Teacher: Ms. Hardy Mathematics Department

Precalculus 342 L3

2015-2016

Teacher: Ms. Hardy Mathematics Department

Purpose: This course is a study of the concepts needed to study Calculus either in college or here at NHHS. Use of graphing technology is essential for a contemporary study of mathematics and science. Graphing calculators (TI-83 plus or TI-84 or 84 plus NOT 86 or 89) will be used in every class.

Course Outline:

Semester One: Functional Analysis – working with the 12 basic functions

Sequences, Series, Combinatorics & Probability

Semester Two: Trigonometry and Vectors

Requirements: The most important requirements for this class are a good attitude, a hunger for learning, and a willingness to be persistent and relentless when presented with new theories and subject material. Most importantly, a student needs to realize that in higher math courses, one cannot fear mistakes. Any errors need to be viewed as opportunities for learning and trying a different approach. This is a demanding course with high expectations for all students. You may find it is much more difficult than Algebra 2 and it is expected you will adjust your level of commitment and work ethic to meet these expectations.

Materials: COME PREPARED TO CLASS – every class students should bring a pencil, a notebook with plenty of paper to every class. It is a good idea to have a folder or pocket dividers for handouts. We create an interactive student notebook (ISN) with summary notes & examples in class. I will provide composition notebooks for this purpose. Students need to have a Texas Instruments graphing calculator (TI-83 or 84) for this course. I have a class set in school for students to use in class. Please see details about graphing calculators at NHHS on my website in documents etc. Textbooks are not needed for every class, it will be announced (in class and/or on my website or via email alert) when textbooks will be needed.

Homework: EXPECT HOMEWORK EVERY NIGHT. Homework is checked daily for completion, not correctness. You will not be given credit for homework examples you leave “blank” because you “didn’t get it”. You must show a reasonable attempt to solve the problem. I will assign mostly odd-numbered problems (answers to which can be found in the back of your textbook) and will provide answer keys for handouts. You are expected to check answers, evaluate errors you have made and rework the problems to get the correct result. Expect daily homework quizzes on the assigned problems. Under no circumstances should any homework assignment ever be offered for copying. Also, no one should ever ask another student for their math homework and/or assignments for the purpose of COPYING. Both of these are considered cheating and will result in a referral.

Absences: New material is covered every class meeting. Students are responsible for catching up on missing work when absent. Unless there is documented evidence of illness, students need to catch up on missing work and have the new & old homework when they next come to class. Missed work (homework, quizzes, etc) due to class cuts cannot be made up and will count as a zero. FIELD TRIPS – are excused absences but you are expected to bring your homework to me in advance AND to have the notes and new homework at the next class.

Grading: A number of weighted assessments help me to determine your child’s level of success in completing this course. Weighting is as follows: Tests 4X, Projects 2 or 3X, Quizzes 1X or 2X, Homework grade 1X, Each term is worth 20% of your final year grade. The mid-year and final examinations are each worth 10% of the final year grade. Class Participation: This is assessed through graded class work, general participation and exit slips.

EXTRA-HELP All students need to see me for extra help when they are having difficulty with the material. Extra help is available on a regular basis both before (7:00 a.m.) and after school. Remember the only stupid question is the one not asked – come for help!

Other Policies:

·  If a student is in class and a project or homework assignment is not passed in on the assigned collection day (at the start of the class period) there will be deductions taken when it is handed in. If it is handed in the same day; after the start of the block but before 2 PM there will be a 5% deduction. After 2 PM there is a 10% deduction for each school day it is late.

·  It is recommended that all projects or graded assignments be done in duplicate. Every student should retain a copy of any major assignment handed in.

·  I OFTEN communicate with students via email, therefore it is essential that students email me with a working email address and notify me of any changes immediately.

·  In this classroom, strict standards of behavior based on academic integrity, a personal sense of responsibility and responsiveness to the needs and rights of others will be enforced. At any time the teacher is speaking, no one else is. At any time a student asks a question, everyone listens. Failure to uphold these basic standards of behavior will result in a detention for inhibiting learning.

·  Pencil must be used on all quizzes and tests. Using a writing instrument other than pencil will result in a zero on the assignment. Do not count on me to lend you a pencil. You may use pen for note-taking and homework.

Both the student and parent are requested to sign below, so that we may start the year fully aware of the procedures and expectations. If you have any questions, please call me at the high school (203)239-1641 or email me through my website or at Thank you!

We are fully aware of Ms. Hardy’s procedures and expectations for the 2015 – 2016 school year.

Student signature:______date______

Student name: ______

Parent signature:______date______

Teacher signature (acknowledging they have seen the above signatures)

______date______

You are required to keep this signed copy in your math notebook for the remainder of the school year.