The following example is from a couple years ago. The signed copy you received on the first day of class, should be placed in the front of your 3-ring binder notebook right behind your assignment sheet.
Dear Students & Parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the beginning of an exciting new semester. I will be teaching Algebra 1A, Algebra 1 and Geometry.
As we begin the term, I would like to remind you of some of the expectations and guidelines that will be enforced within the Class in order for the classroom to run smoothly. Doing your best to meet these expectations and following the guidelines will provide an opportunity for every student to be successful in his/her efforts.
Throughout the semester I will be contacting your home to ensure your success in the class. I look forward to having both a productive year and a great learning experience. Please read the following course outline, you should return it signed by both the student and a parent or guardian.
Sincerely,
Mr. Tad Bixler
Keys to success! Your grade will significantly improve by keeping these things in mind: Follow the rules, participate in class and in group work, pay attention, do all HW, study for tests, and keep all work and notes in an organized binder. Also, study with a friend.
- Show All Work: To receive credit you must show work for all math problems. Showing complete steps in an organized fashion will eliminate lots of mistakes too!
- Warm-up: A warm-up can be a review problem, puzzle, SAT question, etc. They are to be done as soon as you walk in the door on a clean sheet of paper. They will count as part of your HW grade (2 pts.) since your class work and homework will be continued on this same piece of paper.
- Supplies: You are expected to come to class each day with all of the following supplies:
- Pencils (at least two working pencils with erasers)
- 3-Ring-Binder Notebook with the following tabbed sections:
a) Notes and In-Class Practice
b) Homework and Class Work
c) Warmups, and
d) Tests and Quizzes
Optional section: GRAPH PAPER
- Text Book
- Scientific Calculator (TI-30 or equivalent - normally less than $20)
- Graph paper
- Ruler
- Compass (Geometry Students)
- Make-up Work: If your absence has been excused, you have until the next class meeting after you return to turn in the missing assignments. If your absence has not been excused, you cannot make up the work. For planned excused absences (you have to leave early for sports, etc.) tests must be made up before the absence. If you have missed only the day of the test, the test must be made up the day of your return. You have one class day for each day of absence to make up a test/quiz.
- Homework: It is assigned every class meeting and is due the following class meeting. Math is like athletics: learning all the rules is not enough, you must practice! Your grade on each HW assignment is determined by its completeness, not correctness. You must show all of your work and make the appropriate corrections when we go over the HW. (HW is graded on a scale of 0-10. As long as you make a valid attempt at each problem, you will receive full credit for that assignment. Late homework is accepted but will only receive half credit.)
- Tests and Quizzes: You will always be given notice in advance about individual and group tests. A quiz can be a surprise, planned, open notebook or HW quiz. Expect quizzes on a daily basis. Although we may not have a quiz every day, you should be ready for one.
- Help: Help is available before school, after school or by appointment. All you have to do is ask for it!
Grades
| 45% | Individual Tests |
| 25% | Homework |
| 10% | Final Exam |
| 15% | Quizes |
| 5% | Misc (participation, binder checks, etc) |
|
| A | 93-100 | C | 73-76 |
| A- | 90-92 | C- | 70-72 |
| B+ | 87-89 | D+ | 67-69 |
| B | 83-86 | D | 63-66 |
| B- | 80-82 | D- | 60-62 |
| C+ | 77-79 | F | 0-59 |
|
Classroom Rules
- Be prepared and on time.
- Listen to and follow directions.
- Speak when appropriate and in an appropriate manner.
- Remain seated unless it is appropriate to be out of your seat.
- Respect people and property.
Consequences
1st offense: verbal warning
2nd offense: verbal warning and one or more of the following:
1) Seat change
2) Classroom detention
3) Parent contact
4) Trash pickup
3rd offense: office visit
Severe disruptions will be automatically escalated to an office visit.
