Mr. Patrick Butcher
Georgetown Preparatory School
Mathematics Department
Geometry/Trig 2017-18 – Syllabus and Classroom Rules
Course Description
This course covers a mixture of Euclidean geometry and algebra. The Euclidean portion of the course, which covers the first 3 quarters of the year, uses definitions, axioms, postulates and propositions from the text, Euclid’s Elements. Topics include angle and line relationships, properties of parallel lines, congruence theory, triangles (including Euclid’s proof of the Pythagorean Theorem), circles, perimeter and area of plane figures, surface area and volume of solids, similarity, ratio, proportion, geometric constructions and algebraic applications. This course will also emphasize geometric proofs, both direct and indirect, and will promote students’ capacity for thinking logically.
The algebra section of the course, covered in the 4th quarter, covers a variety of Algebra II/Trigonometry topics including, but not limited to, Radicals, Factoring, Rational and Piecewise functions, Systems of Equations, and Trigonometry.
Materials
· 3 ring binder (3” recommended)
· Green Engineering Paper
· Pencils
· Compass
· Straightedge
· Colored pencils, or pen that changes color are not required but recommended
· Calculators are not allowed in Geometry
Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves as young men and to remain respectful to their teacher and classmates. I will treat you each like adults unless you prove otherwise to me. You are expected to be punctual and in your seat with your homework turned in by the time the bell rings.
Grading Input and Weights
Your grade for the quarter will be based on the following inputs and the following weights:
Tests 50%
Quizzes 30%
Homework 20%
An examination will be given at the end of each semester. That examination will count toward one fourth of your semester grade.
Homework
Approximately 30 minutes of homework will be assigned each night. Homework must be legible and completed on graphing paper using a pencil. Assignments will be posted on the board and uploaded to Finalsite each day.
Students should demonstrate their thought process in solving the problems by showing all steps and work. Homework will be graded on a scale of 0-3 based on effort and understanding of the material. Grading will be determined as follows:
3 – All work shown. Student displays a grasp of the material
2 – All work shown. Student does not display understanding of material
1 – No work shown. Only answers
0 – Homework assignment not submitted (As noted above, late assignments are considered in this category)
All homework must be turned in via Finalsite’s Dropbox feature by 8:15 am the day that it is due. Any homework turned in after this time will be considered late.
Tests and Quizzes
Tests will be given approximately once per cycle on Day E. Students will have the entire period to complete the exam.
Those students who have extended time must complete the test by no later than 4:00 pm on the day the test was given. Students on extended time must complete the test in order of the problems to not allow the opportunity to preview the test. Problems skipped during the class period will be marked incorrect and the student will receive no credit for that problem.
Approximately 2 quizzes will be given per cycle, which will be scheduled the day previous to the quiz. Additionally, the students should be prepared for pop quizzes, which will be given at the discretion of the instructor.
Honor and Integrity
Per the handbook: “Students must avoid even the appearance of dishonesty in their academic work.” Homework, quizzes, and tests are to be completed individually. Students may consult with each other in order to help understand the concepts at hand. However, copying answers from one another is not permitted. Any instances of this will result in a 0 for the assignment and the action will be reported to the school. Refer to the handbook for more detail regarding further consequences related to these actions
Absence/Make up Assignments
Students are still responsible for homework, quizzes, and/or tests assigned over any period of excused absences. Students must meet with me the day they return to school to decide on a date to make up any exams or quizzes missed over their absence. If the student does not meet with me on this date, the student’s test score will be reduced by 10 points per day tardy. Homework assigned over the period of the absence must be submitted by the beginning of class on the day the student returns. Unexcused absences may result in a 0 for the assigned work, quiz, and/or exam.
Other Rules
These go along with conducting yourself as a man as noted above, but to be specific:
· Never interrupt me or another student. If you want to say something, raise your hand and wait until I authorize you to speak.
· No food or sugar drinks are allowed in the classroom at any time. You are allowed water in the classroom
· Do not chew gum in class.
· Smart phones must be turned off in class and stowed in your backpack or another secure location. If I see you using a smart phone in class, I will confiscate it and turn it over to the Dean of Students.
· Students are not allowed to record any portion of the class without my permission. This includes use of cell phone cameras or any audio/video devices.
My Goal: To work as hard as I can to help each of you grow in and outside the classroom. If you are encountering issues with the material, please don’t hesitate to come by during free periods or after school for help. If I am not in my office, try and ask another teacher in the math department or email me (see email above). Each of you has been given a wonderful opportunity by being able to attend this school. Take advantage of that by working hard, helping your classmates. I understand that with this honor comes a lot of responsibility and work. Don’t succumb to these pressures by cheating on your work. Come see me. I am here to help you on your path through prep every step of the way, but it is up to you to reach out.