GEOMETRY - MS. LAYTON

 

This is an academic class.  A productive atmosphere is important to everyone’s success.  During the semester we will explore geometric and algebraic concepts through cooperative groups, discovery on the computer and class discussion.  An important goal of this class is to make you an effective problem solver.  Here is some valuable information about this class:

 

TEXTBOOK:   Prentice Hall Mathematics Geometry 

                          Textbook must be brought to class covered daily.  

 

ATTENDANCE: Something important happens daily in this class.  If you are absent it is your responsibility to get and promptly complete missed assignments.  This includes notes, starters, homework and tests.  You will be given the same number of days you were absent to complete makeup work.  You will receive a 0 on all work that day if you are truant.

 

TARDIES: Class begins promptly!  It is important for you to be in your seat working on the starter when class begins.  Tardies will be delt with through the tardy lockout process.

 

TESTS & QUIZZES: Tests will be announced in advance, but quizzes may or may not be announced.  Tests and quizzes may be given in both group and individual format.

 

STARTERS:  This is a daily set of problems that are to be done in the first 5- 10 minutes of class.  These types of problems will appear in homework, SAT exams and on tests.  One week of starters is worth one homework assignment.  If you are absent it is your responsibility to get the starters from another student.  Starters may be picked up as a surprise quiz at any time.

 

HOMEWORK:  Homework is assigned daily (even Friday) and is generally due the following day.  The quality of work is as important as having the assignment done.  Sloppy work will not be accepted!  If your work cannot be read it cannot be graded.  All homework assignments should have your name, date and period in the top right corner and the assignment in the top left corner.

 

Number each problem and show all work!  NO WORK = NO CREDIT!

 

Homework is graded on a 5-point scale: 5-A , 4-B, etc.  Assignments will be evaluated by one of the following: 1) turned in, 2) checked at the beginning of the period or 3) homework quiz.

 

Your daily homework can help improve your grade if it is done consistently and carefully.

 

PROBLEM OF THE WEEK (P.O.W.): You will be assigned a weekly problem which will require some thought and computing.  You may ask for help from parents, other students, or me, but you must then do a written explanation on your solution.  You will be receiving handouts with more details.  P.O.W.’s are worth 10 points a week. And you must turn in two a month.

 

PROJECTS & COMPUTER WORK: You will be required to work on 1 or more projects this semester.  More details will be given at the time the project is assigned.  You will also be required to go into the computer lab and use Geometer’s Sketchpad for some assignments.

 

NOTEBOOK:  You are required to keep a math notebook and bring it to class everyday.  Your notebook may be a 3-ring binder, folder or spiral notebooks.  You will need extra line paper and graph paper.

SUPPLIES:   Students will need a protractor, compass, ruler, scissors, colored pencils and tape kept in a pencil bag in their notebook.  These are supplies that will be needed in the classroom, as well as at home for homework. 

 

CHEATING:  Cheating is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated.  This action will result in a grade of 0% on the material involved and possible detention, opportunity referral, referral to assistant principle, and parent conference.

 

GRADES:  You will receive points for all the items above: tests, quizzes, starters, homework, projects and p.o.w.s.  Your grade in the class can be found by finding the percent of points you have earned in the class.  The following scale shows the grade break downs:

   100-90% A    89-80% B    79-70% C    69-60% D   59% & below F

 

Approximately 20% of grade is homework, classwork, and starters, and 80% is tests, quizzes p.o.w.s and projects. 

 

EXTRA HELP:  I am in the classroom from 6:30-7:00 am Tuesday and Thursday.  I am also available to help any student at an arranged time. My conference period is sixth period.  Please ask for help whenever you need it.  I am here to help you!!!

 

WEBSITE:  Valuable information can be found on my wesite:      

http://www.sauguscenturions.com/blayton/.    Class policies, online help and current grades are a few items that can be found. 

 

BEHAVIOR:    At your age, you already know how to behave in class.  My expectations can be described by the three C’s : courtesy, cooperation and consistency.  The 3 C’s include the following:

1.      Be seated quietly and working on the starter when the bell rings.

2.      Be prepared daily with pencils, paper, notebook and textbook.

3.      Remain in your seat while the teacher is talking.

4.      Listen when the teacher or classmate is talking.

5.      Follow directions at all times.

6.      Respect others and school property.

7.      Let others work and do not waste time.

8.      Have book covered at all times.

9.      You may work on other subjects if and only if all of your math work is completed.

 

Students who chose not to follow this classroom behavior will have to face the fourth C: consequences.  The consequences include one or more of the following: 1) teacher conference, 2) detention, and 3) opportunity referral.

 

Please sign and return:

 

Student Signature________________________________________________

 

Parent Signature_________________________________________________

 

(Do not tear off- I will walk around and check for signatures.)