Mrs. Planellas’ Applied Algebra II class Room 211
Welcome to an exciting year of Algebra II. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Personal Philosophy:I think that math is best understood when students can touch it, feel it and try it. In that light I will pursue a lot of hands on activities. I will try to make math “real” by giving you hands on learning experiences and real world applications. I hope that all of us will grow together as we learn about math and concentrate on learning skills which will make us life long learners. Respect for ourselves and each others right to learn is the quality I value most.
Course Outline: We will begin with basic operations, measurement moving into solving equations, linear equations, non linear equations, probability and statistics. Second semester we will focus on systems of equations, inequalities, polynomials, and quadratic equations.We will be looking for practical applications to everyday life in every aspect of the course.
Homework: I am not a great believer in large homework assignments. I will assign short homework assignments to support the work we are doing in class. I have serious expectations about this and will encourage everyone to do their homework and come to class prepared to work.
Textbook: There is no official textbook for this course. In line with hands on learning we will be using many modern sources. We are fortunate enough to have 25 computers in the classroom so there will be lots of technology based activities.
Materials: I will provide each student with a 1” binder that will usually remain in the classroom. Students will need to bring 5 dividers for their binders. Other than that students should come prepared with a pencil and/or pen. You may also find a highlighter helpful.
Cell Phone/Electronic Use: Orting High School students are expected to be engaged in their course work every day in all their classes. It is important to reduce distractions in our classrooms so students can learn effectively. Personal cell phone or electronic device use is prohibited in our classrooms unless it is deemed necessary for academic purposes. Violation of the electronic policy will result a warning from me. Further violations will result in a referral to our administration. Parents are encouraged to limit texting and phone calls to before and after school, during student passing times and at lunch. Emergency communication should be directed to our main office so we may contact your child without disturbing the learning environment.
Absence: Absence is difficult to “make up” in a class that is largely experiential. I encourage all students to avoid missing class. Students are responsible to make up work in a timely fashion. I do not believe that it is appropriate for them to try to make up that work during a subsequent class. They may ask other students to help them but if assistance is required of me I request that they make a lunch or after school appointment so that I can provide them with the attention that they deserve rather than trying to “squeeze” an hour lesson into a five minute explanation. Students who miss a test will be given one week from the time the test was given to make up that test. Students who miss a turn in deadline due to absence will be given an extra day. (This policy will be adjusted depending on the length of the absence.
Grading I am very interested in teaching each student to their maximum potential. In this regard, I believe strongly that each student must be responsible for turning in their work on time. They will learn, and I will learn, from reviewing their efforts. For this reason, I have a very strict policy regarding assignments. Assignments will lose a whole letter grade for each late day. Beyond the third day assignments will be evaluated for student benefit but receive no credit. Students who are absent will be provided with additional days to complete assignments but are responsible for determining what work was covered during their absence.
Grade distribution:
Daily work, Labs, Assignments, Projects, Quizzes 30%
Tests: 70%
Essential tasks are those that I believe to be the essential learnings of the course and are created around state standards. They will be marked clearly in the gradebook. These must be completed to proficiency (70% or above) or students will not receive credit for my class. If your student achieves below standard on an essential task they will have one week to redo and resubmit. Failure to do so will result in after school intervention and supports.
Each course at OHS has determined the 5-7 Essential Tasks that a student MUST complete to demonstrate the central learning of that course. These Essential Tasks are the building blocks to future learning. Essential Tasks are critical to your child's learning and are non-negotiable.
Test Policy: Tests are a reflection of students meeting course standards. Therefore I require that all students who “fail” tests MUSTretake them in order to pass my course. This is not meant as a punitive measure. I want students to maximize their potential. I have found that failed tests substantially lower their overall grade. Retaking provides an opportunity to not only improve their grade but sets up the building blocks for subsequent material. Students will be given one week from the time tests are given back to retake their test.
Retake opportunities Retakes will be offered after school, before school, during core and during 1st lunch. All students may retake all tests. Ultimately I want everyone to strive for excellence and improve their grades as much as possible.
School Website: Parents may also gain access to their student’s progress through Skyward family access. This computer service can be accessed via any terminal including those at any public library. I would encourage everyone visit the Orting School district website: www.orting.wednet.edu. The link can be found under the Family tab.
And finallyThe nature of this course requires active daily participation. A large portion of the grade will be given to daily work and assignmentsso it is important to come each day prepared to be involved. I also believe that students should be given the opportunity to redo assignments. Daily assignments may be redone for full credit. Students will have one week from the time the assignment is returned to resubmit their work. All students will be afforded the chance to improve their grade and I hope will take advantage of this so as to gain the most from their science experience. All tests may be retaken no matter what the original score. I want to encourage ANY student to improve their grade no matter where they fall the first time. I believe that it is about the learning and only by correcting errors can students truly meet the learning targets of this course.
Mostly I reward effort. Doing the assignments and learning how to correct errors is more important to me than perfection the first time around. Please come to me whenever you are experiencing difficulties. I am available everyday before class from 7:20 until 7:45, and after school until 2:45.
Again let me say that I am looking forward to working with all of my new students. I invite parents to call me anytime with questions or concerns. The best time to reach me is during my plan period between 9:50 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. or from 2:15-2:45 daily at(360) 893-2246 ext 463. My email address is:
.Please complete and return the attached sheet.
Sincerely,Mrs. Planellas
Mrs. Planellas’ Applied Algebra II
Student Name:______
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