GEOMETRY MS. SARA SLAGLE (970) 488-8208 sslagle@psdschools.org ABOUT THIS CLASS: This course is designed to broaden your understanding of geometry and enhance your problem solving abilities. You will participate in projects in addition to daily homework, class lectures, quizzes, tests, and group activities in this quest for geometrical knowledge. Be prepared to work hard, think critically, and be committed everyday. By devoting time to this class you will expand your critical thinking and problem solving skills. MY PHILOSOPHIES AND EXPECTATIONS: We are all in this together. Given that, I expect everyone to participate in class discussions. Math can be difficult, so it is important to learn from one another and help each other during group work. PLEASE: Be prepared: This means bringing paper, pencils, a calculator, and the textbook to class every day. Other required material includes a compass and protractor. Be respectful: Respect yourself, your peers, and me. This includes showing up on time, being polite, and listening objectively to peers’ opinions. This also includes putting music players and cell phones away. Be an active participant: You will be given the chance to speak nearly every day. GRADING: Grades will be determined in the following manner: Homework and Participation (25%), Quizzes and Projects (30%), Tests (35%), and a Final Exam (10%) 90-100% = A 80-89%= B 70-79%= C 60-69%= D 59% and below= F HOMEWORK & PARTICIPATION (25%): Homework will be assigned nearly everyday. I will try to allow time to start, if not finish, assignments in class. Work will be due at the beginning of the following class unless otherwise stated. Homework will be collected by Homework Quizzes which will occur every week or so. These have 4 problems that are straight from the homework, which can be used on the quiz. The quiz and that week’s homework will be turned in and graded. Participation is essential, and I expect every student to be active in class. QUIZZES/PROJECTS, & TESTS (30%, 35%): Quizzes and tests will be pre-announced. They consist of sections with 3 questions per section. If you correctly solve one of the problems, you’ll receive 3 out of 5 points. If you correctly solve two questions, you’ll receive 4 points. If you correctly solve all three problems, you’ll receive 6 out of 5 points. Furthermore, there will be a cumulative final at the end of each semester worth 10% of your grade. There will be projects throughout the semester which are meant to enhance your understanding of geometry. ATTENDENCE & TARDINESS: If you miss class, you are still responsible for the material covered that day. Assignments will still be turned in, and quizzes or tests will be made-up. Do not plan on missing many classes, because in math, every lesson builds upon the previous lessons. Plan on attending class every day. You’ll have 2 days for every 1 EXCUSED absence to make up your work. UNEXCUSED absences will result in a zero for that day’s work. Tardiness is not tolerated at FCHS, and you will have to see a tardy station for a pass to get into class. See the school handbook for more information on tardy and absence procedures. EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit will be given on every quiz and test as listed above. Other opportunities will be available as well. TEXT BOOKS: These are the coolest textbooks ever! They have a companion website which can be accessed at home or the library for more opportunities. We will talk about this more in class. www.phschool.com COMMUNICATION: I am passionate about mathematics and teaching, and I know this course will be challenging and fun. Seeing as I share a room, if you need help and I’m not in the classroom, please visit me in my office in the UPSTAIRS of gray hall in the math office. Both you and your parents are welcome to contact me through phone and/or email to discuss progress or set up meetings. I look forward to getting to know you and your parents this year! Detach and return the lower portion of this page on or before Monday Aug. 24th . I have read and understand the classroom procedures and expectations. ________________________________________________________________________ (Student signature) (Date) ________________________________________________________________________ (Parent signature) (Date)