Canyon High School
Pre-Calculus Honors 2015-2016
Instructor:
Matt Peacock
Contact Information: Room #200
(714) 532 - 8000
mpeacock@orangeusd.org
Course Description
This is a college preparatory class with a purpose to encourage students to think critically and use
deductive logic that they will use on a daily basis throughout their future to solve problems. These
strategies will be practiced and mastered over of the year in terms of Pre-Calculus vocabulary, which
includes further concepts in Algebra II, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Calculus. This is an Honors
Class and students will be expected to work hard. We will move at a much faster pace and cover
more concepts than a regular Pre-Calculus class. Students will also be expected to memorize most
formulas that would not be required in a regular class.
Course Objectives
This course is a thorough study of advanced mathematics that will challenge students to gain mastery
in concepts including coordinate geometry, inequalities, functions, trigonometry, exponents and
logarithms. Graphing, theory of equations, vectors, complex numbers, sequences and series,
probability, polynomials, parametric equations of curves, polar equations, reasoning, and limits are
also studied.
Required Texts and Suggested Supplies
Students are expected to have their own set of materials everyday in class with them. This will
ensure that student’s are willing and able to learn even before the class begins. These materials
include:
 Textbook (PRECALCULUS, 3rd Ed. by Sullivan and Sullivan)
 Notebook (Or section in a 3-ring binder) dedicated to the course for note taking and homework
Collection
 Composition Book for a math journal, warm-up exercises and quizzes.
 Pencils and erasers! Students are required to take assessments and complete
classwork/homework in pencil. Mathematics is a study that encourages and requires mistakes
to be made for competency to be reached. If these mistakes can be erased, then frustration
can be avoided.
 Graphing/Scientific Calculator (TI 84 Graphing Calculator preferred)
o The use of a graphing calculator will help student’s gain insightful knowledge on the
behavior of the functions that they will deal with. This will help provide retention for
each concept.
Assignments
Major Assessments
 Students will be assessed of their knowledge through unit tests. These tests will be comprised
of both multiple choice and short answer questions. Weekly quizzes will also be given at the
beginning of certain classes.
o The purpose of weekly quizzes is to keep students accountable for their homework
assignments and help both myself, and the student obtain a barometer on their
comprehension of the concepts.
Daily Assignments
 Students will also be asked to perform classwork problems based on the day’s lesson both
individually and in groups.
 Classwork and group work will help students’ practice the necessary skills learned in the
lesson to help gain confidence in their ability so they will be able to perform the homework at a
high level. Group work will also help foster cooperation, explanation, teaching, and mediation
skills.
Homework
 Homework will be assigned daily to allow students practice on the concepts taught that day. It
is important that students do their homework prior to next class to ensure they understand the
material and don’t fall behind. Homework is expected to be complete and contain quality work
that demonstrates competency within that section. Students are required to show their work to
gain full credit.
 Students have until the unit test to turn in any homework from the current unit before it is
marked late and rewarded zero points. All homework from the unit MUST be turned in
before the unit test is given! However, students will be expected to show competency in the
previous days lesson through a morning quiz/warm-up highlighting the major concepts
discussed in the prior class.
 Homework is used in my class to practice and eventually master concepts learned in that day’s
lesson. True mastery is not achieved unless students practice these problems on their own,
after some time has expired from when they learned the initial material. Students’ must be
aware of this policy as to not abuse it. If they choose not to turn in all of their homework until
the last minute, the quantity of work will be overbearing, and concepts could be lost, resulting
in poor quiz/test scores. My goal in this homework philosophy is to encourage
COMPLETION of ALL problems and promote students’ to challenge themselves at all
levels of mathematics while gaining time-management skills.
Grading Policies
 Grading Criteria:
o Unit Tests will be worth 100 points each
o Projects will be worth anywhere from 25 – 100 points
o Weekly quizzes will be worth 1% credit on unit tests
o Assignments will be worth 4 points each
 Grading Scale: I do grade on a scale as described below
o Unit Tests/Daily Quizzes/Projects = 70% of total grade
o Assignments and Journal Entries = 10% of total grade
o Semester Final
= 20% of total grade
Grade
A
D
% Range
Description
90% - 100% Advanced: exceeds expectations, demonstrates exemplary work, shows
mastery of the content
80% - 90% Above Average; meets expectations, demonstrates good quality work,
shows solid grasp of content
70% - 80% Average – Average; approaches expectations, missing work, demonstrates
basic understanding of content
60% - 70% Below Average – Below expectations, shows little understanding of content
F
0% - 60%
B
C
Far below average; shows little to no understanding of content, missing
work
Class Policies
I have high expectations of my students; not only that they take every new experience to learn from
each other and from a new vocabulary, but that they grasp and experience every opportunity to learn
and succeed in my class. The following expectations are detailed to emphasize the fact that my
student’s must have the desire and courage to learn for success to be reached.
