SWAMPSCOTT HIGH SCHOOL
Geometry 321
EXPECTATIONS AND CLASS GUIDELINES
Mrs. Clements – Rm C313
Email: clements@swampscott.k12.ma.us
Welcome to Geometry!
With a focus on deductive and inductive reasoning (including formal methods of proof),
this course will explore the topics of parallel lines and planes, congruence and similarity
of polygons, right triangle trigonometry, and circles. Additional topics include area of
plane figures, volume and surface area of solids, probability, and geometric
transformations and symmetries.
EXPECTATIONS:
1. You are expected to be in class on time each day prepared for class.
2. Respect yourself and respect the people and things around you.
3. Help maintain a comfortable learning atmosphere. Any behavior that
interferes with another student’s learning will not be tolerated.
4. Make sure all electronic devices are silenced and out of sight before the
start of class. If an electronic device comes to my attention, you will be
warned to put it away. If the problem continues, it will be taken and returned
to you at the end of class. Habitual offenders will have devices given to the
main office for parental pick up.
5. Have a notebook to contain notes, handouts, homework, quizzes, and tests.
Organization is important!!
6. Actively participate in class.
7. Put an honest attempt into all homework. Ask questions about problems you
don’t understand and correct problems that you miss.
8. When you are absent, get the work missed right away and make up work as
soon as possible. It is YOUR responsibility to turn in homework and makeup
quizzes/tests/projects.
9. Please do not hesitate to see me for extra help. Check with me for when I am
available. Don’t wait if you are having trouble – get help!
GUIDELINES:
Please bring the following to class each day:
 Homework that is due that day
 Notebook
 Writing utensil – pencil preferred for work, pen for corrections
 Calculator
GRADING PROCEDURES:
Attendance and homework completion are essential to your success in this class.
Common problems occur when students do not do their homework or are consistently
tardy or absent.
Grades will be divided into four parts:
40% Tests/Projects – Tests are full period assessments covering a large amount of
material. They are announced well in advance. If all homework for the unit has been
attempted (no zeroes) prior to the test, you may have the opportunity to do corrections on
tests to earn back some credit. Projects are long term assignments that will often be done
in groups.
30% Quizzes/Notebook Quizzes – Quizzes are shorter announced assessments that
cover less material than tests. Notebook quizzes are unannounced quizzes on which
students may use their notebooks.
20% Participation/Class Work – Students must be active participants in class in order
to be successful. Participation includes volunteering to show solutions to problems,
asking insightful questions, answering other students’ questions, finding alternative ways
to do a problem, being actively involved in small group activities, and otherwise
positively contributing to class. Class Work includes working on warmup problems and
other problems in class either individually or in groups. Some work may be turned in and
graded. Students may also be graded on how they contribute to a group.
10% Homework – To do well in Geometry, it is important to practice by doing
homework. The homework portion of your grade stresses this idea. Each homework
assignment is worth four points. To receive credit for homework, it must be complete by
the beginning of class on the day that it is due. To earn full credit on homework, all
problems must be attempted with appropriate work shown. Please note that
homework assignments are not marked according to the number right, but instead by the
number you seriously tried. Therefore, you should plan to spend time each night on
homework.
Unexcused absences: No credit for any work for the day (homework, quiz, test).
Excused absences: Check for the homework assignment(s) by going to Teachers’ Web
Pages on the SHS website. Click on Ms. Clements. For you to receive full credit for
homework made up due to an excused absence, you must complete it within twice
number of days as you were absent and you must see me to make sure you receive credit.
Tests and quizzes should also be made up within twice the number of days as you were
absent. If a student only missed the day of the test, he/she should be ready to take the test
the next class period. If a student is absent over an extended period of time, a
student/teacher conference will be held to discuss a make up schedule.
Hints for a successful year: Do your homework nightly and check it.
Ask questions until you really understand.
Don’t assume you know it – familiarity is not mastery.
Review concepts and processes frequently.
Get extra help as soon as you have any difficulty.
Show your work and be able to explain your reasoning.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Attached are my expectations and class guidelines for your son’s/daughter’s Geometry
class. If you have any questions during the school year, please do not hesitate to contact
me by email at clements@swampscott.k12.ma.us (preferred) or by calling 781-5968830, ext. 5313 and leaving a message. By signing below, you are indicating that you
have read the attached class expectations. Please also give me your email address and/or
the best telephone number at which I can reach you during the day (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) if
necessary.
Thank you and I look forward to a great year!
Karen Clements
Swampscott High School Math Department
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