Absences

Upon your return to class, it is your responsibility to record any notes that you may have missed. Regarding assignments, you must immediately turn in any work that I picked up the first day you were gone. You will have two days for each day you were absent to make up any other assignments. Should you have the misfortune to be gone for a quiz or test, make it up as soon as possible. They only get harder the longer you wait.
If you will miss class for a school activity, I will have to sign a pink slip.   Before I will sign for your release, you must complete half of that day's assignment. If you are going to miss a quiz or test, it must be made up before I will sign your pink slip.

Tardiness

You must be in the classroom on the way to your seat, with all needed material, when the bell rings or you will be considered tardy for that day. Your first tardy will earn you a 5 minute detention, second tardy earns you a 10 minutes detention, third tardy earns you a 20 minute detention, etc. Detentions are to be served within 48 hours.  At the end of the class you are expected to remain in your seat until the bell rings.

Math Supplies

Textbook – Will be supplied for you. DO NOT WRITE IN YOUR BOOK!! Also, please do not keep papers in your book because they can ruin the binding. In order to learn most effectively, you need to bring your book to class every day. A cover is always expected to be on it. If I see a book without a cover, you will not be allowed to leave class until it is covered.

Notebook – For this class, you will need a three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper. A one-inch binder will suffice. I expect your notebook to be organized with your class notes and assignments.

Pencil – What can I say? This is math! J

Calculator – You will want to have a scientific calculator. The following calculators have been appreciated by students: TI 30X or CASIO fx-250HA. We may also be using graphing calculators, but you will not be required to have your own.   Special note: Geometry students will not be allowed to use a calculator until you have passed a basic skills test over addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, integers, decimals and fractions.

Geometry students will need a Compass and a Straight Edge (Ruler) – The two tools of geometry.

Grades

Homework – 10 points – I will assign homework nearly every day. You must show your work for all problems! This is important because if you make a mistake, I can spot it and help you not to make the same mistake again. I also will give you partial credit for the problem instead of having to count it completely wrong. I reserve the right to give you no credit for any problems in which you do not show your work even if you have the correct answer. Special note: For each nine week grading period I will allow one free late assignment with no penalty.  All late assignments after that will be recorded as zeros. 

Notebook Quiz – 15 points – At least once through each chapter I will give you an unannounced notebook quiz. I feel these are beneficial because; 1) I can check to see that you are keeping a complete and organized notebook, 2) we can review important material that we may not have spent enough time on and 3) you basically get 15 free points to help your grade.

Tests – 100 points – These are individual activities. If you struggle on tests, you may like my offer of using a 3 x 5 note card with whatever you want written on it.  you must turn this in with your test and you will receive 92% of the grade you earned.  For example, if you take the test with a note card and get an 88%, I multiply that my .92 and you actually earn an 81%.

Pop Quizzes - any number of points - Hint hint wink wink - You will know when you are going to have a pop quiz, what questions will be asked as well as all the answers!  My only expectation for pop quizzes is that you study the information that we have been learning.

Projects – 10 to 100 points – A variety of individual and group projects related to a current topic will be assigned. A rubric for each project will be available in order for you to understand my expectations.

Journals – Yes! We do write in mathematics. Journals will be discussed at length on a classroom handout.

Extra Credit – From time to time I will assign exciting, math-related extra credit problems or activities to the entire class. I will not give extra credit work to individuals.

Students will always be able to compute their own grade. After keeping track of grades received, add up your points earned and divide it by the points possible. This will give you a percentage grade. We will follow the grading scale outlined in your student handbook. Every Wednesday, students will receive a small piece of paper with their current average and any missing assignments from the prior week.  Special note: Always remember that what you learn is more important than your grade.