Algebra 

It's going to be a great year in Algebra!  Please remember this is a high school level class.  The amount of work required to succeed is reflected accordingly. Because this course is taught at the high school level and because it is the foundation for all upper level math, you must maintain an overall grade of 80% or higher throughout in order to sustain eligibility for this class.  You will have homework four to five nights a week. You must come to class prepared everyday and actively participate to ensure you are mastering concepts that will help you in this class as well as every math class you take from here forward.  It will be both challenging and rewarding, and I'm glad we have the opportunity to take the journey together!

ALL HOMEWORK and CLASSWORK will be listed in Google Classroom.  Your Class Code is listed in AERIES if you select the original format you will see it.  If you're having difficulty finding it, please feel free to email me.  

Management Plan

In order to ensure a positive and successful experience this year, I have prepared this classroom management plan.  Please read it.  The plan includes my grading policy, a list of classroom supplies and my expectations from students.

GRADING POLICY

Students and parents may access their grades at any time via Aeries.

Grades are cumulative throughout the semester and will be based on tests, quizzes, daily reviews, projects, activities, homework, class work and participation.  Homework MUST be done in PENCIL and graded with an ink pen of any color other than black.  Students will be docked points when this guideline for homework is not followed.  In addition, parents will occasionally be asked to sign tests.  Quizzes may occur unannounced.  Tests will be given at the end of each unit with a review the day before.  Tests vary in points possible ranging from 50 to 100 points.  Quizzes also vary, usually falling between 10 – 50 points.

HOMEWORK

 Success in Algebra relies heavily on participation and homework provides students with individual, hands on reinforcement of the procedural and practical approach to problem solving. Homework will be assigned four to five times a week.  Students will correct their work by checking answers in the back of the book or in class and all questions will be answered the following class period.  Because questions are answered in such a timely manner, late work will not be accepted unless a student was absent.  In the case of an absence, students should obtain information regarding missed work from google classroom.  If (s)he is unable to acquire the information or (s)he does not understand the assignment, the student must then make arrangements to meet with me individually before or after school. Homework assignments are graded based on neatness and completeness of assignment.  Students are not docked for incorrect answers provided they are engaged in class when we go over the homework and they make any corrections in ink.

Suggested MATERIALS

Non-black ink pen for correcting              

Lined paper, 8.5 x 11 college or wide rule            

Sharpened No. 2 pencils with eraser                 

Organizer

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

Please come to all google meets on time and with your camera on.  Plan to be engaged and actively learning during our scheduled meet time.  Again, this is a high school level class and frankly, the most important class for future math success.  Please consult the Online District Learning Expectations for more information.

UPON a RETURN TO CAMPUS:

 Please see pages 6-10 in your student organizer for general information regarding the student behavior expectations for all AC Stelle students.  I have taken the time to stress a few of these expectations in the next several paragraphs.

 Students are expected to arrive to class on time, prepared, attentive and polite.  Algebra is a high school level, fast paced class and we work from bell to bell in order to accomplish all we need to in one class period.  Students should never interfere with the teacher’s ability to teach or other students’ ability to learn.  Listen to others’ questions…they might answer your question.

 Food, drinks and gum are not allowed in the classroom.  There is also a cell phone rule in effect.  Cell phones must be turned off from 8:30-2:35 every day.

 Students who neglect these rules and responsibilities will be required to attend lunchtime or after school detention or counseling.  Students who break classroom rules regularly can expect negative consequences both in participation points that affect their overall citizenship grade as well as those outlined in the student handbook.

 ALSO:  Perseverance is a critical standard we will focus on this year.  Students will face challenging problems and have opportunities to work with peers to solve them.  Please note the point for challenge is to help students grow and prosper in a safe environment.  This growth is only possible if students accept the challenge and work through difficult problems.

 CONTACT INFO:

The best way to reach me is via email at hwassenberg@lvusd.org.  This is the best way because I can answer email during short breaks, lunch and from home. 

I’m looking forward to an excellent school year that is both challenging and rewarding for students, parents and myself.  As discussed, success in 8th grade Algebra is a pre-requisite for Geometry placement in 9th grade.  Please work diligently to succeed now.