Welcome to Algebra I. This semester we will be covering the following topics: linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, quadratic functions, exponential functions, rational expressions and equations, and radical equations. At the end of this course all students will be required to take the Algebra I Gateway exam, which will count 15% of the final grade. Students who are freshman or sophomores have to pass the gateway exam to receive a diploma.

Student’s grades will be determined by the following scale:

    25% Homework

    25% Quizzes

    25% Tests

    25% Nine weeks exam

Homework will be assigned and graded on a regular basis, usually at least four times per week. All assignments must be written in PENCIL and labeled in the following manner:

    Name (First and Last)

    Date

    Period

    Description

Progress reports will be sent out in the middle of each nine weeks and report cards will be sent out at the end of each nine weeks.

A notebook (a 3-ring binder and dividers) is required for this class. The notebook will be counted as a quiz grade each nine-week grading period. The notebook will be graded one week prior to the end of each nine weeks. The grade will be determined by the student’s turning in five specific assignments that I will ask for at the beginning of class on the day the notebook is due. A list of the sections and the order they should be in is below:

1. Notes/Vocabulary
2. Homework
3. Quizzes
4. Test Corrections
5. Warm up exercises/Calculator Journal

The student will also be given a calendar to write all homework assignments on and a grade sheet to record his/her grades on.

During the semester, the students may be required to complete some projects. Students will be given the project in ample time to have it completed. Students will also be informed on how the project will be graded and how it will be counted in their average.

1. Be on time
2. Be prepared
3. Be respectful
4. Do your own work
5. Follow school rules.

If a student chooses to misbehave the following procedures will be used:

    1^st offense- Warning

    2^nd offense- 2 minutes after class

    3^rd offense- parents called

    4^th offense- student will be sent to the office.

No late assignments will be accepted. In order to make up work due to an absence, the day must be excused. It is the responsibility of the student to find out what work they have missed. All work must be made up within 1 day of the absence. If the student misses a test or quiz they need to make arrangements to make up the test or quiz during the next homeroom.

All students will be provided a book at the beginning of the term. If the book is lost, stolen, or damaged the student must pay for the book before receiving another book.

Students will also be provided a TI-83 Plus graphing calculator to be used during class. Students will be assigned a number for the calculator they use and are responsible for that calculator during class. Due to the expense of the calculators, students who wish to use a calculator must bring in $2.00. Other materials needed include a 3-ring binder, dividers, loose-leaf paper, and pencils.

I am looking forward to this semester and I want all students to be successful. I feel that this is possible if we all work together as a team. If you need to contact me, please call me at 692-5400.

Thank you

Deidre Helton