Rules

1. Be respectful of the contents (people included) of this classroom.  

2. Be on time!  We have a lot to accomplish—every minute counts!

3. Come to class prepared for the period.  Backpacks are not allowed in my classroom so make sure you bring everything you need for math class!

4. Bring a pencil!  I do not accept homework done in pen.

5. Gum is okay, until it’s not.  If I can see or hear it, you will be asked to spit it out and you can try again the next day.  If I find gum anywhere in the classroom outside of the garbage can, everyone loses this privilege.  

Grading

Homework, quizzes, tests and binder checks will make up the bulk of your grade in this class.  We may have activities or projects throughout the year that will count towards your grade.  I do not use weighted grades.  Your overall grade will be determined by dividing points earned by points possible.  There will be opportunities to earn extra credit points throughout the year.  Sometimes I will let you know ahead of time, sometimes it will be a surprise! 

Homework—Please write your name, the date and assignment on every homework assignment (upper right hand corner).  Each homework assignment will be worth ten points.  Points will be assigned according to the completeness and accuracy of the assignment.  All assignments will be due at the beginning of the next class period.  Missing work will receive a 0 in the gradebook.  Late work may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.  If it turns into a consistent issue we will have a meeting with your parent(s)/guardian(s) to get you back on track.  When we begin a new unit/chapter in the book, I will provide you with a list of the potential homework assignments for each lesson.  Filling out the assignment sheet with your grades will earn you extra credit points at the end of the unit.

Quizzes—Quizzes will occur periodically throughout a chapter or investigation.  The point values will depend on the number of questions, typically between 5-15 points.  Some quizzes will be designated as partner quizzes, some will be individual.  You are allowed to use your notes as you take a quiz.

Tests—Every test will be worth 100 points, we will have one test per unit/chapter/topic.  You may use your notes, graded work, glossary, and journal as you take the test.  Basically, anything in your binder is fair game.

Retakes/Corrections—All graded work may be corrected for up to half of the points back.  Any tests or quizzes below a 60% MUST be corrected.  You may retake a quiz or test once, within 2 days of the original test, and keep the higher of the two scores.  You will not be allowed to make corrections on the retake.  To correct vocabulary questions, you must write the correct word and its definition 5 times. 

Homework may be redone if you have talked to me and filled out a “Redo Slip”.

Notes—All students must have a three ring binder (1½ to 2 inch) with 4-5 dividers:  

7/8:  Glossary, Handouts, Graded Work, Paper

Geometry:  Vocab, Conjectures, Notes, Graded Work, Paper

A1/A2/Adv:  Anticipation Guides, Vocab, Notes, Graded Work, Paper

I will collect your binders after every unit test and will grade them based on completeness and organization.  This binder will only be used for this class.   Each assignment sheet has a list of what needs to be in your binder for each unit. We will also go over what I expect to see for each unit before I collect them so that you can make sure your notes are complete.  If you are unable to purchase these supplies by August 18, please let me know and we can work out other arrangements.

Calculators—We have a classroom set of calculators for use at school and will, if the technology cooperates, be able to use the chromebooks to access Desmos for graphing.  I would suggest that if you have a smartphone, download the Desmos app to use at home as well (the app is nice, but graphing on a larger screen is better).  You will not be allowed to use your phone in class but it may come in handy when working at home.  

At any time, please do not hesitate to talk to me or ask for help if you are struggling with anything in class.  I will always do my best to resolve the issue or get you the help you need.  

Parent/guardian(s), please read through and discuss these rules and expectations with your child.  If you have any questions, please email me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Mrs. Jessie Walter

jwalter@hyshamschools.com