August 13, 2014
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to Pre-Calculus! It is my goal to help each student learn how Pre-Calculus
relates to the surrounding world. Students in my classroom will partake in a variety of
engaging lessons where they are actively involved in the learning process. I will make sure to
meet the needs of every student in my class by teaching to each of the learning styles and
providing time for students to ask questions on an individual basis. Each student in my
classroom will continually see the necessity of lifelong learning and develop an awareness of
how they learn best.
This class is challenging, interesting, and interactive. I am here to help each student
succeed. The students are here to participate, ask questions and be actively involved in their
personal learning experience. Parents/guardians are here to support and work with their student.
Together we will have successful term learning about Pre-Calculus. Please read the math
department course expectations and Mr. Clifton’s Pre-Calculus course expectations carefully, as
they outline the parameters of this course. Be aware of necessary materials, grading rules, and
attendance standards. To maintain a positive and productive learning environment, the
discipline plan following the course expectations will be implemented in our classroom. Please
read and discuss this discipline plan with your student. After reading and discussing the course
expectations and discipline plan, sign and return the Parent/Guardian Information sheet by
Wednesday, August 20, 2014.
I am excited about the upcoming year, and it is a pleasure to have your student in my
class. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our class, then please contact me.
About the Instructor:
Mr. Clifton graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Teaching. He then attended Sacramento State University
to obtain his teaching credential and further earned a Master’s Degree in Math Education. Mr. Clifton
encourages students to approach mathematics and the world with an open and willing mind as his
teaching techniques includes exploration, sensitivity to differences among students, and breaking
down barriers that inhibit students from comprehending difficult concepts or reaching their full
potential. Mr. Clifton is passionate about education and his subject matter and has many individual
interests as well including playing piano, guitar and ukulele and participating in many outdoor sports
including rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, mountain biking and much more. He believes
in engaging students with meaningful applications of mathematics.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Scott Clifton
Office: Vista del Lago High School – Room E-204
Office Telephone: 916.294.2410 x 410263
E-mail: sclifton@fcusd.org
Page 1 of 7
Math Department Course Expectations
Textbook
We have a set of books that students may share during class. Students will be issued a textbook that they
may leave at home. Students are expected to turn in the same book they have been issued, in the same
condition, at the end of the term. Students will be held financially responsible for a lost or damaged
textbook.
Homework/Classwork
Active participation is necessary for success in all math courses; this includes warm-ups, note-taking,
class work, and homework. The purpose of daily assignments is to provide independent practice,
preparation and extended learning opportunities necessary to successfully master the course content. It is
imperative that parents set guidelines and expectations to ensure homework completion.
All student work must follow these guidelines.
 Completed in pencil
 All graphs are completed on graph paper
 All work is shown
 The final solution is circled, boxed, or highlighted
 Work is complete, neat, and organized
Missing/Late Work
Assignments may be submitted late, but only if done so within the instructional unit in which the work
was assigned. In the math department, the last day of an instruction unit is the block in which the chapter
test is given. The grade earned on the late work will be reduced by 50%. Some teachers may require
students to fill out a LAP (learner action plan) and attach it to the late work.
Extra Credit
Students are expected to do assigned work and study for tests to do well in the course. Extra credit
assignments should not be expected. If extra credit is offered, it will only be offered to students who have
completed all assignments at a proficient level and only for standards-based work. This will ensure
accurate, fair, and consistent grades that reflect what the student has truly learned and mastered.
Math Help
Students are encouraged to seek additional help on any confusing material.
Office Hours: Check with your math teacher to find out what times he/she is available for before
and/or after school office hours.
Advisory: Obtain a travel pass before 1st period on Wednesday from your math teacher.
PowerSchool (www.fcusd.org/vdlhs)
The math department website as well as math teacher websites are updated on a regular basis and are an
excellent source of information for parents/guardians and students.
Page 2 of 7
Assessments and Grading
There are two types of assessment: formative and summative. Formative assessments are assessments for
learning – they are learning opportunities for students that occur throughout the unit of study to help a
student identify strengths and weaknesses. Homework, class work, and quizzes are examples of formative
assessments. Summative assessments are the assessments of learning – they are the final assessment of
learning for a unit of study. Chapter tests, midterms, final exams, and cumulative projects are examples of
summative assessments. For a grade to accurately reflect a student’s cumulative mastery of content, a
grade should be made up of mostly summative assessments that happen at the end of a unit of study – not
during the learning. Therefore, summative assessments will be weighted more heavily than formative
assessments. All math teachers use weighted grades. The chart below details the specific weighting for
each course.
