WELCOME TO GEOMETRY

My name is Ms. Laura Anderson, and I am your math instructor. I am super excited to be working with you again this year!

Contacting Me

I am a part time teacher so I will leave campus shortly before lunch. If you have questions or concerns your best bet is to email me at landerson@selwynschool.com. I will check for messages until 5:00 pm. If you find you need help after 5:00, please see me before class the following day as I  am on campus at 8:00.  If you are unable to meet me before class let me know as my schedule is flexible and I want to be sure you get the help you need.

Textbook

We will be using several resources including: the textbook “Geometry Common Core” published by Pearson, lessons and assignments created by “All Things Algebra” and Olive Byrne’s “Elements of Euclid”.

Grading

Your understanding of the material will be assessed through assignments, quizzes, exams, and your notebook entries. I have outlined below how I intend to weigh your grades.

·         Notebook/Quizzes/Labs 10%

·         Assignments 40%

·         Exams 50%

Notebook

You will be given a notebook containing my lecture notes. You will be responsible for filling in the blanks and working example problems with me. You may, of course, take any additional notes you feel will be helpful. At the end of the week (Thursday end of class) you will hand in your notebook to be graded. An additional benefit to taking notes, studies show that writing by hand is better for memory and learning.

Class Structure

Given our small class size, and the fact it is composed of high achieving students, our classwork will be structured a little differently than in my other classes. I will present a short lesson at the beginning of class, then we will work both collaboratively and individually to solve a set of problems. You will present your work to the class, and we will discuss the logic and methods behind your solutions. Studies show that mathematical understanding grows deeper through discussion, collaboration and group work, and presentations help reinforce metacognitive and communication skills.

We will also be completing several labs which will put our new skills to practical use.

Assignments

As all work will be completed in class you will not have homework. As all assignments will be collaborative in nature, your assignment grades will be more of a participation grade representing your engagement in class.

Exams

You will be given an exam at the end of each unit. Prior to the exam, we will work through a unit review. Exams are an important way for me to evaluate how well you have learned the material. You will be allowed to use a page of reference notes on exams.

Absences from Class

If possible, please schedule your appointments on Fridays and your vacations during school breaks. Being absent from class makes your learning new skills all that more challenging. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to complete your make-up work. For each day you miss class, you have one day to complete missing work. I am always available to run through the lessons with you. If you are planning a long absence from school let me know. I can prepare your work ahead of time so you do not fall behind.

Phone Use

Use of mobile phones is prohibited for all middle school students. If your parents need to reach you during class time, they can phone the front office and leave a message or text me (I will be giving them my cell number). If you bring a phone to school, it must remain in your locker. If you are caught using your cell phone, it will be given to the Head of Middle School (Mrs. Kinder) for the remainder of the day. Your parents will need to come in to retrieve your phone after school. You are allowed use of your cell phone after school.