Welcome to Math 8 A! This year we will cover a variety of algebraic, geometric and statistical topics
from both 8th grade and 9th grade Integrated Algebra that are used regularly in the outside world.
One of the most useful skills that a person can have is the ability to reason mathematically.
You will have homework most days and regular quizzes and tests throughout the year to see what
you’ve learned. At the end of April/beginning of May, you will take the New York State grade 8 Math
Assessment followed by the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam in June which will count as the final
exam for this course.
Required Materials:
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WCS Agenda
2-inch or larger 3-ring binder with pockets (only to be used for Math class)
Loose-leaf paper
Pencils and Pens
Scientific Calculator (TI-30XS recommended)
Grading:
o Classwork/Participation/Preparedness – 10%
Students are expected to come to class prepared with the necessary materials, arrive on time
and to participate in the lesson. 3 points will be awarded each day, 1 for each of these
expectations. If a student is absent, they will not be able to earn points for that day, so be
sure to come to school!
o Homework – 20%
Homework will be assigned most days, and will usually be due the following day, AT THE
BEGINNING OF CLASS, unless you are told otherwise. The only way for me to be sure you
can do the math on your own is by having you practice using it on your own. I expect
everyone attempts the assignment, and you will be awarded a grade based on your effort. If
you’ve attempted every questions with good effort you will receive 5 points and if there is
lack of effort or work completed points will be deducted from there. If you are struggling
with your homework you are more than welcome to stay after school for extra help.
Late Homework Policy – You will be given a ONE DAY grace period on homework
assignments, as long as it is not abused. It will be up to you to turn in the assignment the
following day, AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS, I will not ask you for it. After one day late,
your homework will no longer be accepted, and there will be no exceptions.
o Quizzes – 30%
Quizzes will be given throughout a unit to assess your understanding of what we are learning
before you are given a test. Think of quizzes as a practice for the test. You will be allowed to
do corrections on quizzes to raise your grade, earning at most, half of the points missed back
if done correctly. If you take the time to learn from your mistakes on the quizzes, you should
do well on the test and not need to do corrections on the test!
o Tests – 40%
Tests will be given at the end of each unit to assess your understanding of all of the material
within the unit. There will be no corrections allowed on tests, by this time, you should’ve had
your questions answered on homework assignments and corrections made on quizzes and
most, if not all, mistakes should be corrected.
Classroom Expectations:
o Be in your seat with your materials out and your homework on your desk.
o Raise your hand when you have a question or something to say.
o The bell does not release you from class, I DO. Please respect my time and I will respect
yours!
o Be sure to check the area around you, leave it as clean, if not cleaner than you found it.
o Please be respectful to yourself and everyone around you. At this age you should know what
type of behavior is appropriate and inappropriate. However, I will be sure to remind you if
you forget!
Disciplinary Procedure:
I am hopeful that we will not have to worry about this, however it is only fair I give you
warning as to how things will be handled if necessary.
o I will try to deal with most trivial issues by discussing them with you and coming to some
sort of agreement/understanding on how to correct the issue.
o If this does not work, I will then contact your parent/guardian to make them aware of the
situation and we will decide on a solution together.
o If this still does not work, we will set up a parent/teacher conference with an administrator
to resolve the issue.
o More serious issues may skip the first and possibly the second step and be directly handled
with a parent/teacher conference with an administrator.
After you have read through the syllabus with your parent/guardian(s), please put it in the front of
your binder for future reference and fill out the attached form as your first homework assignment.
(So that’s means it is due tomorrow!!)
I hope you enjoyed your summer and have come back refreshed and ready for a new year of
learning. Please follow these guidelines we will have a wonderful year!
Student Name: ________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian(s): _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Phone Number(s): _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Comments/Concerns:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We have read through and understand the rules and expectations outlined in
Mrs. Tinker’s course syllabus.
Student – By signing below, I agree that I will do my best to follow these rules and expectations and
understand there will be consequences if I fail to do so.
Parent/Guardian – By signing below, I agree with the rules and expectations in the syllabus and
will do my best to make sure my student is following them.
Student: _______________________________________
Parent/Guardian(s): _____________________________________
_____________________________________