COURSE SYLLABUS 2025-26
ALGEBRA 1
MRS. SHARLA GILHOME
SCHOOL PHONE #: 940-369-3000
EMAIL: SGILHOME@DENTONISD.ORG
ROOM: 161
TUTORIALS:
M-F 8:15-8:45 AM AND 4:15- 5:00 PM
2025-26 School Calendar:25-26 Calendar
2025-26 Daily Bell Schedule:
2025-26 A/B schedule calendar: 25-26 A/B Schedule
Student Parent Handbook: DISD Student Parent Handbook
Student Code of Conduct: DISD Student Code of Conduct
ALL Family Resources: DISD Family Resource Documents
Welcome to Algebra 1!
I look forward to working with all of you this year. Within this letter are my goals, expectations, syllabus and suggestions for the class. This information is important and necessary for you to excel in my class. Please read over the information carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Supplies needed for Algebra 1:
chrome book (daily) with charger
a notebook to keep notes, work, etc.
Spiral or Notebook Paper
Pencils (with erasers)
Highlighters
Pack of Disinfecting wipes or a Box of Tissue or paper towels.
A graphing calculator will be provided for you in the classroom.
If you plan on buying a graphing calculator, I highly suggest the TI-84+ any edition.
There are apps and online programs that students can access to use a graphing calculator at home:
Android Phones Free App: Wabbitemu
IPhone Free App: Caluclate84 or Calculator X
Grading Policy:
All assignments and assessments will be referenced to the standards.
Grades will be reflective of student learning.
Students will be expected to complete all assignments on time and in their entirety.
40% Minor Summative Assessments (approx. one per week)
Could include but not limited to – quizzes, reviews, exit slips, activities, etc.
60% Major Summative Assessments (approx. 2 per grading period)
Could include but not limited to – tests, projects, common assessments, essays, presentations, etc.
0% Formative Assessments (many per grading period)
Could include but not limited to – practice work, homework, class discussion, lesson practice, daily work, independent practice, progress checks, etc.
Will be done, checked and feedback provided
Numeric grades will not be given.
Reassessment Procedures for Summative Assessments:
Students will be given the opportunity for reassessment of major summative assessments (excluding semester exams) assuming they have met the expectations outlined in the DISD Grading Practices. Reassessment of minor assessments will be at teacher discretion.
Make-up work:
It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for makeup work on the day he/she returns to school.
Timelines for makeup work: Number of blocks absent plus one block. Example: Absent Monday, returns on Wednesday, work is due Friday.
A student who misses a previously announced test will be expected to take the test on the day he/she returns.
Monitor your grades through our grading platform - Home Access Center (HAC).
I update grades weekly.
Most course work is in Canvas - our Learning Management Platform for all secondary DISD students. Canvas is accessible from the DISD SSO page. So, you should be able to catch up on your own using Canvas. I am also available during tutorials for any help needed.
Textbook Info:
In Algebra 1, the Holt McDougal (HMH) Algebra 1 textbook will be used. You will have access to a consumable book (workbook that is yours to keep) in the classroom. There is an online version. Gain access to the online version by logging into the DISD Single Sign On then choosing the Holt McDougal Online “My HRW” icon and following the directions.
Curriculum:
Instructional Resources used in Algebra : DISD Instructional Resources
Purpose & Expectations Document:
District Assessment Plan and Reported Student Progress Measures
Algebra 1 TEKS by Unit: DISD Algebra 1 TEKS by Unit
More Curriculum information can be found here:
DISD Secondary Teaching & Learning
Algebra 1 Outline/Syllabus:
Semester 1
Unit 1: Algebraic Models
Unit 2: Understanding Functions
Unit 3A: Slope and Key Features of Linear Equations
Unit 3B: Writing Linear Equations
Unit 3C: Linear Equations, Inequalities and Modeling
Unit 4: Linear Systems
Semester 1 Exam
Semester 2
Unit 5: Exponential Relationships
Unit 6: Polynomial Operations
Unit 7: Quadratic Functions
Unit 8: Quadratic Equations and Modeling
STAAR TEST
Semester 2 Exam
All Algebra 1 students will take the End of Course STAAR test in May
Classroom Expectations
CELL PHONE POLICY (IT’S THE LAW!):
First level of intervention - Teacher redirect -
1st - Phone will be placed in phone pocket in classroom for rest of class time.
2nd - Phone will be placed in phone pocket in classroom for rest of class time
& phone will be placed in phone pocket in classroom for entire class period for 5 days
Second level of intervention - Administration
1st offense
Device taken by admin, held until the end of the day
Student can pick up device at 4:10
Admin will make parent contact and document the warning in ESchool
2nd offense
Device taken by admin, held until the end of the day
Guardian must pick up device after school or next day
Detention assigned (before, lunch, or after school)
Admin will issue behavior contract outlining next offense will result in ISS
3rd offense
Device taken by admin, held until the end of the day
Guardian must pick up device after school or next day
ISS assigned
4th offense and beyond
Same as 3rd offense
ISS assignment escalates
Possible OSS or DAEP assignment
Tardy Policy:
You must be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings indicating the passing period is up.
Unexcused tardies will result in:
1st tardy – warning
2nd tardy – warning and parent contact
3rd tardy – Thursday evening detention & parent contact
4th tardy and each one there after - a referral to AP
Classroom Rules:
Earn Respect by Showing Respect 😊
See the DISD Student Code of Conduct Handbook.
See the DISD Student and Parent Handbook
Student Educational Expectations:
Students will complete all assignments assigned. Formative work will not be taken as a grade, but will still be given as an assignment and checked daily. Formative work is necessary practice for students to master the necessary objectives for the course. Completing formative work will improve and strengthen the students’ understanding of the Algebra concepts.
Students will work collaboratively throughout the year and are expected to behave appropriately at all times. Respect for personal and public property will be practiced. Any action that is disrespectful, intentionally distracts other students from learning, or violates the student code of conduct, will warrant consequences.
Students are expected to take notes over the material in this class and to show work when necessary.
In the case of absence, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain any handouts and assignments missed and to complete them in a timely manner. Attending tutorials will probably be necessary to understand the missed material.
Students are expected to seek help in class by asking questions when they do not understand a topic. If further understanding is needed, the student is expected to seek help through tutoring. If no attempt is made, I will have no choice but to give the grade earned.
I believe that each of you can excel in Algebra I this year!!
The formula is simple:
Be present
Work Hard
Come to tutorials if you need help-don’t wait
Be prepared and ready to maximize your class time
We are going to have a GREAT year! Remember math is progressive and if you don’t comprehend the current concept you will have a difficult time understanding the next one. Math is all about the process of problem solving, not the final answer. Mistakes are expected and welcomed. Learning from mistakes is how to learn these processes. With that in mind…Please Please, Please ask questions in class. Asking questions is OK! I promise!
Let’s have an AWESOME year!!
Mrs. Gilhome