Welcome to MQS81—Math Team! This document will outline my expectations for you and the class as a whole as well as lay some of the ground rules for the classroom. Please make sure to read carefully.
Participation: Be ready for each class! You need to bring pencils, pens, folder for handouts and notebook with ALL math team notes on daily basis. You are expected to participate in class by listening attentively, taking notes, and solving problems. You will have the opportunity to discuss problems with your peers and present solutions to the class. This will be counted towards your participation points. You may work with your group-mates during group work time. You are not allowed to talk loudly across the room or engage in disruptive conversation not related to class work. Repeated or serious infractions may negatively impact your grade, and/or you may be referred to your guidance counselor.
Lunch and Lateness: Please, have your lunch with you when you come to class. You have to make it to class no later than 12:04 (except Thursday) and 12:08 (Thursday). There is absolutely no hot food in the classroom, which means you are not allowed to bring anything from a food truck such as French fries, burgers, etc. As for drinks, only water is allowed. You are also responsible for cleaning your desk after the class is over. Keep your lunch on your desk, and do not throw garbage out during class. You are responsible to throw all garbage from lunch and keep your seating area clean at the end of the class period.
Homework: Short homework will be assigned every day (1-2 problems after each class). It has to be completed on the separate piece of paper in case if it's collected and graded. A maximum of two late homework assignments will be accepted for half credit within one school day of each assignment due date.
Contests: Periodically we will partake in contests, at the school, city, state, and national levels. Unless otherwise stated, no calculators are permitted on any of these contests. The contests will take place (with the exception of special contests) during the Math Team period. For some contests, a team may be selected from the students—this will be based on performance on previous contests. You are permitted to have unmarked scrap paper with you for these contests—we can provide this if necessary. All members of the math teams are required to take every contest. Cheating or any sort of academic dishonesty on any contest will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate zero as well as disciplinary action and/or expulsion from the team. Contests are usually reviewed the following session if possible. The schedule of contests will be posted at the front of the room for your reference. Exceptional students may be invited to join the New York City Math Team for training sessions and/or state and national contests.
Help/Tutoring: Don't be afraid to ask questions during class and take advantage of the Small Group Instruction if you need any help. The hours will be posted on this website as soon as it become available. I encourage all of you to stop by if you have any questions. If you cannot come during that time, i am also available by appointment.
Quizzes: There will be open notebook quizzes and exams throughout the semester. You may use your notebook but you are not allowed to borrow notes from other students.
Grading: This is a pass/fail course only. You will receive a passing grade if you can get a score of 65 or above in this course. If you get a score lower than 65, you will receive a failing grade.
Your final grade will be based on attendance, participation, behavior in class, quizzes, and exams.