Geometry Syllabus
Louisville Male High School 2015-16
Ms. Brenda D. Bradford
E-mail: Brenda.Bradford@jefferson.kyschools.us
Website: www.bradfordpenguin.weebly.com
Mathematics Department Website: www.malehighmath.com
School phone: (502) 485-8292
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Welcome to Honors Geometry! I look forward to exploring the exciting world of Geometry with all of you.
Math truly is one of the most important tools that will open many doors to success. My goal is to help you
succeed, not just in Geometry, but at Louisville Male High School and throughout your life!
What is Geometry?
Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with measurement, properties, and relationships of points,
lines, angles, surfaces and solids. The word geometry is derived from the conjunction of two Greek words:
Geos (meaning “Earth”) and metria (meaning “to measure”). So literally, Geometry means “to measure the
Earth.” Long before Algebra was developed, Geometry was used in ancient Babylon, Egypt, China, India, and
in all four corners of the world to make sense of everyday life. Geometry is truly useful, and I hope you find
this is true as we explore this fun branch of mathematics this year.
Course Standards
Throughout the year as we study Geometry, students are expected to master the following focus topics and
their main overreaching learning targets:
1. Transformations—describe and perform all three rigid transformations
2. Angle Relationships—identify and apply various angle relationships to solve geometric problems
3. Similarity—reason proportionally to apply similarity concepts
4. Trigonometry—use trigonometric ratios and Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems involving
triangles
5. Congruent Triangles—utilize congruence criteria for triangles to solve problems and to prove
relationships in geometric figures
6. Coordinate Geometry—use slope, distance, and angles to solve geometric problems involving the
coordinate plane
7. Quadrilaterals—apply properties of quadrilaterals to solve geometric problems
8. Polygons—calculate interior and exterior angles of polygons
9. Volume and Surface Area—calculate the volume and surface area of solid figures
10. Circles (arc and sector)—calculate sector area and arc length
11. Circles (relationships)—find measures of angles and arcs and lengths of segments created by
tangents and secants to a circle
12. Circles (equations)—write and graph equations of circles
13. Probability—calculate and interpret expected values
Instructional Sequence
We will closely follow the College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM) curriculum. Throughout the course, we will
expand both our mathematical knowledge and skills by gaining a wider and deeper perspective of how
everything in the world of math connects to one another.
Instructional Philosophy
It is my philosophy that students will:
 Grow in their knowledge and competency as they learn that they can succeed academically
 Embrace learning from mistakes as an important part of one’s educational journey
 Gain confidence by overcoming initial struggles, believing that good practice leads to great results
 Apply and communicate mathematics with excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
 Gain mastery as they embark on completing tasks to their fullest potential
 Develop an appreciation of mathematics as an approach to make sense of everyday life
 Value individual and group efforts/successes
Extra Help
The following websites are available:
 www.bradfordpenguin.weebly.com for class notes uploaded on the same day new material is
presented; homework answer keys
 http://homework.cpm.org for homework hints
 www.edgenuity.com for assistance on topics studied in class
 www.malehighmath.wordpress.com for an e-book version of the ENTIRE Geometry Connections text
I am also available after school by appointment. I expect you to always try your best on your own first.
However, we all need extra help and guidance sometimes. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Other after-school
help (ESS, peer tutoring, etc.) will be available as the school year progresses.
How will I be graded in Geometry?
The JCPS Grading Scale (A: 100-90, B:89-80, C:79-75, D: 74-70, U: 69-0) will be used. Your ultimate goal is to
achieve and demonstrate proficiency in Geometry. I generally update grades weekly by Thursday evening.
Your grade will be based on your performance as shown in the following components:
Total
Category #1—Mastery
Tests—25%
Proficiency Exams/Projects—
25%
50%
Category #2—Progress
Quizzes—20%
Classwork—10%
Category #3--Participation
Homework—10%
Other (including Binder)—10%
30%
20%
What does it take to earn an “A” in Geometry?
Grade
Performance Descriptors
A
Demonstrates distinguished understanding and mastery of all tested material. Strives for
perfect attendance and is always engaged. Motivated, self-disciplined, confident, and
embraces the idea that making/revising mistakes, and overcoming struggles are essential
parts of learning.
B
Demonstrates above average level of understanding of all tested material. Rarely absent
and usually engaged.
C
Demonstrates competent understanding of all tested material. Sporadically absent and
somewhat disengaged at times.
D
Demonstrates basic understanding of all focus topic material. Frequently absent and often
disengaged.
U
Severely lacks understanding of all tested material. Attendance and behavior poor.
Required Materials for Class
You should always bring the following to class everyday:
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Textbook
Graph Paper
Pencils, eraser
TI-84 Graphing Calculator
Colored Pencils (4 to 5 colors)
Colored Pens (red, blue)
Index Cards (can leave at home at first)
 Three-Ring Binder (1 or 1.5 inch) with
Dividers labeled:
 Current Topic
 Previous Topics
 Highlighters (2 to 3 colors)
 Protractor, Ruler (can leave at home)
 ONE-TIME ONLY 1 Box of Kleenex
(or Puffs, etc.) facial tissues
Classroom Policies &Procedures
The JCPS Student Code of Conduct and Louisville Male High School policies will be strictly
enforced. In addition to these, please also refer to the Classroom Policies and Procedures
listed below.
