Welcome to Algebra II C 2015-2016
Voicemail: 847-842-3243 extension 5019
Email: sdixon@barrington220.org
Teacher Information:
This is Mrs. Dixon’s 15th year teaching (12th at Barrington). She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics
Education from Illinois State University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. She has
been trained extensively in graphing calculator use and the use of Geometer’s Sketchpad. She is a certified Smart Board
Trainer. She is married with a 8 year old son named Ryan and a 5 old Daughter Emma.
Course Description:
Algebra II C is intended to be a preparation for Transition to College Mathematics. We will review Algebra I concepts
such as solving linear equations and graphing lines. We will then deepen our understanding of these concepts as well as
explore new concepts such as, but not limited to work with quadratic equations and graphs, exponents, radicals, operations
on functions, graphs of functions, and conic sections. Algebra II C will utilize hands on activities and the graphing
calculator to assist in the learning of material.
Expectations
 In order to learn, students must ACTIVELY participate in the process of their own education. This means ALL
students should participate in ALL activities. I will never ask you to do something that will not directly benefit
your learning.
 Students are expected to bring ALL course materials daily. Students can not learn and participate without
appropriate materials.
 Practice is a necessary part of the learning process. I expect homework to be done daily and completely.
Homework will be graded daily.
 Be on time. You must be in the room and ready to learn when the bell rings. You will be assigned a detention on
the 4th tardy in a quarter.
 Listen in class and try your best. At times material may seem difficult, don’t give up!
 Respect everyone and everything in our classroom.
Course Materials
 Textbook (Intermediate Algebra with Applications ,Houghton Mifflin Company)
 Pencil (Pencil is necessary to erase mistakes and keep work neat. It is expected that all graded assignments will
be done in pencil.)
 Notebook and folder for Algebra use ONLY
 Graphing calculator (TI – 83 Plus or TI – 84) The graphing calculator will be used for class work and homework
on a regular basis. It is best if students own and use their own calculator on a regular basis. This will not only
help in this course, but in future courses including college courses. Any Texas Instruments calculator labeled as
TI – 83 Plus or TI – 84 will be appropriate for this course. The Barrington Mathematics Department recognizes
that graphing calculators are expensive; we currently have a calculator loan program for students in financial
need. The calculators are TI – 83 or TI – 84 and are lent out for the entire school year. If you have questions
about calculator use or the loan program please ask.
 Students are expected to bring their fully charged Macbook with them to class every day. Laptops will
be used to work on math activities as directed by the teacher and should only be used for appropriate
academic purposes. Distracting activities including, but not limited to, web browsing, checking email, or
instant messaging are disruptive to the learning environment and are not acceptable uses of the laptop
during class time. Students are expected to abide by the district’s Technology Appropriate Use Policy.
Any inappropriate use of the computers will result in loss of the computer privileges and additional
consequences.
Grade Calculations
 Grades are calculated by the following formula
90% of Tests/Quizzes + 10% of Homework
 Semester grades are calculated by the following formula
80% of your cumulative grade + 20% of Final Exam
 Letter grades will be assigned as following: A 90-100% B 80-89%
 Grades will regularly be updated on Infinite Campus.
C 70-79% D 60-69% F 0-59%
Homework/Quizzes/Tests
 Students will be assessed very frequently in this course. Due to the nature of and variety of the assessments, not
all assessments that are scored will be included in the student's grade. This is to ensure that students and teachers
are provided with regular, immediate feedback regarding student progress, prior to taking assessments that will be
included in the grade. The results of these assessments may require additional work on the student's part, which
can include additional practice and/or mandated visits to the Math Resource Center.
 Homework is assigned daily. It is your responsibility to check the odd answers in the back of the book. We will
go over the homework the next day in class.
 Homework assigned from the text book is to be done in your Algebra notebook and worksheets are to be kept in
your Algebra folder.
 A test or quiz will be given about once a week.
Make Up Work & Late Work & Retakes
Math is a cumulative subject. Missing class will result in poor understanding of the material and difficulty in learning
future material. However, it is unrealistic to expect that students will never miss school due to being ill or having a field
trip. If you do miss class YOU must take responsibility for the day’s work. If you are absent for a test or quiz, you must
make arrangements with Mrs. Dixon to make up the quiz or test. Arrangements must be made the day you return.
Tests/Quizzes must be made up in a reasonable time frame. Any student wishing to improve their score in a given
assessment will be given the opportunity to do so at the teacher’s discretion. Reassessment and resubmission of
assignments is a privilege and not a right. Students with patterns of poor behavior or inconsistent academic responsibility
may be declined. The most recent score on any assessment will be the accepted score for the student.
Cell Phones & Audio Players
Cell phones and any electronic devices are not to create a disturbance to the educational environment and must be turned
off in classrooms, study halls, the library and all bathrooms and locker rooms. If a cell phone or audio player is being
used in the classroom it will result a consequence from the dean, typically 4 detentions for a first offense.
Mathematics Help
Mathematics help is offered every period of the day. Mrs. Dixon is available most afternoons after school and during 4th
and 7th and 8th hours. When possible, please try to make an appointment with Mrs. Dixon. The important thing is that
help is available and never be afraid to get help. There is no excuse for not getting help. Your success is in your hands!
Guidelines for The Mathematics Resource Center (MRC)
1. Always bring your textbook, notes and homework.
2. Have your homework attempted before going to the MRC. The purpose of the MRC is to help answer questions
not do your homework.
3. Always sign in and out.
4. Be patient the MRC is a very popular place especially during the lunch hours. The teacher and peer tutors will
rotate from student to student.
5. After an absence get a copy of the notes before going to the MRC for help.
6. There is a NO Cell Phone Policy in the MRC.