Precalculus is a crucial piece of the mathematical puzzle that lays the groundwork for higher mathematics and will prepare you for success in future STEM courses and careers. In this course you will continue your develop your mathematics and critical thinking skills to prepare you to take calculus in college. The reasoning skills, problem-solving techniques, and mathematical sophistication you develop this year will serve you well regardless of what academic or career path is ahead of you.
To get the most out of this (or any) course, it is important to understand the theory and techniques, internalizing them so you can retain it through the end of the school year and beyond. If you understand the concepts being taught, the mechanics of the problem solving will become second nature through practice. Precalculus, especially at the enriched level, is the culmination of algebra and geometry courses you have taken thus far as you begin your journey to upper-level mathematics.
One of the keys to doing well in Precalculus is to work smart:
Always pay attention, take good notes, and work through the practice problems given in class (rather than just wait for the solution to be on the board) - I suggest a spiral notebook, 3-ring binder, Rocketbook, or taking notes on your Chromebook - Kami with a stylus works very well, reminiscent of Good Notes for those of you who remember.
Participate in our digital classroom. Schoology is used extensively in this course, and participation in the assignments, notes, and other activities is encouraged and a valuable part of the learning experience. Efforts will be made to allow for group collaboration, and to allow for you to show you understanding in a variety of ways.
Do your nightly homework AT HOME and INDEPENDENTLY, don't give up if it seems challenging
If you are stuck on a homework problem, use your class notes as a guide OR look at an online tutorial, either from me or from a trusted source
Own a calculator, but use it as recommended by the teacher (varies by unit) - the TI-83 or TI-84 is suggested - you will use it throughout high school and in college courses.
Ask questions in class, and, more importantly, listen to the answers to other students’ questions because it will save you from having to ask
Study for tests and quizzes actively (doing problems)
A typical marking period will include 3-4 tests, a handful of quizzes, a project or cumulative assignment, classwork (digital discussions, Schoology assessments/assignments, etc, and several small homework grades.
This course uses three categories:
10% Homework
20% Classwork
70% Tests, Quizzes, and Projects
A letter-grade is assigned at the end of each marking period as-per the RHS grading policy, and the four marking period grades along with the final exam in June are equally weighted to make up your final grade for the course.
Nightly homework is typically assigned. Homework will be checked on a 0-1-2-3 basis:
3 - all problems tried and work is shown
2 - some problems are omitted and/or work is lacking
1 - several problems are omitted with minimal work shown
0 - no (or wrong) assignment done
Note that homework is checked for completeness, not correctness, so make a good effort every night and you will do well in this area! When self-grading assignments are given, you will often be asked to complete it again until all problems are correct get full-credit.
Classwork is incredibly valuable in developing an understanding of the mathematics that goes beyond memorizing some formulas. It is the expectation for every student to be engaged in daily lessons, whether in physically in school or attending remotely. Participation in digital discussions, class notes, and other activities is part of our daily routine and will be scored as part of your classwork grade. This work informs both the student and the teacher of what material is understood and what material needs more attention.
Tests are typically full-period and worth 100 points. Quizzes are usually 50 points or less, and project point values are scaled based on the extent of the work required. At the end of each marking period, there is a cumulative review assessment, which could take the form of an in-class test, a take-home assignment, or a project.
As soon as possible, prepare yourself with some key tools to succeed.
Check-out our Schoology Class (add app to phone, too) - this is where all notes, assignments, textbook, announcements, etc. can be found
Apps/sites we will use in class this year, many of which are available as an app on your phone:
Google Suite for Education (Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc.)
Desmos
Geogebra
PhET
Albert.io
Delta Math
Wolfram Alpha
If you have questions or need help, seek help earlier rather than later!
Math Lab (room 221) during lunch periods is always staffed by a math teacher
I am in the cafeteria for Lunch Duty on D-Days
Timeblock 2 on A-days, I am available in the media center
I am available before, during, and after school for extra help by appointment - these times vary with the rotating schedule and my coaching responsibilities, but we can typically work it out (email or see me in-person to set-up an appointment), possibly even over Google Meet
Mobile phones are generally not allowed to be on your person in class - please use the numbered storage location located in the room and remember retrieve your phone after class (this is not being done as of now due to COVID).
There may be days a cell phone will be used in class for educational purposes, and on these days especially, it is crucial for you to stay on task these days.
I am sensitive to extenuating circumstances which require your phone to be in your possession during class - please speak to me privately.
Cell phone violations will result in confiscation of the phone for the day, and further disciplinary action as dictated by RHS's official policy
Field trips are suspended as of now, but will hopefully be able to run at some point this year. Thy are a great way to enhance the learning experience beyond the walls of the school, however, they do result in losing instructional time in other courses. Please plan accordingly - you only get 10! The RHS attendance policy is in place to ensure students are in school the vast majority of the time:
A student’s absence will be excused for the student’s attendance and participation in field trips and/or co-curricular activities for up to ten absences per school year. For purposes of this policy, “co-curricular activities”; shall be those activities that are sponsored or approved by the Board but are not offered for credit toward graduation. Such activities shall generally be conducted outside the regular school day, available to pupils who voluntarily elect to participate, marked by pupil participation in the processes of initiation, planning, organizing and execution, shall be related to the district’s curricula, and shall ordinarily include, but not be limited to: band, clubs, dramatic or musical presentations, and intramural and interscholastic sports.
The Principal and/or designee may excuse additional absences for a student’s attendance and participation in school-sponsored events on a case by case basis provided the student submits a written request to the Principal in advance of any such anticipated absence beyond ten school days. If a student violates this Field Trip Attendance policy, they may schedule an appointment with the Principal or his designee to appeal the violation and request more days available for future field trips.