Attendance
 Students are expected to be in class everyday. Mathematics is a cumulative study, and
Canyon is on a block schedule; therefore, if a student misses one class it could mean that they
have missed two lessons. This could cause considerable problems for those that do not learn
well on their own. My students are also held accountable for understanding what is being
taught and what assignments have been assigned, as it is posted on my website. Therefore,
when a student misses class, he or she is responsible for researching the material taught on
those days and have questions ready for what they do not understand when they come back to
class. Consequences for unexcused or excessive absences can be found in the student
handbook
Promptness
 Students are expected to be in their seats when the tardy bell rings with. If they fail to perform
this action, a tardy will be given to that student. Consequences for multiple tardies can be
found in the student handbook.
Passes
 At the beginning of the semester each student will be given 3 passes for my class. Anytime
they need to leave the room for any reason they may turn one of these passes into me. At the
end of the semester they may turn up to 3 of these in for extra credit on their assignment
grade. 1 pass = 5 points on their assignment category. Students are not allowed out of the
class during the first and last 10 minutes.
Food/Drink in classroom

No food or gum is allowed in class at anytime. Students can have water or other healthy fluids
during class.
Behavior Expectations
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Respect your classmates, teacher, and materials within the class. Quietly listen to anyone
addressing the class and to not deface anything within the classroom.
Participate in individual, small-group and inclusive class activities at a high level.
Be productive for the entire class. No gathering around the door before the bell rings.
Cheating: Cheating occurs whenever a student attempts to take credit for someone else’s
effort, or assist in helping other studetns. 1st offense: Automatic zero on that particular
assignment or test with no make-up (Parents will be notified). 2nd offense: A 10 % reduction in
the student’s overall grade for the semester and referral to counseling office. 3rd offense:
Student will be removed from the class with an F for the semester.
Profanity: The classroom is a professional environment, and I expect my student’s to treat it as
such. I will not tolerate profanity during my class. My classroom is a place to practice how to
act and speak in a professional way, one that would be acceptable in a work environment after
students graduate.
Electronic use: Students’ will have their electronics confiscated if used in class without
permission. These electronics will be taken to the office and will not be able to be picked up
until after school. Repetitive offenses are defined in the student handbook.
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT ADHERE TO ABOVE EXPECTATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO:
 1st Violation: Warning and explanation after class.
 2nd Violation: Teacher conference after class; email/phone call home
 3rd Violation: Parent-Teacher conference during conference period + referral
 4th Violation: Referral to office and Teacher-Parent-Counselor meeting
 5th Violation: Referral to office, student is removed from class with no credit
Severe violations such as leaving the classroom without permission or defiance of authority or
classmates could result in suspension, possible contract, or possible loss in class on the 1st violation.
Academic Support
 I teach zero period and coach after school on certain days. If students need extra help they
must make arrangements with me on my availability, as it will change daily. I can also answer
questions through email at mpeacock@orangeusd.org. You can also contact me via
telephone at Canyon High School: (714) 532-8000.
 I also have helpful resources on my website that students can access and watch video tutorials
online that cover concepts that we went over in class. Tutors are also available through our
counseling office and after school tutors in the library.
 Students have the amount of days missed prior to a Unit Exam to take that exam. If a student
is only absent on the day of the exam, they must have a readmit and must make up the exam
by the next class period. It is up to the student to be responsible for making arrangements for
the make-up exam. Depending on the amount of absences leading up to a unit test, no makeups will be allowed past the next unit test.
 Students are allowed to replace their lowest test score with their percentage they receive on
the final
Website: https://peacockmathematics.com
Access this website to view all course materials and calendar of assignments.
PBIS Matrix
Direct
Instruction
Daily WarmUp/Quizzes
Independent
Work
Group Work
Try to apply what
was taught in the
direct instruction to
what is asked of
you to do
independently.
REFER TO
EXAMPLES FROM
NOTES OR BOOK!
Do not distract
neighbors by trying
to copy work.
Politely ask for help
if you need it.
Think before you
ask questions of
peers.
Be conciencious of
when unit tests are
and prepare for
them mentally
before class starts.
Be patient and try
not to get flustered
during test.
Act as a group and
show EACH
member of group
respect. Allow
other members of
group to
participate.
Keep to your own
test! Cover your
answers and keep
your eyes from
wandering. Also
turn your phones
off before test
starts and be quiet
until everyone is
finished.
Ask all questions
and concerns
before test is given.
Think
Think about
questions before
presenting them.
Read problems first
then attempt to
solve them.
Complete ones you
know, then move to
challenging
problems.
Respect
Listen quietly, and
raise your hand
before interrupting.
Be conciensoud of
students to not
disturb them while
teacher is
speaking.
Do not disturb your
neighbor while
working. This
includes asking for
questions or
cheating off of
them.
Interact
Please get involved
with the lesson by
asking questions
for clarification.
