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MATHEMATICS SYLLABUS

INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS (rev 8/2008)

 

Mr. Jim Gillett       316-542-3518            7th & 8th Grade Math & Robotics               jgillett@cheney268.com  (Work)

                                                                                                                            

CLASS & GRADING PROCEDURES

            Following the district grading scale (90-80-70-60), grades will come from 2 areas:

 

Tests & Quizzes

70%

Tests (Assessments will be given at the end of every unit).  They will be announced orally and on class calendars as much ahead of time as possible.  There will probably be a quiz every week.  Assessment material will come from class time, daily work, & the unit. 

 

Homework &

Checkup Quizzes

30%

Most days there will be some type of homework assigned.  When homework is assigned I expect it to be neatly done in pencil, with work shown and answers clearly shown and labeled.  All homework assigned shall be due at the beginning of the very next class meeting.  CMS’ academic detention policy will be enforced. I will allow 7th graders one late paper per 9 weeks (8th graders – 1 per semester) without serving the detention time; however, only partial credit will be earned. Know that do-overs still must be turned in within the time allowed and will count as a strike for possible incentive parties. Late work turned in that day or the next day will receive 75% credit of grade earned regardless of when the AD time is actually served. Work left in locker but done, will receive 90% credit if turned in immediately after class. I define late work as: Assignments not completed; left at home; wrong page; papers without names; and papers done in ink. Assignments not turned in during the time allowed will receive zeros. Problem of the Days, Daily 5 Activities, Skill Reviews (CCRP), & any Projects will count as homework points. At the beginning of each week I will ask you to fill out your grades on a parent grade sheet.  A relatively small number of homework points are allotted to this every week and also Bonus Points, but the sheet must be turned in no later than Friday of each week (this is the lone exception to my makeup policy).  Sometimes you will be asked to take an entrance checkup quiz, an exit checkup quiz, or a notes quiz (Rarely - as long as you’ve done your homework and participated during class time, you’ll do fine on these).

 

Help

I will be in my classroom by 7:50 a.m. for those of you needing quick help on a problem or two and you are more than welcome to come in for help at that time; but do not come any earlier. Because of coaching, my time after school during the BB and FB seasons is almost non-existent.  For that reason, I have listed my home phone number for you.  Please try to figure out the problem yourself first, however I would rather you call me than sit & stare at a blank piece of paper.  ! Please do not call me to find out what the assignment is – write that in your agenda during class or call a friend.

 

 

Absences

If you miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out what is missed (on your first day back to school).   All assignments are recorded on class calendars on the front bulletin board, and extra worksheets may be found on my front cabinet by the calendars.  Make-up work will be due at the beginning of math class one week from the last math class you were absent (This is more appropriate than the 1+1 policy as I encourage you to seek help, but I will use the 1+1 for extended absences when it benefits you).  Work not completed when due has already been discussed.  Absences prior to a test will be dealt with as flexibly as possible.  Unit tests are usually about four weeks apart with usually one or two quizzes a week.

 

Tardies

I expect students, with all their necessary materials, pencils sharpened, and homework out, to be in the room ready to begin class when the bell rings. If a student is tardy (unexcused) he or she may owe me 30 minutes conduct detention time. A third tardy results in an office-assigned detention. For restroom privileges, talk to me; you must have your agenda to leave class.

 

Conduct Detentions

You will be reminded of the class norms (standards) once (depending upon the severity & frequency).  Then you will be assigned a Conduct Detention that is to be served with Mr. G.  Detention length will be thirty minutes that same afternoon, the following morning, or following afternoon, depending upon transportation arrangements.  If you fail to serve the detention during the three opportunities, the matter will be referred to the Principal as “insubordination”. Morning detention would begin at 7:50 and not earlier. Academic Detentions must be served after school only.

 

Calculators

For your benefit the District has invested in a number of graphing calculators.  These, as well as all classroom equipment, must be treated with respect.  Classroom equipment, including calculators, must not be taken from the classroom.  Students will be charged replacement cost for any item (including unit books and resource books) broken or damaged from misuse.

 

Classroom Norms (Standards)

These will be set by us in class and recorded by the bullets below.

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Doing your own work

Many times we will be working in teams – however, graded items will be done individually.  On individual work simply telling someone else the answer to a problem while they erase and write the correct answer is cheating.  Also letting another student borrow your paper to copy answers is cheating and will earn you a zero on the assignment.   Keep possession of your papers.  Someone having your paper without you being there to discuss the problem will prompt me to follow the school cheating  policy that is in your handbooks.

 

 ABOVE ALL ELSE, COMMUNICATE WITH ME – I BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITY TO LEARN MATHEMATICS AND MY ABILITY TO HELP YOU DO THAT.