Mr. Flaherty
Evergreen Jr. High – PRE - ALGEBRA
Room 203 2008 / 2009
EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS :
Each student needs to display his/her best effort throughout the
entire school year. Mathematics is a subject that is difficult to try and
play catch-up as each new concept is an extension of a previous idea.. This
will require each student to be on time to class, be prepared, pay attention
in class, and complete assignments on time. Each student will need to bring
his/her planner to class in order to maintain teacher-student-parent
communication as a result of writing the assignment in your planner. This
will also be needed in order to use a hall pass in my class. I plan on
using the TI-83plus graphing calculator in class when appropriate, thus I
expect each student to become comfortable with the graphing calculator. I
have a set of 40 calculators for this purpose.
SUPPLIES / MATERIALS :
- simple, inexpensive calculator ( to be used at home if the
assignment is not completed during class time. – this is optional)
- graph paper notebook (quad or five squares/inch)
- planner ( as mentioned above)
- book cover ( the text book has been used for only one year so a
cover will help keep the book in excellent condition)
- pencil with eraser
HOMEWORK :
Each week will consist of two or three assignments which need to be
completed before class to receive full credit. These assignments need to be
completed in your graph paper notebook and will be checked on a daily basis.
Time is given in class to begin the assignment but additional time may be
needed to complete it. If you are not present in class with an excused
absence then you will have additional time to complete the assignment for
full credit. You will receive 50% credit for an assignment turned in one day
late ( you will need to bring the assignment to me between classes or
before/after school since we will not have class on that day.) You will
receive 25% credit for an assignment turned in two days late and no credit
for any assignment that is turned in three or more days after the due date..
TESTS / QUIZZES :
Tests are given after each chapter and quizzes are given
periodically. It is the responsibility of the student to make up tests or
quizzes if absent.
PARTICIPATION :
Participation is an important part of a mathematics class. Each
week you will start with 15 pts. You will lose 5 pts. for each of the
following actions :
Tardy to class, unprepared for class ( no book or notebook), off task during
class, disruption in class.
GRADING SYSTEM :
The term grade is determined from tests / quizzes(50%) ,
homework (35%)
and participation (15 %). The grading scale is as follows :
A 93-100 % C 70-75 %
A- 90-92 % C- 66-69 %
B+ 87-89 % D+ 60-65 %
B 83-86 % D 56-59 %
B- 80-82 % D- 50-55 %
C+ 76-79 % F 49 % and below
CITIZENSHIP :
The citizenship grade is determined by behavior, attitude toward
learning, and respect for others. In addition, promptness to class will
affect citizenship in this way :
1 tardy/sluff “3” 2 tardies/sluffs “2”
3 tardies/sluffs “1” 4 tardies/sluffs “0”
An ASD or other consequence will be issued after the third tardy and all
tardies after that during any one quarter. CELL PHONES, IPODS, WALKMANS,
BEEPERS, PAGERS, GAMEBOYS, ETC. will not be tolerated in class. If I see
them during class they will be taken to the office.
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE :
I will use Love and Logic in the classroom. I believe that all
students are different and all actions and reactions very personal in
nature, effective discipline involves a few principles rather than a long
list of specific rules. Situations are dealt with as they arise with the
focus on enabling the students to grow and learn from their actions. This is
accomplished by allowing students to make choices and determine consequences
for inappropriate behavior. There are only three guidelines everyone must
follow , these include :
1) You can do anything in the classroom as long as it doesn’t cause
a problem for you or anyone else.
2) If you find yourself with a problem you may solve it by any means
which does not cause a problem for someone else.
3) You may engage in any behavior that does not jeopardize the
safety or learning of yourself or others. Inappropriate language will not
be tolerated.
SEVERE CLAUSE :
Severe classroom disruption, fighting, vandalism, stealing , etc.
Student is immediately removed from the classroom.
Love and Logic also stresses the five values that are associated with our
Community of Caring values at Evergreen. These values include :
RESPECT : Treat everyone and their property with respect.
TRUST : Do your own work.
CARING : Show concern to peers , including appropriate language.
RESPONSIBILITY : Be prompt and prepared for class.
FAMILY :Help other students do their best work while staying on task
I plan on using a variety of teaching methods to enable all students
a chance to learn and enjoy mathematics. I am looking forward to having you
in my math class this year. I can be reached from 7:15 – 7:45AM or from
3:00 – 3:30 PM on most days. If you cannot meet at these times please call
school and we can arrange another time to meet. Please read the above and
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