New Paltz Central High School
New Paltz Central School District 196 Main Street, New Paltz, New York 12561
Tel: 845-256-4000, Fax: 845-256-4009
Instructor: Joseph M Haas
Phone: (845) 256-4175 ext. 69524
Mathematics Teacher
Email: jhaas@newpaltz.k12.ny.us
Welcome to Introduction to Calculus
In this course, we will begin with precalculus concepts and then move into learning calculus. Where
possible, topics in this course are introduced graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally.
The intent is to move students beyond algebraic and symbolic aspects of calculus and give meaning
and understanding through applications. Many problems in this course require graphical and
numerical work in addition to algebraic manipulation. Written and verbal explanations are an
essential part of the course.
Homework is often in the form of a video lecture available on-line through the school website. This
“flipped classroom” model provides students with more class time for group work and for deeper
and more complex problem solving projects where they have the support of each other and the
teacher.
The goal of this variety of activities and modalities is to build mathematical reasoning,
communication skills, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and to help students appreciate
mathematics as a useful and worthwhile discipline. This approach is directly aligned with the
Common Core Learning Standards (Mathematics: Standards for Mathematical Practice).
Course Topics:
 Functions and Their Graphs
 Linear Functions
 Polynomial Functions
 Power Functions
 Rational Functions
 Limits and Their Properties
 The Derivative
 Basic Differentiation Rules and Rates of Change
 Implicit Differentiation
 Applications of Differentiation
 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions and Calculus
 Trigonometric Functions
 Trigonometric Functions and Calculus
Please feel free to come after school (to room 214A), call, or e-mail if you have questions.
grading intro to calc
All assignments in this course are given a specific point value.
Daily Quiz: 5 points
A short daily quiz will be given at the beginning of each class. The daily quiz
will be based on the homework and/or material from the previous class.
Each quarter, the lowest 3 or 4 daily quiz grades will be dropped. If you
miss a daily quiz you can make it up; however, you must do so
before the next class.
Unit Tests: 20 to 50 points
There are usually 4 or 5 tests per quarter. Each test will cover the material
from a particular topic.
Class Work: 2 to 10 points
We will frequently work on problems during class time. Some of these
activities will be collected and graded.
Quarterly Algebra Quiz: 20 points
Each quarter we will begin by focusing on the algebra and geometry
fundamentals needed for the upcoming units. A 20 point quiz will be given
on these requisite skills.
Homework will be in the form of a video or a problem set handout. It will
be given on a daily basis, and solutions will be posted on line.
Your quarter average can be determined at any time by adding up the
number of points earned and dividing it by the total number of possible
points.
Materials Needed
Please note that students are expected to have a TI-84 or TI-83 graphing
calculator for use in this course. Also please also note that at many times,
students will not be using any calculator!
Common Questions and Answers
Q: I don't understand anything you are doing in class, what should I
do?
A: If you don't understand something in class it is important to get help with
it right away. Mathematics builds on itself so if you are lost today and you
don't get help you will be even more lost tomorrow. You can ask a friend in
the class, me or even another math teacher to explain something you don’t
understand. I am happy to give you assistance with homework, help you
review for a test, or answer any questions you might have about material
covered in class. I am available for assistance after school almost every day.
Ask me to arrange a specific time to meet.
Q: If I miss an assignment how can I make it up?
A: All assignments for this class will be posted on line. If you are absent
from a class it is your responsibility to get the class handouts and homework.
You can also ask me during a free period or after school to help you figure
out what you are missing. (Please don't ask me what you missed during
class time.)
Q: What happens if I am absent on the day of a test.
A: If you miss class on the day of a test you will take it on the day you
return.
Q: What if I miss the class before a test.
A: You will need to take the test when it is given along with the class.
Class Expectations
All students have the right to learn in an environment that will provide them
with the best chance of success in this class. No student has the right to
interfere with the learning of any other student.
In order to insure that these rights are upheld the following
behaviors are expected:
 Be attentive when others are speaking. (One person talks at a time)
 Be on time and ready for the beginning of class.
 Be prepared: Bring notebook, pen, pencil, and calculator to class.
 Be respectful of others.