Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to the 2009-2010  school year.  I have the pleasure of being your child’s math teacher at Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus.  The purpose of this letter is to let you know of the expectations you can have from me.  Please keep this sheet in your math binder.

CURRICULUM

This program encourages student use of problem solving skills, appropriate technology (calculators, computers, etc.), individual and group activities, manipulatives, and simulations to learn mathematic concepts and applications.  We will explore number theory, algebra, geometry, statistics probability, and measurement.

Great emphasis will be placed on classroom assignments which actively involve students and which promote reasoning and critical thinking.  I intend to foster an environment which encourages students to explore, develop, discuss, test, and apply ideas. 

The College Prep Math textbooks will be used for class assignments and homework.  The CPM curriculum is effective because of its unique emphasis of both basic skills and problem solving strategies.  Where other mathematics programs emphasize only the mechanics of mathematics, the CPM materials develop the basics while encouraging students to understand ideas, see relationships between them and apply mathematical principles to complex problems.  Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, reasoning and persistence.  This program will encourage students to make connections between math in the classroom and the outside world.  For more information about CPM, please see the link listed under “Useful Links” on my website. 

Algebra and Geometry are challenging classes.  I realize that some students struggle with math and others have less trouble. Regardless of which group you think you are in, I will strive to motivate you, challenge you, support you, and give you the chance to see math in a new way.

DISCIPLINE

Appropriate behavior is very important to everyone’s learning.  I believe that all students can behave in a safe, polite, and responsible manner in the classroom.  We will treat each other with mutual respect.  I will not tolerate a student stopping me from teaching and/or any student from learning.

CLASS ENVIRONMENT

·        Arrive in class on time- ready to begin when the bell rings, homework and notebook out.

·        Demonstrate respect for the right of others to learn and teach, this includes maintaining a productive working atmosphere until the end of the period.  I will often give you time in class to work on your homework, do not abuse this work time.

·        Be prepared with class materials- paper, pencil, calculator, notebook, textbook, and completed homework.

CLASS MATERIALS

Pencil                           Three ring binder                          Graph paper

             Scientific Calculator                           Dividers

Textbook                     Loose leaf  paper

Calculators are used in my classes, although we do focus on computation without them as well.  You may purchase an inexpensive scientific calculator to bring to class .  In addition to the standard operations, the calculator should be able to perform the following functions:  square root, exponents, and scientific notation.   This year I have a classroom set of TI-NSPIRE handhelds.  We will be using these handhelds in class frequently. 

GRADES

                                                                       93 – 100% = A            73 – 76% = C

Individual Tests/Quizzes: 60%                   90 – 92 % = A-           70 – 72% = C-

Homework/Class Work: 20 %                    87 – 89%   = B+          67 – 69% = D+

Team Tests: 10%                                         83 – 86%   = B            60 – 66% = D

Semester Final Exam; 10%                         80 – 82%   = B-             0 – 59% = F

                                                                        77 – 79%   = C+

ASSIGNMENTS

1. All assignments must be done neatly and in pencil.
2. All assignments are due at the beginning of the following class period, unless otherwise instructed.
3. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed assignments.  Please check my website “homework” to learn what happened in class the day you were absent.
4. No late work is accepted.
5. Homework will be checked and recorded at the beginning of the period.  To receive full credit, all work must be shown!
6. Common homework questions will be answered in class on a daily basis.
7. Bring required materials everyday; Come to class prepared!!!!
8. Remain in seat until dismissed. You will be dismissed by me and not the bell. Should I still be in the process of lecturing, I will dismiss you as quickly as possible, once a stopping point can be reached.

Homework points are earned as follows:

• 5 points            Complete with work shown
• 4 points            Mostly complete with  work shown
• 3 points            ½ complete with work shown
• 2 points            less than half complete with work shown
• 1 point mostly answers with little work shown
• 0 points            no homework

CLASS NOTEBOOK

Your notebook will have the five sections

1. Class work. On some days class work will be due and checked at the end of the period. 
2. Homework. Homework is always due at the beginning of the period on the following day.
3. Notes (toolkits) These are your notes/formulas/ examples.  Toolkits may be used during tests and quizzes.
4. Class warm ups. On many days, you will have a class warm up at the beginning of class.  You are responsible for saving these. Occasionally, class warm ups will be collected and checked for completeness.
5. Calendar.

TEST and QUIZZES

• Must be taken on the day scheduled.
• If a test is missed due to an excused absence, it is your responsibility to arrange a time and place to make it up.
• Each unit will have a team test and an individual test.  You can expect one to three quizzes per unit as well.
• Tests will cover class activities and homework.

Students are encouraged to ask for assistance outside of class when needed.  I am willing to meet to discuss assignments, grades, or any other school related matter.  It is my intention to offer an educational environment where opportunities for learning abound.

Your child’s education is a very big job.  I will do my best to teach your child, but I will need your child’s and your cooperation and support.  I am looking forward to a very good year.

Sincerely

Jodi Carter