Mrs. Svoboda
Superstition High School
(480) 472-82666, Room 6
jsvoboda@mpsaz.org
2013-2014
Algebra 1
Dear Parents,
Welcome! My name is Mrs. Julie Svoboda and I will be teaching Algebra 1 this school year. I
am looking forward to an exciting and successful endeavor. Algebra is the branch of
mathematics concerning the study of the rules of operations and relations, and the
constructions and concepts arising from them. This sets the foundation for all other math
courses by providing a strong foundation for content development and problem solving skills,
which are needed for success in college, careers and daily life.
I have extremely high expectations for all my students and parents are encouraged to keep
track of how well their children are doing on assignments and tests. Grades will be updated
regularly on the online grading system. Algebra can be a very demanding course; however,
every student is capable of passing my class as long as they work hard and apply themselves. I
will be available outside of class for additional help whenever possible.
Finally I am very excited and looking forward to the opportunity of working with your son or
daughter as well as you to make this a productive and successful experience in Algebra. To
achieve this goal, working together and keeping communication between home and school a
priority is of utmost importance. I have included a syllabus/contract for you and your
son/daughter to read and sign. This will ensure that both the students and their parents
understand how this course will run. If you have any questions regarding the syllabus or the
course, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Julie M Svoboda
Julie Svoboda
Superstition High School
Algebra 1
(480) 472-9666
jmsvoboda@mpsaz.org
Mrs. Svoboda
Superstition High School
(480) 472-82666, Room 6
jsvoboda@mpsaz.org
2013-2014
Algebra 1
ALGEBRA 1 SYLLABUS
Your interest and support during this school year are extremely helpful. Students do their best
when they, their parents and their teacher have high but realistic expectations. This syllabus
contains an explanation of the classroom guidelines, grading policy and academic expectations.
Please read it and sign below. This is their first homework assignment and it is to be completed and
returned to me tomorrow. Please include your name and contact information so that I may keep you
informed on your child's progress.
Course Description: Algebra 1 is designed to teach you the algebra concepts necessary to pass
the Atrizona Standardized tests and move on to higher
math. Curriculum includes the study of patterns, functions, and solving equations.
Overview:
Sequenced Units
Unit 1: Representing relationship mathematically
Unit 2: Understanding functions
Unit 7: Relationships that are not linear
Unit 3: Linear functions
Unit 8: Exponential functions & equations
Unit 4: Statistical models
Unit 9: Polynomial expressions & functions
Unit 5: Linear equations and inequalities
Unit 10: Quadratic functions
Unit 6: Systems equations & inequalities
Unit 11: Quadratic equations
Materials: All students need to bring the following materials to class on a daily basis:



