Course Description (Integrated Math 8):
This course meets the 8th grade California State Standards for Mathematics. Math 8 will emphasize the five
domains including the Number System, Expressions, Equations, Functions, Geometry, Statistics and Probability.
The first semester emphasizes the skills of real number operations, radicals and integer exponents, the connection
between proportional relationships and linear equations, and solving systems of linear equations. The second
semester focuses on defining and evaluating functions, modeling relationships, geometric congruence and similarity,
Pythagorean Theorem, volume and statistics and probability. Students will routinely use the standards for
mathematical practice to make sense of problems, justify solutions and conclusions, model with mathematics, and
strategically use technology to analyze and solve real-world problems. STEM activities will be integrated
throughout the course.
Dear Students and Parents:
I am very pleased to have your son/daughter in my class this year. I am committed to helping each student
maximize his/her potential in mathematics. I expect that you and your student will join me in this commitment.
As a parent, you can be a key source of motivation and support for your student. I would ask that you not only
monitor the completion of his/her daily homework, but also monitor his/her achievement on unit quizzes, tests, and
other various classroom activities. All homework assignments and assessments will be posted on my website
calendar. If your student is not progressing satisfactorily, you should encourage him/her to seek additional help. I
will be available each day before school from 8:30- 9:00.
In order to improve as a mathematics student, you must be willing to be an active participant in class. You can do
this by:
1. Asking questions and being involved in each and every lesson.
2. Completing all class work and homework assignments.
3. Taking and completing notes including summaries and “tips”. (We will discuss this more later.)
4. Being organized by having a 3 ring binder, a spiral notebook, a pencil, a pen, and questions regarding
the current material each and every day.
5. Go to my website for the class calendar, helpful links, and various review videos for many of the key
topics.
Note: There will be times when it is necessary to seek extra help to keep on pace with the class. This is
completely normal and a big part of being a successful math student.
Sincerely,
Mr. J. King
Email: jking@murrieta.k12.ca.us
School Phone: (951) 696-1406
(Please detach here and return this portion)
Mr. King’s Class
Student’s name______________________________________________________________
Student Signature _________________________ Parent’s Signature______________________________________
HOMEWORK AND GRADING POLICY
1.
Homework will be assigned each class meeting with very few exceptions. Parents can check class calendar to
verify assignments. Full credit is given when all problems have been attempted and work is shown and labeled.
Homework is checked for completeness not accuracy. It is the student’s responsibility to make the necessary
corrections at the beginning of class. Points will be taken off if corrections are not made.
2.
If a homework assignment is missed, I will only accept late work up to two days after the original due date
with a 50% penalty. Absent work will receive no penalty if it is turned in within the same number of days that
the student was absent. It is the responsibility of the student to get any make-up work needed.
3. Grades are broken up into the following categories: Assessments (tests, quizzes, and projects) and Practice
(classwork and homework), with 80% of the overall grade based on assessments and 20% based on practice.
**As you can see, with such a large majority of the grade based on assessments, students will be required to
demonstrate a true understanding of the mathematics to receive a passing grade. Studying both the notes
and homework is a critical step in having success on the assessments. **
4.
A computer printout of my gradebook is posted in the classroom giving the students access to their current
grades. This printout is updated approximately every two weeks, which assures that students always know their
grades. Parents will also have access to these updates on the Aries website (see office for codes).
DISCIPLINE POLICY
CLASSROOM RULES
1.
2.
3.
4.
Be on time and prepared for each class meeting
Do not disrupt others from learning
Show respect for others, as well as school property
All students must participate in all classroom activities
REWARDS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Verbal and Non-verbal praise
Positive phone calls or notes to parents
Late homework pass
King Cash for weekly prizes
CONSEQUENCES
1.
2.
3.
4.
Verbal warning
Break detention/Time out
One hour detention and Parent Notification
Submit “Discipline Card” for administrative review
SEVERE CLAUSE: Should a discipline problem arise that requires immediate attention, the student will be
sent with a “Rapid Exit Card” to the assistant principal.
ATTITUDE AND EFFORT IS EVERYTHING!
Come to class ready to learn and give your best effort even when things get challenging. With dedication, hard
work, and a positive attitude, you will be surprised at what you can achieve!!!
LIVE THE PANTHER L.I.F.E!!!