Third Period Math

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed to focus on the development and strengthening of students’ awareness and understanding of mathematical concepts.  Numbers and operations, functions, graphic representation, and basic algebraic concepts will all be incorporated in instruction. I emphasize the integration of diversity awareness, including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The use of manipulatives, mathematical tools, and technology, including calculators and computer software, is an integral part of this course.

Course Goals:

1. To use effective assessment tools to develop a sound understanding of students’ strengths and deficits, and to use this knowledge to guide instruction.
2. To provide instruction that is individualized to the needs and skills of each learner in the classroom.
3. To present material and learning opportunities that are appropriately challenging for each student.
4. To increase the mathematical performance of each student, with the aim of approaching grade-level material.
5. To incorporate technology, manipulatives and other resources to enhance learning outcomes.
6. To foster the social and emotional learning of students, including communication skills.
7. To help students develop organizational skills and techniques that are effective for them.

Hyde Park No-Bullying Policy – Bullying, in any form, will not be tolerated.

Under NRS 388.122, “bullying” means written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical acts or gestures, or any combination thereof, that are directed at a person or group of persons, or a single severe and willful act or expression that is directed at a person or group of persons, and:

1. Have the effect of:

(1) Physically harming a person or damaging the property of a person; or

(2) Placing a person in reasonable fear of physical harm to the person or damage to the property of the person; or

1. Interfere with the rights of a person by:

(1) Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the person; or

(2) Substantially interfering with the academic performance of a student or the ability of the person to participate in or benefit from services, activities or privileges provided by a school;

*This is a summary of the legal definition of bullying.  Please use the URL below to access the full legal definition and for other information on bullying:

http://ccsd.net/departments/guidance-counseling/bullying-and-cyberbullying-resources

Hours of Availability:  Individual meetings by appointment daily, or any time via email.

Evaluation and Grading System:

Components of the Quarter Grade:  Assessments comprise 75% of each quarter’s grade.  Other assignments comprise 20%, while homework assignments make up 5% of each quarter’s grade.  Grades are based on percentages using the scale of: 90%-100% = A, 80% - 89% = B, 70% - 79% = C, 60% - 69% = D, 0% - 59% = F

Components of Semester Grades:  45% quarter 1/3; 45% Quarter 2/4; 10% Semester Exam.

Current grades may be viewed through Infinite Campus at https://campus.ccsd.net/campus/portal/clark.jsp.  Teachers will update grades at least once a week. A cumulative final will be administered at the completion of each semester in each course.

Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy:

No electronic devices (cell phones, ipods, gaming devices, etc.) are to be used during class without teacher permission.  If a student uses any electronic device in class, the student will be asked to place the device in a drawer until the end of class.  Refusal to do so will result in disciplinary procedures.

Expectations:

Daily participation in class is required.  Students are expected to give their best effort on all assignments.

Homework/In-Class Assignments/Major Assignments:

Practice work will be given daily. Any practice work that is not completed in class will then become homework and will be due the following day. Practice work is the responsibility of the student and must be attempted and/or completed on time. The purpose of practice work is to review daily skills and identify areas of difficulty.  Students should spend no more than one hour on math homework.

Help & Make-up Procedures:

Makeup work due to an absence is the responsibility of the student.  Assignments are available in the classroom and via email with the teacher.  Students must obtain assignments missed, complete the work and turn it in no later than three days after returning to school.

Classroom Behavioral Expectations:  

The guiding classroom principles encompass rigor, respect, and responsibility.  Students are expected to be responsible, respectful, participate cooperatively, arrive prepared to work and follow all CCSD regulations. Students are expected to be in their seat when the bell rings or they will be considered tardy.  

Consequences and Rewards:

Disruptive, disrespectful or harmful behavior will not be tolerated.  Progressive discipline steps will include: conferencing with the student, parent contact, loss of privileges or after school detention, and counselor or dean referral depending on the nature of the behavior.  Please refer to the school’s website for the school-wide policy. Students will be recognized on an individual basis for cooperation, teamwork, and academic excellence. Certificates may be issued or a positive phone call home may be made to share the achievement.

Citizenship:

Citizenship grades will be earned on a Hyde Park Middle School Rubric:  In order to receive an “O” in citizenship, students must always or almost always be responsible, respectful, and show integrity towards others and their school.  An “S” grade in citizenship means the student will usually demonstrate those qualities. An “N” in citizenship will be earned if the student needs improvement in those qualities.  A “U” will be earned if any student rarely demonstrates those qualities.

Academic dishonesty such as cheating on an exam or plagiarism of a paper or project will result in the reduction of the citizenship grade to a “U”.  Exams may be retaken at the teacher’s convenience. Papers and projects will receive and “F”. Minor infractions will result in a warning and a phone call home explaining the resulting “F” will be made.  The citizenship grade will be reduced to an “N”.

Contact Information: