2015-2016
Phone 224-765-2223
Email ddicker@dist113.org
The following information describes the classroom policies and course expectations for students in my TART class. This course is a pre-calculus course specifically designed for students who have previously struggled learning mathematical concepts or who need more time for mastery of mathematical concepts. These policies can always be found on my HPHS website.
Course Content: The first semester of this course is comprised of right triangle trigonometry, unit circle trigonometry, and analytical trigonometry. The second semester of this course includes the study of exponential and logarithmic functions, sequences and series, probability and statistics, and conic sections.
Attendance: Daily attendance is essential for a solid understanding of the concepts taught and overall success in this course. It is important for students to communicate with me about missing class, especially when an absence is pre-arranged. Website resources are also available to help students from falling behind.
Tardiness: Out of respect for your classmates and me, please make every effort to get to class on time. Not only does tardiness cause disruptions to the learning environment, but it also results in missing important information and/or instruction at the start of class. It is a student’s responsibility to obtain a pass for excused tardies. Excessive tardiness may result in detentions.
Materials: To be prepared for class, students should have the following materials with them every day: 3-ring binder or folder for daily guided notes and other class handouts, TI-Nspire CX
CAS calculator; blank paper (spiral or loose-leaf), completed homework, pencil(s).
Note: Your textbook will be used regularly for homework and as a resource but may be left at home.
Grades: Grades in this course reflect mastery of course targets (we will discuss Standards Based
Grading in detail in class), success of completing course required work, and adhering to class policies.
 Semester grades are calculated using 80% from the semester grade and 20% from the final exam.
 Students will receive a class membership grade based on their success in being an active member of their learning in this class. It will include, but is not limited to: using pencil on tests/quizzes, having a charged Nspire daily, and timeliness of homework.
 Students will receive a class membership grade based on their success in being an active member of their learning in this class. It will include, but is not limited to: using pencil on tests/quizzes, having a charged Nspire daily, and timeliness of homework.
 Second semester seniors will be exempt from the final if they have earned an average grade of at least 80.0% for 2 nd semester and have met the attendance requirement.
 Grades are updated weekly on Infinite Campus.
Note: No mid-semester grades will be rounded.

Extra help: I am available for extra help before and after school by appointment or during periods 3, 7, and 8. The Learning Center (A220) is also available with hours before, during, and after school every day and is always staffed with at least one math teacher.
Homework: Assignment sheets are given for every chapter. Homework, when completed with intended purpose, not only provides practice for assessments but also improves understanding of concepts.
 Students are expected to use guided notes while completing homework.
 Answers for all book assigned homework will be provided in advance.
 To receive full credit on homework, the assignment must be labeled, have the original question, work, student answer, and corrected answer for each question/problem.
 Late homework will be accepted, but may incur a penalty. Homework may not be accepted once the unit test has been taken.
Note: Students who want a retake must notify Ms. Dicker via email during the last week of the quarter and complete the retake within 2 school days of the end of the quarter.
Tests/Quizzes: Tests and quizzes are scheduled on the assignment sheet. Tests and quizzes will usually be given in two parts: calculator and non-calculator. You will be expected to use pencil on all tests. Calculators cannot be borrowed or shared during tests/quizzes.
 Students who miss class the day before an assessment will be expected to take the test as scheduled with the class.
 Students absent the day of the assessment will need to make arrangements the day they return for a makeup. It is the student’s responsibility to make these arrangements with me in class or via email.
Note: Students who know they are missing a test or quiz may take it prior to the absence if arrangements are made in advance. It is usually best to do so if possible.
 Tests and quizzes are typically returned within 2 school days.
Email: Email tends to be the most effective means of communication for both parents and students since I am often away from my desk. However, some issues are best discussed “inperson”, so parents and students can also call and leave a voice mail message as necessary. I will return all communication by the end of the next school day.
 Students are expected to check school email daily. If you don’t have internet access at home, please use one of the resources at HP or your smartphone if you have one to check your email. I often send important information to students via HP email or IC Messenger.
 Students must use school email (not personal email) to communicate with me.
 Please use appropriate and proper (not text) language.
 Emails sent late in the evening may not be received until the next morning.
General classroom expectations:
 School rules and policies will be enforced. This includes but is not limited to use of electronic devices, academic honesty, and respectful behavior.
 Food is never permitted in class. Drinks in sealable containers are permitted.
 Leaving the classroom is permitted only when absolutely necessary. You will not be allowed to leave regularly for forgotten materials, water, or bathroom.
 It is expected that students will treat the classroom with respect which means tossing garbage in the trash can, not writing on desks or walls, and respecting shared space.

I have read the class policies and expectations for me in TART with Ms. Dicker. I understand it is my responsibility to know and understand these policies.
Student name (please print) ___________________________________________________________
Student signature _________________________________________________________________
Math teacher you had last year at HPHS or name of previous school: ______________________
I have read and understand the class policies for my son/daughter in TART with Ms. Dicker.
Parent/Guardian name (please print) ____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature __________________________________________________________
Best phone number to try first: __________________________________ (home work cell)
Please circle what number this is
Best email address to use: ____________________________________________
Language(s) spoken by parent/guardian: __________________________________