Course Introduction and Requirements

Course Title:          Geometry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Teacher:  Ms. Pagan
Textbook:                Geometry:  by McDougal Littell  (Replacement Cost: $88.24)

Course Description:      Geometry is being taught as an advanced level math course
                                           and is intended for students who enter with above-average
                                           mathematical and problem-solving skills.  The prerequisite
                                           for the course is Algebra 1.

Key concepts include:

    Basic Elements of Geometry, Geometric Constructions, Reasoning and Developing Proof,
    Properties of Lines and Angles, Congruent Triangles and Properties of Triangles, Properties of
    Quadrilaterals, Transformations, Similar Polygons, Right Triangles and Trigonometry,
    Properties of Circles, Areas of Polygons and Circles, Surface Area and Volume of Solids

Grading System:           We will be using the following standard percentages for de-
                                          termining grades --  90 - 100%  =  A,  80 - 89%  =  B,
                                          70 - 79%  =  C,  60 - 69%  =  D,  below 60%  =  F.  Your grade
                                          will be based on the following:

                                                      Tests/Quizzes  -  40% of grade
                                                      Homework  -  30% of grade
                                                      Classwork/Portfolios  -  30% of grade

Homework:                     Homework (HW) will be assigned daily and is due at the be-
                                          ginning of class the following day.  Work must be shown on
                                          your HW in order to receive credit.  Each homework assignment
                                          is worth 5 points.  Reduced credit will be given for late HW
                                          (one point will be taken off for each day it is late).  Note:   Homework
                                         that is assigned as a take home quiz will not be accepted late for
                                         credit unless accompanied by a parent note explaining why the quiz
                                         is late.  If you are absent on the day the HW is due then you may turn it in for
                                          full credit upon your return.

Quizzes:                          Quizzes are given daily as a warm-up.  Books may be used on
                                          these quizzes so it is essential that you bring your book to
                                          class with you each day.

Tests:                               At the end of each unit there will be a test.  Work must be
                                          shown on your test papers for each test question in order to
                                          receive credit.  You may use your toolkits on tests so it is im-
                                          portant to keep them updated.  Books are not allowed on tests.

Portfolios:  As part of your grade, you will keep a portfolio in this class that will contain goals that you have set for yourself and self-evaluations of how well you did at achieving those goals.  In the portfolio you will keep all  tests, quizzes, homework, classwork, and projects that are assigned.

Classwork:  Work that is assigned to you in class is expected to be completed during our normal class time and turned in at the end of the period.  If, for some reason, the classwork is not completed then completing the classwork will become an additional part of your homework for that night and will be due at the beginning of the next class period.  Each classwork assignment is worth 5 points.

Make-Up Work (due to absences):  One day of make-up time is allowed for each day of excused absence (i.e., three days excused absences provides three days from date of return for make-up work).  Additionally, when you are absent you have a couple of  resources at your disposal for finding out what homework was assigned.  These resources are listed below:

                                         1)   Call your study buddy for the assignment; you were given class time to secure the
                                               names of three different students you could contact for homework information.
                                         2)   Check Ms. Pagan’s website for homework assigned.  The web address is
                                               http://lams.slcusd.org; when you get to the Laguna home page click on teachers.
                                               On the next page click on Ms. Pagan under the Math Department.  On my web
                                               page click on homework.  Homework for each week will be listed under
                                               Algebra 1 or Geometry.  Double check to make sure you are looking at the
                                               homework assigned to the Geometry course before you copy down the
                                               assignment.

Materials Needed for Class:  A textbook, sprial binder with graph  paper, assignment book, pencil and pen is needed for class daily.  Please do not bring backpacks to class.  Bringing your backpack to class will result in a loss of extra credit points.  A protractor, ruler, graph paper and a scientific calculator will be needed at home for homework assignments.

Special Note Regarding Cell Phones:  If you use your cell phone during class or if your cell phone goes off during class you will lose extra credit points and will also then be required to check your cell phone in with me on a daily basis until the end of the year.  You can get your cell phone back at the end of the period each day.

Additional Information: A Laguna Middle School math teacher will be available to give you additional help on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..  This help will be available starting in October.

We will be using the TI-34 (Texas Instruments) calculator in class.  A basic scientific calculator (one that has trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions on it) is recommended for use at home.

Class Rules:

    1.  Be in your seats, following instructions posted on the Smartboard, when class starts (for
         class start times see page 2 of your daily planner under "Bell Schedules".
    2.  Bring all materials listed above to class daily.
    3.  Be respectful of students and teacher(s) by listening “QUIETLY” when they are
         speaking.  You will appreciate this same courtesy when it is your turn to speak.
    4.  No throwing of any object(s) in class.
    5.  No food, drink, gum or cell phones  in class.
    6.  Remain in your seats during class.  If you need to get up, please raise your hand and
         ask.

    Dear Parent or Guardian,

         After reading over this course introduction and requirement’s sheet with your son or daughter,  please sign and return this page.  Doing so will indicate that you have discussed these rules and their importance in maintaining the proper learning atmosphere in the classroom.  When returned, this signed page is worth 10 extra credit points!
     

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    PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE                                            STUDENT SIGNATURE