Dear Parent and Student,
Welcome to a new school year! I am grateful for the opportunity to walk through Algebra 1 or Algebra 2 with you this year. Outlined below are the expectations I have for my classes this year.
attendance and study
Since algebra builds on itself, regular attendance and regular study will be needed. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT STUDENTS STUDY AND LEARN THE REQUIRED MATERIAL ON A DAILY BASIS. Students who do not study regularly may find themselves falling further and further behind in the course and their grades will drop. I may give daily quizzes over the homework to encourage regular study.
The student must work through the homework daily in order to develop a thorough understanding of the concepts being presented. If a student thinks he/she can breeze through without doing the homework or by copying the answers from the back of the book or a classmate, he/she will be shocked when test time rolls around. The only way to learn math is to practice math. It’s not a spectator sport.
math notebook
I require that my students have a math notebook. This can be a spiral notebook with pockets or a 3-ring binder. These notebooks should contain a point-total page, daily class notes, all of the homework that has been assigned, and all handouts given in class. Notebooks should be neat and organized chronologically. The best method of organization is notes, homework, notes, homework, etc.
assignments
Assignments are to be on time. Homework must be completed and ready to be checked at the beginning of class. Since homework is reviewed daily, points cannot be given for assignments turned in after class.
calculator
ADVANCED ALGEBRA: Students are required to have a graphing
calculator. I will teach using the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator.
Students who choose another calculator will bear the responsibility
of learning how to use it.
ALGEBRA: Students may use any calculator that they are comfortable
with (as long as it is not a graphing calculator.) Students will bear
the responsibility of knowing how to use it.
tests and quizzes
I may give daily 10-point quizzes over the homework assignment. There will be a 100-point test per chapter. If a student is absent on the day of a test or a quiz, they will be expected to make it up ON THE DAY THEY RETURN.
retakes
NO RETAKES will be allowed. Use your energy to study and do well on the next test.
extra credit
Extra credit is only available in the form of an extra credit question on a test or quiz.
computation of grade
The course grade will be determined by summing the number of points a student has earned on ASSIGNMENTS, QUIZZES, TESTS, and PROJECTS, and then dividing by the total points possible. The following grading scale will be used:
90 – 100 % A
80 – 89.9 % B
70 – 79.9 % C
60 – 69.9 % D
Below 60 % F
I will encourage students to keep track of their grade by requiring them to keep a point-total page. This will enable each student to know his or her own grade at any given time and they should be able to tell you their grade as well.
make-up work
It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to see me about make-up work if he or she has missed class for any reason. Work should be made up promptly. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CALL A CLASSMATE to get the required assignment if you have missed class. In doing so, you will avoid having to do two math assignments plus all of the assignments in your other classes as well. Also, please check the website for missed assignments.
classroom behaviors
Students should:
1. Be in their seat, ready to start, when the bell rings. (If needed,
they should use the restroom between classes and be in class when the
bell rings.)
2. Come to class prepared. (Textbook, notebook, pencil, homework.)
3. Per the school handbook, no backpacks, cell phones, or calculator games
in class. If this occurs, it and/or you will be sent to the office.
4. Respect my right to teach and others’ right to learn.
5. Respect school property. Do not damage property.
6. Respect others. Refrain from crude remarks or abusive language.
7. Do not bring any food, drink, candy, etc., into class.
8. Exhibit patience and have tolerance for others.
supplies needed
Math notebook (3-ring binder with loose leaf or spiral)
Supply pouch with several pencils
Pad of quarter inch graph paper
Calculator (not needed until October)
Textbook
We need to cooperate in these points if everyone is to get as much out of this course as possible. Students who choose not to meet these expectations can expect detentions.
Please discuss the contents of this letter with your son or daughter. Please feel free to contact me at CCHS if you have any questions or concerns about the matters discussed here.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Beckwith
kbeckwith@blmcchs.org
661-7000
