Mr. Fleming
Algebra One
Room 54
The transition from middle to high school mathematics is an exciting experience. I am writing to explain my
expectations and procedures in academic algebra one to students and parents.
Attendance
This course will follow the textbook issued to students during the first week of class. Textbooks must be
covered. If an absence does occur, the textbook is an excellent resource for your student. Students that miss one day
of school will be allowed one day to hand in assignments. Students that miss more than one day should see me to
make arrangements and are responsible for completing missed work/assessments. Work that is not completed for
any reason will be given a score of 0. Late work will not be accepted.
Student Expectations and Materials
Students are expected to bring their textbook, notebook, three-ring binder, and pencils to class every day.
The general format of our class will include a warm-up, followed by a homework review, new instruction, and guided
practice. Homework will be assigned and checked for completion on a daily basis. On most days, students will not
have time in class to begin homework assignments. Answers to some homework problems can be found in the back of
the textbook, however, these answers are provided so that students can monitor their progress while completing the
assignment. Homework assignments must show all work to earn full credit. Credit will not be given to papers
that have only answers or incomplete solutions.
**Each student will be required to obtain one three-ring binder (preferably 1-2 inches) to organize handouts,
worksheets, and assessments.
Students will be advised of behavioral expectations in class, and parents will be informed if problems arise.
Content
This algebra one course is designed to meet three objectives.
1. To prepare students to effectively solve problems (specifically math) using logical reasoning.
2. To prepare students for a rigorous high school and college math program.
3. To prepare students to succeed on state standardized tests (PSSA/Keystone Exam).
Algebra one will be an introduction to concepts that are utilized in every high school and college math class.
A few concepts will be reviewed from their middle school math experience, but most of the information will be newly
learned. Students will learn to express quantities mathematically using expressions, equations, and inequalities;
evaluate formulas and comfortably use rational numbers, exponents, and polynomials; factor polynomials, and interpret
and represent graphs of linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations and inequalities. New topics taught to
your student will be based on the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Mathematics.
Calculators
Calculators will be available for use in class during some, but not all lessons. Effort will be made to
emphasize calculation without calculators. I have a classroom set of TI-30XIIS ($15.00-20.00) and TI-84 Plus
calculators for students to use in class. If a scientific calculator is not available at home, many cell phones and home
computers provide adequate calculators for most of what we’ll do in algebra one. Many brands offer suitable scientific
calculators. If you’re unsure whether a calculator is a scientific calculator, look for the sin, cos, and tan keys.
Scientific calculators always have these three keys. If you decide to purchase the model described above or something
similar to it; that calculator will be sufficient for all of the math and science classes your student takes in high school.
Monitoring Progress
Students and parents may monitor student progress online. Grades are normally updated on Mondays after
school, and lesson plans for the upcoming week are uploaded on Fridays after school.
Grading
Grades will be determined by the scores earned on unit tests, quizzes, graded assignments and projects,
homework assignments, organized notes, and citizenship points. In addition to learning algebra, a second objective of
this course is for students to learn how to organize notes, and more importantly, to develop effective study skills.
Students should use their notes and textbook to prepare for assessments. Because I believe collected notes and
organization to be fundamental to finding success in high school math, notes will be checked periodically for
completeness and organization.
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and is designed to take approximately 30 minutes outside of
class. If you find your student regularly spending significantly more time on their assignments, you should
contact me. Students that miss homework assignments have, in the past, been unsuccessful in academic, high
school courses and is especially true for Algebra One. Homework must be completed regularly and will be reviewed
on a daily basis.
Listed below are the five components from which your student’s grade will be determined and also the
approximate weight each will hold in the final grade. In place of letter grades, Reynolds High School has adopted
percentages to grade students.
Unit Tests
+/- 50%
(2 or 3 unit tests per quarter)
Quizzes
+/- 20%
(1 quiz every two or three sections)
Graded Assignments, projects, warm ups,
citizenship points, and notebooks
+/- 15%
(Some homework assignments, worksheets, projects)
Homework checked for completion
+/-15%
(Daily homework assignments)
Total
100%
Seeking Help
After-school mathematics tutoring in the library is available to all students free of charge. I will be available
during this time. As soon as the guidance office announces days and times, I will relay that information to the students
in class. Students are welcome and encouraged to meet with me in room 54 to clarify ideas developed in class. I can
be available before/after-school by appointment.
Contact Information
A strong understanding of algebra is required for students to find success in every subsequent high school math class. I
strongly recommend parents contact me with any concerns and look forward to a terrific year with your student.
Telephone:
Email:
724.646.5742
jfleming@reynolds.k12.pa.us (preferred)
Sincerely,
Mr. Josh Fleming
Please sign and return the following to show that you have read the syllabus. This will be your student’s first
homework assignment. Please have three-ring binders purchased by Friday, August 29th. Thank you!
Parent Signature
Student Signature
Introduction to Classzone
Mr. Fleming
Our department adopted textbooks published by McDougal Littell several years ago. McDougal Littell
maintains a support website (www.classzone.com) for the textbook series your child will use in class.
Requirements:
A computer with an Internet connection. Dial-up connections should work, but high speed
connections will provide a more pleasant computing experience. If you do not have an internet
connection, I have a CD that can be loaned to install all of the Classzone resources on your
computer.
Features of Classzone:
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Online textbook. Even if your student leaves their book at school, they can access the full text
online. The online textbook requires you to create an account (very simple, see below) and enter
the activation codes listed below. No other features require an account to be created. They’re
available to everyone.
@ Home Tutor will re-teach concepts from class with animations and examples. Some students
may find this helpful if they didn’t understand what I taught them.
Practice quizzes and chapter tests that Classzone will score. These may help students to
determine whether they are well-enough prepared for upcoming assessments.
Tools for use on assignments: Scientific calculator and Electronic Function Library (same basic
features as graphing calculator).
These are the features that I recommend students use as needed. There are many other
resources available on the website that students may find helpful.
How to get started:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
In the address bar of your Internet browser, type www.classzone.com.
Select Middle School Math or High School Math depending on your child’s course:
a. Middle School Math for grades 7-8.
b. High School Math for grades 9-12.
Select Pennsylvania.
Click Go.
Click on your child’s book:
a. McDougal Littell Math Course 2 for Math 7 or Math 7/8.
b. McDougal Littell Math Course 3 for Math 7/8 once they are using the course 3 book.
c. Algebra 1 2007 for Algebra 1.
Click on the resource you wish to use. For the online textbook only, you need to create an
account (username and password) and will need the following activation code:
a. Course 2 book (math 7, math 7/8): 2593407-20
b. Course 3 book (math 7/8, math 8): 2593407-30
c. Academic Algebra 1:
2593407-50
Email or call me with any questions. Good luck!
jfleming@reynolds.k12.pa.us / 724.646.5742