Formative
Tests
Final Exam
Projects
Bridge to Geometry
20%
50%
25%
5%
Math Reasoning
20%
40%
20%
20%
Consumer Business Math
20%
40%
10%
30%
Financial Algebra (Adv Alg)
20%
40%
10%
30%
Math 1 & Math 1 with Support
20%
50%
30%
Geometry
20%
50%
30%
Algebra 2
15%
50%
35%
Pre-Calculus
15%
50%
35%
AP Calculus AB/BC
10%
55%
35%
AP Statistics
15%
50%
20%
15%
Each student is responsible for keeping an accurate record of his/her own grade. Parents and students can
access homework, quiz, test, and project grades as well as an overall course grade at anytime using the
PowerSchool Parent Portal on the Vista website www.fcusd.org/vdlhs. Letter grades will be assigned to
your weighted percentage as follows:
A = 100% – 90%
B = 89% – 80%
C = 79% – 70%
D = 69% – 60%
F = 59% – 0%
A comprehensive final will be given at midterm and the end of the course. Because of the
importance of studying for final exams, the following rules will prevail regardless of the students’
overall percentage:
 In order to attain a semester grade of A(-), the final exam grade must be at least a B(-).
 In order to attain a semester grade of B(-), the final exam grade must be at least a C(-).
 In order to attain a semester grade of C(-), the final exam grade must be at least a D(-).
Final exams are mandatory at Vista and will not be scheduled early for any reason. Students who miss
their final exams will be issued a grade of Incomplete for the semester. Students are required to make-up
missed final exams during the first two weeks of the next semester in order to replace the Incomplete with
a letter grade. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher to arrange a make-up appointment.
Failure to do so will result in a failing semester grade or of a grade calculated with the final exam
included as a zero.
Page 3 of 7
Math Division Test Retake Policy
Test retakes allow students with an additional opportunity to demonstrate mastery for a unit of study. The
details of the retake policy for each math course are outlined below.
All Courses with Retakes: The following list includes basic retake policy information that applies to all
math courses that offer retakes.
 It is extremely important that students study for the retake test. This might include tutoring, test
corrections, reviewing old quizzes, completing additional assignments, etc. The retake grade will
replace the original test grade in the gradebook (even if the retake grade is lower than the original
test grade).
 A chapter test can only be retaken once. The last test of each semester cannot be retaken due to
timing constraints. Final exams cannot be retaken.
 Retakes must be completed in one 45 minute sitting – students will not be given extra time if they
are late to the retake or if they do not understand the content well enough to finish the retake during
the allotted 45 minutes. Students will retake the entire exam.
 Any student who is caught cheating will use his/her one retake opportunity to retake the exam
he/she cheated on. The retake will be considered late and have the same consequences as late
work.
 To be eligible for the retake, students must have completed all homework on time (unless they have
made prior arrangements with their teacher). Students must also meet the requirements of his/her
teacher (this may include, but is not limited to test corrections, reflections, additional assignments,
tutoring, etc.).
Math 1, Math 1 with Support, Geometry, and Algebra 2: Math 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 students
may complete a retake for each chapter. Retakes will occur before (7:15am) or after school (3:10pm) - not
during instructional time or advisory. The teacher will announce/post the retake dates and student must
make arrangements to complete the retake during one of the provided times (there are no special
exceptions for athletic practices, club meetings, appointments, etc.).
Pre-Calculus: Pre-Calculus students may retake one test per semester. The Pre-Calculus teachers will
set aside one day/time at the end of each semester to conduct retakes. Students will need to schedule
ahead of time to let the teacher know what chapter they will retake.
AP Courses: AP Statistics and AP Calculus are college level courses and will not allow retakes on
exams.
Attendance (Absences)
If a student is absent from class, it is his/her responsibility to retrieve missed notes, class work, and
homework assignments. Two days will be given for each absence to complete their work. If the student
chooses not to makeup a missed in class/homework assignment, quiz, or test within the time allotted, it
will become a zero in the grade book. Any work missed due to a school activity must be completed and
received on the due date. Students should request work several days ahead of time if they are expecting to
be absent. Students suspended from school should contact their teacher to receive their make-up work. If
help is needed on make-up work, students should schedule a time to see their teacher during office hours
or advisory. Any work assigned before the student’s absence with a due date on the day of the absence is
due the first day the student returns to school unless other arrangements have been made.
Page 4 of 7
Attendance (Tardy Policy)
Students need to be in class and on time to be successful in their math course. Mathematics is a subject
that continuously builds on previous concepts and daily attendance is critical, especially on a 4x4 block
schedule. Students are expected to attend to personal matters between classes and not during class time.
Students are considered tardy when they are not in their assigned seat when the bell rings. The Vista
tardy policy is as follows:
 1st–3rd late: Teacher discretion
 4th late: Detention, lunch or classroom work service (15 minute minimum) and parent contacted by
teacher
 5th late: Detention, lunch or classroom work service (30 minute minimum) and parent contacted by
teacher
 6th late: Detention, lunch or classroom work service (50 minute) and parent contacted by teacher
 7th late: Saturday school, lowered citizenship grade, and student/parent conference with administrator
 8th late: Saturday school, lowered citizenship grade, and student/parent conference with administrator
 9th late: Referral to Student Attendance Review Team and Parent and Student Contract
No shows to detention, lunch or classroom work service will increase penalty to the next level. Please
refer to the student handbook or Vista website for specifics on the school tardy policy.
