2015-2016 8ACC
Name: ___________________________
Date:_______________
NOTES
Welcome to Math 8 Accelerated
Ms. Ferrante
Room 46
Voicemail: (845) 256-4000 Ext. 69712
e-mail: mferrante@newpaltz.k12.ny.us
I hope your summer was enjoyable and restful.
I feel very fortunate to be your math teacher and believe it will be a great school year.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
SUPPLIES

Calculators (2 Types Required):
 Scientific Calculator: Students should bring the Scientific Calculator they purchased in 7th grade to
math class every day. It can be used to complete prep tasks during times when there is no access to a
graphing calculator.
 Graphing Calculator: Students need a graphing calculator for the NYS Algebra I Common Core
regents examination. Please note that students are only allowed to use a graphing calculator on the
Algebra regents exam. It is important for students to become comfortable using it.
 In Class: Each student will be assigned a school-issued TI – 84 Plus for in class use only. As
stated, this is the calculator that they will use for the regents exam.
 At Home: It is advised that each student purchase a TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for at home
reinforcement of skills introduced in class. Becoming more fluent with the graphing calculator
functions will be beneficial to students when taking the Algebra I regents exam. (The purchase
of this calculator is a multi-year investment, as it will be required for math classes offered at the
high school as well.) Students should NOT bring their own graphing calculators to school.

Pencils: Students will need several sharpened pencils with good erasers everyday.

3-Ring Binder and Loose-leaf Paper: Students are required to have their binder everyday for class.
Notes will be given and they must be recorded. A check will be done. The math section of the binder
must have loose-leaf paper and TWO sections labeled as follows:
1) NOTES & REFERENCE
2) PREP TASKS & GRADED ASSESSMENTS
A pencil pouch works nicely to store the students’ calculator, pens, and pencils.

Assignment Book: The only assignment book that will be accepted is the one issued by the school
district, since the assignment book is where student passes are written. Students must bring their
assignment book to class everyday.

Text Books: No textbook will be issued to the students. Notes and reference materials to support the
lessons will be provided or developed during a lesson. All notes will also be available on the teacher
website. A request may be made in writing to have a text book issued to a student. All textbooks must be
returned at the end of the current school year. Textbooks will be available to all students in the
classroom and the library.
Note that the only textbook available does not align with the current curriculum due to multiple changes
that have been made to the state curriculum since this text was published.

CLASS POLICIES AND GRADING:


Assignments: All assignments must be written in their assignment book.
Absences: The student is responsible for making up any notes and work missed during the absence. It
will be the student’s responsibility to view the teacher’s calendar on the school website. All Prep Tasks
and Notes will be posted to the calendar. For extended absences contact the Guidance Department.
2015-2016 8ACC
Missing assignments must be turned in promptly upon returning to school. Students will generally be given
an additional day to complete an assignment missed due to an absence.

Grading Structure:
o PREP TASKS: Will be assigned regularly. The assignments may reinforce concepts/skills
reviewed in class that day or may help to prepare students for an upcoming topic. These
assignments, if completed with care, will assist the student in preparing for upcoming Skill Checks,
Quick Checks, Quizzes, and Tests.
o SKILLS CHECKS: Graded “take-home” or “in class” assignments that not only reinforce
skills/concepts discussed in class, but encourages a deeper understanding of the topic. These
assignments will be worth anywhere from 5-100 points.
o QUICK CHECKS (mini quizzes): Given to check understanding on a specific skill prior to a Quiz or
to check Prep Task completion. These assessments will be worth anywhere from 5 - 50 points.
o QUIZZES: A number of quizzes will be given each quarter. Quizzes will be worth anywhere from
50 - 100 points. These will assist the students in preparing for any cumulative tests. There are
NO Quiz Corrections in 8 th Grade Acceleration.
o
TESTS: Tests will be valued at 200 points.

10 Week Averages will be calculated using the following formula:
10 WEEK AVERAGE 

Total Earned Points
x 100
Total Possible Points
GRADE POINT AVERAGE GUIDELINES FOR MATH 8ACC ACCELERATION:
1) Midterm Checkpoint: If a student’s cumulative average is below 80 at this point in the school year,
it will be recommended that the student be removed from Math 8ACC and placed in regular Math.

Extra Help:
I will be available after school for extra help. Students may see me about meeting.

Behavior: It is understood that all students will adhere to the guidelines set forth by the building
administration.

Use of Materials: At times we may use materials to work through a lesson. These materials are to be
treated properly and returned as directed at the end of the lesson .

Using Teacher calendar on the school website to check homework:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Go to http://www.newpaltz.k12.ny.us/Domain/340
Select “Middle School” from the Select a School dropdown menu
Go to “Teachers”
Click on my name, Ms. Ferrante
Current assignments will be posted on the calendar
You may also send an email to me from this site
Parent Portal: Through the on-line parent portal, parents and students can view student’s academic
progress. On Parent Portal you can review all grades, attendance, and teacher comments regarding a
student’s progress. The program is web-based, which means the moment information is updated, you have
access to it. This is wonderful resource for both students and parents.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------Due the next school day:
 Read/review/study the Welcome Letter (you will have a Skills Check on the content)
 Ask a parent/guardian to read/review the Welcome Letter.
 Sign the RECEIPT OF WELCOME LETTER handout and ask a parent/guardian to sign the form as well.
 Return the RECEIPT OF WELCOME LETTER handout to me (due the next school day).