SummerCreekHigh School

______

2012 - 2013

Dear Parents & Students:

Welcome to Algebra I and to your first high school mathematics course! I am looking forward to a great year with each of you. Algebra I is a very important course and serves as the foundation for all other math courses you will take in high school and in college. Come prepared to work hard and learn a lot!

GOALS:

I have two main goals for this year:1) to prepare you for the math in your future

2) to prepare you for your EOC test

We will be using a variety of activity based resources that was written by math specialists from Humble ISD and all over the state of Texas. We will work hard to make sure we cover these goals by the end of the year.

GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:

In order for you to be successful in Algebra I, you need to come to class prepared, do your homework when assigned, ask questions in class, attend tutorials if needed, and communicate with me your concerns. Also, you will need to maintain a positive attitude. Remember SCHS’s motto: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

COMMUNICATION:

E-MAIL - Parents (& students) feel free to e-mail me when needed.

PHONE - School Phone (281) 641-5571 My conference period is 11:30-12:30 MTWF.

WEBSITE - I have a teacher website in which I will post assignments, important announcements, and notes from class. You can access my website

SUPPLIES:OPTIONAL SUPPLIES:

PencilsBox of tissues

1” BinderPackage of AAA Batteries

Dividers – labeled warm-ups, notes, quizzes, homework Hand Sanitizer

Notebook paper (for homework, notes, warm-ups or quizzes) Package of #2 pencils

Textbook or online access website: my.hrw.com user name: bulldogs21Ream of copy paper

password: algebra1

ACTIVITIES FOR THIS CLASS INCLUDE:

Small Group WorkIndividual WorkGraphic Organizers

Technology resources Exploration ActivitiesSpiraling Review

CLASSROOM RULES:

My requirements for the classroom conduct are simple: Any behavior that prevents learning from occurring in the classroom will not be tolerated.

•RESPECT – We will respect ourselves, each other, and authority figures at all times.

•RESPONSIBILITY – We will be responsible and accountable for our actions and choices. We will give 100% effort all day everyday.

•HONESTY – Always our best policy!

The following behaviors are non-negotiable at Summer Creek and will result in an immediate office referral:

•Violence

•Drugs – includes alcohol

•Sexual harassment (Verbal or physical)

•Profanity

Blurted out

Directed towards another student

Directed towards the teacher

•Disruption of the Educational Process

•Bullying

•Insubordination – Cell phones

CONSEQUENCES:

•1st Offense: Verbal Warning

•2nd Offense: Time owed after class

•3rd Offense: 30 minute afternoon teacher D-hall & parental contact

•4th Offense: Referral to the office

GRADING POLICY:

NINE WEEK GRADE - Grades will be determined by the total average.

70% Summative ~ all projects, all unit tests, and all cumulative tests

30% Formative ~ quizzes (weighted twice), homework, board work, and any in-class work

A =100% - 90%B = 89% - 80%C = 79% - 75%D = 74% - 70%F = 69% and below

LATE WORK POLICY - Late work will be accepted through the end of the week in which the assignment was due.The grade penalty for late work, regardless of the number of days late, is 25 points. Any work turned in after the end of the week will not be accepted.

UNIT TESTS - Announced at least a week in advance

PROGRESS REPORTS - Go home every 3 weeks

CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

  • ENTERING THE CLASSROOM – I will be at my door to greet you with a handshake every day. If I am not, please do not enter the room until you see me at the door. Enter quietly, get out materials, check the agenda, and begin bell work.
  • TARDY TO CLASS – If you are tardy to class, you must check in at the Operation Start On Time desk at the front of Silver II to receive a pass to class.
  • DAILY WORK / HOMEWORK - Homework is an essential element of success in any course, especially mathematics. P5 = Prior planning prevents poor performance

•You should expect to have homework 3 to 4 times a week and will be due the next day of class.

•ALWAYS USE A PENCIL ON YOUR HOMEWORK!!!

•For homework, you will receive a daily grade.

•TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS – Homework assignments will be graded with a red or colored pen in class as time permits. I will collect as they are due.

•RETURNING ASSIGNMENTS – I keep most assignments; however, graded papers will be put on the back table for you to pick up as you come in. It is your responsibility to pick them up or they will be disposed of at the end of the grading period.

  • FINDING OUT GRADE STATUS – I will let you know your grade each week. You may also check your grade online. If you need to discuss your grade, talk to me after class and we can schedule an appointment.
  • ABSENCES – Students that miss class with an excused absence are reminded that you have one day for each day missed to get all make-up work completed. It is YOUR responsibility to get all work missed (including notes) and complete it in the allotted time. All absent work will be put in your period folder on the wall. If you are absent the day before a test or on test day, you will take the test when you return.
  • CELL PHONES AND ELETRONIC DEVICES - I do not allow cell phones or head phones to be used/seen in my class; if I see them, I will take them & your parents can get them from the front office.
  • PARTICIPATION - Itis very important! Therefore it’s very important to stay awake, stay alert, stay organized, and stay on task. Be sure you are prepared daily with supplies. Always have a pencil and your math binder.
  • TUTORIALS – I am always willing to help if you are having trouble. Please do not hesitate to ask if there is something you are confused about! Don’t wait until the day before the test! I am available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:45 -3:30. At 3:00, I will lock and shut my door and you will not be allowed in my classroom. This may seem harsh, but this time is valuable and should be taken seriously. If I am not available, please see Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Herrera, or Mr. Conley for help.
  • ENDING CLASS – I realize the rush between classes, but to ensure that you do not miss out on any important announcements or waste class time I will dismiss the entire class.

•Please wait to pack up your materials until I ask you to do so.

•Wait quietly in your seat until I dismiss you – No one is allowed to wait at the door.

**NO ONE WILL LEAVE UNTIL ALL CALCULATORS ARE PUT BACK & BELONGINGS ARE PICKED UP**

I am very excited about getting to know each and every one of you this year. Remember:

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

~ Mrs. Espinosa

______Return this page to Mrs. Espinosa______

I received a copy of the classroom policies and procedures.

Student’s Printed Name ______

Student’s Signature ______

Parent’s Printed Name ______

Parent’s Signature ______

Parent’s contact information:

Phone:______Email:______

In a million words

Hi, my name is Mrs. Kathryn Espinosa, your child’s Algebra I teacher. I’m so happy to have your child in my class and look forward to working with them this school year. I know you’re not used to getting a homework assignment the first week of school, but please take a few minutes to complete this assignment about your child. As a teacher, much time is spent in the classroom trying to reach and help many students, By completing this assignment you will help me in getting to know your child so that I can understand and help your child as best as I can. Assignment: In 1,000,000 words or fewer, please tell me about your child. Include as much or a little as you like, whatever you’d like. Interests, gifts, struggles, characteristics, silly things, anything.

Thank you,

Mrs. Espinosa