Only interact with
neighbor on warmup problems if it is
said to be ok by
teacher.
Please ask for help
if you are not
understanding from
teacher.
Participate in any
way you can! Be
open minded for
other ways to
perform a task.
Be Ready
Have necessary
materials ready for
note taking and
make a diligent
effort to complete
previous nights
homework to be
prepared for new
content.
Challenge yourself
to follow all
examples given,
and look at similar
ones in book.
Come prepared to
take morning quiz
by completing
homework and
classwork the class
previous.
Have diligent notes
taken and know
where we are in the
book to look for
examples. Have
necessary
materials ready to
complete work.
Come prepared to
offer something to
group. Have
necessary
materials and be
willing to
participate.
Challenge yourself
to score 100% on
the morning
quizzes as it will
show competency
in material and will
prepare you for the
days lesson.
Challenge yourself
to complete
problems with a
high quality of
work.
Ensure that your
group will perform
assignment at a
high level. Do not
be satisfied with
satisfactory.
Excel
Unit
Tests/Final
Come prepared
with what is needed
to turn in. Have
necessary
materials needed,
and study the
nights before test,
not 5 minutes
before.
Challenge yourself
to get an A on
every test. Or at
least better than
you did on the test
previous.
Canyon High School Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Integrity is essential to upholding a climate of honesty and fairness at Canyon High School. It is important that all
members of the CHS educational community maintain high standards of integrity and excel to their highest ability in order to protect
the value of the educational process and to maintain the credibility of CHS as an educational institution. Academic Integrity is
acknowledging responsibility for:
 Producing the student’s own work
 Valuing learning over grades
 Recognizing others’ work according to Modern
 Maintaining honor and trust at Canyon High School
Language Association (MLA), American Psychological
Association Style (APA), or Chicago Manual of Style
Violations
Violations against the Academic Integrity Policy include but are not limited to:
Cheating
The term assessment includes exam, test, quiz, essay, takehome test, lab, homework, assignment or any other means of
assessing student knowledge and skills.
1. Copying from others.
2. Having or using resources not specifically authorized,
reviewed or approved by the teacher.
3. Providing or receiving information about all or part of an
assessment, including answers or unauthorized materials (e.g.
telling someone in a subsequent period what was on the
assessment, or seeking this information).
4. Altering a graded assessment and resubmitting it for a better
grade without teacher permission.
5. Using or displaying during an assessment any prohibited or
unauthorized information or device (e.g. programmable
calculators, cell phones, “cheat sheets,” etc.).
6. Seeking unauthorized assistance on a take-home or make-up
assessment.
7. Failing to stop work promptly on an assessment when the
time allocated has elapsed.
8. Failing to abide by teacher or school instructions as related to
an assessment.
9. Deceiving a teacher to get special consideration on an
assessment.
10. Misrepresenting academic accomplishments (e.g. tampering
with computer records, fabricating resume information, etc.).
11. Manipulating others for one's own academic benefit.
12. Forging a signature.
Plagiarism
1. Getting or giving improper assistance on an assignment
meant to be individual work (e.g. using materials or information
not based on your own research and writing, knowledgeably
giving a fellow student your work for his/her credit, etc.).
2. Submitting substantial portions of the same academic work
for credit in more than one course without consulting with, and
receiving permission from, the current teacher.
3. Making up data for an experiment or citing non-existing
sources in any research.
4. Failing to cite sources properly:
a. not using quotation marks when needed.
b. not acknowledging sources when paraphrasing
Enforcement Policy
When a student is in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, the following progressive steps will occur:
 A meeting between the student and teacher will follow.
 The student will receive a reduced grade or a grade of zero for the assessment, at the discretion of the teacher.
 The teacher will document the incident on a discipline referral, based on the severity of the violation, and give it to the
appropriate administrator, who will file the referral in the student’s discipline record.
 If the incident is documented as a referral, the teacher will notify the parents of the details of the violation and the
consequences.
Repeated offenses may result in course level penalties, program level penalties, or suspension from school.
If the student contests the academic dishonesty violation and consequences, he/she has recourse for mediation of the dispute. This
process includes the following:
 The student writes a letter, requesting a conference to further discuss the issue and also stating his/her specific reasons for
the requested mediation.
 The student gives the letter to his/her counselor no later than one week after the initial meeting between the student and
teacher.
 The counselor will arrange a conference which will include the student, parent, teacher, student’s counselor and a member
of the administrative team.
 The school administrator will ultimately decide final penalties.
Canyon High School students, faculty and administrators are expected to read and understand the above policies and
definitions and abide by the above enforcement procedures.
PRE-CALCULUS HONORS PARENT-STUDENT CONTRACT AGREEMENT
Please read and sign this page immediately. I would also like an email confirmation from your
parent/guardian stating that they have read and signed the syllabus. Please have them
include the name and period of their student in the email.
I have read the Classroom rules and policies and understand my role in this class.
Student Name:
Student Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Period: