ALGEBRA II

MRS. GLETTENBERG

 

Welcome to Algebra II!  This handout will provide you information on:

 

·         Course Overview

·         Classroom Policies

·         My Expectations Of You As A Student

·         What You Should Expect From Me As Your Teacher

·         Grading Rationale

·         Missed Work Policy

 

I will ask you and your parent/guardian to sign indicating that you have read and agree to the terms in this handout.

 

COURSE OVERVIEW

 

In Honors Algebra II, you will be introduced to many of the foundations of advanced mathematics.  Our textbook is Focus on Advanced Algebra.  Your summer assignment included work from this book.  As indicated in your summer assignment, you will be keeping a journal in this class.  Many of the explore activities from the textbook will be assigned as journal entries.  

 

Typically, the course will cover the following topics from the book in the order listed:

 

Chapter 1:  Mathematical Models

Chapter 2:  Linear Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Chapter 3:  Solving Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Chapter 4:  Patterns and Structure in Algebra

Chapter 11:  Advanced Techniques for Chance and Data

Chapter 6:  Counting and Arranging Discrete Objects

Chapter 5:  Quadratic Functions and Relations

Chapter 9:  Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Chapter 7:  Investigating Roots and Powers

Chapter 8:  Polynomials and Polynomial Functions

Chapter 10:  Trigonometry

 

CLASSROOM POLICIES

 

All school policies as outlined in your student handbook will be in effect in our classroom.  In addition:

 

You will:

 

·         Come to class on time and prepared

·         Show respect to others – this includes your teacher, your fellow students, and any visitors to the classroom

·         Listen when someone is speaking – they may have the same question you do

·         Raise your hand to be called on

·         Be dismissed by the teacher, not by the bell

 

You will not:

 

·         Arrive late to class without a pass

·         Leave the classroom without permission

·         Bring or consume food or drinks in the classroom – this is a safety issue

 

 

MY EXPECTATIONS OF YOU AS A STUDENT

 

Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to work.  Coming to class prepared means that you will have the following materials with you every day unless you have been told differently:

 

·         A 3-ring binder (I suggest a 1 ˝” binder with either a spiral bound notebook or loose-leaf paper inside)

·         Your covered textbook

·         A writing instrument

·         A calculator (a TI-83 is recommended; we have a limited number available in class but these cannot leave the classroom)

·         Completed homework or other assignments on their due dates

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM ME AS YOUR TEACHER

 

Classroom expectations work both ways.  In order for us to have a successful year, it is as important that I meet your expectations as it is that you meet mine.  To that end, I will:

 

·         Come to class prepared to teach each day, with clear objectives for the day’s lesson

·         Allow sufficient time in class for questions

·         Be available for extra help, either before or after school or during free periods

·         Return tests, quizzes, or other assignments the next school day whenever possible

·         Maintain a positive classroom environment

 

GRADING RATIONALE

 

Your grade for this class will be based on the following:

 

Tests

35%

Quizzes and Projects

30%

Journal

20%

Work Ethic

15%

 

 

 

·         Tests will always be announced in advance.  Typically tests will cover an entire chapter and may include material from earlier chapters.

 

·         Quizzes may or may not be announced.  Occasionally you will have notebook quizzes, so keeping your notebooks complete is critical.  Generally quizzes will be given after one or two sections of a chapter.

 

·         Projects will include a biography assignment during the second quarter and a lesson plan assignment during the fourth quarter.

 

·         Journals will offer you the chance to reflect on topics we have covered throughout the year.  Some reflections will be on assigned topics; others will be more “free choice.”  Journals will be collected and graded – grades will be based on completion of all journal assignments and not on specific content as these are personal reflections. 

 

·         Your Work Ethic grade will be based on your work in group settings, your willingness to work through topics you may find difficult, and how much effort you put forth in class.  Homework will be counted as part of this grade.

 

 

MISSED WORK POLICY

 

 

·         All assignments, including homework and tests/quizzes, will be posted in three places:  on my whiteboard, on a homework calendar in my classroom, and on my faculty webpage.   If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to determine what assignments you have missed.  If handouts are distributed when you are absent from class, these will be available in a binder in the classroom.

 

·         If you are absent on the day before an announced test or quiz, you will be expected to take the test or quiz as scheduled. 

 

·         If are absent on the day of a quiz or test that has been announced in advance, you will be responsible for making that quiz or test up within one week of your return to school or you will receive a 0.    This may require that you make the assignment up during a study hall or before or after school rather than missing new material that may be introduced the day following a test or quiz. 

 

·         If you are out of class for a substantial amount of time and have missed a significant amount of material to be covered on a test or quiz, I will work with you to schedule a make up. 

 

 

I hope this handout has given you an idea of what to expect during this school year.  I am looking forward to working with you and to a great year! 

 


 

Honors Algebra II

Mrs. Glettenberg

2008 – 2009 School Year

 

 

 

I have received and read the course handout for Mrs. Glettenberg’s Honors Algebra II class, and understand the classroom policies and expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

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Student’s Signature                                                      

 

 

 

_________________________________________           

Student’s Name (Please Print)                                       

 

 

_________________________________________                       

Date                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Honors Algebra II

Mrs. Glettenberg

2008 – 2009 School Year

Parent Contact Information

 

 

 

Dear Parent or Guardian,

 

I am very excited to begin the 2008-2009 school year and am looking forward to having your son or daughter as a student this year.

 

Your child should have provided you with a copy of the course overview for my Honors Algebra II class.  Please sign this page and return it to me so I can be sure that you are aware of what will be expected from my students this year.

 

In addition, I invite you to visit my faculty web page to see what we will be working on as the year progresses.  On my web page, you will be able to find general information on our course as well as links to calendars that will provide you with details on daily homework assignments and any upcoming tests or quizzes. 

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to get updated contact information from you so I know best how to reach you during the school year. 

 

I look forward to meeting you and to having your child in my classroom this year!

 

                                                           

                                                                                    Regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Parent/Guardian Name:

 

Student’s Name:

 

Home phone:

 

Work phone:

 

It is better to call me at (circle one):

Home                Work

Best time of day to call:

 

Email (PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY):

 

 

Occasionally I may need to contact you during the year regarding your child’s progress in class.  Please indicate your preferred method of communication below. 

                                       Phone at the home number

                                       Phone at the work number

                                       Email

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________            _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature                                             Date