Pre-Calculus Course Information Packet 2015 - 2016
Teacher: Mark Shafer
Voice Mail: (206) 230-6317
E-mail: Mark.Shafer@mercerislandschools.org
Office: Room 402C
Website: http://www.mercerislandschools.org
Course Expectations/Policies
Course Description: Welcome to Pre-Calculus! We are in for a fun and challenging year as we explore
topics in Pre-Calculus within the following 12 basic functions: identity, squaring, cubing, reciprocal,
square root, exponential, natural log, sine, cosine, absolute value, greatest integer and logistic. The
class will have a strong focus on applications and the use of technology to solve problems using
algebraic, numerical, graphical and/or verbal approaches.
Required Materials: The textbook for this class is Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic
(seventh edition) by Demana, Waits, Foley and Kennedy. You are expected to bring the following
materials to class each day:
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Pencil and eraser (all work must be done in pencil)
Pen for checking/correcting assignments
Lined paper
Graphing calculator (TI-Nspire CX CAS model recommended; TI-Nspire CX okay too)
A three ring binder with separate sections for notes, assignments, tests and quizzes
Written Assignments and Math XL: The most critical component to learning the material in this course
is completing your homework. You are strongly encouraged to complete each assignment to the best of
your ability on the day it is assigned. Waiting until the night before (or day of) an assessment to
complete your assignments greatly diminishes their value. Written assignments will not be collected and
you can do as much or as little as you need to be proficient. Math XL assignments will be graded and
you must pass each assignment with a 70% or better.
Homework Solutions: The solutions for each written homework assignment can be found on the class
website. You are expected to check/correct your homework assignments each day in pen. Do not
neglect this important step when completing your homework!!!
Homework Check-Ins: You will have homework check-ins after most sections we cover. These are
essentially mini-quizzes with problems that are very similar to assigned homework problems designed to
give both you and me feedback on your progress with the material.
Quizzes & Tests: There will typically be one quiz and one test for each unit we cover. These will be
announced ahead of time and represent the vast majority of your semester grade.
Semester Final: There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of each semester.
Extra Help: An important part of my job is to be available outside of class to students who need extra
help. If you are having difficulty understanding the material presented, you are strongly encouraged to
seek extra help. I am typically available for help after school from 3:00 – 5:00 PM in either room 402C or
in room 403, but be sure to check ahead of time to ensure my availability. Please do not wait until you
are completely frustrated and confused to seek help. Staying current makes it much easier to do well in
the course!
Grading: Semester grades are based on scores from the semester exam, tests, quizzes, check-ins, and
other activities. The total number of points you earn will be divided by the total number of points possible
and that percentage will determine the grade you receive. Percentages will be converted to letter grades
according to the following scale rounded to the nearest tenth:
A = 93 – 100%
A- = 90 – 92.9%
B+ = 87 – 89.9%
B = 83 – 86.9%
B- = 80 – 82.9%
C+ = 77 – 79.9%
C = 73 – 76.9%
C- = 70 – 72.9%
D = 60 – 69.9%
F = 0 – 59.9%
Your grades for assignments, tests, and quizzes will be entered into Skyward as soon as they are
scored.
Attendance: The school’s attendance policy will be enforced. A student will be counted tardy if not in his
or her seat and ready for class when the classroom clock shows class is beginning. Be responsible—be
on time!
Absences and Make-up Work: It is your responsibility to ask me for any notes/assignments you missed
while you were absent. Please remember to do this before class on the day you return.
Excused Absences: If you have an excused absence on the day of a quiz or test, you must schedule a
time to make-up the exam before or after school within two days upon your return. Failure to do so may
result in a 0 for that exam. Note: if you miss a check-in, you must make it up by the following day before
2nd period. Otherwise, a 0 will be recorded for that check-in.
Unexcused Absences: If you have an unexcused absence on the day of a check-in, quiz, or test, you
will earn a 0 for that exam.
Academic Integrity: You are expected to uphold the academic integrity code. Giving or receiving
unauthorized information constitutes cheating which will result in disciplinary action. This includes but is
not limited to copying off another student’s test/quiz/check-in/homework, letting another student copy off
of your test/quiz/check-in/homework, giving out or receiving information about a test/quiz/check-in, and
accessing unauthorized information during an exam.
Class Rules: There are three class rules and they are not negotiable:
1. Respect yourself.
2. Respect others.
3. Respect the classroom.
When everyone follows these three simple rules, the classroom environment is a happy one and
learning will take place.
 Please detach and return this page after reading the course information packet by Friday,
September 5. Keep the packet in your binder for reference.
I have read and understand the course expectations and rules for Pre-Calculus. I agree that the
guidelines set before me are clear and fair. I will do my best to be a productive member of this class.
Student:
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Print Name
Date: ______________
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Signature
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E-Mail Address
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): ______________________________________
Print Name
Date: ______________
_______________________________________
Signature
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Daytime Phone Number(s): ______________________________
______________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) E-Mail Address(es):
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
How would you prefer to be contacted? (When/by phone or e-mail)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Special Note: If you would like to receive the quarterly class newsletter for parents via e-mail, please
send me an e-mail with the following information and I will add you to the distribution list:
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Parent name
Student name
Student period/class
Brief one sentence message saying you want to receive the newsletter