RULES AND PROCEDURES, ALG ESSENTIALS

Algebra Essentials

CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES

Mrs. Verceles 847.626.2739 jesver@d219.org

Mr. DeFelice seadef@d219.org

Room 3175

Dear Student,

Welcome to Algebra Essentials! We look forward to working with you this year. This letter contains the classroom rules, procedures, and expectations. Please read this carefully with your parent(s) and/or guardian(s).

This course includes the topics from the 8th grade math and the first semester of algebra handled in greater depth, including equivalency, graphing, and solving. New topics include linear systems. To do well in this course, 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 outside of class.

1. 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.

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

· Organized Binder (to be provided in class)

· pencils, eraser, pens

· TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator

· netbook (charge battery at home)

3. 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/guardian, 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. Verceles - office hours 2nd period during the school day

· Literacy Center - before, during, and after school

· Your personal math tutor! - during your study hall

· Before & after school by appointment

4. TESTS/QUIZZES: 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.

5. 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 using the class calendar online 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.

6. 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) Be respectful—towards your classmates, classroom materials and facilities, and

your teacher.

2) Be fully involved in class activities.

3) Ask questions about ideas or problems that you do not understand. Chances are

that if you have a question, one of your classmates is wondering the same thing!

4) Take notes and use them when studying.

5) Learn something everyday!

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

7. HOMEWORK: Doing assignments conscientiously 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. Assignments should be kept for reference and review. Homework will be checked in class. How homework will contribute to the grade will be carefully detailed in class. The chapter syllabus with homework assignments is available online on the class website. Please make sure to check the class website regularly for updates on class schedules, assignments, and possible extra credit opportunities.

8. GRADING: 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 Pinnacle Internet Viewer and thus always know his/her grade.

9. 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 all tests and quizzes as these will provide excellent review materials. All students will take the district final examinations.

10. 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.

11. 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.

- From time to time, students may be offered the opportunity to purchase a used calculator from other students. It would be advisable to check the manufacturer's serial number to see if it is still there. One may question the ownership of a calculator that: a) has the original serial number removed; or b) shows evidence of sanding in an area where an identifying mark may have been made.

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