Algebra 1
Mrs. Robin Gapinski
Classroom Policies and Expectations
(Effective as of 20 August 2013)
Materials: You are expected to bring all of the following supplies (except for the textbook) to class each day:




Required textbook: Algebra 1 (McDougal Littell)
Three-ring binder (for all worksheets, class activities, quizzes)
One subject spiral notebook (for homework)
TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator (you are required to bring this to class everyday)
Learning Targets: In this course, students will learn to…








Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Model with mathematics.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Attend to precision.
Look for and make use of structure.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Content Targets: The Algebra content targets are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Student
performance will be monitored by formative feedback and evaluated by summative assessments.
School Expectations/Policy: All school rules and policies will be enforced in the class (in particular,
appropriate dress code and cell phone policy.) You are expected to check your school e-mail
daily and use this e-mail address to communicate with me.
Classroom Expectations: RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY
 Be to class on time! Each tardy will result in a deduction of 2 points from your
classroom expectation grade. You are expected to be in your seat with your class
materials and homework out on your desk at the start of class each day.
 Go to the washroom or get a drink of water prior to the start of class.
 Avoid missing class! For every unexcused absence, 3% will be subtracted from
your quarter grade. It is your responsibility to check your attendance record with
me and to follow up with clearing any absences with the attendance office within
the 24-hour rule. Since this class consists of a hands-on activities and calculator
or computer labs, you will be at a strong disadvantage if you are absent from
class. I cannot recreate the lesson or learning experience if you are absence!
 Extra Help: Don’t hesitate to go to the Learning Center for extra help, to check
the answers on your homework, or to work in a small group. You are also
welcome to set-up a time to meet with me during one of my free periods:
2, 4, 6 and 9.
Homework Expectations: All homework is to be done in a spiral notebook with a pencil. It will be
collected and checked on Fridays during your Content Target Quiz for completion and
accuracy.
Half credit will be awarded for late work shown to me later the same day or the next day
after it was initially due. If you are absent on Friday, you must make-up your content
target quiz before or after school on Monday to receive credit as well as turn in your
spiral notebook for accuracy and completion. You will be given an assignment sheet for
each chapter and can access my portal site (http://class.dist113.org/hphs/math/gapinski)
for posted worksheets, answer keys, and assignment sheets when you are absent. It is
your responsibility to e-mail me or check my portal site for homework assignments or
what you have missed when you are absent from class. If you are unable to print out the
daily class notes and/or worksheets that you missed in class, I will leave extra worksheets
in the classroom that you can pick-up before school the next day, during a passing period
or a free period. Homework will be differentiated according to your specific needs for
improvement and mastery so that you reach your full potential and are proficient in the
content targets for Algebra.
 In the upper right-hand corner of each homework assignment, you must do
the following:
1. DAY #
2. HW Assignment: Page Number & Assigned homework problems
3. Content Target Number(s)
4. Copy down the entire the homework problem including any diagrams (no
exceptions!) from the textbook or worksheet
5. Show any intermediate steps or give a written explanation
6. Circle your final answer
*Students are expected to check and correct their own homework as answers to odd
problems are located in the back of the textbook and peer tutors/math teachers are
available to provide extra help in TLC (The Learning Center-A-220) before, during
all class periods and after school daily. You can find extra practice problems on
www.classzone.com for reinforcement and further mastery of algebraic concepts.
Quizzes/Tests:
All quizzes and tests must be done in pencil! You will receive a point deduction if
you take a quiz or test in pen. You will be given ample opportunities through
homework, quizzes, and review worksheets to prepare and study for your unit tests.
Tests will cover unit course targets while course target quizzes on Fridays will be
cumulative review of all previously learned concepts from prior units. All make-up tests
must be taken in the Testing Center (C-207).
Test Corrections: You will have one day to do test corrections (turn in the next school day) to earn back
1/3 of the lost points. To receive back lost points on your unit assessment, you must do
the following on a separate piece of paper:
1. Copy the problem down including any diagram or figure
2. Show any intermediate steps to solve the problem correctly or else write a complete
sentence, explaining your solution or justifying your reasoning.
Group Work:
The integration of the Navigator system and the TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator in this
course provides unique opportunities to engage all students in the learning process.
Using technology as a learning tool through cooperative learning in the classroom is
practice for real life; you will develop and exercise the same skills in the classroom that
you will need in your life at home, in the community beyond HPHS, and in the
workplace. Thus, you are expected to participate actively in your group work, expressing
your opinion, listening to others, and acknowledging that everyone’s ideas have value.
Be willing to change your mind on the basis of logic! Include everyone in your group!
Collaborate rather than compete! If you have criticism to express, direct it at ideas, not at
people. And last but not least, agree to disagree if necessary. You are all unique and
exceptional individuals who bring different experiences and knowledge bases to your
group. Show patience, respect, and tolerance for one another. Your group will be
successful and have extra credit opportunities as you encourage the success and deeper
understanding of what we are learning in one another.
Feedback:
I will update your grades on Infinite Campus twice a week. Checking your grade on-line
regularly is a wonderful means of staying informed and monitoring your overall
performance in this class. I strongly encourage you to communicate with your parents
regarding your overall performance and to contact me at any time with any questions so
that you reach your class goal and full potential in this course.
Grading Policy:
You will be graded on a cumulative point system from daily homework, quizzes, tests
and TI-Nspire activities (no curves). I do not round quarter grades but semester grades may be rounded with
active class participation, homework completion and putting forth consistent effort during both quarters of the
semester. Each semester grade is comprised of 40% for each quarter grade and 20% for the final exam. Each
student should be aware of the academic policy stated in the student handbook. If a student is caught
cheating or gives the impression of cheating, they will receive a zero on the assignment, test, or quiz. You
have the responsibility to never give the impression of cheating at any time!
Name
Home Internet Access:
Home Phone
YES
NO
Languages(s) spoken at home
Home Address
City, Zip
Mother Name
Daytime Phone
Father Name
Daytime Phone
Periods with no class assigned
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Lunch Period
4
5
6
Parents/Students: I/We have reviewed the classroom expectations with my child and understand the policies
and behaviors of my child and all students enrolled in this course.
Parent Signature
Student Signature
7
Mrs. Gapinski’s Classroom Expectations & Policies
Algebra 1
2013-2014
I read and understand the class policies and expectations for me in Algebra 1 with Mrs.
Gapinski.
Student name (please print)
_______________________________________________
Student signature _________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the class policies for my son/daughter in Algebra 1 with Mrs.
Gapinski.
Parent/Guardian name (please print)
Parent/Guardian signature
___________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian email address _______________________________________________