Pre-Calculus
Course number 3601
2015-2016
Mrs. Nowicki
mnowicki@fenwickfriars.com
Course Description: This course is designed as a prerequisite to AP calculus. Topics that will be studied
include:
*Polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions.
*Trigonometric functions and proofs
*Analytic Geometry which include conics and parametric equations
*Sequences, Series, and Probability
*Linear Systems and Matrices
Course Goals: Students will develop and improve their problem solving skills. Students will build a
foundation for college math courses. They will understand the application of math in many fields of
study.
Required Text: Pre-Calculus with Limits, A Graphing approach, Larson, Hostetler, Edwards, 5th edition.
Classroom materials: Notebook, graph paper, pencils, colored pencils, graphing calculator, TI84/Plus or
TI84/Plus Color. A 3 ring-binder is recommended so that all math material is in one place and homework
is easy to turn in.
*All supplies including the textbook must be brought to class daily.
Grading:
Grading Scale:
93-100
85-92.9
75-84.9
65-74.9
64.9 below
A
B
C
D
NC
Semester grades will be calculated as follows:
1st quarter average
40%
2nd quarter average
40%
Semester exam
20%
Assessment and evaluation: Quarter grades will be based on a point system.
Quizzes:
Due to the significant amount of information in each chapter, there will be 2-4 quizzes per chapter.
These quizzes will range from 10-45 points.
Tests: Each chapter will have one or two comprehensive test worth 70-120 points. This is designed so
that students learn to study greater amounts of material and to help them prepare for the final exam
and any examination in their lives with extensive content. The best way to study for math is to keep up
with it on a daily basis. The Fenwick math test days are Mondays and Thursdays. All chapter tests will
be held on Mondays or Thursdays.
Homework and Class work: Both homework and class work will be assigned on a daily basis in some
format. These assignments are typically worth 5-15 points. Class work may be individual, group work or
in the form of a small ‘pop’ quiz. Missing supplies or textbooks will reduce your class work grade for
that day. Late homework will not be accepted.
Participation is an important part of the learning process. Weekly participation grades will be given and
will be considered when determining final grades.
Math competitions: All students are required to participate at a minimum in three math contests that
Mr. Finnell administers. Participating in more than 3 contests is one of the few ways to earn extra credit
in this course.
On-line Grading: Grades will be updated on Edline at least weekly. Students are expected to check their
grades weekly.
Academic Integrity:
CHEATING will not be tolerated.
If a student is caught cheating, he/she will receive the grade ‘Zero’ for the work in question. The
student will face disciplinary measures taken by the Dean of Students as outlines in the student
handbook.
The following are examples but are not limited to what is considered cheating:
-Copying another student’s work
-Cheat sheets and writing on the desks
-Attempts to copy or use a cheat sheet during a quiz or test
-A means to improve his/her grade in an unfair advantage.
Tardiness/Attendance
Students are expected to be present for all classes. Absences are the most likely way to get behind in
math. If absent, an Admit slip from Student Services is needed to return to class. Students must be in
their seats when the bell rings otherwise they are considered tardy. A student who is absent is
responsible to get missed assignments. This should be done with me before or after class or outside of
class from another responsible student or me. Please communicate any long-term absences.
Classroom rules and expectations are based on one basic rule: RESPECT
For Yourself:
-The student should be prepared and have all necessary supplies on a daily basis.
-All work should be neat and legible. In math, it is imperative that a student show all their work.
-All work should have a name and period number on it or points will be deducted.
-Work should be handed in on time. Late work is not accepted.
-The student should take responsibility for all work.
-The student should remain focused during the lesson and ready to participate.
-Respect for yourself includes academic integrity and pride in one’s own work.
For Others:
-Students should be attentive and polite while others speak. This includes the teacher and
classmates.
-All Fenwick rules are to be followed.
Consequence Procedure:
Student discipline will be handled on an individual basis, according to the severity and history.
Any type of discipline issue will be discussed with the teacher and student first to resolve. If the issue is
not resolved, parents and counselors will be asked to be involved and lastly the deans.
Cell phones: Phones are prohibited in the classroom. They should be turned off and put away in his/her
backpack. If a phone rings, a student is caught texting or has his/her phone outside of the backpack, it
will be taken by the teacher and sent to the dean.
Extra Help:
If a student is confused about something regarding math, there are many sources of help available.
Teacher: They can meet with the teacher. I am available before school at 7:30 or during 11th period in
my classroom. If help is needed before 7:30 or after 11th period, the student should schedule an
appointment.
Friar mentors: Many of the tutors are proficient in advanced math, including pre-calculus. They are
available most days at 7:30 and during 11th period.