions is a major learning experience, and doing them is a requirement, not an option. Failure to complete homework assignments daily will tremendously reduce your success rate in this course. Assignments are generally given everyday. They should be kept for reference and review. Homework will be checked in class. Please make sure to check the class website regularly for updates on class schedules and assignments.

EXTRA HELP: Should a student experience any difficulties in class, we strongly encourage him/her to meet with us after class to arrange a help-session. In the event where an outside private tutor is engaged, we ask that the parent, teacher, and tutor communicate initially, and then continue this communication. This mutually-supportive arrangement will help maximize the student's chances for success. EXTRA help is available as follows:

• Ms. Madigan-Verceles, Mr. DeFelice - office hours during the school day
• Literacy Center - before, during, and after school
• Before & after school by appointment

TESTS/QUIZZES AND GRADING: ALL tests will always be announced in advance. These will occur at the end of each unit and will usually be cumulative in nature. One or two quizzes of various types will be given during each unit. Some quizzes may come from homework problems or be unannounced.

The following is the grading scale to be used in this class:

90% -l00%= A 80% -89% = B 70% -79% = C 60% -69% = D 59% or below = F

Each student has access to Infinite Campus Internet Viewer and thus always know his/her grade.

MAKE-UP PROCEDURES: The following is the district's operating statement regarding test/project make-up and shall be followed by this class:

a. Any student falsely claiming illness to avoid taking an examination or turning in a paper, project, report or take-home test is subject to penalty as stated in the Academic Dishonesty section of the Student Handbook.

b. If a test is missed due to an unanticipated absence on the day of the test only, the student should take the test by the end of the day upon which she/he returns.

c. If a test will be missed due to an extended unanticipated absence (two or more days), the student should be given the same number of days to make up the test as days missed.

- if a student is absent for three consecutive days including the day of the test, the student must take the test within three days of returning;

- if a student is absent from Monday through Wednesday, and the test is on Thursday the day the student returns to school, the student must take the test by the end of the day on Tuesday (following three days of grace) of the following week.

d. If a test will be missed due to routine doctor/dentist appointments or school-related activities (anticipated absences), the student should inform the teacher of the anticipated absence as far in advance as possible to facilitate the make-up on the missed test.

- a test missed due to a partial-day absence should be made up the same day of the absence, after school, if possible;

- a test missed due to a full-day absence should be made up by the

end of the first day upon returning to school.

For example, if a student is absent on Wednesday, the test should be taken on Thursday.

e. If a student is absent (unanticipated) on the due date of a long-term project (project assigned two weeks or more in advance), the completed project is due on the day of return to school.

f. If a student is absent (anticipated) on the due date of a long-term project (project assigned two weeks or more in advance), the completed project is still due that day. Students should make arrangements for delivery with the teacher.

g. Suspensions (credit for work missed):

- Out-of-class assignments: During the suspension students will be expected to work on any assignment that can be completed out of class. Students on suspension shall call or write the teacher for assignments made during the period of suspension. All assignments are due on the day of return (or on the due date if later), and will be graded without late penalty.

- In class assignments: As a natural consequence of missing class, however, students on suspension will receive no credit for assignments completed during class for in-class participation points.

- Tests: Students will be allowed to take all tests and assessments given during the suspension on the day of their return, or at a later date with teacher approval. These assignments will be graded without late penalty.

These additional notes pertain to this class: If a student is absent from class it is that student's responsibility to determine what material was missed and to make-up that material. Tests and quizzes MUST be made-up within the allotted time upon returning to school. If a test or quiz is not made up, the student will obtain a grade of zero. It is the student's responsibility to determine a time schedule for make-up work immediately upon returning to school.

FINAL EXAM: The final exam is a very important part of the course, and is given at the end of each semester. We strongly recommend that each student keep in his/her 3-ring binder or notebook all tests and quizzes as these will provide excellent review materials. All students will take the district final examinations.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students are expected to review and conform to the enclosed statement on academic dishonesty. (A copy also appears in the Student Handbook.) Academic dishonesty violations normally result in a grade of zero for the test or assignment, and in some cases, a mandatory conference with parents/guardians. A copy of the academic dishonesty report will be placed in the student's temporary school files, which may result in loss of eligibility for the National Honor Society or other prestigious memberships, awards and scholarships.

CALCULATORS AND SECURITY: Think of your calculator as you would think of your purse, wallet, or a hundred-dollar bill. You must make certain that it is not left unattended.

- The Dean's office has the capability of engraving your name on your calculator, and also registering it by serial number in their records. This is highly recommended, as valuables sometimes get lost or stolen.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: PARENTS/GUARDIANS: We welcome any opportunity to discuss your son's or daughter's progress in our class. Feel free to call at any time.