COURSE SYLLABUS 2025-26
HONORS ALGEBRA 1
MRS. SHARLA GILHOME
SCHOOL PHONE #: 940-369-3198
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 Honors 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 Honors Algebra 1:
chrome book (daily) with charger
a notebook to keep notes, work, etc.
Spiral or Notebook Paper
Pencils (with erasers)
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: Calculator X or Calculate84
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.
30% Minor Summative Assessments (approx. one per week)
Could include but not limited to – quizzes, reviews, exit slips, activities, etc.
70% 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. All work must be completed BEFORE first test to be eligible for Major Reassessment.
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.
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 for tutorials when needed.
Monitor your grades through our grading platform - Home Access Center (HAC)
I UPDATE HAC WEEKLY!
Textbook Info:
In Honors Algebra 1 we will be using College Board’s official Pre AP program called SpringBoard – Mathematics with Meaning – Algebra 1. The College Board developed SpringBoard as a clearly articulated, engaging, and rigorous framework for mathematics instruction that develops the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare students for college and to compete in the 21st century. Students need to be able to solve complex math problems using a variety of mathematical knowledge and skills, collaborate with others to complete a task, and communicate effectively using the language of mathematics. With SpringBoard, students explore the “big ideas” and develop the critical thinking skills needed to apply and communicate concepts in real-world situations.
You will receive a consumable student book/workbook and you will also receive access to the online version.
Honors Algebra 1 Outline:
Semester 1
Unit 1: Equations and Inequalities
Unit 2A: Representations of Functions
Unit 2B: Slope, Direct Variation & Arithmetic Sequences
Unit 2C: Forms of Linear Functions, Inequalities & Regressions
Unit 3: Systems of Equations & Inequalities
Semester 1 Exam
Semester 2
Unit 4A &4B: Exponential Relationships & Radicals
Unit 4C: Polynomial Operations and Factoring
Unit 5A: Graphing Quadratic Functions
Unit 5B: Solving Quadratic Equations
STAAR TEST
Semester 2 Exam
All Algebra 1 students will take the End of Course STAAR Test in May
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
Tardies:
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 with ISSC time and/or DAEP placement.
Classroom Rules:
Earn Respect by Showing Respect 😊
See the DISD Student Code of Conduct Handbook.
See the DISD Student and Parent Handbook
Student Expectations:
Students will complete all assignments assigned. Homework will not be taken as a grade, but will still be given as an assignment and checked daily. Homework is necessary practice for students to master the necessary objectives for the course. Completing homework will improve and strengthen the students’ understanding of the Algebra concepts. Completed homework may be used on quizzes given in class.
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 read assignments carefully. In the case of absence, it is YOUR responsibility to obtain any handouts and assignments missed and to complete them in a timely manner. More than likely, tutorials will be needed for help understanding the material.
Students are expected to seek help in class by asking questions when they do not understand a topic. If further understanding is needed, students are 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,
Do your work,
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