Geometry Policies                                                     Williams

Fall 2017 – Spring 2018

Course Description

           

            Geometry is a course designed to emphasize the study of the properties and applications of common geometric figures in two and three dimensions.  It includes the study of transformations, right triangle trigonometry, circles, polygons, surface area and volume, and other topics.  Inductive and deductive thinking skills are used in problem solving situations, and applications to the real world are stressed.  It also emphasizes writing proofs to solve (prove) properties of geometric figures.  Learning the vocabulary, properties, postulates (or axioms), and theorems is critical to success in this course.    

            Geometry is a very visual course.  Students will be required to take information they learn and apply it in different ways.  I informally describe the course this way:  In Algebra I, students learned to solve different types of equations they were given.  They did a lot of repetition of the same skill.  In Geometry, the students aren't given the equation at the beginning of the problem.  Students may have to draw a diagram, interpret the vocabulary, and apply one of the properties, postulates, or theorems they've learned in order to write the equation that is needed.  They will then use their Algebra I skills to solve the equation and answer the original question. 

            Geometry is heavily represented on the ACT.  Students will see many ACT type questions throughout this course in their assignments, both in class and in homework.  Each of my tests will contain a few multiple-choice ACT type questions.  Geometry is a very applicable course.  My hope is that all of my students will leave this course with a solid understanding, an appreciation, and maybe even a love of geometry!

Class Rules

 

1.  Be RESPONSIBLE

• Bring all materials to class every day.  Be prepared to begin class when the bell rings.
• Homework should be completed before arriving to class.
• Follow instructions the first time they are given and participate in class.
• Use the time between classes wisely.  (e.g.  go to the restroom, sharpen your pencil, etc.)
• Keep classroom neat and clean.
• Follow all school rules and policies.

 2.  Be RESPECTFUL.          

• Respect others while they are speaking or working.  Raise your hand, remain seated and quiet. 
• Use manners when dealing with one another. 
• Use the Golden Rule - Treat others as you'd like to be treated.                  

I pride myself on being extremely patient and tolerant; however, I am quite capable of enforcing appropriate classroom behavior.  At no time will one student's behavior be allowed to disrupt the learning of others. 

Failure to abide by these rules will result in the following:

            A)  Teacher/Student conference

            B)  Teacher/Parent contact by phone or e-mail

            C)  Student referral to office

 

In the case of a severe offense (fight, profanity, insubordination, etc.) the student will be sent to the appropriate assistant principal's office immediately.

Required Materials - Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to work.

 

• Notebook paper for class work and homework
• Pencil for all in-class work and homework assignments
• Three-ring binder for class notes, in-class work, homework assignments, and assessments (a 1 inch binder will be fine, but choose whatever size works for you)
• Scientific Calculator – I recommend the TI-30X IIS.  If you are planning on taking courses beyond Algebra II, I recommend purchasing a graphing calculator (a TI-84 Plus or similar).
• Graph Paper  - the school book store sells Mini Plots or you can print free graph paper online
• Optional:  Colored pencils, a straightedge, and compass.  I have class sets of these that you may use.  All constructions will be completed in class.

 

Attendance Policy

All absences and tardies will be documented and reported to the administration according to the policies outlined in the student handbook.  Make-up work should be obtained and completed within two days of the absence.  Tests must be made up within three days.  It is the student’s responsibility to make appropriate arrangements for making up missed assignments, notes, and tests.  Because we are on block scheduling, we move at a very rapid pace.  Students can miss a lot of material in one day.  Make-up work can be obtained by checking the calendar and the file in the classroom or by checking my website.  I would suggest exchanging phone numbers with another member of the class so you have a contact in case of questions. 

Students that are out for any field trips, competitions, or sports events are responsible for any work missed, and every effort should be made to obtain the work before the absence.  If the absence occurs on a test day, the student must be ready to take the test early or immediately upon return.  If the absence occurs on a test review day, the students must obtain the review before the absence and they will still be required to take the test on the regularly scheduled day.

Grading Policy

Grades will be weighted as follows for each nine weeks:  Final Exam 20%, Major Grades 40%, and Minor Grades 40%.  The Minor Grades are represented by Quizzes (75%), Homework/Class Work/Bell Work, which includes some participation grades (25%).  I will drop each student’s lowest minor grade each nine weeks.  The Major Grades are the Chapter Tests.  The semester grade is the average of the two nine weeks’ grades.  Students should keep all graded papers in their notebooks until the end of each term. 

