Greer Middle School 2025-2026 

Math 8 Syllabus

Mrs. Sherf


Mission Statement:

The mission of Greer Middle School is to empower students to become independent, productive learners who exemplify good character.


Course Description

This course is a continuation of the concepts of Pre-Algebra taught in seventh grade but with a more detailed study of equations and linear functions. It is excellent preparation for Algebra I in high school.  It is aligned to the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. The skills taught are broken down into these five main categories.


The Number System — Students will extend their knowledge of rational numbers and classify all real numbers. 

Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities — Students will work with square and cube roots and their inverses, extend their knowledge of the laws of exponents to include integer exponents, understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations, analyze and solve linear equations and inequalities as well as pairs of simultaneous linear equations. 

Functions — Students will define, evaluate, and compare functions and use functions to model relationships between quantities. 

Geometry — Students will extend their understanding of congruence and similarity, understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem, and solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres. 

Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability — Students will investigate patterns of association in bivariate data. 




Daily Required Materials


Textbook

The content of 8th grade Pre-Algebra is organized around the South Carolina College- and Career Ready Standards. We will be using the Reveal Course 3 which is a textbook students can write in.  


SCReady End-of-Year Testing

Students will take a cumulative state test at the end of the year.  This test will not be counted as a grade.  Students will receive the results of the test some time during the first quarter of the following school year.  


Expectations:

My expectations are simple…Be prepared to work and learn by:


Calculator Usage

The students will have access to the TI30 in class and can use their calculators on their Chromebooks for homework.  These calculators will be used on selected quizzes and tests.   They will also be taught to use Desmos which is the calculator that is used for state testing.  


Attendance Policy

As a state requirement, I am responsible for taking daily attendance.  Being in class greatly increases your ability to succeed.  If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to retrieve any and all notes and missed homework assignments.  


Discipline

We are a school that is committed to a family atmosphere where you can thrive both academically and socially. There is no tolerance for bullying of any kind; including physical contact or any derogatory/inappropriate comments towards anyone. We follow the Triangle of Respect in my classroom:  I respect you, you respect me, and students respect each other.  I will follow the guidelines set forth in the Greer Middle School Student Handbook that can be accessed on the school’s website. 


Website

I will maintain my school website.  Here you can find links to Student/Parent backpacks and the Redo/Retake Policy.  You can find it under the Staff tab (Eighth grade)  of the GMS website. 

Communication

Parents and students, communication is key to understanding, so please email me at any time at msherf@greenville.k12.sc.us. Please contact me immediately if you have any questions or concerns. Email works extremely well for me and you will receive a quick response!  You can also call (864)355-5856, my school number, to leave me a message.   


Redo/Retake Policy 

Greer Middle School follows a Redo/Retake Plan as a strategy to help ensure the mastery of content for our students and encourage our students to have a growth mindset regarding their academic work. Mastery is considered 80 percent or higher. Our guidelines for a redo/retake plan have been designed with input from teachers, administrators, parents, and students to ensure consistent implementation school-wide. 


When are students allowed to redo/retake?  

-Only assignments that are categorized as major grades in the gradebook are available for redo/retake. 


Redo/Retake Information 

- The student, parent, and teacher must sign Redo/Retake Request Form 

- The student must submit the Redo/Retake Request Form within three (3) school days of the grades being posted in Backpack. 

- The higher of the two grades will be recorded in the Gradebook. 

- Redo/Retake assessments will cover the same standards, but the format and questions will be determined by the teacher. Alternative assignments may be required at the teacher’s discretion. 


Redo/Retake Steps 

- The student must complete and submit the Redo/Retake Request Form (found under Student tab on Greer Middle Website) within three (3) school days of the grades being posted in Backpack. 

- Students must complete the Relearning Tasks assigned by their teacher on the Redo/Retake Request Form by the deadline given by the teacher.

- If a student will be retaking a test, they must take it at the pre-arranged date/time; if a student will be redoing an assignment that is not a test, they must turn it in by the redo deadline.

 - If students miss the deadline and/or pre-arranged date/time, the redo/retake will not be allowed. If there are extenuating circumstances, contact the grade-level administrator.


The Relearning Tasks for Math 8 are: 

- completion of assigned Aleks math assignments.

- completion of missing assignments related to the test.


Aleks and Homework

Another key to success is completing homework, or practice outside of the classroom. Mathematics builds on previous skills and requires the use of repetitive steps to increase the retention of important concepts and skills taught in the classroom. Students are expected to complete weekly Aleks goals (digital component that aligns with our textbook and our daily lessons) and any other assigned homework to be able to master the content.





Daily Studying

You should review your notes for at least 15 minutes every day including the weekends.  Reading them aloud to yourself is an effective way to study.  Furthermore, reworking problems and completing Aleks workspaces helps you prepare for quizzes and tests. 


Quizzes

Quizzes are essential to determining your understanding as we progress towards the bigger tests.  Expect quizzes at least once a week. The goal is to reinforce your knowledge of the topic as well as a measuring stick to guide your practice moving forward.  Quizzes will always be announced.


Tests

Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit of study. Please take time to prepare yourself accordingly by reviewing your notes and all class work assignments.  Tests will always be announced.  A benchmark test will be given at the end of every nine weeks to determine mastery of content taught (Student Handbook). 


Incomplete Work/Grades

Per school policy, any absent student has five days from returning in which to make up missed work. If a student is absent more than three consecutive days, an extension may be granted giving the student more time to complete the missing assignments.


SC Uniform Grading Scale

90 – 100  A                           

80 – 89    B    

70 – 7      C    

60 – 69    D    

   59 or below F   

 

Assessment Percentages:

We will be using weighted averages in calculating quarterly grades.

Minor grades (minimum of 8) 50% 

Major grades (minimum of 3) 50%


Besides a number grade in the gradebook, grades may be tagged with the following codes: 


A semester grade is the average of two quarter grades. 


The yearly grade percentages are: 

Semester 1 = 50% 

Semester 2 = 50%