ADVANCED MATH

Extra Help and Make-Up: Help sessions will be held in Room 332, 2:30-3:30, every Monday. Please try to schedule your work hours, doctor and dentist appointments with this in mind. If you have questions that cannot wait, you can check for me in my classroom or room 212 (math office) immediately after school or early mornings. If you are absent from class, see me the day you return to get missed assignments and to reschedule missed quizzes or tests.

EXCUSED ABSENCES FROM CLASS: (field trips, assemblies, group, peer outreach, etc.) If you know you will be missing class please inform me of the fact. If you will be missing a quiz or test the day of your absence, make every effort to take it before the excused absence. If a quiz or test is to be given the day after your absence, you must take it with the rest of the class.

Homework: Homework will be assigned most nights. It is required that you do your assignments daily. All homework should be done in your notebook where I will check it daily. You will be expected to keep all class notes and sample examples neatly organized in your notebook as well. An assignment sheet will be given at the beginning of each chapter listing homework and objectives for the entire chapter. Remember, hard work and practice are needed to excel in anything, sports, music, etc.... the same is true for mathematics. Think about it.

Grading Procedure: Each quarter grade will be based primarily on quizzes and tests. In addition, homework, notebook checks and various other assessment techniques can also contribute to your grade. Semester exams are given in January and June and will count 15% of your semester grade. West's grading system is as follows:

A: 90-100

B+: 85-89

B: 80-84

C+: 75-79

C: 70-74

D: 65-69

F: below 65

If there is ever a problem with a particular quiz/test and the way in which it was graded, please approach me after class, so we don't impose upon class time.

Textbook: Your textbook must be covered at all times. They have been used for a number of years now and are showing "wear". Try to keep them in the best condition possible. If you should lose your book, the full replacement cost must be paid before a new book can be issued.

Calculator: It is assumed that as good math students you will not need to have a calculator in hand at all times. When the use of a graphing calculator is called on to enhance a topic you will probably find it helpful to have one of your own. The math department does have two sets of 30, TI-82's which can be used in the classroom.

I highly recommend that you form small study groups right from the start of this year. You can work more difficult problems through together, in the library, cafeteria or evenings at someone's home. This will be a challenging course and I want you all to do the best you can, but be reminded, it will take hard work.

Please be attentive in class, respectful of one another and me, and don't be afraid to seek help when you may need it.

Share this "letter" with your folks so they know what's expected. O.K. ? I look forward to a great year.