Homework Assignments
These assignments may change. Check your agenda book for what I assigned in class. Assignments are due the day after they are assigned unless told or noted otherwise. Also cross check assignments with Alma and the HW sheet from class.
Welcome to your 8th grade math class! I’m very happy to be teaching you in math this year. My goal is to teach each and every one of you the skills it takes to learn and be successful in math, and have fun doing it! I would like to see many of you successfully advance through Algebra 1 this year so next year, when you go to high school, you will be able to take the next level of math. However, to be successful in future high school math classes, the concepts taught in Algebra 1 must be mastered first.
I ask each student to have a spiral notebook for class. This will allow space for the student to take notes during class and also do written homework in the same notebook. Your binder or a folder is necessary to keep worksheets and other loose papers. Each student will need pencils (all work is to be done in pencil) and a calculator—it must be a scientific calculator…one that does roots/exponents/fractions. Students can use their Chromebook as their calculator, but phones as calculators will not be allowed in class. The text for this class is Pearson Algebra 1 and it is directly aligned with the math Common Core Standards. Pearson does offer an online text that students can access at home: (https://savvasrealize.com/#/.) I will give each student their usernames and passwords at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to bring their textbook, folder, and notebook to class each day.
Over the course of this year students will: learn the language of Algebra- expressions and equations, real numbers and exponential expressions; solve linear equations and systems of equations; graph relations and functions; analyze and solve linear inequalities; learn about polynomials and factoring; work with quadratic, exponential, radical and rational functions; analyze, rotate, translate geometric shapes; and work with 3D solids to find surface area and volume. This Accelerated Algebra class will be taught similar to a high school level Algebra class and can be demanding and difficult at times.
In this math class and those to come in future years, each new idea builds upon previously learned ideas. Therefore, students cannot afford to fall behind. Homework exercises are assigned nearly every day as a way to practice and reinforce what was learned in class. Working independently on math concepts outside of the math class is crucial in helping master concepts. Homework formats may vary from paper to digital assignments. My grading breakdown is as follows:
Homework (daily) 25% Quizzes (usually 1 per week)/Classwork 25% Tests/Projects 50%
All homework is due on the due date. Each homework assignment will be checked daily and is graded a 0, 1, or 2. A 2 means the assignment is completed as directed, all work included. A 1 means a) part of the assignment is completed as directed, or b) the assignment was on time but didn’t show work as needed, or c) the assignment is late (read below for late HW policy). And finally, a 0 means the assignment in not complete as directed or is not completed before the deadline to turn in late work. Homework can be made up (but graded as a 1 (50%)) until the unit of study is complete or once the chapter is finished. After that point, any homework that is not complete will remain as a 0.
Parents are encouraged and expected to keep track of how well their children are doing on homework and tests/quizzes. If students or parents have any questions/concerns or need to set up a time for extra help, please email me at elapiejko@nottingham.k12.nh.us and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
I look forward to a wonderful year!