ALGEBRA 1 – Mr. Knighton

Email:

Mt. Baker: (253) 804-4555

WELCOMEto the wonderful world of algebra!

The word “algebra” comes from the Arabic word al-jabr which is a part of the title of al-Khwārizmī’s treatise on algebraic methods which means “restoring,” that is, the operation of adding a term to both sides of the equation. It was first used around 800AD by Arabic scholars, and is still in our language today. Once even the basics of algebra were only studied by advanced mathematicians and scientists in ancient civilizations, but now it is taught routinely at the middle school level.

Algebra is a universal theme that runs through all of mathematics and is important in nearly every aspect of the workplace. Our algebra class is an introduction to the language and applications of algebra. Algebra is a high school graduation requirement that builds the foundation for future math and science courses.You (and your student) should expect a very challenging course. The work is more complicated than your previous math classes. Students should expect to learn a vast range of new skills at a rapid pace. What students should not expect is to pick everything up as quickly as he or she has in the past. What they should expect, though, are adults – at school and at home – who will support them throughout this intellectual journey.

All material covered in tests and quizzes will be based on material taught in class. This means it is very important for students to be present every day for instruction. Homework should be expected daily. On that note, you should expect your student to struggle from time to time. Most people (even engineers and math teachers) didn’t pick this stuff up the first time. This is an area in which parents cantake an active role. Parents should provide students with an appropriate work area and check their work for neatness and completeness throughout the year. It is important that students study the material, identify any problem areas, and secure additional help immediately if they are having any problems.

In order to succeed, please remember:

  • Attend class regularly!
  • Be prepared to do your own work.
  • Seek help from the teacher when you do not understand concepts or problems RIGHT AWAY! It’s easier to keep up than it is to catch up…so don’t allow yourself to get behind in your work!
  • Students seeking help late in the quarter (when in academic trouble) often do not learn the material well enough to get a passing grade in this math class.

Expectations:

-You are seated andready to work when the bell rings.

-You are respectful of all people and their property.

-You are focusing attention on the teacher or student contributing to classroom learning.

-You are prepared with planner, spiral notebook, pencil, paper, math book, and calculator.

-You are takingdaily notes in your Math Notebook and writing in your Planner daily as directed

Assignments:

-Complete assignments with the appropriate work shown. Students must honestly correct and score their own work.

  • All missed problems must be redone on a separate paper ideally to perfection
  • All assignments for each unit must be corrected, ordered with the corrections page on top, stapled, and turned inwith the chapter syllabus as a cover sheet to take the current unit test
  • Tests can be scheduled for retake within one week when appropriate criteria is completed
  • All Unit assignments AND the original test are corrected for mastery
  • Designated IXL and/or Khan Academy sections are completed for mastery
  • Correction Reflection completed and signed by parent

Classroom:

-Mr. Knighton, not the bell, will dismiss the class

-Mt. Baker School rules/policies will be followed

Consequences for not following expectations:

-Step 1: Verbal warning

-Step 2: Process with Lunch Detention

-Step 3: Process with After School Detention, Parent contact, and Office referral

Grading Policy:

  • 90% Assessments (Summative; Formative)
  • 10% Practice Work

Complete and sign the last page of this letter with your child.

Please return by Friday, September 9

Parent Portion:

Please use my teacher page to stay informed each day

My child’s name is ______

The best method ( Phone __ or Email __ ) and time ( ______) to contact you during the school day.

Phone number ______withEmail address ______

Will you be using Parent Access to check your child’s grades and attendance? YES ___ NO ___

Does your child have any classroom needs or preferences you would like me to be aware of?

(Seating, Allergies, Ideal Learning, etc)

______

______

Parent SignatureDate

Student Portion:

Will you be using the online textbook? YES ______NO ______

I have read and understand the Classroom Information and Expectations for Mr. Knighton’s class.

  • I understand that I am responsible to come to class prepared and on time each day.
  • I understand that it is my responsibility to obtain and complete makeup work.
  • I understand that no class time will be given for makeup work.
  • I understand that Mr. Knighton will not tolerate disruptions to classmates and the learning process.
  • I am responsible for my actions during class time.
  • I understand that all assignments for each unit can only be turned in before the current unit test.

______

Student SignatureDate

Please sign and return this page by Friday, September 9