Parents

MR. FLOYD's F.A.Q.

Q. Why take Algebra 2 Honors?

A. Algebra 2 is arguably the most profound and rigorous math class any student takes in High School. While Algebra 1 introduces the student to the foundation for all things to come, Algebra 2 begins to build the mighty edifices in which the student resides. The entire journey is devoted to experiencing and mastering (with the exception of Trigonometry) the myriad functions that comprise the world in which we live and interact. Climbing the mountain of Algebra 2 means that you get to gleefully ski down the slope of all future math classes.

Q. Why take Precalculus Honors?

A. Precalculus is an excellent continuation of the topics started in Algebra 2. It also serves as the last bridge before reaching AP Calculus with new topics like Trigonometry and Conics. Also, unless you had the rare student that came through a track where they took Algebra 3 or Discrete Mathematics, Precalculus will serve as their 4th high school mathematics credit.

Q. What materials will my child need for Algebra 2 HN / Precalculus HN?

A. Like all other math classes, they will need a notebook with plenty of paper. I suggest loose-left, but to each his own. They will also need pencils for all things turned in to me (quizzes, tests, projects). They may take their own personal notes in whatever medium they prefer, so they can be creative if that’s their thing. Many students in the past have also suggested colored pencils when the graphing gets heavy. Finally, they will need a book of graph paper. We do tons of graphing and I detest getting little half-sheets of graph paper because they had to steal a sliver from their friend.

Q. Do we need to buy a graphing calculator?

A. That… is a tough one. I don’t think I can come right out and demand you buy a graphing calculator. I can, however, tell you that, at this point in the game (Algebra 2, really), one should have your own graphing calculator.

Q. Which graphing calculator should we buy?

A. Hold your horses! I was getting to that! If the students have used calculators at school, then they’re probably most familiar with the TI-84 CE calculator. The other version they may (rarely) see in a math classroom is the TI-89 (or TI-89 Titanium). This one is noticeably more powerful and has lots of added features, but has three major drawbacks: 1) It is more expensive and I’ve seen the prices fluctuate dramatically on Amazon, 2) There is nothing extra the -89 will do that will benefit you in a High School math (or science) classroom, and 3) It uses a completely different engine, so they'll have to learn a new set of menus and button sequences. If your child knows they’re going to be an Engineer, splurge on the -89 and live the dream. If any other major is in their future, the -84 will do the job nicely.

Q. What do we do if we don’t buy a graphing calculator?

A. I have a set of 30 TI-84 CE calculators for use in the classroom. They don’t leave the classroom, though, and the District isn’t quick to replace them when they die. I’d once again give some serious thought to buying a personal calculator.

Q. Getting our own calculator is really not in the cards. Do you have a Plan C?

A. There are emulators for calculators that you can download to your computer. Desmos, Swartview, and GeoGebra are a few of the better ones out there. I tend to crack down more severely, though, when computers are open in class, especially when an assessment is being given.

Oh! And I have a couple of sliderules and an abacus if they want to challenge themselves!

Q. May the students eat/drink in class?

A. Absolutely, as long as they remember their manners and don’t eat like a horse. Also, I pride myself on the fact that the custodians rarely have to clean my room; I do that. That means if someone makes a mess, they clean my room.

If a student doesn’t clean up after themself, I write them up… and make it sound really, really good… like “defacing school property”.

Q. I know my child is probably going to need a lot of extra help. When are you available for tutoring?

A. Unless I have a meeting or some other school function, I make myself available every free minute I have. This semester that will include before school (7:20 on), during my planning period, as well as my lunch. Just get a pass beforehand so your child doesn’t get hassled by the teachers on duty (who are only doing their jobs). Finally, I can be persuaded to stay for a quick polish until about 4:00. No sign up or prior arrangements are necessary.

Q. What is the best way to contact you if I have questions or concerns?

A. The absolute best way to reach me is by email. I’ll (grudgingly) pick up the phone in class, but I won’t carry on any kind of coherent conversation during class time. If you leave a number, I’ll call you back as soon as I can that day or the following morning (if it’s after hours). I don’t check my email or school messages at home. Know that.

I’m also happy to set up a meeting vis-à-vis if you so desire. Just email or call first to work something out.

Q. How often do you update your grade book?

A. The District policy is “at least once a week”. I, however, tend to hop online the minute I grade something. You can realistically expect the grade book to be updated almost daily.

Q. Will you call home if you have concerns?

A. I could blow smoke at you here, but I’m feeling rather forthcoming. I rarely initiate a call home for 2 reasons: 1) I update my grade book so frequently that I shouldn’t have to tell anyone how a student is doing academically, or 2) If the issue is about behavior, someone's usually gone so far that it brought the class to a screeching halt and an administrator had to be called (in which case said administrator would be reading a referral to you for me). The minor disruptions may necessitate a call home, but I don’t foresee discipline being an issue.

I know some students have been raised in a society that showers children with praise for flushing the toilet and putting the seat down. Nay, I say. If I pick up the phone to say something nice about your child, then they've just solved the Riemann Hypothesis.

Q. What’s the Riemann Hypothesis?

A. You’re missing the point. And your child can look it up if they want a phone call home.

Q. My child isn't a good test tak…

A. Let me stop you right there. That’s code for a bigger problem than I can fix in a math class.

Q. But, they're really not that goo…

A. I’m warning you. I know where this is going and you’re not going to like my answer.

Q. …d attakingtestsandIwaswonderingwhenyougavemake-uptests! Whew!

A. Seriously…? Alrighty, let me go through this once. The students set their own "homework" numbers based on theireffort. Not me… the Student. If they want to lie to me and throw out straight 100’s without ever picking up a pencil, then they can go right ahead and “fool me”. It’ll show up on the quizzes and tests that they haven’t studied. Also, remember that they get to use their notes on almost every quiz, so it would behoove them to take good notes, diligently do their practice problems, and study. Then, on top of that, should their test grade be higher than any quizzes they took in that unit, the test grade will replace those lower quiz grades. Consider THAT the re-test.

Q. So… what you’re saying is that you don’t re-test?

A. My apologies… I do re-test… about the same time next year.

Q. I can already tell that this is going to be an amazing year! I can’t wait for my child to learn some math!

A. That wasn’t a question, but I appreciate your enthusiasm!