Class Policies
Keys/Rules
· Be on time and prepared for class. You will not be allowed to go to your locker to retrieve your book or your homework at any time!
· Go to the bathroom before or after class.
· Do not talk or call out in class unless called upon. Respect others when they are talking or asking questions.
· Do all work in pencil.
· Be sure to write down all notes and practice problems from the board.
· Be sure to read each section and the given sample problems in text prior to doing the assigned exercises.
·
No calculator games are to be played in class at any time!!
Take pride in
your work and in your surroundings. Be
neat in everything you do. Leave your
work area looking sharp at class end. Do
not write on desks! Do NOT touch/open/close windows or blinds without
permission from me!
Test and Quizzes: Approximately 75% of your overall average
Quizzes will usually
be 20 – 50 points in value. There are usually 2 – 3 quizzes per chapter. There
will be at least one test per chapter. Tests are usually 50 – 100 points in
value.
Homework
checks: Approximately 25% of
your overall average.
Homework will be given nightly.
Students should always be prepared to hand in their assignments for
grading.
Daily
participation is mandatory for success in this class.
This includes board work, volunteering answers, and behavior and attitude towards learning. Class participation can only factor into your grade in a positive way. I strongly encourage you to seek my help when you are having difficulty. I am available in my room everyday after school. Please take advantage of this! Often this one-on-one work can allow me to see what’s holding you back. Sometimes it only takes a few minutes to relieve a frustration and build some confidence. A failure to understand early concepts will hinder you later.
Letter grades are based on the following percentages.
A 93 and above C 77 - 80
B+ 89 - 92 D+ 73 - 76
B 85 - 88 D 70 - 72
C+ 81 - 84 F Below 70
These materials
must be brought to class EVERYDAY!
- Spiral notebook and PENCILS for daily notes and homework.
- Folder or binder for handouts and materials to be saved
- Graphing Calculator
- Textbook
Homework policy
Write your name, the section in the textbook that the assignment covers, and the textbook page number at the top of the first page of homework. It must be done completely, with work shown when necessary, in pencil, and in an orderly manner. Problems where there was difficulty should be done as far as possible with space left for completion in class the next day. Use the space of the page rather than jam all the problems together.
Here are some examples of unacceptable work:
- answers are all correct but there is no work to support
- everything is done, but sloppily and in pen
- half of the assignment is done well; student says he couldn’t do other half
- even # problems have work shown, odd # probs don’t (odd answers in back)
I don’t expect homework to be 100% accurate, but the effort must be. It reinforces what we’ve learned in class. It needs to be done at home, not in a rush in the morning before school. Working with a fellow student is fine, but copying is not.
Recorded grades for late work (without an excused absence) will be dropped by one letter grade. Sharing of work is encouraged in the appropriate setting, such as group projects. However, copying individual work is unacceptable and will receive a grade of zero. Disciplinary action will also be taken.
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain assignments and notes. Make-up tests are given before or after school, or during a student’s free period and should be taken as soon as possible upon the student’s return to school. Teacher and student must arrange a specific time. If the student has made no arrangements, a grade of ZERO will be issued.
Your success in this class depends upon your daily attention to the material presented as well as the homework assignments. If you fall behind, you will likely become overwhelmed quickly. If, at any time, if you feel unclear about any of the concepts presented in class, PLEASE COME TO SEE ME as soon as possible!! I am available by appointment both before and after school hours.
Grade at the End of the Year
The final grade is calculated by averaging out five letter grades --- the four quarterly grades and the letter grade for the final exam. An exemption from taking the final exam can be achieved by earning an “A” average for the year.
Academic Integrity
Your honesty and integrity as a Salesianum student is very important. Cheating or dishonesty of any kind is not tolerated. This includes but is not limited to the following: copying from another student (homeworks, assignments, quizzes, tests), using notes or crib sheets, etc. during an assessment, and any other misrepresentation of your efforts.
The penalty for any infraction of the academic honesty policy is firm: the offending student will receive a grade of zero and will receive a demerit. In addition, the offending student’s parent(s) will be notified, as will the Academic Dean. It is important to realize that a grade of zero will definitely have grave effects on the student’s quarter grade, likely resulting in a grade of “D” or “F” for the quarter. Recall that such grades can lead to a student’s failure for the course, summer school, and ineligibility for participation in extra-curricular activities (sports and clubs).