Ivy Academia Entrepreneurial Charter
Junior and Senior High School
7353 Valley Circle Boulevard
West Hills, California 91304
Telephone: (818) 716-0771 Fax: (818) 914-3674
August 15, 2016
Dear Students and Parent,
Welcome to the eight grade! We are so excited to have you here and consider it our privilege to teach each of you this year. During the 2016-2017 academic year, we will be learning mathematics as prescribed by the 8th grade math Common Core Standards using the Glencoe Math Common Core Edition adopted program.
Each of you is a unique individual with a distinct intelligence and learning style. We will do our best to direct you to lessons and activities that best meet your intellectual needs. Both formal and informal assessments will be used throughout the year to recognize each of your uniqueness and wide range of talents. Always feel free to share and contact us with any questions or concerns you have as the year moves along.
Please read through and this letter with a parent/guardian and sign at the end, to show us that both you and your parent/guardian have read and understood the contents of this syllabus (this will be one of your first homework assignments and yes, it is as easy as putting your name on it and having your parent/guardian read it and do the same).
I am very excited to start my firstyear here at Ivy Academia and eleventh year of teaching middle school. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Developmentat California State University, Northridge where I am currently seeking my masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on mathematics.
If you ever have any questions please reach out via email and I will get back to you as soon as I am able. Together as a team we will have a most prosperous and exciting year.
Sincerely,
Thomas Robert Fagan
8th grade Math Course Syllabus
* Email:
* Powerschool Website:
What to expect:
-Daily: Graded:
-Warm up - daily exit quizzes
-Math standards-Mountain Math
-E-standards - homework
-Notes with examples from the day- unit TESTS
-Exit quiz- chapter group quizzes
-PROJECTS
ixl homework: will be checked Monday/Tuesday
warm-ups/ mountain math: will be checked and discussed daily
Quizzes/ assessments:will happen through-out the course.Quizzes will be announced at least one class period in advance, Assessments with have no less than a weeks’ notice. I will try to make sure students know well in advance of assessments.
Interactive Notebook: Students are responsible for maintaining their interactive notebook. All notes, homework, and grades should be inside of their notebook. I will provide the “red” folder for students to use. We will work together to find a system of organization that fits the student’s needs.
Please check the Student/Parent Handbook for when late work can be turned in. I will follow the timeline for turning late work in.
I will be strictly implementingthese procedures to keep our students and myself on track so we can all be efficient.
Course Descriptions:8th Grade Mathematics
Students will learn to:
(1) solve, analyze, and graph problems related to functions and systems of equations;
(2) solve problems systematically through the use of algebraic, graphical and numerical methods;
(3) extend understandings of functions (polynomial, rational, exponential);
(4) use a graphing calculator to explore functions and evaluate calculations related to the graphs of functions;
(5) solve real-world problems involving the Pythagorean theorem;
(6) use congruence, similarity, translations, reflections, and rotations to solve geometric problems;
(7) solve problems using the properties of exponents;
(8) interpret data displays to analyze relationships
Recommended Materials For Our Math Class:
* 2-3 sharpened pencils w/erasers or well stocked mechanical pencil
*coloring pencils for activities and note taking
*calculator
*notebook and graphing paper
*Positive open minds that will allow collaborative work and creative thought
Classroom Conduct:
* Be in your seat and working when class begins
* Follow the class rules of respect and responsibilityand be mindful of the space in the room
* Work productively and cooperativelyand have a positive attitude about learning and working
Absences Policy:
Students who are absent must make up quizzes and tests promptly upon their return (unless unique circumstances occur). If you were absent on the exam day, you will need to schedule a make-up with me after school. If you were absent during exam review days, you will be given up to one week to make up the exam. If a project is due the day you are absent, you must submit it upon your return. You can sign up for extra help hours. It is your responsibility to catch up when you are absent: get notes from classmates, ask about handouts, and talk to the teacher about any concerns.
Grading (Percent Breakdown):
A+ 100% + / A 93 – 99 % / A- 90 – 92 % / B+ 87 – 89 % / B 83 – 86 % / B- 80 – 82 % / C+ 77 – 79 %C 73 – 76 % / C- 70 – 72 % / D+ 67 – 69 % / D 63 – 66 % / D- 60 – 62 % / F 0 – 59 %
Homework = 10% Class work/ Participation = 30% Projects = 30% Quizzes = 30%Tests = 30% (Final Exams 10%)
Homework: 10%
Homework is an essential part of your job as a student. Homework assignments will be assigned daily. Late homework assignments will be accepted until the end of each chapter but only half credit will be given. Homework is scored on a 5 point standard for effort and completion (5 fully completed, 3 half completed, 1 less than half completed, 0 not turned in or no questions attempted).
Class work and Participation: 30% - AU absent unexcused = -2 points per day
Class work will be given daily in the form of notes, activities and exercises. Students will receive five points. Since we will go over homework daily in class, students will be receiving points for participation also. Points will be reduced if you fail or refuse to take notes or participate, do not turn in class work or is disruptive or disrespectful.
Projects 30%
Projects provide students with the opportunity to apply the mathematical concepts you have learned. Entrepreneurial standards are also incorporated within the projects. You will be challenged to explore how math concepts are used in real life situations and businesses. A detailed rubric will be given to you so they will know exactly what is expected and you will know how to achieve the grade you desire.
Quizzes 30%/ Tests 30%
Quizzes and tests provide you an opportunity to think critically and articulate your knowledge. There will be a test at the end of each chapter. The quizzes will be given throughout each chapter but generally one midway through each chapter. Tests are curved (your score out of the highest score from your class period). A final exam is given at the end of each semester and will count as 10% of the 30% test grade.
Math 8 & 8H Syllabus signature page:
Please sign below acknowledging your receipt, understanding, and agreement to the information contained in the syllabus.
Parent SignatureDate
Print Parent Name
Student SignatureDate
Print Student Name
Is there any other information I should know about you? Best qualities, areas of improvement, or hobbies?
Contact information:
______
Parent NameBest Phone number to reach you at
______
Email addressPhysical address
PLEASE SUBMIT BY Friday 8/18/2016.