1 or 2 pencils or pens (I recommend pencils)
Notebook
Any materials you checked out from me including: Textbook and graphing
calculators
Notebook:
Your child will be asked to keep a folder that includes warm-ups; class notes, vocabulary,
assignments, tests/quizzes and reflections. This folder will become a source of questions for
notebook quizzes and a study guide for chapter tests. Notebook checks will be conducted
periodically and will count for 10% of your grade. If you loose your notebook you are
responsible for getting loose paper to work on for that class period and then purchasing
another notebook and remaking it.
Grading Policy
 10%
 10%
 10%
 20%
 30%
 20%
Grading Scale
A 90-100%
Notebook organization
Mathematical Practices (participation, teamwork,)
Homework
Quizzes (daily)
Unit Tests
Final Exam
B
80-89 %
C 70-79 %
D 60-69 %
F 45-59%
Daily Work / Homework
Students will be expected to complete all team and individual class work. If you do not finish
within class time, you will be expected to finish the assignment on your own time before the
next day. All daily assignments will be completed in your notebook unless otherwise instructed.
Homework counts for 10% of your grade.
Exams
You will take unit exams and one cumulative final. There are retakes offered on each of the unit
tests upon request, however there will be no retakes of the final exam.
Classroom Expectations
As your teacher, it is my responsibility to maintain a classroom environment that gives
everyone a place to learn and feel welcomed. Any behavior that damages this type of
environment will not be tolerated. In order for all of us to be successful, there are some basic
rules that everyone in the class must follow at all times.
1. Be on time and ready to go when the bell rings
2. Come Prepared (e.g. bring a pencil, homework; ED put away)
3. Be Respectful (e.g. Follow directions the first time; Listen while others speak; etc.
4. Show Self-Control (e.g. Use positive language; encourage others; keep hands &
objects to yourself)
5. Be Actively Involved ( be engaged and productive )
Please inform Ms. Svoboda of any problems/concerns you may be having before they become too large
to fix or avoid!
Extra Help:
Extra help is usually available during conference time, lunch, and after school most days. Let me
know ahead of time if you are coming in for extra help. If you are having trouble please don’t
fall behind; immediately come in for help! Don’t wait until the day of the test!
Students with Special Needs
Grading will be based on the goals as stated in each student’s individual education plan. All
assignments will be modified as stated in each education plan. Any student not receiving
services but in need of accommodation should speak with Ms. Svoboda as soon as possible.
Absence Policy
Attending school and this class is one of your jobs. If you are unable to attend class, it is your
responsibility for making up any work missed during absences. This includes gathering notes and
assignments from the classroom and meeting briefly with Ms. Svoboda outside of class to
discuss making up work.
Online Grade Portal:
I update the my gradebook on the online portal once a week. This is usually done Friday
evening or Monday morning. Please check your child’s grade weekly so you are informed and
know his/her current grade. On my website, you will find the school/district calendar, omework
assignments, and any upcoming quizzes or tests your child may have coming up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read and understand the classroom expectations and procedures for Ms. Svoboda's class.
Please cut this portion off and return the part below the above dashed line. One extra cp will be
awarded this quarter if it is turned in on the first day after I give this to the students.
Student name: _____________________________
(printed)
Signature: ________________________________
Parent/Guardian Information:
Name(s): __________________________________
(printed)
Signature: ________________________________
Email address(es) __________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________________
Procedures and Routines
Educational Disclaimer
This guideline is to inform students and parents as to the expectations and requirements of
Algebra I class. Changes may occur due to the needs of Superstition High School or the students
of the class.
Absences/Tardies
Arrival
Bathroom Passes
Bell Work
Daily
Work/Homework
Cell Phones / IPods/MP3s
Circle Time
The attendance and tardy policy stated in the Superstition HS student
handbook will be strictly followed.
 Be in your seat with hat/sunglasses/phone/iPod off
 Take Notebooks Out
 Silently begin working on the "Do Now" Activity
 No hats allowed
 Unless it's an Emergency, You may not request a pass during teacherled or classroom instruction nor may you go during the first and last
30 minutes of class
 Students will be given passes only when necessary and not during
direct instruction.
 As long as bathroom passes are not abused, they will be available.
 Students will do a 5-10 minute Warm-up upon entering the
classroom.
 This should be included in your notebook
 This be graded on a regular basis as part of your Notebook grade
 Daily work/Homework is required everyday
 It is graded on effort 10 pts (complete); 5 pts (attempted); 0 pts (missing or incomplete)
 If you do not know how to do a problem, but write what you already
do know, I will give you the points for attempting the problems.
 Raise your hand if you need help
 From bell to bell, no cell!
 Cell phones are NOT allowed in class.
 Student cell phones and electronic devices shall be
o silenced in class and
o stored out of sight.
If cell phone or electronic device is in use or seen by the instructor
then it will be taken from the student, taken to the front office and
the student may pick it up at the end of the school day.
Exception: During individual work time, you may listen to music when
appropriate.
 Begin Circle Time
Consequences
Dismissal
Down Time
Evacuations
Extra Credit
Fire/Fire Drill
o Wait for the signal
o Silently get up
o Get a chair and place in a circle in the back of the room.
o Wait for further instructions.
 Ending Circle Time
o Wait for the signal
o Silently get up
o Stack chairs in the back of the room
o Return to class desk
o Wait for further instructions.
The following is a list of consequences if you choose not to follow the
class rules and/or exhibit behavior that disrespects yourself and/or
others. I consider anyone not willing to learn/participate in class as the
most disrespectful thing you can do to yourself – you have been warned.
1. You will receive one verbal warning.
2. You will receive a reflection form and be required to meet with Ms.
Svoboda outside of class to determine how to solve the problem
3. Minor Reflection Form and sent to the counselor
4. A call home or a conference with your parent/guardian will be
scheduled.
5. You will receive an office referral.
*These consequences will be used on an individual basis and can
vary in sequence depending on the severity of the infraction.
Some days you will have an exit ticket to complete, otherwise you may
not get up to leave until we have done our closing work or I have
dismissed you.
 If you finish an assignment early, the extra time is to be used
productively.
 Keep yourself occupied with appropriate behaviors:
o complete homework;
o silently read,
o straighten up your notebook,
o review vocabulary,
o complete unfinished work
 Instructor will use a code word "Blue Line"
 It is important that you DROP what you are doing and IMMEDIATELY
line up.
 Silently, Everyone will immediately go to the door and line up
 Wait for further instructions
Extra credit will not be a substitute for missed class work, lack of effort
and/or participation when in class.
 When the siren is heard...
 It is important that you DROP what you are doing and IMMEDIATELY
line up.


Silently, Everyone will immediately go to the door and line up
Wait for further instructions
Garbage & recycling Waste goes into one of the garbage cans. Paper needs to be recycled in
the recycling bin in front of my desk.
Late Work
Late work will receive half credit.
Leaving the room
If a student needs to leave the room, please see Ms. Svoboda first.
Lock Down
 Instructor will use phrase "LOCK DOWN"
 It is important that you DROP what you are doing and IMMEDIATELY
get to the back of the room by the Instructors desk.
 Silently, you will immediately go to my desk and sit down
 Wait for further instructions
Make-up Work
 If you need to make up any class work, the assignment will be located
on the monthly calendar in the front of the room.
 Get the class notes from a neighbor
 Handouts are located in the bins at the back of the classroom.
 Please pick them up quietly. (Not during class lectures/discussions)
 Students who miss a quiz or test will need to make it up at a time that
is convenient for both the student and the teacher. Days and times
can be scheduled to meet the needs of the student/parent and
teacher.
Credit will be given as follows:
 Students will be given FORTY-EIGHT HOURS to make-up class
assignments for excused absences.


Participation
Students will be given ONE WEEK to make-up quizzes and tests for
excused absences.
NO CREDIT will be given for unexcused absences.
Participate effectively in class discussions
Raise your hand to speak
 Be an active learner
 Be engaged in class
 Be cooperative
 Give your instructor and classmates your full attention and effort they
deserve.
 It is your choice whether you use a pen or a pencil.
 You are responsible for showing up with something to write. I have a
limited amount of pencils available in a cup on my desk
 If you need to borrow a pencil, silently go to the back of the room
and get one.
They are at my desk. If you need to use them, quietly get up and do so.


Pens/Pencils
Tissues & Hand
Sanitizer
Unexcused
Absences
NO LATE WORK OR MAKE UP WORK FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES WILL BE
ACCEPTED!