About Algebra 1

Required Daily Materials

Please make sure your child has the following supplies in class with them EVERY DAY:

        • A 100-sheet composition book for creating an Interactive Math Notebook.
        • A 100-sheet, college ruled, spiral notebook for completing homework assignments.
        • 2 pencils or 1 mechanical pencil with lead.
        • Grading pen and highlighter
        • Scotch Tape or Glue Stick for adding things to Math Notebook

Technology In The Classroom

We will use technology to enhance the educational experience in our classroom on a regular basis, so your child is encouraged to bring their cell phone to class. We have WiFi in every classroom, and students are able to join the Cy Fair wireless network.

We will also use Google Classroom for managing assignments, due dates and discussion. Students will receive information on how to join during the first week of school.

Interactive Math Notebook

Students will be required to keep an Interactive Math Notebook containing notes and example problems. They are free to bring it home to show you and to use when completing homework, but we will use them in class every day, so please make sure they bring them back to school every day.

Students may receive 1-2 grades per grading period based on entering required content into their notebooks and bringing them to class every day.

Homework

Homework will be given on most evenings, and completed in a 100-sheet spiral notebook. The reason I insist on students completing their homework in a homework spiral is that many students will not show their process when space is limited. A spiral gives them as much space as they need to show their thinking. Your child will probably need 2 100-sheet spiral notebooks for the entire year: one for the first semester and another for the second semester.

Homework should not take more than 30 minutes. We will go over homework every day in class. Homework is given to allow students time to practice skills and to make sure they truly understand concepts taught during class.

Tutorials

Tutorials will be held on Wednesday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. Students must turn in a permission slip in order to stay for tutorials. Students may get a permission slip from any teacher.

Grading

Six-week grades are based on the following category weights:

      • Tests – 50%
      • Assessments – 30%
      • Homework, Quizzes, Class Work and Notebook Checks – 20%

As per the district’s and Truitt’s retake policy, students will be allowed to retake one test, one assessment, and three daily assignments per grading period. It is vital that students study and complete assignments so they can achieve their highest potential grade.

Tests and Assignments

Students will know at least one week in advance of upcoming tests, assessments or project deadlines. If your student is absent on a test or assessment day, he/she will need to speak with me about an appropriate time to make up the test. All missing assignments are entered in the gradebook as a zero, but this is just to help both me and your child remember that something is missing. The grade will be entered for full credit when the assignment has been completed.

All important dates will be entered into the Class Calendar.

Textbooks and on-line access

Textbooks will not be checked out to students because all of our math textbook material is available on-line.

To access textbooks, log into my.cfisd.net in Google Chrome and click on "My Schedule and Textbooks." You should see textbooks for any classes that offer them. If you get a message prompting you to install the WebPass extension, install it.

Graphing Calculators

TI-84 calculators are used throughout the course and will be provided by the district for class work. Because of the high cost of the calculators, you and your child will both be asked to sign a calculator use contract indicating that your child will use the calculator responsibly and appropriately.

For more information about calculators, see the Calculator Information page.

Contact Information

Please feel free to contact me by email. I will respond as quickly as possible, although I may not be able to address confidential information via email. You may also call the school and leave a message at 281-856-1100. I will try to return phone calls by the end of the school day, if possible. I look forward to getting to know you and your child