Morgan Park High School

Morgan Park High School 1744 West Pryor (773) 535-2550 Ms. Phillips: IB Math Studies. 2011-2012

Dear Parents,

I am pleased to educate your child this school year. The following information describes what your child will be taught, what is expected, classroom rules, and explanation of my grading policy.

First, I’d like to introduce myself. I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and became certified to teach mathematics through Northwestern University. I am also currently receiving a Masters degree in Education through Northwestern. I am continuing to expand my teaching skills and constantly looking for new and innovative methods of teaching mathematics.

Mathematics is increasingly necessary in all aspects of life from future academic courses to future employment opportunities. The skills learned in algebra will enable your son/daughter to become successful in all endeavors. Mathematics is a course in which students cannot afford to miss any days. Problems studied today will have an effect on problems studied in later weeks. It is very important that students arrive to class on time everyday. Students that are absent or tardy on a regular basis will not be able to keep up with the demands of the course. If a student is absent, he/she must present a reinstatement upon returning to class. The student is responsible for all assignments missed during an excused absence.

Students are required to keep a binder that will contain notes taken in class, assignments, quizzes and tests, as well as a notebook for homework. Students must also bring to class each day a pencil, their textbook, colored pencils (optional), and a scientific calculator. These are vital for the road to success.

Students are expected to exhibit proper classroom behavior by being fully prepared, paying attention and participating in the class discussion. All school rules will be enforced. Please see the Course Syllabus for Grading Scale and Policy.

IB Math Project: As part of the IB

Homework will be given everyday (with the exception of test day) so that students will be able to master the skills necessary to satisfy course requirements. Homework must be complete, with all work shown, and on time to receive full credit. Homework will be graded on a 4-point rubric: 4pts. All problems completed and accurate 3pts. All problems attempted, most completed accurately 2pts. Most problems attempted or turned late 1pt. Few problems attempted or late and incomplete Late homework is accepted anytime before the chapter test that is specific to that assignment, and must be turned in within a week of the originally assigned date.

Bell ringers (mini-quiz) are problems completed in class in a specified time frame, usually at the beginning of the class period several days a week.

A project will be assigned each semester, and accounts for 15% of the overall grade.

Parents, I encourage you to periodically check your child’s grades via the IMPACT Parent Portal at the Morgan Park website: morganparkcps.org. Although I do not anticipate any student failing, there will be a recovery plan available for those students who qualify. Illinois State Standards STATE GOAL 1: Read with understanding and fluency. STATE GOAL 3: Write to communicate for a variety of purposes. STATE GOAL 6: Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers, including numeration and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), patterns, ratios and proportions. STATE GOAL 7: Estimate, make and use measurements of objects, quantities and relationships and determine acceptable levels of accuracy. STATE GOAL 8: Use algebraic and analytical methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, solve problems and predict results. STATE GOAL 9: Use geometric methods to analyze, categorize and draw conclusions about points, lines, planes and space. STATE GOAL 10: Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability. Grading Scale Letter Grade Percent Range (%) A 90-100 B 80-89 C 70-79 D 60-69 F 0-59 Evaluation Policy (Grade weighting) Classwork 30% Quiz 15% Test 15% Mid-term/Semester Finals 15% Projects/Special Assignments 15% Homework 10%

I look forward to working with your child and meeting you on the Parent Grade Pick-up Days in November and April. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school. Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 7:00am – 7:30 and by appointment Email: [email protected] Phone: (773) 535-2550 Sincerely, Ms. Phillips Please return this page. You may keep the prior pages for your reference. Thank you.

Please acknowledge receipt of the Course Syllabus and Parent Letter for IB Math Studies. Return to Ms. Phillips by Friday, August 12, 2011.

I have read and understand the requirements of this syllabus.

Course: ______Period: ______

Student: ______Date: ______

Parent/Guardian: ______Date: ______

Home Phone: ______Cell Phone: ______

Work Phone: ______