Course Syllabus
FINANCIAL ALGEBRA
Mrs. Lathrop
2015 - 2016
Welcome to Mrs. Lathrop’s Financial Algebra class. Financial Algebra is a course that teaches the mathematics
of real world. It covers everything from the stock market to budgets and includes income taxes, retirement
planning, purchasing a car and more. It is designed to ready our seniors for living successfully on their own.
SUPPLIES
The following materials need to be brought to class daily:
 Composition book
 Mechanical pencils with extra lead and erasers
 2 highlighters
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
The expectation for appropriate classroom behavior is based upon RESPECT. I expect all my students to treat
their fellow students and the teacher with respect, and I will do the same for you. However, should a minor
offence occur, the consequences will be as follows:
 1st offense – a verbal warning
 2nd offense – a detention with parent contact.
 3rd offense – a second detention with parent contact.
 4th offense – a referral to an AP with parent contact.
Major offenses will result in immediate removal from the classroom, a phone call home and a referral issued.
Cell phones and other electronics – No electronics are to be SEEN in the classroom. They must be turned off
and put away. Any electronics that are out in the classroom will be confiscated and locked in a drawer. If
electronics become a problem, the above steps will be implemented.
Food & Drink: you may bring bottled water into the classroom, no other food or drink is allowed. There has
been a continual problem with ants in the classroom.
Bathroom Passes – each student will be given four passes for the bathroom each semester. Please go to the
bathroom, your locker, see your counselor… before school, after school, at lunch or during the passing periods.
Academic Honesty – it is expected that all work turned in with your name on it is your work alone. Academic
dishonesty includes copying homework, giving or receiving help on a test or quiz, and passing off the work of
others as your own. Any assignment you are caught being dishonest on will result in a zero on that assignment
with no possibility of making the assignment up. If it is a test you will put yourself in danger of failing the
course.
Attendance – good attendance is essential to keeping up with the material. This includes tardies, you cannot
afford to miss anything. Excessive tardies may reduce a grade by one letter grade because of missed
assignments.
ALL SCHOOL RULES WILL BE ENFORCED
HOMEWORK
 Homework will be assigned occasionally. It will be due the next time class meets. Most of it will be
internet research assignments.
 All homework as well as classwork and notes will be done in the composition book. Label each
assignment in the upper right corner with the assignment name and /or page number and problem
numbers.
 All assignments must be done in pencil. The exception are notes and vocabulary which may be done in
pen.
 Present your work in a clear, detailed fashion. Work vertically on the page, circle the answer.
 Most work will be checked at your desk for the attempt and completion
 Participation will be a part of the grade. It will include discussions, presentations, reading and daily
warm-ups. Participation grades may not be made up for unexcused tardies and absences.
 Class work will be due the next class after assigned unless otherwise specified.
 Late Work/Make-up Work - will be accepted for excused absences. Title the page as usual and write
ABSENT clearly at the top of the page. It is your responsibility to find out what assignments you
missed.
 Please note: no work will be accepted that is done in pen, you will have to rewrite it.
TESTS/QUIZZES
Tests and/or projects will be given at the end of each unit, they are always announced. They will all be
cumulative. Tests are individual assignments; projects may be individual or group assignments.
Quizzes will be given about once a week and may not be announced. Some quizzes will be individual, some
will be done in a small group setting. Vocabulary quizzes will always be announced.
Quizzes may be retaken.
Test Make-ups: if you were absent and missed a test, you will need to make an appointment to take a make-up
test – it is your responsibility. Tests must be made-up within one week of an absence.
Test Retakes: Test retakes will be allowed under specific circumstances. Please see the Test Retake Request
Form.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be computed based on percentages as follows –
Unit Tests/Projects
45%
Quizzes
25%
Participation
10%
Class Work/Homework
20%
Grading Scale:
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
98% and above
93 %
90%
88%
83%
80%
C+
C
CD+
D
DF
78%
73%
70%
68%
63%
60%
below 60%
TUTORING
My tutoring is usually on Tuesdays at 7:05am. The day and time may be subject to change. If the tutoring time
does not work for you, please see me and we can set up an appointment.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
It is a pleasure to have your student in my Financial Algebra course this school year. Financial Algebra
is designed to help students to become successful, independent adults. Please check with your student to make
sure that homework is getting done. Together we can help your student have a tremendous year! Your student’s
success is my primary goal. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I can best be reached via e-mail at
jlathrop@cnusd.k12.ca.us. If you need to call me the number is (951) 738-2100 extension 1310. Thank you in
advance for your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lathrop
Parent/Guardian & Student Signature Page
I have read the Financial Algebra Course Syllabus and I understand the Course Requirements, the grading
policy and what materials are needed.
_____________________________
Student Name (print)
_____________________________
Student Signature
_____________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (print)
_____________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Parent e-mail address: _________________________________________________ (please print clearly)
Parent’s work and/or cell phone number ________________________________________
Parent Comments ___________________________________________________________________________
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