Welcome to Algebra I!

Ms. Menking Room 227

Find your seat and get out a pencil!

Course Overview

• Algebra I is the first course of high school mathematics. It is designed to teach the student to reason and think logically.

• Success in Algebra I depends on DAILY preparation and study. Students will be preparing throughout the year for the STAAR Test. This is a very rigorous state-adopted test which is very important.

• I am looking forward to having a great year, and your success depends on how much work you put into this class.

Classroom Rules

• 1. Be respectful to teacher and fellow students at all times.

2. Be responsible and bring all materials to class every day.

3. Be a team player.

4. All students will adhere to the student code of conduct in this classroom.

5. No cell phone use will be allowed!!

Student Behaviors• Be prompt

Be ready to learn when class begins. Please be in your seat when the bell rings, as class begins at that time. You will have daily warm-ups to complete.

• Be prepared Have materials with you and know due dates.

• Be a polite and positive participant Speak in a normal tone of voice, and listen

attentively.

• Be productive Turn in work on time, and always do your best.

• Be a problem solver Correct problems quickly and peacefully before

they escalate.

Show Respect

• Value yourself. Be honest and ethical, and practice strong moral values.

• Treat all members of the school community and all visitors with politeness and respect.

• Honor the ideas and opinions of others.

• Offer to help.

• Be responsible with property and belongings.

Policies

• Food and beverages are not allowed in the classroom. Only water bottles with a cap will be permitted.

• NO Cell phones allowed! Cell phone use is strictly prohibited. You may

only have it out if it is being used for the lesson. Otherwise, it should remain in your pocket on silent the ENTIRE class period.

Cell phone use is allowed in the hallway between classes, but you are not allowed to ever have your headphones on.

Grading

• 60% Test Average (Unit Tests, Benchmarks, and Quizzes)

• 40% Daily Average ( Daily Quizzes, Homework, Classwork)

• Grades are updated (almost) daily

• Your grades are available to view online with the Family Access available at www.gonzales.txed.net. I encourage you to tell your parents about it and get signed up!

Responsibility for Coursework• Bring pencils and other materials to class

daily.

• Pick up spiral notebook and calculator when you walk in before going to your desk.

• Know due dates, and submit all coursework on time to the appropriate basket. (!!!!)

• All assignments are posted on the calendar on the front green bulletin board.

Spiral Notebooks

• This year students are going to create an interactive Math Journal. This journal will act as the students’ textbook.

• Students will be expected to participate and write in their journal every day. This will be where warm-ups and notes will be kept.

• JOURNALS WILL NOT LEAVE THE CLASSROOM.

• There will be marked bins for students to leave their journals everyday.

Tutorials

• Tutorials will be held after school Tues and Wed from 3:50 – 4:30. Other days by appointment.

• If you want to attend lunch tutorials you will have to see Ms. Arnic

Test Retakes

• Students will have 1 week to retest for a maximum grade of a 70.

• Retests are to be scheduled after school.

• STUDENTS MUST ATTEND A TUTORIAL SESSION PRIOR TO SCHEDULING A RETEST.

Homework

• Expect homework almost every day. In math you have to practice, practice, practice to make perfect.

• Homework is to be turned into the appropriate tray.

• Homework that is late will be docked 10 points per day for up to 5 days. After 5 days the student will receive a zero.

Make-up Work

• It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to retrieve make-up work from the teacher following an absence.

• The number of days absent will determine the number of days allowed for make-up. (i.e. 1 day absent = 1 day to make-up)

• If possible, request an assignment before an absence.

• I will be placing assignments in the boxes at the front; always check these first. Also, ask your classmates.

Progress Reports

• Progress reports will be sent home from the school following the 3rd full week of each 6 week grading period to inform parents and students of both positive as well as negative academic progress.

• I will also periodically pass out a progress report for my class only to keep students updated on their status.

• Again, I encourage you to sign up for Family Access if you do not already have it.

My Pledge to Students

• I will trust you until you give me reason to do otherwise.

• I will respect you and work with you to solve problems.

• I will promptly correct and offer feedback on your work.

• I will work with you to meet learning goals.

• I will offer extra help and alternative assessments should you require them.

Path to Success

• I am here for my students. I want you ALL to be SUCCESSFUL.

• If you need help, DO NOT be afraid to ask. There are no stupid questions when it is about your learning. If you do not ask, I will not know you need help. I cannot read minds.

• Again, your success depends on how much work you put into this class.

• Let’s make this a great year!!!