Mr. Compton’s and Mr. Surowski’s Classroom Policies, 2003—2004 Academic Year
Course: Advanced Placement Calculus Location: Room 206 (Mr. Compton), LMC2 (Mr. Surowski)
Philosophy and General Guidelines:
1) We firmly believe that providing a safe, secure, and productive classroom atmosphere is vital to learning. Students should be adhere to appropriate behavior and language. Think before you act, ask when in doubt, and treat others with respect.
2) To maximize your learning, NEVER be afraid to ask questions. When you are becoming lost, seek help immediately. If you wait, you will only compound your problems. If we move too quickly through the material, we would interpret silence on your part as an indication that the pace is good. However, if it seems that we always go too fast, then you need help right away.
3) Keep a neat and orderly notebook. Good students are organized and thorough. Date each day’s work, use color when underlining, label questions, highlight key concepts, and space your work appropriately. Don’t try to fit EVERYTHING on one page or on one side. The textbook is used mainly for exercises because explanations are often incomplete or even misleading. Use your notes to learn concepts. Do NOT write in textbooks at any time with pen as they have only been lent to you. Use your own paper for writing.
4) Do all assigned homework. Work may be collected at any time without warning. Honors questions are also assigned for those needing extra challenge.
5) Work consistently and you will maximize achievement. Never give up or quit – work right through the end of the year. Do not slack off before the holidays. It is always a pity to see someone miss a scholarship, graduation, honor roll, passing grade, an A-, university entrance, etc., due to last-minute laziness.
6) Participate in school activities even if you have never done so before. Involved students always have more fun, suffer less stress, realize greater satisfaction, and increase their chances for future opportunities. Universities no longer look solely at grades. They seek well-rounded students and solid citizens. Join a team, club or activity, volunteer to help in or attend sporting events as a fan. Start building your resume today!
7) Work to keep the school clean and tidy. Put away garbage or materials in their proper places, and encourage others to do the same. Do not stoop to imitate the irresponsible behavior of others who litter in school or out in public.
8) Want an extra challenge? Ask me about math contests. You will improve your problem-solving abilities as well as contribute to the school’s already stellar international reputation. Help us prove that SAS richly deserves its world-class reputation.
9) Math class is for math. Do not work on other subjects while in this class. We will be busy for the full period doing math every day. Start assigned work when given the chance. Do not “save” it for later. Never pack up early. Taking full advantage of your class time is likely to free up time for other electives later.
10) We view our roles as both motivators and facilitators in your learning process. Everything we do is designed to help you reach the highest possible plateau in your learning of mathematics. While mathematics is a highly creative endeavor, we feel that setting certain rules and guidelines and asking for a high level of cooperation from you is necessary to help you reach this plateau. Above all, remember that we are accessible, are good listeners, and are sensitive to your learning needs. Do not hesitate to approach us with your problems!
11) Seem like a lot of rules? Not really, especially as most are based on simple common sense. Given the right attitude, learning is immensely enjoyable, and we want to share in this enjoyment.
Have a Wonderful Senior Year!
AP Calculus topics of study:
In calculus---sometimes called the “mathematics of motion,” you will study limits and continuity, the derivative and its applications, the integral and its applications, and differential equations. The problems we shall encounter in this course usually admit a number of approaches to enhance the traditional analytical methodology of calculus, including graphical, numerical, and algebraic methods. To develop an appreciation of the range of applications of calculus, we shall take up examples in such diverse subjects as medicine, health, nature, economics, physics, and engineering.
Semester Grading Policy:The final semester grade is derived from two components: semester work exclusive of the final examination (80%), and the final examination (20%). The semester work divides into the following components:
Tests------60%*Sem. 1 Final exam : Dec. 11,12,15-17, 2003 Quizzes ------25% *Sem. 2 Final exam : One week prior to your AP Exam
Projects & Homework------15%
Report Cards:
Report cards will be sent home as per the school calendar. Progress reports may be requested at any time in addition to the regularly-scheduled dates. A student’s daily work (tests, quizzes, assignments/ investigations, homework) will accumulate until the end of each semester and then weighted at 80% of the semester grade. The semester final exam accounts for 20% of the student’s final grade. This is different from the 40% for each quarter as outlined in the HS handbook; thus all grades are considered progressgrades until the end of the semester.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. You will be expected to complete each assignment prior to the next class period. A maximum points will be earned if ALL the problems are attempted and if work is shown. Your notebooks will be collected on the day of a test for the purpose of recording your homework scores. Please keep your notebooks up-to-date in case they are collected at other points during the quarter.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given throughout the course to evaluate your comprehension of the material. These quizzes will take different forms, some announced and others unannounced. Some will allow you to use your notes and old homework while some quizzes will not. Therefore, it’s important to take good notes. A student who earns a D or an F on a quiz will be required to see the teacher at lunch or after school for extra help prior to the test day. This meeting must take place within three school days. Failure to show up will result in a phone call informing parents of the student’s lack of effort. Be prepared to miss athletic practice or a prior appointment, if necessary.
Tests:
Tests will be given when a chapter has been completed. Each test will be worth 100 points and will always be announced in advance. Only students who are absent at least two consecutive classes immediately prior to the day of the test will be excused from taking the test on the designated day. Any missed test shouldbe made up after school the day you return to school (if you missed only one class period) or within one week (if missed more than one class period). Example: support that you miss class on the day of a test (Monday) and you return to school on Tuesday. You are expected to take the test after school on Tuesday. Any student who neglects to take a missed test without prior arrangements will receive a grade of zero.
*There will be NO retests offered. This is a mathematics department policy.
Classroom Guidelines:
- Be on time. Class time IS valued!
- No gum chewing in class. Drinking of water is encouraged. Ask permission about eating food.
- Be prepared for class by having all required supplies:
Pencil, eraser, colored pens for correcting, straight edge, 3-ring binder, full sized lined paper, textbook, TI-83+ calculator (to be checked out from the library)).
Absences:
If you are absent from class, you are responsible for two things:
1)Visiting the teacher to obtain the homework assignment, and
2)making arrangements to make up the homework quiz (lunch) or chapter test (after school) you missed on the day of your absence. Failure to do this will result in a quiz or test grade of zero. Any absence that is not verified by a parent will be considered unexcused which will result in a grade of zero for anything that was done during the class period(s) you missed.
**If you are absent for more than one day, please visit your teacher when you return to discuss and individualize your process of making up the missed work.**
If you are absent from class, you are responsible for getting all of the missed work, including handouts, from your “buddy.” It is crucial to have at least two designated buddies in this class. Hopefully, one of your buddies will remember to pick up your handouts.
Buddy names and telephone numbers______
______
Extra Assistance:
The best times to seek additional help from the teachers are during the teachers’ planning periods or any day after school except Wednesdays, since those are reserved for teacher meetings. If possible, let the teacher know ahead of time so that he is sure to be in the classroom to provide the extra help.
Also, while we can’t guarantee immediate responses, we encourage you to use technology, asking questions directed to our email addresses: (Mr. Compton) OR if you use MSN Messenger, look for me at . and (Mr. Surowski).
Parents, please feel free to contact us by email or by calling the school at 6221-1445 if you have any questions or concerns.
------Do Not Remove------
I have read and understand the policies outlined above. I accept these policies and agree to be accountable to them.
Student:____________Email:______
Print Name Signature
Calculator number:______Textbook number:______
Parent: ____________Home Phone#______
Print NameSignature
Work Phone #______
Parental email address: ______
** Please notify the teacher if there are any changes throughout the school year.**