Geometry (Period 5)

    Geometry – Ms. Stephenson

Syllabus and Classroom Management Plan: 2018-2019

[email protected]

714-986-7500 ext 14503

www.ylhs.org , under Teachers/Staff find Ms. Stephenson

“The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated,

but to make complicated things simple”

S.Gudder

 

Introduction:

Welcome to one of the most useful and interesting math classes that you will ever take!  I would like to offer you two hints that will help you go far in my class.  First, always maintain a positive attitude, even if the material seems complicated and you feel overwhelmed.  Secondly, and more important, is to always give your very best effort and work hard.  To work is to learn and learning will bring achievement, and ultimately achievement will bring success!  Just by bringing these two qualities to class each day will make you a successful student.

Required Materials - Textbook, notebook, pencil, paper and a calculator.  If you are planning on going to Algebra 2 Trig etc., you might want to invest in a TI-84. If you are on a budget, then the TI-30XIIS is good and the Casio calculators that show you what you have plugged in are good.  

Behavioral & “C-L-A-S-S” Expectations:

Successful students demonstrate respect: respect for themselves, peers, teachers, classroom, books and desks. Upon this core foundation, it is the right of each student to be provided an atmosphere in which the learning process is not hampered. To assure a proper learning environment in our classroom, the following “C-L-A-S-S” rules and expectations will be adhered to:

1. Contribute to a positive learning environment.
2. Listen and show respect to classmates and teacher.
3. Arrive to class on time prepared and ready to work.
4. Shut off all electronic devices, especially cell phones and IPODS, prior to entering the class.
5. Show and demonstrate integrity and character in your words and actions.

Consequences:

Positive                                                                            Negative

1. Full participation points Loss of participation points
2. Positive home contact/recognition Detention(s)/Referral
3. Treats/Extra Credit opportunities Call home/parent conference

Grading:

Your grade will be based on the following four categories with the following scale:

Tests:                                                               40%

Quizzes:                                                          25%

Homework:                                                    20%

Final Exam:                                                      15%

Letter grades will follow the normal school scale and grades will be updated on Aeries regularly, sometimes daily.

Homework Policy:

Each homework assignment is due the next class meeting, although it will be online through Clever. If you have a question on a particular problem, please ask in class.  Late homework is accepted up until the exam for that chapter at half credit. Grades for any homework are updated regularly (sometimes daily).

Websites:

Participation:

Mathematics, especially geometry, is not a spectator sport and each student is expected to positively contribute to the class, either voluntarily or when asked. Please don’t be afraid to ask questions as I cannot read minds—yet!  Students are also expected to complete all provided notes, warm-ups and examples done in class. 

Attendance and Tardies:

Due to the pacing of this course, consistent attendance and punctuality are necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to find out and make up all assignments that were missed due to a legitimate absence. If you miss class the day of (or before) a test for a school-related activity or due to an unexcused absence, you will take the test on a make-up day determined by the instructor. Tardy policies are outlined in the Student Handbook and will be handled appropriately.

Make-ups and Missing Class:

*I reserve the right to make any adaptations to the course or syllabus at any time throughout the course of the year.

Academic Dishonesty:

Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District places an emphasis on and promotes ethical behavior and academic honesty. An environment of academic honesty ensures student learning is assessed accurately, and honest hard-working students are at a disadvantage. Academic dishonesty is abhorred in all its forms and includes:

• Turning in someone else’s work as if you did it yourself.
• Sharing any materials, including a calculator, during a test or quiz.
• Intentionally removing any homework solutions, quiz or test from the room.
• Allowing another student to look at your paper or looking at another student’s paper.
• Copying another person’s paper.

Any instance(s) of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be pursued and punished in accordance with PYLUSD Code of Conduct and school policy.

Extra Credit:

At the instructor’s discretion, extra-credit may be awarded throughout the semester. No “special” extra credit will be given to individual students!  However, the primary source of extra credit is as follows:  Doing your homework! Students who complete and score at least 80% in the Homework category of their grade will be rewarded with the opportunity of replacing their lowest chapter test score with their score from the final exam.  This can significantly increase your grade, depending on your original score, and reinforces the importance of consistently completing homework.

Extra-Help:

Students are strongly encouraged to seek extra-help when they feel they are struggling with the content or do not feel comfortable asking questions during class. I am here most days at lunch and after school to provide an opportunity for any student(s) to seek individual or group help. Please contact me in advance to ensure that I do not have any other commitments or appointments and I will be more than happy to help.

Contacting Ms. Stephenson:

If either you or your parents have any questions regarding these rules, the class or its content, or your grade or performance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the e-mail address above or through remind 101. E-mail contact is definitely preferred and I usually return any questions or comments within 24 hours. Parent conferences, if required, can be scheduled before or after school.

 

Remind 101 log in is attached in case some of us have fallen off.  Be sure to select the correct period.