Welcome to PreCalculus!
Mrs. Holman
2011-2012
Mrs. Sheri Holman
Education
• Bowling Green State University – BS in Education
• Ashland University - Masters in Computer Technology
Experience (19 years)
•Solon High School
•Wooster High School
•Vermilion High School & Middle School
2002 – Present
1995 – 2002
1992 - 1995
Course Objectives
This course provides the tools that you will need
for college mathematics courses, particularly
Calculus. You will build on your learning from
Algebra II and Geometry to construct a deeper
understanding of functions. As you study PreCalculus and trigonometry, you will be investigating
functions in new ways and working with more
abstract forms, including trigonometric functions.
You will develop a deeper understanding of the
concepts of limits, area and slope that are essential
in the development of Calculus.
Required Materials
• Pre-Calculus Text with acceptable cover
• A sharpened pencil, pen, and colored
pencils (highlighters are helpful)
• Notebook for notes and homework - a
3-ring binder is recommended
• A graphing calculator (TI-nspire or TI-84+
recommended)
• Two dry-erase markers
Structure of the class
This rigorous course is designed for students who
intend to take Advanced Placement Calculus next year.
The expectation is that you have mastered and retained
the skills and concepts learned in Algebra I, Algebra II,
and Geometry. We will use minimal class time to
review these skills and concepts.
You will be working individually, with partners, in
groups, and with technology to complete problems and
activities that will help you understand new
mathematical ideas and methods.
Study Buddies/Groups
It is important that you complete EVERY homework
problem. This course is designed to “spiral”,
meaning that topics are visited more than once, so
you need to do all problems to get a complete
understanding of the material.
Each individual has a unique way of seeing and
approaching problems, so each of you will have
something to contribute while you work with your
classmates in this course.
I strongly encourage you to work with another
student or group of students when studying and
preparing for this class.
Assistance
I am here to help you so if at any time
you are having a problem pertaining
to this class please see me
immediately so that we can remedy
the problem as quickly as possible. I
am available most days both before
and after school. The Math Lab is
also available during the school day.
Grading Scale
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
•
90 – 100%
80 - 89.9%
70 - 79.9%
60 - 69.9%
59.9% or below (You earn this!)
Note: Your grade in Pre-Calculus is weighted. In-class
assessments will constitute 85% of your grade; assessments with
resources/other will constitute 15% of your grade. Current grades
are accessible on the parent viewer.
In-Class Assessments vs.
Assessments with Resources
In-Class Assessments
Anything done in class in
front of the teacher:
• Tests
• Quizzes
• Formative assessments
Assessments w/Resources
Anything graded where
you have access to
resources (classmates,
family members,
internet, book, etc.)
• Graded assignments
• Portfolios
• Projects
• Team assessments
• Class presentations
and/or activities
In-Class Assessments –
Tests 
•Tests will be administered every three weeks on a Math Test
Day (Monday or Wednesday). If you are absent for a test, you
are expected to make up the test in the testing center between
7 AM and 4 PM the day you return to school unless previous
arrangements have already been made. Failure to do so will
result in a 10% reduction in score.
•If you are absent for a test, but are present in school anytime
during the day, you will be expected to take the test before
leaving the building that day and/or contact me prior to
leaving, or face a 10 percent reduction in score.
In- Class Assessments Quizzes
• Quizzes (15 points each) will be given regularly throughout
the grading period. Most will be announced in advance, with
dates (Mondays or Wednesdays) posted on the board and on
the Family Information System online. Quizzes will NOT be
made up.
• If you take all the quizzes in a given grading period, the
lowest quiz score will be dropped. If you miss class, but are
present in school the day of a quiz, you may take the quiz
before leaving the building that day.
• Pop quizzes are worth fewer points but cannot be dropped.
“Partner Quizzes” may be given from time to time, but
cannot be dropped either.
Assignments & Grading
• Assignments will be posted in the classroom and online.
It is your responsibility to write them down in class or
find them online. You are expected to do ALL
assignments.
• Portfolio assignments and projects will be given
periodically during the course. They will be discussed in
more detail when assigned.
• I will not grade on a curve nor will grades be rounded.
Keep track of your own grade so that it is not a surprise
at the end of the quarter.
Internet Information
On my page, you will find daily lessons, homework,
upcoming tests and quizzes as well as some of the
class resources. To get to my page follow these steps:
1. Go to the Solon Schools web page
www.solonschools.org
2.
Choose Schools
3.
Choose SHS 9 – 12
4.
Scroll down to my name (Charlotte Holman)
5.
Choose “Calendar” from the bottom
6.
Choose the appropriate class
Tonight’s Assignment
• Check out the class
website!
• Complete Student
Information Sheet.
We’re All in This
Together!
Welcome to Pre-Calculus! I am looking forward to assisting you in
learning and have high expectations of you for this year. If we work
together, it will be a rewarding and successful year for all!