1. Algebra I

2. Necessities Everyone needs to bring these things every day. PENCILS
NOTEBOOK SPECIFICALLY FOR ALGEBRA
CALCULATOR
ALGEBRA BOOK
HOMEWORK
A BOOK TO READ

3. Policies Calculator Loaning
If you do not have your own calculator, you must see me to sign out one to use for the year. You will be responsible for the calculator you sign out, and you will be required to turn it in at the end of the year. If you lose it, break it, or it disappears you will be required to replace it.
If you need a calculator for one class period, you will be able to redeem one of your calculator slips. You each have 3 of these slips. No slip = No calculator

4. Things You Should Know
Algebra I is a relatively fast paced class. We have a lot to cover over the course of the year. We will not spend a lot of time reviewing basic concepts that you should already know.
You have to keep up with the class on a daily basis. Falling one day behind can make it very difficult to catch up.
Use me and your classmates. If you need help, ask. I will help you. Your classmates will help you. If you do not speak up, you will not get help.
There is a big difference between getting help from a classmate and cheating. Cheating means you have copied someone else’s work and put your name on it. Cheating will get you a zero and a Saturday for the first offense. Getting help means your classmate walks you through a problem, explaining step-by-step how to get to the end. Then you do your own work.

5. During Class
Notes. Notes are required. I am not writing notes for my amusement. A good rule to follow: if I’m writing, you’re writing. I reserve the right to randomly collect notes whenever I feel like it, for a grade, and totally without warning (other than this one).
I will post notes on my website on a daily basis. These notes are there for anyone who is absent, or if you missed a couple examples during class, or just need to double check your own notes. They are not there as a substitute for taking your own notes during class.

6. Homework
Plan on having homework most nights. I try to avoid homework on Fridays so as not to ruin your weekends. I cannot promise that you will never have homework on Fridays, but I can promise that it will only be in case of emergency.
Homework is absolutely necessary. The more you practice a concept, the better you will understand it. If you get stuck on a problem, skip it and go on. Come see me the next morning and ask for help.
Homework extensions will only be given to people who come in for help sometime between the end of class and the beginning of class the following day.

7. Grading Policies Homework
The majority of assignments will be no more than 30 problems--many will be less. I will primarily assign evens, leaving you the odds to do for studying before tests/quizzes.
A single day assignment is worth 10 points. I will randomly select 5 problems to grade at 2 points per problem.
2 points--the problem is correct and ALL work is shown
1 point--the problem is incorrect but ALL work is shown
0 points--the problem does not show work
Late work will NOT be accepted unless arrangements have been made prior to the beginning of class.

8. Tests & Quizzes Quizzes that result in a failing grade may be retaken.
Tests will be given at the end of each chapter and we will always have a minimum of two class periods to review before a test.
Tests that result in a failing grade may be retaken.

9. Retakes
Tests and quizzes that are eligible for retake will be marked with a “Retake by _________” on the paper.
Retakes must be completed by the date on the original paper.
The original test/quiz must be turned in at the time of the retake.
A minimum of ten review problems must be turned in at the time of the retake. You may choose your review from chapter reviews, quizzes, or odds from the section you are retaking.
It is your responsibility to set up a retake time with me.
You must arrange your retake time at least a day before you plan to retake it.
The score you get on the retake will be averaged with your original score to determine your final grade.

10. Things to Remember
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to see me to get your work. You MUST come in during activity period on the day you return to school. Make up work will be kept in the file hanging on the back board. I will not give out make up assignments during class.
If you know about an absence ahead of time, you MUST see me to get your work and have it ready to turn in upon your return. All work is due at that time.
I am available to help you during activity period, 3rd hour, 6th hour, and after school until 3:30.
I will not yell at you if you ask for help.
Extra credit will be rare and only available preceding tests.

11. Classroom Rules
You will not be leaving class unless it is an emergency. Getting a drink (unless you have really annoying hiccoughs or you are choking) is not an emergency. On days that the classroom is 1000 degrees, we will take water breaks.
Forgetting any of the items deemed necessary will not be considered an emergency. You will get 3 locker passes for the year. Use them wisely.
Phones are not allowed in class. If you have one, it must be out of sight and silent. If I see it or hear it, I take it and follow the 3 strikes policy.
Please do not talk when I am teaching. I promise you need to know what I’m saying. Rudeness will receive a detention.
If you are removed from class due to behavior 3 times, you will fail the class and have to retake it next year. Don’t do that. It’s bad.
Backpacks must be hung on the back of your chair, not left in the aisle.