LaFayette High School

Welcome Back To School

2006 – 2007

CLASS : TEACHERS:

Pre-Algebra / Algebra 1 Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Forester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to teach the algebraic skills needed to solve problems and to succeed in other math courses. The following topics will be covered: · An Introduction to Algebra · Rational Numbers · Equations · Applications of Rational Numbers · Inequalities · Polynomials · Factoring · Functions and Graphs · Graphing Linear Equations · Radical Expressions and · Quadratics. Chapters 1 – 3 will be covered the first nine weeks and chapters 4 – 6 will be covered the second nine weeks.

PREREQUISITE:

The successful completion of a Pre-Algebra course or referral of instructor is required.

TEXT: McDougall Littell Algebra 1. Books are to be brought to class every day. A cover should be placed on the book to protect it. A lost Algebra 1 book costs $48. A new book will not be issued until the lost book is paid for.

MATERIALS NEEDED :

Book, folder, paper, graph paper, pencil, and calculator

CLASSROOM RULES :

Come to class prepared, on time and ready to learn (book, paper, pencil and other materials).

Be respectful (one person speaks at a time, no put downs, etc.).

Follow all school rules (as listed in your handbook/agenda).

  • You have been attending school for 9+ years. You know how to properly behave in class and I expect only your best behavior. When the end-of-class bell rings, remain seated until dismissed.

Disruptive behavior will result in student verbal warning, parent phone call, detention or referral.

GRADING PROCEDURE :

Each quarter grade will be calculated as · 40% tests/projects · 20% quizzes · 20% homework/participation and · 20% quarter exam. The semester grade will be calculated using the average of the two quarter grades.

GRADING SCALE : A = 90 - 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 75 – 79 D = 70 – 74 F = 0 – 69

TUTORING:

I am available for after-school tutoring. Tutoring will be in room 405 from 3:00 until 4:00 on days to be announced in class. If you are having difficulties in class, please make plans to attend tutoring.

ASSIGNMENTS:

  • An assignment consists of two parts: class notes and the problems assigned. If you are absent you will need to make-up both the class notes and the problems assigned.
  • Assignments are worth ten points: four points for the notes and six points for the problems assigned. To receive full credit, you must copy the problem, show all the steps necessary to arrive at the correct answer, and correctly answer the randomly chosen problems. Also, any graphs will need to be drawn on graph paper. Papers turned in with answers only will receive at most 5 points.
  • It is your responsibility to make sure you are making an honest effort as you complete your assignments. This is your practice to learn the material. Cheating will result in a grade of zero.
  • All work, except notes, must be completed in PENCIL. Work done in pen will not receive credit.
  • It is the responsibility of all students to turn in their assignments on time. Late homework assignments will be accepted for half-credit, but only until the date of the chapter test.

MAKE-UP WORK :

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain work missed due to an absence. Remember, you only have the number of days absent plus one to make-up any missed work, including tests and quizzes. Please be aware that you may receive a different version of the test/quiz than the remainder of the class if you are absent on a test/quiz date. You must have an excused absence to make-up any missed work. You may also access the homework hotline at 638-2022, 638-2024, or 638-2026 extension 1781 to get the current assignment.

EXAM:

We will have a comprehensive exam at the end of each quarter. The first quarter exam will cover chapters 1 – 3, and the second quarter exam will cover chapters 4 – 6. These exams account for 20% of your final grade.

FOLDERS:

All work will have a page number that corresponds to a page in your folder, as noted on the table of contents that I will provide. It is required that you keep a folder. Your folder may be collected and/or you will have folder quizzes given during the quarter asking about the contents in your folder. Keep all of you papers and keep them in order.

RESTROOM/PASSES:

You will receive four (4) passes per nine weeks. Use them wisely. Even if you have not used all four passes, there will be times when you will not be given permission to leave the room. You must have these passes and your agenda to leave class. DO NOT LOSE your passes or agenda or you will have permission to leave the room.

FOOD/DRINK:

Food, drinks, and gum are NOT ALLOWED in the classroom. Leave all food, drinks, and gum in the cafeteria.

ATTENDANCE/TARDY POLICY:

Please keep in mind the attendance policy. You are allowed six (6) absences. On the seventh absence, you will not receive credit for the class. If you are not in you seat when the bell rings, you will be marked tardy. Remember, five tardies equals one absence and you will be required to spend one minute after class for each tardy.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

Cell phones, CD players, and other such electronic devices are not to be out in the classroom. Keep your CD players in your lockers and your cell phones off and out of sight. Anyone caught using an electronic device will have the device confiscated and be assigned three days of ISS.

Both you and your parents/guardian are asked to sign below indicating that you have read the above information. If your parents/guardian have any questions, they may contact me at the school, leave me a message at 638-2022 ext. 1780, or e-mail me at terihughes@walkerschools.org. This sheet will be page one in your folder.