Algebra II Mrs. Innerst Welcome to Algebra II All students enrolled in Algebra II should have completed and passed the prerequisite classes Algebra 1 and Geometry. In Algebra II, we will cover the curriculum outlined in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. At the end of this course, all students will have the choice to enroll in Advanced Functions and Modeling or Pre-Calculus. Classes are designed so that every student can succeed. This does not imply that Algebra II is an easy course. Instead it means that there are many opportunities open to hard-working motivated students. General Policies and Expectations from all the Teachers in the Math Department The members of the WOHS Math Department want the absolute best for their students. We also expect the absolute best from our students. Therefore, the Department wishes to communicate to all students and their parents our common expectations. No matter what teacher a child has, he/she can expect their teacher to uphold these standards. o The math department expects students to remember the concepts they were taught in earlier math classes they have taken. o Every student in class has a right to an education in a professional and effective environment. There will be ZERO tolerance for any conduct that disrupts that environment. Do not do anything that will keep the teacher from teaching and others from learning. o Being able to communicate effectively is an important skill, especially in mathematics. Students are expected to show work for all problems as directed by their teacher for ALL problems on homework, classwork, quizzes, and tests. All math computations must be done using pencil. Late work will not be given full credit. o Math classes will use a variety of AVID strategies that could include Cornell Notes and/or Interactive Notebooks in daily instruction to enhance learning and retention of concepts. o Homework is a valuable tool for formative assessment. It provides needed feedback to the teacher and the student on what needs to be readdressed. The math department expects all students to attempt all HW problems every night. After HW questions have been answered, the math department expects students to go back and make corrections to their HW assignments. o Every three weeks students will receive a progress report or report card. Please be on the lookout and ask for them! These are very important forms of communication and ways to keep you informed. o There will be opportunities to utilize different types of technology (cell phones, laptops, Ipods) in each classroom. We are excited to teach using technology and try new ideas but the technology has a time and place. Use the technology only for the designated purpose and during appropriate times or we will not be able to use it at all. Attendance A student’s attendance is directly related to how well he/she will perform in any class. Be aware of the Attendance Policy in the handbook. Any student who misses more than 10 days will NOT receive credit for this class. Time will not be made up after school. A student must be present 1 hour for the day to count. When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to get the notes and missed assignments. Test/quizzes need to be made up. Coming to class on time is also important. 3 tardies = no exam exemption. Exams The class does not have a State EOC so it is possible to be exempt from the exam. A student is eligible for exemption if he or she has no unlawful absences and meets one of the following standards: he or she has no more than 2 lawful absences or an A average for the 3 six weeks in the course. Absences are excused if a note from the parent is provided to the front office in a timely manner. Grading Procedures Six weeks grades will consist of Classwork, Quizzes, and Tests using the following percentages: Classwork 15% Quizzes 25% Tests 60% Cumulative tests and Projects will count as multiple test grades. Your grade in this class follows closely with test grades. To pass the class, you need to pass the tests and quizzes. In class, we will go over most of the test questions so consider every problem in class to be on the next test. It is your responsibility to listen to instruction, take good notes, and process every bit of information presented in class. To prepare for a test, you should know the chapter inside and out, every aspect and type of question I could ask you. Help Sessions My help is available from 2:30 to at least 3:00 PM in my room, room 126, on Tuesdays and Thursdays; other times by appointment. There is a calendar in the front of the room that shows my availability after school. On days I am not available, the student should go to another math teacher in the hall. Viking Express is a free bus ride home on Tuesday and Thursdays. For the entire semester, the math department ensures that a math teacher is available for after school help until 4:00 for the Viking Express bus. Students that stay can receive an extra hour and 30 minutes of math help. Topics we will be studying This semester in Algebra 2, we will be using the Prentice Hall Algebra 2 book and will investigate the following topics. 1st Six Weeks: Polynomial Functions & Equations, Linear Functions, Equations, and graphs, 2nd Six Weeks: Linear Systems, Matrices and Quadratic Functions 3rd Six Weeks: Rational Roots & Theorems, Exponential & Logarithmic Functions, Rational Equations, Conics, and Exam Review. Materials Needed Daily: o Notebooks: Spiral Bound or Three Ring, but need separate notebooks or sections for notes and homework o Loose-leaf paper for everything but notes. o Graph Paper (small pack) o Pencils and erasers o Textbook/Workbook Contact Information: Phone Number (WOHS): 455-1541 Email: Kara.Innerst@onslow.k12.nc.us School Website: http://whiteoak.nc.och.schoolinsites.com Class website: on Teacher page under School Website Algebra 2 By signing, you are letting me know that you have read all the class information in the newsletter. Students please let me know how I can help if you are struggling. Parents please feel free to contact me anytime if they are questions or concerns and look for progress reports. I know this semester will be great and I look forward to working together as a team. Student Signature ______________________________ Printed name ___________________________ Parent/Legal Guardian’s Signature ______________________________ Printed name ___________________________ Email Address _________________________________________________ About how often do you check it? __________________________ ***Onslow County Board Policy prohibits the communication of confidential student information with any individual other than biological/adoptive parents or legal guardians unless permission is given in writing. Please list any individuals that you would allow me to discuss your student’s educational issues with and the relation to the student. Please note that nonadoptive step parents would need to be included in this list if I am to discuss any issues with them.