Princess Anne Middle School
2014-2015
Algebra 1 Series Class Expectations
Teacher: Cynthia Morgan
Counselors: Grade 8 (A-D) Ms. Jenny Hinton
Grade 8 (E-Z) Mrs. Audra Burchett
School Telephone Number: 757-648-4950, ext. 72050
Email address:
Assignment Information: All assignments will be posted on Ms. Morgan’s Wikispaces. Best time to reach me: daily between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Cathy Peterson, the Gifted Resource Teacher, will be working with the gifted cluster classes. She can be reached by email () or phone (648-4950 x62028). Email is the preferred and most efficient contact method. Please allow 24 hours for a response.
Course Description: Algebra 1 Series is a high school credit-bearing class. Students who successfully complete the class and the Algebra 1 SOL End-of-Course test will earn one verified credit in math. The next course in the sequence is Geometry Series or Geometry Honors.
Course Objectives: All of the Algebra 1 Series Sol’s for the Commonwealth of Virginia are included in the Virginia Beach City Public School’s Algebra 1 Series curriculum. The goal is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed as 21st century learners. A detail listing of the objectives for math and their correlation to the Sol’s will be posted on vbschools.com and can be accessed two ways from the homepage: Parents section and/or Curriculum/Programs link. Students mastering the material will be prepared to pass the Algebra 1 Honors Sol test.
Course Scope and Sequence:
Algebra 1 Series Part 1
Unit 1: Variables and Expressions
Unit 2: Solving Equations
Unit 3: Linear Functions
Unit 4: Graphing and Writing Linear Equations
Unit 5: Solving Inequalities in One Variable
Semester 1 Exam (One-ninth of the semester grade)
Algebra 1 Series Part 2
Unit 6: Solving Systems of Equations
Unit 7: Laws of Exponents and Polynomials
Unit 8: Factoring and Solving Quadratic Equations
Unit 9: Quadratic Functions and Curve Fitting
Unit 10: Statistics
SOL Preparation
SOL Test
Unit 11: Rational Expressions and Equations
Texts and Materials
· School issued agenda
· red pen
· yellow highlighter
· one black dry erase marker
· One three-ring binder 2" or 3"
· colored pencils
· #2 mechanical pencils with eraser
· notebook paper
· graph paper
· multifunction calculator for home use
· 4 AAA batteries for school issued TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator
· Box of tissue
Notebooks
A notebook check will be done during each nine weeks. Students are expected to keep an organized notebook with the following items for each day:
· Name and date
· Warm up
· Class Notes
· Classwork
· Homework
· Journal
· Graded Quizzes/Tests
Textbook: Algebra 1 Online Edition
Students will have to access the Algebra 1 textbook online. Students will receive a username and password.
Assessment Measures: Students will be evaluated using formative and summative testing; which may include - tests, quizzes, homework, and classwork. The grading scale is as follows:
Range / Letter Grade / Points93 - 100 / A / 4.0
90 - 92 / A- / 3.7
87 - 89 / B+ / 3.3
83 - 86 / B / 3.0
80 - 82 / B- / 2.7
77 - 79 / C+ / 2.3
73 - 76 / C / 2.0
70 - 72 / C- / 1.7
67- 69 / D+ / 1.3
64 - 66 / D / 1.0
Below 64 / E / 0.0
Grading Procedures and Policies: Tests count 50% of the grade. Quizzes count 25% of the grade. Classwork, counts 15% of the grade, and Homework counts 10% of the grade. Projects may be counted in any of the four categories. Homework will be checked daily for completeness. One homework grade will be given at progress report time and the other homework grade will be given at the end of the nine weeks. Students will be provided an opportunity to retake or redo an assignment. Students not turning in their assignments will be assigned “Academic Detention” for the following Wednesday. If the assignment is completed and shown to me prior to detention, then detention is voided. All students must maintain a neat and orderly notebook. All assignments must be recorded in the agenda. Assignments are due on the date assigned. Makeup work is the student’s responsibility. All assignments are recorded on the assignment board. Students must make up their work within the same number of block days missed after their return to school. If you are absent on a test day, you are expected to be able to take the test unless you have an extended absence, in which case you or your parent should contact me. Parents and guardians may set up an account to access the SchoolNet Parent Portal. Students’ grades will be updated by 5:00 p.m. each Friday.
Help Sessions: Please make sure your child is working on homework assignments on the day they are assigned. If they have trouble, then they should come see me the next day during homeroom to discuss the problem or to arrange a before or after school time for extra help. I will sign an appointment time in your child’s agenda. Homework centers are available in both the a.m. and p.m. in the cafeteria. Please see the school’s website for more information on those sessions.
Procedures for conferences, parental contacts: If something comes up that you would like to discuss in a conference, please feel free to contact the guidance department. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with any concern you might have. Email is the best way to reach me, even if the email says that you would like me to call you.
Attendance Information: Algebra 1 Series is a High School Credit class. This class applies to your child’s high school GPA. Please make sure your child attends class regularly.
Citizenship Expectations: Students should know and adhere to all policies stated in the Code of Conduct as well as all classroom policies. Students must also adhere to the Princess Anne Middle School Honor Code.
Class Rules and Behavior Expectations:
· Be on time. You must be in your seat when the tardy bell rings. The tardy policy is located in the PAMS agenda.
· Come to class prepared with the necessary materials.
· Respect the teacher and your peers.
· Participate and interact when appropriate.
· Use the restroom before and between classes.
· Raise your hand to be recognized by the teacher.
· Remain silent during the morning and afternoon announcements.
· Wait to be dismissed by the teacher.
Please sign and return the next page to Ms. Morgan by September 19, 2014.
P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds
My child and I have reviewed Ms. Morgan’s Algebra 1 Series Classroom Expectations together. I will support Ms. Morgan in the delivery of daily instruction.
______(Parent)
______(Student)
______(Home phone)
______(Work phone)
______(E-mail address)
(Please print)
______(Date)
P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds
P. A. Middle- a school where every child succeeds