Welcome to Honors Geometry with Mrs. Purtell. I look forward to getting to know
each of you. I will help you gain the skills needed to pass our state’s Common Core
Assessment, and prepare you for Honors Algebra II. The textbook we are using is Holt
McDougal Geometry. The website for tutorials and help is http://my.hrw.com; username is:
mathtigers; and password is: LCstudent. Please use this resource and Khan Academy
(www.khanacademy.org) whenever needed to better understand class lessons. Of course I
would be happy to help you after school as well any Monday-Friday until 3:15pm. You can
just drop on in and I’ll stop what I’m working on to help you. I’m also available before school
at 7:35am.
Course Syllabus
Unit 1: Review of critical Algebra skills/ Language of Geometry
Unit 2: Reasoning—Logical Arguments and Proof
Unit 3: Reasoning with Lines and Angles
Unit 4: Triangle Congruency and Similarity
Unit 5: Quadrilaterals
Unit 6: Right Triangles
Unit 7: Area of Geometric Figures
Unit 8: Volume of Geometric Figures
Review and Practice for E.O.C. Exam/Concentrated Preparation for Algebra II.
Grading and Grading Policies
Your grade in the class is based on the following weighted percentage break-down:



60% Unit Tests
20% Quizzes
20% Daily Assignments/Homework.
A
=
90-100%
B
=
80-89%
C
=
70-79%
D
=
60-69%
F
=
0-59%
Homework is assigned and graded every day. Assignments will always start in class, but
time must be set aside for Honors Geometry work in order to finish completely, reflect, and
improve on skills. You will probably not need more than 30-40 minutes if you focus your efforts.
Daily practice of advanced material is vital to your success in future math courses, thus it is
20% of your grade. If you struggle with the assignment, refer to the above websites for help
and then come in the next morning with your questions. I’m available at 7:35am each morning
except Thursday late start at 8:15am.
Being in Honors Geometry means you accept your homework will have more problems and
more difficult problems than the regular Geometry class. Your tests and quizzes will also be
more complex and longer than the regular Geometry tests. Your preparation for quizzes and
tests should be planned for accordingly. You will always be given notice of upcoming quizzes
and tests in class and on my website’s calendar. Study for these occasions because it makes a
difference and there are only retakes for D’s & F’s up to 70%. Your semester grade should
reflect your overall capability of the Honors Geometry learning targets and other advanced
materials from Algebra.
Class Expectations: The 3 R’s of LC—Respect, Rights, Responsibility
Each of you has the right to a quality educational environment. It is our responsibility and out
of consideration and/or respect for one another that we need to expect:
1. Safety—everyone deserves a safe environment to learn and ask for help. This is an
environment free from profanity, vulgar behavior, violence, or threat. It is the
environment most work places expect to be maintained.
2. Participation—we are a community of math learners who are here to help one another
and not give up on each other. Partner and small group activities increase math
communication and the brain’s ability to retain learning. But you will need to be able to
work on your own as well since that is how we test. Practice problems and homework
are intentional to develop skills and accuracy so make sure you do all of them and get
help when you need it.
3. Self-management—you are responsible to be on time, prepared with your materials,
including finished assignments. This is a basic for any job so start practicing good habits
now. Try not to miss this class—the learning is 2-3 times more difficult on your own.
You have the right to be heard, but must also allow others their rights to learn and be
heard. Self-control is a learned skill. We will practice consideration and respect for one
another daily, and accept responsibility for our actions when they need intervention.
Helpful advice: Honors Geometry is an advanced high school math course. We will cover
more advanced material and at a faster pace than a regular Geometry class. Be prepared.
Believe in yourself. Ask for help when you need it. I can’t read minds…so ask questions and I’ll
be happy to help clarify. You and your parents can contact me at 354-6904 or email me at
jenniferpu@spokaneschools.org. Please show this to your parents, have them sign below, and
then put in your Geometry folder. Thanks!
___________________________________
Parent Signature and best method of contact