Homework 

It is important to do every homework assignment.  Math must be practiced to achieve mastery.  Extra credit work is very limited.  Most of it is in the form of bonus questions on tests.  I do NOT accept late work.  Homework is not accepted late unless an absence has occurred.   Homework is graded in a variety of ways.  Most often, homework will be checked through homework checks/quizzes.  Students are always given the answers to the assignments (in class or online) and allowed an opportunity to ask questions before homework checks/quizzes.  Some assignments may be checked for completion BEFORE students have an opportunity to ask questions.  Students should never leave a problem blank.  If a student is confused on the homework, he or she should write a sentence explaining which example the problem looks similar to and where he or she is confused in the process.  This sentence will count as the work for the challenging problem.  Students should also draw a diagram for the problem, if appropriate.  Homework must be completed prior to coming to class.  Copying another student's work will result in a zero for both parties involved. 

Notebook

Staying organized is critical to your success in any class, especially in mathematics.  You should keep a notebook that is organized and neat.  I suggest keeping your notebook divided into at least three sections:  Bell Work, Notes/Class Work, and Graded Work.  You may organize your notebook to your own liking, but you will be asked to turn in various items from your notebook at different times (most often Bell Work).

Extra Help/Test Make-Up

If a student misses a quiz or test, he or she must schedule a time before or after school with me to make up the assessment.  This will be the student's responsibility to do so on the day they return from being absent.  On the mornings that we have a scheduled test, I will offer a help session for last minute questions or clarifications (unless I am absent from school on test day).  Students will receive a text from me through the Remind app on the night before the test.  They will use this text as a hall pass so they will be allowed to come to my room early on test days, if needed.

 If a student needs extra help on a particular topic, I can offer several different online resources to provide further instruction or practice.  I'll have links to these resources on my website.  I also encourage students to seek out help from their peers.  Peer tutoring can benefit both parties; the tutor deepens his or her understanding by explaining a topic to the student receiving the tutoring.  I can also offer names of students that are in the math honor society that may be available for private tutoring.  Students are encouraged to ask questions in class.  On many days, I encourage students to work together during class.  I want students to learn to be their own advocates and to be responsible for their learning.  I will give them my best every day, and I will expect them to give me their best.

 

Cell Phone Use

I am a firm believer that cell phones in the classroom can be a problem.  Research shows that it takes 30 seconds to 3 minutes to refocus after a distraction (e.g. checking/sending a text, Snapchat, Instagram, email, etc.).  I will NOT allow students to use their phones during class.  Students will be asked to store their phones in a clear hanging storage organizer with pockets at the front of the room.  Students are allowed to charge their devices in this designated place in my classroom.  If a student chooses not to place their phone in the storage organizer it must be kept completely out of sight and silent.  Failure to abide by this rule will result in the following:  1st offense, the phone will be placed in my phone "jail" until the end of class (this is a box in my closet); 2nd offense, the phone will be placed in my phone "jail" until the end of the school day and I will contact parents; 3rd offense, the phone will be sent to the appropriate assistant principal's office.

Students bring their phones and charge their phones at their own risk.  Class time will not be used to search for a student's phone.  Students are NOT allowed to take pictures or video of others in my classroom without their expressed consent.  Students that violate this rule will have their phone confiscated by me and the consequences described above will apply.

My cell phone policy is subject to change.

 

Textbook

Students are NOT allowed to write in their books.  Students may be charged for writing in the book or damage to the cover (per the LCSD student handbook).  The cost of each new textbook is around $75.  Students will be required to have their books for some in-class assignments, as well as, homework.  The student is responsible for caring for and returning the textbook at the end of this semester in the same condition it was received.  I will assign books by writing the student's name inside the cover and recording the textbook number in my records.  A parent can choose for their child to only use the free online textbook and not be assigned a textbook.  A problem with technology will NOT be an acceptable excuse for a student not completing the homework.

 

 

Contact Information:              April.williams@lamark12.org  or 601-264-7232  ext. 6127

                                                       Conference Time: 3^nd Block

 

I check my e-mail daily throughout the week.  You may also check my website for important dates and information.

 

Please feel free to contact me any time you have questions or concerns. 

I look forward to working with you and your child!