Math 8 Syllabus

Mrs. Helen Papadopoulos

Suzanne Middle School

Common Core Math 8

hpapadopoulos@wvusd.org

(909) 594-1657

The goal for this class is to develop mathematically powerful students.  Instruction is based on Common Core State Standards with an emphasis on activities and assessments that demonstrate application of skills. 

Guiding us are the 8 Standards of Mathematical Practice:

* Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them * Reason abstractly and quantitatively *

* Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others * Model with mathematics *

* Use appropriate tools strategically * Attend to precision * Look for and make use of structure *

* Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning *

Device Usage: While in math class, students are required to use a school device. The reason for this is so I can monitor their work and "pop-in" using Go Guardian should they be experiencing difficulty.

Cell Phones: Cell phones, airpods, earbuds, must be kept in backpacks/bookbags during class. Cell phones must be silenced or turned off.

Grading: Grades are calculated on a weighted basis. Daily homework, including online work using Big Ideas Math, activities, projects and participation account for 40% of the total grade and tests and quizzes account for 60%.

Homework, Activities and Projects: Homework assignments are worth 10 points each based on completeness. Since mathematical concepts build upon each other it is imperative that all assignments are completed on-time, and any incorrect problems are reviewed. Projects, problem solving, and critical thinking activities are assigned periodically throughout the year to enhance understanding of mathematical concepts. 

Missing/late work needs to be submitted by using the form on google classroom.

Cutoff dates for missing/late work:

• • First Quarter: 10/3/25

  • First Semester (2nd Quarter): 12/12/25

  • Third Quarter: 2/27/26

  • Second Semester (4th Quarter): 5/8/26

IXL: To support learning and practice of skills taught in class, students will be required to complete an IXL assignment each week. Requirements for these assignments will be posted on Google Classroom, and students will usually have some time in class to work on these problems. This is the ONLY assignment that cannot be made up, so please make sure your student is completing it.

Tests and Quizzes: Quizzes are given periodically throughout each chapter. Tests are given at the end of each chapter. Graded tests are reviewed and discussed in class the day after the test. Students are encouraged to copy and re-do any incorrect problems to reinforce their learning. Students earning below a “C” on a test are given the opportunity to retake the test. **Re-takes are only offered during the quarter that they were originally given.

Opportunities for Extra Help: I am available during during lunch or after school, but I do ask that they arrange that with me ahead of time in case I have a meeting or a parent conference.

Absences:  All assignments and instructional videos are posted daily on Google Classroom. Students absent the day of a quiz or test will need to arrange a time for a retake.

Let’s work together to make this a successful year!