It is ultimately your responsibility to know, understand, and follow the policies and procedures.
Please remember that policies and procedures are set in place to help maintain a healthy
learning environment for all.
First, the consequences….
Consequences for not Following Policies & Procedures
 First Offense: Verbal warning. Parent may be contacted.
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Second Offense: You will be removed from the classroom. If you refuse to
do so, or disrupt the class any further, you will be referred to your
assistant principal. Your parent will be notified and may be asked to come
in for a conference.
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The “Non-Negotiables”: Certain offenses will immediately result in a referral to your assistant principal,
and your parent will be notified. These include, but are not limited to: fighting, vandalism, profanity,
stopping the class from functioning, extreme behaviors, cheating, etc. Such offenses will immediately
result in a referral to your assistant principal, and your parent will be notified.
Now, these are policies and procedures for Ms. Bradford’s classes. Learn them quickly for optimal benefits!
TOPIC
Entering the Classroom
Tardiness
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Leaving the Classroom
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CLASS DISMISSAL
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ASKING/ANSWERING A QUESTION
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Sharpening Pencils
Forgotten Materials
Absences
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Late Work
Excused Notes, Progress
Reports, Etc.
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POLICIES/PROCEDURES
Enter quietly and sit down before the tone sounds.
Immediately begin on the opening task for the day.
All backpacks and purses are to be on the floor out of the
aisles or hanging on your chair.
Absolutely no purses or backpacks are to be on desktops.
You are considered tardy if you are not seated when the
tone sounds.
If you are tardy, you will need to report to the AP office
for a detention slip before you may enter the classroom.
You may leave the classroom when it is at the request of
an administrator or teacher and you must have a note.
Passes will be issued on an emergency basis only. Going
to the locker or restroom is NOT an emergency.
Take care of business during class change, for I will only
sign your agenda once per grading period.
You must remain seated until I dismiss you.
No packing up early!
No standing at/near the door waiting for the tone!
All classroom supplies and materials must be returned
neatly to their proper places prior to dismissal.
Raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
If I am engaged in something, patiently wait for me to
recognize your hand.
DO NOT call out my name or the answer to a question;
wait your turn.
During group interaction, please speak at a group voice
level as to not disrupt other groups.
Pencils should be sharpened before class.
If a lead breakage occurs, wait for an appropriate break in
the lesson, or raise your hand.
I do not allow students to retrieve forgotten materials.
I do not generally have extra paper or pencils.
It is your responsibility to get your excused make-up work
and turn it in within the allotted time frame.
Failure to complete ALL graded work within the allotted
time frame will result in a zero.
Makeup quizzes/tests need to be arranged with me.
Late work is accepted on a case by case basis for partial
credit.
Anything that needs my signature must be placed on my
desk before the start of class.
It is your responsibility to retrieve it at the end of class.
Late requests will be honored on a case by case basis.
Pencils & Paper
Free Time
Sleeping/Disrupting Class
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RESPECT
All work is to be completed on graph paper.
All work is to be written in pencil.
There is no such thing!
If you have completed your assignment/homework
earlier than others, you are expected to READ or WORK
on YOUR BINDER!
This is intolerable and will not be allowed at any time!
In order to avoid the temptation to sleep, your head must
remain in an upright position at all times.
It is never acceptable to disrupt the class via talking, etc.
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Always respect yourself, classmates and your teachers.
Disrespect shows a lack of judgment and character, and
you will be disciplined for it.
 Disrespect includes, but is not limited to: mockery of any
person in any way, profanity, vulgar or sexually explicit
language, making fun of a classmate or teacher,
inappropriate gestures, rudeness, etc.
CONCERNS/COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS
 Please come and talk to me privately after class/school.
 You can also put your concerns in writing and place it on
my desk, or you can email me.
 Communicate in a respectful manner.
 DO NOT argue with me or anyone during class. This will
only cause further disciplinary actions against you.
Cheating, Stealing, and Acts of Dishonesty Cheating involves one or more of the following actions:
 Using the work of another person as your own
 Copying from another student’s work
 Plagiarizing
 Downloading work without citations
 Preparing for cheating (see Student Agenda)
 Talking while taking quizzes, tests, or examinations
 Failure to follow announced test directions
FOOD AND DRINK
Consequences for any of the above include, but are not limited
to, a: zero (0) for the grade, parent contact made, and discipline
referral written.
 NO FOOD! Water bottles are all right.
 Administrative exceptions may occur.
When All is Said and Done
“The problem is not the problem. The problem is your
attitude about the problem.”
Captain Jack Sparrow
Pirates of the Caribbean
When all is said and done, it takes personal responsibility,
a dogged determination and a lot of hard work for most of
us to solve the problems we face in life and, ultimately,
find success.
John H. Sklare, Ed.D.
Lifescript Personal Coach
Two Quotes, One Message
May this be your best school year ever,
And…
Of Course,
STAY FROSTY!!
…..Ms. Bradford