Rules for a Successful Year-Common Core Grade 8
Mrs. Dunphy and Miss Fitzpatrick
Hard work will be rewarded!
Class Rules and Guidelines: In order to help our class run smoothly
1. Respect: Show it at all times, respect for other students, the teacher and yourself.
2. Be prepared: Come to class ready to work!
· Always bring a pencil or pen, scientific calculator*, your binder, homework
and any other necessary materials
3. Promptness: Be seated with your notebook open when the bell rings
4. Participation: Everyone is expected to participate daily. Participation included asking
questions and being an active member of the class.
*We will be using a scientific calculator in class to enhance our curriculum and in preparation
for the Common Core Math 8 Assessment exam. You MUST purchase a scientific calculator.
You will need the calculator for homework and the Common Core Math 8 Assessment exam.
Grading Policy
Term grades will be based on the following:
Tests, Projects and Quizzes: 65%
Participation: 10%
Homework: 25%
Binder
1. Divide into 3 sections, NOTES, HOMEWORK and TEST/QUIZZES
a. Folder-For key handouts
b. Graph paper
c. Ruler
2. It is your job to take notes and date them daily
3. Keep your notebook orderly for occasional notebook checks
You are responsible for:
-taking notes in class and maintaining a well-organized binder
-completing homework assignments EVERYDAY
-making up missed work including class notes, homework assignments and/or quizzes/tests when
you are absent*
-participating actively in class discussions and explaining/presenting problems**
-asking questions when you don’t understand something or are struggling with a topic***
-showing all quiz/test grades to your parents/guardians so that they are aware of your academic
progress in this class
* You will have one day to make up an assignment unless there are extenuating circumstances.
**Math is a very challenging subject and requires a lot of effort on YOUR part. You must pay attention
in class and try to work out the problems on YOUR OWN first, if you truly wish to succeed.
***It is YOUR responsibility to let someone know what you are having difficulty with. Ask a friend,
classmate, sibling, parent, guardian or myself. You never know who may be able to answer your
question.
Electronics
NO cell phones, I-pods or any other electronic devices should be used or visible during class time. If a
student is caught with a cell phone out during an exam, the phone will be taken and the test will be
marked as a ZERO.
Please feel free to contact us at any point throughout the year:
Office phone: (516) 488-9626 or (516) 488-9632
Mrs. Dunphy: sdunphy@sewanhaka.k12.ny.us
Miss Fitzpatrick: Mfitzpatrick@sewanhaka.k12.ny.us
*You will be taking the Common Core Math 8 Assessment exam in April or May 2015. This
assessment is a challenging exam and requires hard work and dedication to this class. Your grade on
this exam will partly reflect what Math course you will be placed in the following school year. Also,
there will be a separate Final exam in this course, which will count as one fifth of your final grade.
Failure to MAINTAIN an 80 or above in this class will result in an Algebra with AIS Lab class next
year.
BE PREPARED
BE STUDIOUS
BE KIND
NO DISRESPECT
NO BULLYING
NO DISTRACTIONS
Please fill-in your name and sign below along with your parents/guardians.
I, _________________________________________, have read our course criteria and understand my
responsibilities in the Math 8 class. I pledge to work to the best of my ability in order to be successful
this school year.
Parent(s) email address: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent(s) phone number: _______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
We look forward to working with all of you!
 Welcome to the Wonderful Wacky World of Mathematics!!! 