Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Welcome to the Spring Semester of the 2012-2013 school year. I hope you had a wonderful first semester and are as excited as I am for the upcoming year. Mathematics is a vital part of your life and your success this year will help provide you with a brighter future. I am dedicated to educating, guiding, and supporting you in a way that will prepare you for your future academic endeavors and to help grow as a person. However, I am only one part of the equation. I need your effort and cooperation in order for you to succeed!

My website is a perfect place to stay up-to-date on class notes, homework, study tips, and extra resources. My website is:

WHAT IS GEOMETRY?

Geometry is a branch of mathematics in which you will explore the properties, measurements, and relationships of points, lines, surfaces, angles, and solid figures. You will also use inductive and deductive reasoning to draw conclusions and solve problems.

The “Honors” distinction indicates a higher level of rigor and a greater level of expectations. You will be asked to think independently as well as develop theorems with your classmates, and the content you will be exposed to will be more challenging. You will also be required to complete 4 projects outside of class time. For your hard work, you will gain an additional grade point and a deeper, more thorough knowledge of the subject.

This class is challenging, especially if you do not have a strong math background. The KHS Math Department recommends that students who earned an A or B in Algebra I take Honors Geometry. Regardless of your grade in Algebra I, it will take a great deal of extra effort and a strong work ethic to achieve the grades you are used to earning. Please be prepared to put in 100% effort daily.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

  • RESPECT yourself, others, and your school at all times
  • Take responsibility for your learning and your actions
  • Be physically and mentally prepared for class
  • Consume food and beverages in the cafeteria only
  • Comply with all KHS and Wake County policies

– Including “Bag it and Tag it”

Supply List

  • 3-Ring Binder with Notebook paper
  • Pencils
  • Graphing Calculator (TI-83 or TI-84 recommended)
  • The KHS mathematics department uses TI-84 calculators and we recommend that each student invest in one as it will be useful for all math and science courses in high school as well as college. This will be a valuable aid for most homework assignments. We do recognize that these calculators are expensive. There is a link to a calculator that you can download from my website. If these options are not available you may come before or after school to complete your homework. Calculators are not allowed to leave the classroom for any reason. “I did not have a calculator” is not a valid excuse for not completing homework.

Tests will be given at the end of each unit/chapter. If absent on test day, it is your responsibility to make-up the test. Please do so in a timely manner while the material is fresh on your mind as we will continue to learn new material in class. Retesting:Every student who does poorly on a test will have the opportunity to retake the test. Retests will be done during afterschool tutorials or during CORE time.

Projects: Each student will be assigned to complete 4 projects throughout the semester that you must complete independently outside of class. Projects count as test grades! Late projects will require additional work or have points deducted at 15 percent per day. All project information will be on our class website ( and examples can be seen in class.

Students are required to take quizzes regardless of whether or not they were in attendance the previous day. Review material may be quizzed at anytime! ALL QUIZZES ARE UNANNOUCED!!

Homeworkwill be assigned daily (approximately 30 minutes), checked for effort and completeness. Students will receive one cumulative homework grade per unit. I will check to see that all problems assigned have been attempted, which means work is provided. NO work, NO credit. Homework will be based on a “full - half - no credit” system.

Notebook Checks – The information concerning notebook checks has been provided on the notebook check letter and rubric. Notebook Checks will count as two class work grades.

ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP WORK

Regular attendance is essential to your success. Please be aware of the WCPSS School Board Policy regarding attendance and make-up work. In the event of an excused absence, it will be your responsibility to make arrangements with your teacher for all make-up work immediately upon your return.

INTEGRITY

Per School Board Policy 6445, any student who engages in or attempts to engage in plagiarism, falsification, violation of software copyright laws, or violation of computer access shall be subject to disciplinary action. The following actions are specifically prohibited:

Cheating – This act includes giving or receiving any unauthorized assistance on academic work such as homework, tests, quizzes, projects, etc.

STUDENT SUCCESS CONTRACT: -- Please sign and return by FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013

As a teacher actively involved in your education, I agree to this welcome letter and will do my best to help you succeed in my GeometryHonors class.

Signature:______Date:______

My Contact Information:

Ms. Wilson Email:

Website:

As a student actively involved in my education, I agree to this welcome letter and will do my best to succeed in Ms. Wilson’s GeometryHonors class.

Printed Name:______Signature:______Date:______

As a parent/guardian actively involved in my child’s education, I agree to this welcome letter and will do my best to help my child succeed in Ms. Wilson’s Geometry Honors class.

Printed Name:______Signature:______Date:______

Email: ______Phone Number______