John Stafford

Contact Information

Email: staffordjo@hickoryschools.net

Teaching is a passion of mine. I have loved every minute of my almost 30 year career of teaching and coaching. I see so many students that are so willing and wanting to learn and that brings inspiration to me to keep going and to keep teaching and trying to effect the lives of my students.



"I have learned that, although I am a good teacher, I am a much better student, and I was blessed to learn valuable lessons from my students on a daily basis. They taught me the importance of teaching to a student - and not to a test."

Erin Gruwell

Daily Course Schedule

1st period (7:30-9:09) - Math 2

2nd period (9:14-10:52) - Advanced Functions and Modeling

3rd period (10:57-1:02) - Math 2

4th period (1:07-2:45) - Planning

Course information

Coach Stafford’s

Math II Syllabus

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in Math I. This course deepens and extends understanding of linear relationships, in part by contrasting them with exponential and quadratic phenomena, and in part by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. In addition to studying bivariate data, students also summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable. The Geometry standards that appear in this course formalize and extend students’ geometric experiences to explore more complex geometric situations and deepen their explanations of geometric relationships, moving towards formal mathematical arguments.

Supplementary Materials (Provided in Class): Graphing Calculator

Other Materials Needed (Purchased by Student): 3 – ring binder (1.5 or 2 inch), pencils, notebook paper, dividers for the 3-ring binder

Class Room Needs (Optional): Kleenex, Erasers, Pencils

Classroom Rules: (see Student Handbook for details on behavior, tardiness and attendance; also for details on suspensions and after school detention)

1. Students are expected to be in class and ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

2. Students are expected to come to class prepared (notebook, pencil, book, and homework).

3. Students are expected to respect others and their property.

4. Students are expected to follow the school policies and rules.

Coach Stafford’s Classroom Expectations:

Help each other.

Clean up after yourself.

Use nice words.

Treat others kindly.

Do the right thing.

Tell the truth.

Never give up!

Try your best. Always!

Ask lots of questions.

Say please and thank you.

Work hard. Play fair.

Group Work Rules/Expectations:

1. Every member of each group is responsible for all work.

2. If there is a disagreement, form a consensus, not a majority rule. Be constructive and respectful.

3. Be open to other members' ideas and encourage their participation. Make sure no one is left out.

4. Every member of each group is assigned a role that they are responsible for during the class period.

Grading Policies

Tests: 40%

Quizzes: 30%

Assignments*: 30%

*Assignments include items like homework and classwork

**A final exam will be given for the course. The Math II Final Exam is a NC Final Exam.

The ABC's of Class

Arrive to class promptly, quietly and on time. You must arrive in class in enough time to prepare yourself to begin working immediately. A tardy is constituted as not being in your seat ready to work when the last bell rings.

Behavior not conducive to learning in our classroom will not be tolerated.

Communication is very important.

Calculators will be provided for students to use in class only. We will be using the TI-83 calculator.

Dismissal of class will be directed by the teacher. You will work until the last 5 minutes of class.

Eating, drinking, and chewing in class is not acceptable.

Foul language and inappropriate gestures are prohibited at all times.

Groups will be an important part of our classroom structure. It is important for you to remember and abide by the Group Rules and Roles Protocols.

Heading papers is required for each assignment. Please follow the outline provided to you. Papers not correctly headed will be deducted 10 points.

Just ask if you have questions or concerns. I have an open door policy. This is your education, you should be 100% involved at all times.

Knowledge is the key to educational success. Learn as much as you can, while you can!

Missing work is your responsibility.

Notebooks will be a part of your educational experience in our class. Your notebook must be organized in a 3 ring binder with dividers. Notebooks will be collected for a grade.

Only do math work in our math class. If caught doing other teacher’s assignments, they will be confiscated.

Preparing for class requires you to have the following supplies each day: pencils, notebook paper, 3-ring binder, dividers.

Questions are always welcomed. Raise your hand and wait to be called upon.

Restroom Passes will only be given during emergencies. Please use the restroom during class change.

Studying and completing required assignments is essential to success in class.

Technology such as cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, gaming systems, etc will not be allowed in class. If seen, they will be confiscated.

Use your time wisely. Time management is important and required to complete all required tasks.

Wearing the proper clothing is required to enter into the class. If you choose not to follow the dress code, you will not be allowed to enter until you are properly dressed.

Getting Zzzzzzzzz’s in class in unacceptable. Please get the proper sleep each night to ensure you are working at your full potential each day in class.

Your desire to learn is critical to your achievement. Bring that desire with you each day.

I have read and understand the syllabus for Math I.

Student signature________________________________

Parent Signature ________________________________

Date _____________________

INTEGRITY

Per School Board Policy, any student who engages in or attempts to engage in plagiarism, falsification, violation of software copyright laws, or violation of computer access shall be subject to disciplinary action. The following actions are specifically prohibited:


Cheating – This act includes giving or receiving any unauthorized assistance on academic work such as homework, tests, quizzes, projects, etc.