Math Lab Mr. Justin Denny 801.476.5360
Course Description
This course is designed for the Snowcrest Jr. High student who needs extra support for Math. I like to consider myself not just as a math teacher, but as someone who helps the students to think and reason for themselves. They will have opportunities to make decisions, mistakes, and be accountable for their actions, all of which is important to learning. That’s right, mistakes are important too!! As long as we learn from them and aren’t afraid to take chances.
Math Lab is a course in which students can come into my classroom to gain any additional support and instruction. Homework is important! It helps the student learn the material. Please support and encourage your students in this area. If a student has difficulty, extra help is always available in Math Lab from other students and me. Each day in class is the expected outline (and expected in the following order):
Math Lab Outline
1. Homework from Math Class
2. Homework from Another Class (Only if Math is complete with no missing assignments)
3. Silent Reading
4. Other Work/Instruction Given by Mr. Denny
Materials
Students are expected to bring a 3 ring binder with notebook paper, a sharpened pencil with eraser (I expect work to be done in pencil) and current assignments from your Math Class. Students are expected to follow the above outline daily unless otherwise instructed. Along with your current Math Homework, you are expected to bring other work from other classes as to use all the time wisely within Math Lab.
Grading Scale
As a teacher I believe in grading on mastery of the material, completion, and effort. All will be reflected in the grades as deemed by myself and my observation of the student in the classroom. The breakdown is as follows:
94-100 = A 87 - 89 = B+ 77 - 79 = C+ 67 - 69 =D+ Below 60=F
90 - 93= A- 83 - 86 = B 73 - 76 = C 63 - 66 = D
80 - 82 = B- 70 - 72 = C- 60 - 62 = D-
Citizenship grades will be earned according to the school citizenship policy. A copy of this may be found in the folder received during the first week of school. Additional copies are available in the office.
How Will I Be Graded in Math Lab
From the above Math Lab Outline students will earn 20 points per day as they follow the outline daily. Those points are earned and can be lost following the “Math Lab Code”.
· 20 Points – On task behavior. Prepared with the appropriate materials. Follow Math Outline.
§ WARNING: The first time I would need to ask you to refocus.
· 15 Points – STRIKE 1: When asked to refocus after the WARNING was given, loss of 5 points.
· 10 Points – STRIKE 2: Asked again to refocus after STRIKE 1 was given, loss of another 5 points, drop in citizenship.
· 00 Points – STRIKE 3: Asked again to refocus after STRIKE 2 was given, loss of all points, automatic U, and removal from the classroom. You will then report to Mr. Elliott’s office to work and will be under Lunch Suspension for either that day or the following day.
Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to maintain and uphold the same policies as outlined by Snowcrest Jr. High. Such policies can be found in the Student Handbook.
· Each student will be given 3 Hall Passes per quarter.
o Unused Hall Passes can be handed in at the end of the quarter for 5 points each extra credit.
o A Hall Pass can be used to go to the restroom/locker, or also to make up for a tardy.
Students in Math Lab can also take the opportunity to use other resources in the school such as the Library, Computer Lab, etc… In order to be excused from Mr. Denny’s classroom you must speak with Mr. Denny first. You will be monitored, not only by Mr. Denny, but also by the Librarian or Lab Technician. If you abuse this privilege you will lose it and be subject to Lunch Suspension.
Further extra credit will only be given by Mr. Denny as deemed appropriate. Do not seek out extra credit; if it’s given accept it gratefully, if it’s not then get your work done. Please don’t continue to ask for extra credit to get your grade up, for I will simply respond, “Don’t use your Hall Passes. You can always redo work to help improve your grade.” Students will conduct themselves in a manner such as outlined by themselves and Mr. Denny as discussed. They will show upmost respect to Mr. Denny, their classmates, and the classroom at all times. They will maintain a positive attitude and demeanor. If these policies are not met, such consequences will be determined and enforced. Mr. Denny just asks that you think about your words and actions for you will be held accountable for them. Thank you!
For any accommodations that need to be made for any particular student please don’t hesitate to speak with Mr. Denny in person, email, or phone and necessary accommodations can be made. Remember that Mr. Denny is here to help you in any way he can and is always up for advice about how to do better in helping his students. Many thanks!
“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
------
Please detach the below portion to hand in for credit. Keep the above disclosure for future reference.
STUDENT NAME______PERIOD______
Please Print
I, the student, and my parent have reviewed Mr. Denny’s disclosure for Mathematics 8 Honors. I am aware of, and will support the grading standards, citizenship grading standards, class policies and expectations as described. I am keeping the descriptive portion of the statement for future reference.
______
Student Signature Parent Signature Date
Additional Comments: ______
______