MS. DIGIOVANNI ~ COLLEGE ALGEBRA mdigiova@psdschools.org – (970) 488 - 6375 Couse Descriptions: College Algebra is a non-calculator based, advanced mathematics class meant to develop advanced algebraic skills necessary in later mathematical courses. I will, however, teach you how to use the Graphing Calculator for future success. Class Expectations/Rules: RESPECT others at all times You will be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings At the end of the class period, pick up all trash and leave when dismissed Always have a good attitude, a strong work ethic, and the motivation to put in your absolute-without-adoubt best effort! Participation will be expected at all times Attendance is key!!! Grading Policy: 10% - Homework, class participation and class activities 15% - Graded work and quizzes 40% - Chapter Tests 15% - Midterm Exam 20% - Semester Final Exam Participation: Participation is a HUGE part of math class and you are expected to contribute at all times to the academic classroom atmosphere. This means taking notes, being on task at all times, coming to class prepared EVERYDAY, and being on time to class. Tardies: Tardies will not be tolerated at Fossil Ridge and in this class. If you are not in your seat and ready to work, that means all materials out, not socializing, when the bell rings then you are tardy. If you are tardy to class, you will receive a detention slip. You will serve a 25 minute lunch detention within one week after your tardy. If you fail to do so, you will be assigned an hour of community service. Missing Class Procedure: Any student who has an excused absence will be allowed to make up missed work for full credit up until the day of the unit test. If you have an unexcused absence you can make up the assignment for up to 60% of credit until the day of the unit test. I am not responsible for any lost homework assignments that were not turned into the correct place, so please make sure that the assignments are handed directly to me, not just put on my desk. All assignments given out on the day you missed can be found on blackboard. If you have an excused absence on the day of the test you will be given an alternative test outside of class time for full credit. If you have an unexcused absence, you will be given an alternative test outside of class time for only 60% of what you earn. Alternative tests will reflect the additional time available for studying. If you know you will be absent on a day of a test, you can make arrangements to take the test early instead of taking the alternative test. Attendance Bonus: The percentage grade earned on the final semester exam can be used to replace a student’s lowest earned chapter exam score (midterm cannot be replaced). In order to be eligible, a student must have less than 3 unexcused tardies AND no unexcused absences for the entire semester. A zero assigned to a chapter exam due to academic dishonesty or an unexcused absence CANNOT be replaced by the final exam regardless of a student's tardy/unexcused absence status. Late Work: Unless you are absent, late-work will not be accepted. Cell Pone/iPods: NO CELL PHONES AT ANYTIME. The first time your phone is taken I will keep in until the end of the class period. The second time your phone is taken, you will need to pick it up from the dean’s office after 3:00pm. The third time, you will not be able to have your cell phone back until you and your parent has a conference with one of the deans. iPods will only be allowed at certain times. If your iPod is out at a time when I did not say they could be out I will keep it until 3:30pm that day. Bathroom/Hall Privileges: Only one person at a time will be allowed to leave the room. You must ask permission to leave at appropriate times (during work-time only). Please sign out on the bathroom sign out sheet after you’ve gotten permission to go and sign back in when you return. If you are gone longer than 10 minutes you will be counted absent. I look forward to working with each and every one of you this semester. I expect my classroom to be a positive learning environment for all of us to treat each other with respect. When working with others, you must value each member of the group, share ideas, listen actively, and accept each others differences and strengths. Everybody learns math at a different pace and in a different way. Be patient with yourself, ask a lot of questions, and be proud of your accomplishments. If we all work together, we can all be successful! PLEASE BRING THIS LAST PAGE BACK TO SCHOOL SIGNED BY BOTH YOU AND YOUR PARENTS. THIS WILL COUNT AS PART OF YOUR FIRST HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT!! PARENTS: FEEL FREE TO MAKE A COPY OF THE RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR FUTURE REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER! STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT: I have read the expectations for Ms. DiGiovanni’s class and I understand and agree to my responsibilities. I have also read the Fossil Ridge Code of Conduct and the PSD Student Rights & Code of Conduct booklet which is available online at www.psdschools.org. I understand all of the policies and procedures for this class and understand there will be consequences if they are not followed appropriately. ___________________________ Student Name (Print) ___________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________ Student Signature _________ Class Period