Welcome to Mrs. Russell's Fantastic Math Classes for 2008-2009!
1. Necessary Equipment
* Your covered math textbook
* Your Ellicott Mills Agenda Book
* 2 sharpened pencils with erasers/1 correcting pen
* 1 single subject 3-ring binder for handouts
* 1 single subject spiral notebook
* Graph paper
* TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator (for home use)
* Ruler, protractor, and compass (for home use)
2. Homework
* Homework is assigned each evening. Homework must be completed in
pencil, and unless there is an excused absence or unless otherwise
noted, it must be ready to turn in at the beginning of the class
period following class during which it was assigned.
* You must attempt every problem and show all your work! If you cannot
work a particular problem, do all you can do.
* Homework will be discussed during the class period following that on
which it was assigned. In order to earn full credit (5/5 points) for
an assignment, all problems initially done incorrectly must be
corrected in pen prior to turning in the assignment. Assignments will
be turned in upon request by the teacher.
* When you miss a day of school, call a friend or check this website to
get your assignment. All assignments must be promptly made up
following an absence from school. Of course, students who have been
absent will be given extra time to turn in missing assignments for
full credit based on the individual situation. Please see the
teacher.
3. Assessments
* Quizzes are usually announced at least 1 day in advance, and tests
are always announced at least 2 days in advance.
* All tests and quizzes must be signed by your parent/guardian and
filed in your portfolio. Portfolios will be maintained by each
student over the course of the entire year, and they will be utilized
to monitor progress.
4. Grading Policy
* All student work will be assigned point values.
* Work will be assigned to one of three categories - Homework,
Tests/Quizzes, and Homework/Classwork. (An entry will be assigned to
the HW/Classwork category if
* it is either totally completed in class or
* it was done as homework, with a significant portion of class
time spent on the item.)
* At the end of each marking period, all accumulated points within each
of the three categories will be totaled.
* The final grade will be arrived at, using a weighted scale of 60% for
tests/quizzes, 10% for Homework, and 30% for HW/Classwork.
* Report card grades are then figured, using A (score >= 89.5),
B(89.5> score >= 79.5), C (79.5 > score >= 69.5),
D (69.5 > score >= 59.5), and E (59.5 > score >= 0)
* Students will receive a grade sheet prior to Progress Reports midway
through each quarter as well as at report card time. Grade sheets
must be signed by the parents and returned to the teacher. Should a
student's grade consistently fall in the "C" or below range, or
"drop" to a "C" or below level during the term, additional grade
sheets will be provided.
5. Communication
* Please visit our school website at www.howard.k12.md.us/emms/
and follow the links through Teacher List -Math Teachers -
Marcia Russell. Daily homework updates, curriculum information,
links to interesting and informative Math sites, and an e-mail link
is available through this site.
* I may be reached by phone at 410-313-2839 during my planning
periods on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10:15 and
11:15 a.m.
6. Let the 4 R's be your guide:
* Be Ready. Come to class each day on time prepared with the necessary
materials.
* Be Responsible.
Get settled immediately, take out your homework from last night, and
copy your assignment. Stay on task throughout the class period!!!
* Be Respectful of yourself and others.
Be a positive class member and a good team learner.
* Be Resourceful! Math is not a Spectator Sport.
Involve yourself in the task at hand, roll up your sleeves, and
persevere! If one thing doesn't work, try another!
Keep a positive attitude!
7. Keep in mind...
* Math is Fundamental.
It is important in your daily life both now and in the future.
* You are a mathematician!
Welcome to a mind-expanding year of mathematics. I look forward to
taking this journey with you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Russell