Ms. McMahan
8th Grade Algebra 1
Syllabus
Welcome to Ms. McMahan’s Algebra 1 Class! We have an exciting year ahead of us and by the end of it you will understand how math can help you achieve your life goals and become successful in the real world. By the end of this year you will not only be ready for high school but also be thinking ahead to college and beyond! There’s a lot to learn so time cannot be wasted; in order to meet our goals I expect all my students to arrive to class on time, prepared, and ready to learn. This is a safe learning environment where mistakes are encouraged, bullying is not tolerated, and only your best work is accepted. This year will be hard work and you will use every minute of time from when the bell rings at the beginning of class till it rings at the end, but I know all of my students can do it and achieve great things.
Keeping in Contact:
My Email:
My Phone Number: (407) 801-2561
Class Website: http://www.schoolrack.com/Carver_Math_Scholars/
Sign Up for Text Reminders: Text @carver08 to 81010
Supplies:
You are expected to come to class prepared every day with:
• Sharpened pencil with eraser
• Composition Notebook
• Folder for Returned Graded Papers
• Set of Dry Erase Markers (available at the Dollar Tree)
Textbook: Springboard Algebra 1
Concepts Covered:
Representing Relationships Mathematically, Understanding Functions, Linear Functions, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Exponential Functions and Equations, Polynomial expressions and Functions, Quadratic Equations and Functions, Relationships that are Not Linear, Statistical Models
Course Structure:
This course is flip styled, meaning that your homework every night will be to look over the next day’s material either through assigned readings, practice exercises, or videos. Because of this it is crucial you complete the assignment, take notes, and write down any questions you have in your composition book to bring to class the next day or else you will not be able to pass this course. The first half of class will consist of a “Do Now” that will cover the new material from the homework, and then a quick review that will cover any questions you may have had in regards to the homework. The rest of class time will be used on either Class brainstorms, Group activities/competitions, or independent work time. Taking notes is mandatory in my class and notebooks will be collected and graded at the end of each chapter. Your notes must include a date and what the assigned reading or video was as the header, and should include a summary/explanation of the lesson, examples, and any questions you might have.
Absence and Tardy Policy:
When you return to school after being absent turn in any completed homework at the assignment table and check the “What Did I Miss?” area for any notes and/or assignments you need to complete. You have 5 days to complete and turn in the make-up work to receive credit. If you arrive to class late without a tardy pass you will not be allowed to complete the “Do Now” and will receive a zero for that day when your notebook is graded. If you do have a tardy pass you need to complete the “Do Now” before the beginning of class the next day.
Grading Policy:
At Carver we use a weighted grading system, meaning that each category listed below has a percentage that it makes up in your final grade. Every assignment I give is also worth a certain point value; for example assessments are 30% of your grade with Unit Exams being worth 100 points and quizzes varying from 10 points-50 points:
· Projects- 40%
· Assessments- 30%
· Assignments (home learning and classwork)- 20%
· Other/Class Participation- 10%
I do allow you to earn some points back. Once your Unit Exams have been graded and returned you have one week to correct any wrong answers for half credit. I will also take your lowest pop quiz grade at the end of the semester and replace it with your highest quiz grade. Because of this I do not offer extra credit or accept late work.
Extra Help:
If you are ever struggling with a concept we are covering in class, need tutoring, or want help bringing your grade up please see me for extra help. I am available after school, before school, and during lunch for extra assistance. If you have questions about the homework call or text me immediately (my phone will not ring after 9 pm)!
Ms. McMahan- Welcome Letter
Dear Families,
Welcome back to another school year; I’m so excited to have your student in my class and we have a busy year ahead of us! The success of all of my students is crucial to me, and I know even more significant to their loved ones, because of this I want to make sure I am available as a resource to you in any way you need me! Feel free to call, text or email me, I am up at 6 am every morning and stay awake till 9 pm every night (if you need to reach me later or earlier because of your work schedule/prior commitments please reach out to me and I will adjust my schedule to make myself available to you). Your student’s grades are always available anytime online, and of course you are more than welcome to contact me directly for grade questions, or if you would like your student to have a weekly progress report sent home. I have created a class website for this school year which will contain class announcements as well as homework assignments and other resources. You and/or your student also have the option to sign up for class text or email alerts which will send reminders for upcoming important deadlines such as when projects are due or when an exam is coming up (directions to sign up for this free service is attached to this letter).
I implore you to please review the class syllabus with your student so that everyone is on the same page with the classroom expectations and goals for this school year. In addition to this, below I have included the classroom rules, procedures, and consequences policy that must be reviewed by the student and signed by the second day of classes. I would recommend if you have the time to review these policies with your student and discuss them. I look forward to meeting your family and getting to know you all as the school year progresses. I am here to serve the needs of your family and your student and must insist you please reach out to me if you believe there is something I can do to meet the needs of your student better.
Thank you,
Ms. McMahan
Mathematics Instructor
Carver Middle School
Email:
Cell Number: (407) 801-2561