HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL
SYLLABUS AND COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE: Geometry 2013-2014
INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Youngman
PHONE: 517-439-4320 ext. 276
EMAIL: liz.youngman@hillsdaleschools.org
COURSE GOALS: To give math students a firm mathematical foundation to prepare them for
the real world, future careers, college, and other math classes. Students will investigate problems
covered in the Geometry Michigan Merit Curriculum Standards. At the end of the course the
students will also have developed better test taking strategies and note taking skills.
METHODS OF ATTAINING COURSE GOALS: daily homework, quizzes, notebook, chapter
tests, group work, projects
TESTS: There will be a test at the end of each chapter and at other times as determined by your
instructor. Each test will be worth 100 points. All homework for each chapter must be turned in
before taking the chapter test. At the end of the quarter an exam worth 20% of the quarter grade
will be given.
QUIZZES: Quizzes will occur 1-3 times per chapter. Most quizzes will be announced the day
before, however some quizzes might be spontaneous to check students understanding. Notebook
quizzes will also happen periodically to ensure that students are taking complete notes.
QUARTER GRADES: Your quarter grade will be based 55% upon your test average, 20% on
your coursework average, 5% on your warm-up average, and 20% on your quiz average. The
following scale will then be applied:
100-93
92-90
89-87
86-83
82-80
79-77
A
AB+
B
BC+
76-73
72-70
69-67
66-63
62-60
59-0
C
CD+
D
DE
COURSEWORK EXPECTATIONS: Coursework will be assigned daily. The assignment will
be corrected the next day in a variety of ways (including spot checking, completion, self
grading). The points will be entered into the grade book according to the following scale:
100%=10 pts, 90%-99%=9 pts, 80%-89%=8 pts, 70%-79%=7 pts, 60%-69%=6 pts, 50%-59%=5
pts, etc. If you are absent you are still responsible for the homework. If the student is absent
several days try to get the homework and see me to arrange appropriate due dates. Homework
not turned in will be recorded as a 0. Take responsibility for your own learning! I will NOT
remind you that you have missing assignments.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Each day the student is expected to bring the following
materials to class: Pencil, Geometry book, and spiral math notebook (calculators are sometimes
helpful, but not necessary). All notes and assignments are to be kept in the notebook. Failure to
bring materials will make it difficult for the student to fully participate in class. Notebooks will
be checked on test days for 10 points if a notebook quiz has not been assigned for that chapter.
WARM-UPS: Daily warm-ups will occur and last for 5 minutes. The students are expected to
get to their seats as soon as the bell rings and have all materials needed to start immediately.
Warm-ups will be worth 5% of students quarter grade.
WHEN CAN YOU GET INDIVIDUAL HELP:
 7:45-8:05
 Lunch (you must get a pass)
 3:00-4:30 in the math lab in Mr. Tucker’s room
 Other times by appointment
CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES:

Mathematics, more than any other subject, is built upon what was accomplished the day
before. Therefore, attendance is critical. See student handbook for policy on homework.

If I raise my hand the students should freeze (immediately stop what you are doing or
saying), look at me, and wait for further instructions.

If the student does not understand a problem he must first reread the instructions and then
ask another student for help. If the second student also does not understand the problem
then he should raise his hand and ask the teacher for help.

Students can talk quietly in their groups unless instructed to work alone for the
assignment.

If the student needs to leave for an emergency or sharpen a pencil in the middle of a
lesson they should do so quickly and quietly without interrupting the class. Only one
emergency pass will be granted for the quarter. Restroom and pencil sharpening should
be done before class.

If a student is absent it is their responsibility to check the posted list (a list of all
homework will be filled in as each week progresses) and see what was assigned and
make it up by the next day. If there are special circumstances or if the student has
questions it is their responsibility to check with the teacher.

If a student finishes the work early then they can help another student, work on the extra
credit assignments (when available), or read.

Students will be expected to show proper respect for their fellow students, the teaching
staff, the administration, and our school building at all times in the classroom. Being
respectful includes not using any sort of profane language. (This also includes using
Jesus or God in a disrespectful fashion.)

Students will remain in their seats until the end of the hour. No congregating at the door.

I consider cheating a serious offense. If students are caught cheating both parties
involved will receive a 0% on the assignment/quiz/test/etc. and will not be able to make it
up for any credit.

Backpacks, drinks (with the exception of water), food, phones should be left in the
locker. If a student brings them to class he or she will have to bring it to the locker even
if this will result in a tardy.

Phones that are seen or heard will be confiscated on the first offense and given to the
office. The principal will return the phone to the student on the first offense and to a
parent or guardian on each additional offense.

If a student is failing he/she will be assigned to attend the math lab until they are no
longer failing.

After 4 tardies the office will assign a Saturday school.

I will not except late assignments unless they are completed in math lab or with me at
lunch.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE SO FAR BEHIND THAT YOU CAN’T CATCH UP!
SEE ME AND GET HELP RIGHT AWAY IF YOU START TO FEEL LOST.