Clyde L. Fischer Middle School
1720 Hopkins Dr.
San Jose, CA 95122
Phone (408) 928-7500 Fax (408) 928-7501
Mrs. Horning
Pre-Algebra & Life Science
Room #22
joana.horning@arusd.org
Ext. 5528
Welcome to Pre-Algebra & Life Science at Fischer Middle School!
Mission Statement: At Fischer, we know that students learn best where they are well known, expectations are high,
support is strong, and where their voice is valued. We are a dedicated community with a shared purpose to
empower students to succeed through rigor, relevance and relationships.
Pre-Algebra is critical to prepare students to enter into 8th grade Algebra 1 ready for success. Algebra is the most
important subject to prepare and predict student success in high school and college; it builds the foundation for all
future Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) courses, majors, and careers. Students will learn
skills including:
• Changing word phrases and sentences into mathematical expressions and equations
• Solving equations and inequalities
• Continuing to develop computational skills using fractions and decimals
• Numbers skills including how to add, subtract, multiply and divide positive and negative integers
• Drawing graphs and computing percents, ratios and proportions
Life Science is an incredible opportunity to learn about living organisms and how they function on our planet. You
will learn interesting things like why your eyes are brown, and how our bodies work to keep us alive.
CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
 You will need these materials by Tuesday, September 4th and will need them for every lesson:
o (2) 1-SUBJECT SPIRAL NOTEBOOK, College-Ruled (You only need to bring 1 to every class)
o (2) Composition book – (bring 1 to class)
o (1 pack) college ruled loose leaf binder paper (bring a few sheets to class)
o Graph paper
o A 12” ruler
o (1) 1” 3 ring Black Binder (This will stay in class for your assessments, tests and quizzes)
o Pencils with erasers (bring at least 2 to every class)
o (1) Colored Pen
o (1) Crayola Color Pencils
 Your required textbook for the year is Charles, Randall, Bonni McNemar, and Alma Ramirez. California: PreAlgebra. 1st ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.
GRADES:
Grades will be based on the following rubric:
MATH
Tests
Quizzes, including
vocabulary and journal
checks
Homework
Participation
40%
40%
10%
10%
SCIENCE
Tests
Quizzes, including
vocabulary
Labs/Projects
Homework
Participation
35%
30%
20%
5%
10%
Grading Scale
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
Below
60%
Grades will be based on the Grading Scale.
Quizzes will include vocabulary quizzes on terminology and journal checks. All
assessment will be kept in class in a student portfolio. In the first semester only there
will be opportunities to retake test to improve scores below 70%. Only one retake will
be allowed per unit test per student. Further information will be provided on remastery protocol after our first unit test.
CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTATIONS:
This year we are building our CHARACTER to prepare ourselves for our future success.
I commit to do my best.
Class Rules:
I will act with honesty and integrity.
I will ask questions to learn.
1. Follow Directions
I will respect my teacher and my
2. Be Ready
colleagues.
3. Respect yourself and others
I apply myself every day.
4. Keep hands/feet and objects to yourself
I am capable of excellence.
5. Use appropriate language
I am a team player.
I am an enthusiastic learner.
I am resilient.
CHARACTER-
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT FOLLOW CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTATIONS?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Verbal Warning
Seat Change / In-Class Detention with Written Student Reflection
Loss of brunch and/or lunch free time
Parent phone call home and essay
Parent sit-in or parent conference
There are individual and class reward systems for students who comply with all rules and show exceptional
character. Students can gain privileges and earn prizes.
ABSENCES/ TARDIES:
Tardies: Consequences are in accordinace with the Fischer Handbook.
Absences: If a student is absent he or she must check in with Mrs. H before or after absence/s to receive and makeup all missed instruction/notes, classwork, and assessments. Missing school means missing content. The
responsibility for making up missing work & staying on pace with the course curriculum lies solely with the
student.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:



There is NO GUM, FOOD, or DRINK allowed in the class (Water in a bottle is OK).
NO CELL PHONES, IPODS, SMART PHONES OR OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES in class
IF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IN CLASS IS STOPPING YOU FROM SUCCEEDING, PLEASE COME AND SEE ME.
WE ARE ALL HERE TO LEARN, ENJOY CLASS, AND HELP EACH OTHER!
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I have read through the contents of this syllabus. I understand and accept the policies and procedures regarding
Mrs. H’s Pre-Algebra class. By signing the line below, I acknowledge that the rules, procedures, expectations, and
consequences are clear to me and that I agree to follow these guidelines for the entire school year.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________ Date _________________
Student Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date _________________