Algebra Class Information Sheet 2014-2015
Course: 8th Grade Algebra
Teacher: Mrs. Kapalko
933-8142 ext. 2506
Email: yvonne.kapalko@avonlakecityschools.org
Website: kapalko.weebly.com or access from Learwood home page on district site
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome back to school! During this school year you will be learning many new and exciting
mathematical concepts. I look forward to a successful year in Algebra working with you and your
classmates.
Common Core State Standards:
 Avon Lake has implemented the new Common Core State Standards. There are changes to
the Algebra 1 course to reflect these standards.
 The CCSS can be found at www.corestandards.org/Math
Textbook:
 Pearson “Algebra 1 Common Core”
 Online text www.pearsonrealize.com (access code required)
 ALCS is piloting a new Algebra textbook this year. All students will soon have access to the
textbook and resources online using an access code.
 A class set of hardcover textbooks will be kept in my room. Any student who does not have
internet access at home will be able to take a textbook home daily from my class set.
 Extra practice can be found at interactmath.com (no access code required)
Supplies:
 Pencil with eraser
 One subject spiral notebook (replace as needed)
 Folder with pockets and prongs
 Scientific calculator- TI-30 XIIS recommended
 Loose leaf and graph paper
Note: I have a class set to TI-84C calculators for students to use while in class.
Homework:
 Given most nights and due the next day in class.
 Worth 2 points each and accounts for approximately 10% of quarter grade.
 Homework is graded for completeness, effort, and for following correct procedures – not for
accuracy. It is the responsibility of the student to correct answers, ask questions in class, and
seek assistance when homework is not thoroughly understood.
 Write down the original problem and show all work for full credit.
 If don’t know how to do a problem, must copy an example from notes or textbook similar to
the homework problem. If don’t know how to do a word problem, must write down all given
information/equation and what you are asked to find.
 No credit for late work. One “Late Pass” will be given to each student for each quarter. This
allows a student an opportunity to turn in the HW late and still receive full credit.
Important Things to Remember:
 Algebra is a high school class
o Need to receive 72% or higher to get high school credit
o Class is much faster paced
o Multiple topics in one lesson
o Fewer examples
o Basic facts (including fractions) must be mastered
o Cannot be dependent on calculator for computation
 Homework vs. Test
o HW is approximately 20% basic level questions; 60% average questions; 20%
challenging questions.
o Tests are approximately 10% basic level questions; 60% average questions; 30%
challenging questions since unit concepts are combined.
o Most problems occur because students learn a process for that day’s assignment rather
than understanding the big picture (when to use that particular process).
o HW is based more on basic understanding of the topic for that day but by the time of
the test there should be mastery and connection to the bigger picture.
o Application (story problems) is a strong part of this class.
Absences/Make-up Work:
 Make up all work for excused absences within allotted time (one day for each day out). Makeup work not completed in allotted time will become zeros.
 Meet with teacher during academic support, before or after school for help.
 Assignments due on the first day of absence are due the first day back.
 A student who misses just the day of a quiz/test should be prepared to make-up the quiz/test
the day of return.
 Whenever an absence is known ahead of time, please let me know as I may be able to provide
support/notes/assignments in advance.
Grades:
 PowerSchool login: //psal.nccohio.org/public
This can also be accessed from my website. You will receive login information in the mail.
 Grades are calculated by points. I do my best to update grades frequently. Monitor your
progress on a regular basis. We utilize PowerSchool program for grades this year. Please be
patient with me as I learn the new program!
 Grades are based on performance on daily assignments, class work, quizzes, and tests.
 Progress Checks - do not count in grade average but do show student knowledge of concepts
leading up to quiz/test. These are usually unannounced.
 The course grade consists of all four quarters and the final exam. 72% is required to earn
credit.
Extra help:
Each student must take responsibility for his/her learning. If you are completing your homework, are
taking notes and are participating in class and still experiencing difficulties, I expect that you see me
promptly for extra help. Difficulties do not go away by ignoring them. I am available during
academic support, most days after school until 3:30 PM, and many mornings beginning at 7:20 AM.
Class Expectations
 Be in seat with materials out ready to begin class.
 Use student planner to help organize and monitor assignments.
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Be respectful to yourself and to all people in the classroom.
Accept responsibility for your own behavior and your own learning.
Do your own work. Cheating, copying other students’ work, or allowing another student to
copy your work, will result in a zero.
All school rules and regulations in the student handbook will be enforced.
Insubordination or any disruptive behavior which denies other students the opportunity to
learn and for me to teach will not be tolerated.
What about Next Year:
 Recommendations for high school are typically made in early February.
 Below is a general explanation of the requirements for the available courses for next year.
This is only a guideline. I will be compiling data to use when making the recommendations for
next school year.
 If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Algebra 1
8th Grade
Algebra 1
9th Grade
Geometry
Honors
Geometry
*Appropriate class for the
student who does not
maintain a 72% or better.
*Student who lacks
necessary skills to be
successful in Algebra II.
*Student who would
benefit from another year
to gain more confidence
and further enhance
algebraic fundamentals.
*Appropriate class for
the majority of
students currently in
Algebra 1.
*Need to earn at least
a 72% course average
in Algebra.
*Appropriate class for
students who
consistently earn high
A’s in Algebra 1,
especially on tests and
exams.
*Demonstrates strong
skills on Algebra
applications and word
problems.
First Day’s Homework Assignment (worth 5 points)
In an effort to be able to communicate by email and phone when necessary, I would like to have
current contact information for parents. To acknowledge that you have read the Class Information
sheet, please do the following:
1. Email me at Yvonne.Kapalko@avonlakecityschools.org
2. In the subject line type the student’s name and class period
3. In the body of the email type your name and a phone number
4. Hit send!
5. If you have any information that you feel is important for me to know as we begin this year,
include it in the body of the email after your name and number. Also, if you have more than
one email you would like me to have, repeat the process with additional email(s).
Thank you!