Hatboro-Horsham High School Mathematics
Algebra 1B
Spring 2013
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Student,
My name is Lauren Giselman and I will be your child’s Mathematics teacher this semester. This is my fourth year
teaching and third at Hatboro-Horsham High School. Algebra 1B will be co-taught with a Special Education
teacher, Cathy Haas. Our mission is to encourage your child to know that he/she can be successful in the study of
mathematics. Allow us to welcome you and your child to Algebra 1B.
Our teaching style emphasizes cooperative learning and student centered activities. This active student
participation allows students to develop a better understanding of the mathematical concepts being taught and also
encourages students to work with one another.
It is important to note, Algebra 1A and Algebra 1B are major building blocks for the remaining high school years.
If a student earns a grade of 85% or higher over the course of the year, his/her next math class may be at the
college prep level. Any student earning a grade less than 85% for the year will continue at the Academic level.
We expect our students to come to class prepared each day, equipped with a 3-ring binder, paper, pencil, textbook,
completed homework. We will be available every day during period 3B in H314 to assist students in need of extra
help. Extra help is also available in the Learning Resource Center (located in F206) throughout the entire day.
However, students seeking extra help should not be doing so as a substitute for working in class or doing
homework.
We look forward to working with your son or daughter this semester. Feel free to contact us with any questions or
concerns at LGiselma@Hatboro-Horsham.org or CHaas@Hatboro-Horsham.org .
Sincerely,
Lauren Giselman and Cathy Haas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please talk about this information and your expectations with your child. Have your student return this page no
later than Friday, February 3rd. My child and I have read and understand the classroom policies and expectations
of Ms. Giselman and Mrs. Haas.
____________________________________
Student’s Signature
________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
Parent/Guardian’s Email: ________________________________________________
Ms. Giselman and Mrs. Haas
Room H314
Email: LGiselma@hatboro-horsham.org
CHaas@hatboro-horsham.org
Algebra 1B
2012-2013
Phone: 215-420-5574
Textbook: Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills
Course Outline:
1. Connections to Algebra
2. Properties of Real Numbers
3. Solving Linear Equations
4. Graphing Linear Equations and Functions
5. Writing Linear Equations
6. Solving and Graphing Linear Inequalities
7. Exponents and Exponential Functions
8. Polynomials and Factoring
9. Rational Expressions and Equations
10. Square Roots and Radicals
Daily Supplies:
1. 3-ring binder
2. Loose leaf paper
3. Pencils
4. Dry Erase Markers
5. Homework Sheet
**Calculators and textbooks will be kept in the classroom. However, information will be given to the students
to access the textbook online from home.**
Grading: Students will be assessed through the following items:
1. Homework, Group Activities, Class work
2. Chapter Tests and Quizzes—announced and unannounced
Quarter grading will be done in a total point format where tests will each be worth approximately 100 points. All
quizzes, homework, and classwork assignments will vary in point value.
Semester grading will be weighted as follows:
Quarter 1:
40%
Quarter 2:
40%
Final Exam:
20%
Absences: It is YOUR responsibility to get your missing work and turn it in within the given period. If you missed a test or
quiz, please make arrangements with me during your directed study or after school. I highly recommend using your
homework buddy to assist you with your work when an absence occurs. Any of your missing work will be kept in a folder in
my room.