Citizenship
Citizenship is reported separately from the academic grades. Course citizenship includes both work
habits and attitude/behavior – excessive tardies and unexcused absences will negatively impact a student’s
citizenship. Good citizenship is vital to a positive productive school environment. Because of this,
students who receive two or more unsatisfactory citizenship marks on a grade report may not be allowed
to participate in extracurricular activities including athletics, dances, rallies, nonacademic music and
theater performances, and club activities.
Academic Dishonesty
All Vista students are expected to adhere to the rules of responsible scholarship, requiring all student
grades to be earned honestly through hard work and good study habits. Students who violate Vista’s
Academic Honesty Agreement will be suspended or assigned Saturday School and required to complete
an assigned project on the consequences of academic and workplace dishonesty.
The student will receive a lowered citizenship grade in the class which may impact the student’s ability to
participate in extracurricular activities, including athletic and school events. All teachers will be notified
and a notation will be made in the student’s record. In addition, the student will be expected to complete
and resubmit the assignment or test, which will be considered late and subject to the math department’s
late work policy.
Regardless of grade level, any student who continues to violate Vista’s Academic Honesty Agreement
may lose the opportunity to participate in all future non-academic activities, including clubs, athletics, and
all senior events including the graduation ceremony during his/her senior year. The Academic Dishonesty
Policy is available on the school website.
Page 5 of 7
Mr. Clifton’s Pre-Calculus Course Expectations
Course Description
This course is designed to build upon the skills learned in Algebra 2 and Geometry and prepare students
for AP Calculus. It will cover the trigonometry and mathematical analysis state standards. These topics
include: polynomial functions, rational functions, radical functions, exponential functions, logarithmic
functions, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, conic sections,
sequences and series, polar coordinates, graphs of polar equations, and limits. Students will solve and
graph various functions as well as develop proofs for trigonometric identities.
Materials
 Bring Daily: 3-ring binder, college ruled lined paper, graph paper or graph paper post-it notes,
pencils, color pens (for grading and note taking), highlighter, ruler, index cards, scientific calculator,
or graphing calculator (recommended).

Classroom Donations (optional, but greatly appreciated): white board markers (EXPO brand only),
color paper for copy machine, glue sticks, tissue, paper towels, and hand sanitizer.
Power School
Grades can be accessed from the Vista website www.fcusd.org/vdlhs. On Mr. Clifton’s webpage,
students will find assignments, projects, and test dates. In addition, students have the ability to print
worksheets, reviews, and graph paper from home. The website is updated on a regular basis, and is an
excellent source of information for parents/guardians and students.
Homework/Class work/Binder
Pre-Calculus is a class in which active participation is necessary for success; this includes warm-ups,
note-taking, class work, and homework. You will keep a 3-ring binder containing daily notes and
homework that will be collected and graded. All homework will be checked, mistakes reviewed, and then
collected the day after it has been assigned. The purpose of daily assignments is to provide independent
practice, preparation and extended learning opportunities necessary to successfully master the course
content. It is imperative that parents set guidelines and expectations to ensure homework completion.
All student work must follow these guidelines.
 Completed in pencil
 All graphs are completed on graph paper



All work is shown
The final solution is circled, boxed, or highlighted
Work is complete, neat, and organized
Class Communication: If you find that you have any trouble keeping up with the assignments or other aspects
of the course, make sure you let your instructor know as early as possible. As you will find, building rapport and
effective relationships are key to becoming an effective professional. Make sure that you are proactive in
informing your instructor if difficulties arise during the semester so that we can help you find a solution.
Math Help
Students are encouraged to seek additional help on any confusing material.
Office Hours: Meet with Mr. Clifton to set up an appointment for extra help.
Advisory: Obtain a travel pass before 1st period on Wednesday from Mr. Clifton’s to attend Advisory.
Page 6 of 7
Mr. Clifton’s Pre-Calculus Class
Parent/Guardian Information
Student Name _____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(s) _____________________________________________________________
Home Phone
________________________
Cell Phone
_______________________
Work Phone
_______________________
*Please provide at least one parent email address where I may contact you if necessary.*
Email______________________________
Email______________________________
Please tell me about your student (interests, hobbies, learning style, etc.).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian: I have read and fully understand the parameters of the course expectations.
Print Name__________________________________________
Signature____________________________________________
Date____________
Student: I have read and fully understand the parameters of the course expectations.
Print Name__________________________________________
Signature____________________________________________
Date____________
Page 7 of 7