Welcome to the 2015 2016 School Year!

Mr. King 8th Grade Math (623) 376 - 5238 [email protected] Website: http://www.dvusd.org/Domain/5299

Welcome to the 2015 – 2016 school year!

Course Description:

This course is designed to meet the 8th grade math requirements of the Deer Valley Mathematics Curriculum and AZ state standards and new Common Core (CC) requirements.

This class is a high school preparatory class. You are expected to quickly adapt to its inherent rigor and expectations. The objective is to fully prepare you for high school’s academic demands and required study habits to succeed.

Course Objectives:

There are 22 academic common core topics that will be covered in seven Engage NY (“Engage”) modules: • Exponents and Scientific Notation • Magnitude • Rigid Motions through Transformations • Congruence and Angle Relationships • Pythagorean Theorem • Dilations • Similar Figures • Functions • Writing and Solving Linear Equations • Introduction of Linearity • Linear equations in two graphs • Slope and Equations of Lines • Systems of Linear Equations • Volumes • Linear Functions • Bivariate numerical data • Linear and Non-Linear Models • Introduction of Linearity • Square and Cube Roots • Decimal Expansion of Numbers • Pythagorean Theorem Applications • Application of Radicals and Roots

The Deer Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. For any inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies contact the Superintendent’s Department, 20402 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027. (623) 445-5000. In addition to the above common core topics, this class will also focus on mastering fundamental math concepts and skills. Some days we will focus strictly on these fundamental topics.

With the new Common Core standards, many advanced topics that used to be covered in the high school math curriculum have migrated to the middle school. This class will move at a reasonable speed to assure student assimilation of material. The student’s job is to keep up with their assignments and ask questions so as to not fall behind. Please ask questions if you get lost.

Class Web Site:

All class documentation (e.g. exam re-take contracts, DVUSD 8th grade math curriculum, Help links, etc.) is available on my school website. This website is accessible via the school’s website.

Supplies:  Math Notebook – a three ring binder.  Pencils and red pens. All work to be completed in pencil and corrections in red pen.  Graph paper  Protractor, ruler  Calculator – STRONGLY Recommend TI 83/84 graphing calculator; TI 30 is okay. Phone-based calculators are not permitted

Online Textbook:

The Engage NY curriculum is used by DVUSD. A link is provided to curriculum via my website. DVUSD will provide a copy of in-class notes and practice sets for each module covered.

Classroom Etiquette:

 Follow all rules contained in Student Policy Handbook. All District Rules will be adhered to at Canyon Springs School. Please refer to the DVUSD Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. We believe that students must treat others with the same respect with which they are treated by the adults in our school. We also believe that student’s actions, dress, possessions, etc., must not cause a problem for themselves or anyone else.

 No food or drink (except water) in classroom.

 Absolutely No gum. A school rule. Gum gets in hair, books, under desk, carpet, etc.

 Phones are not to be used or seen in the classroom – Phones are not needed in class and they are distracting. If a phone is seen in class, it will be taken. If it happens again, it will be taken and delivered to the office and the student will receive a minor.

 No hats in class – ever!

Consequences: All issues will be dealt with in a manner in which best fits the situation. Fundamental Rule: No student will interfere in the education of another. It is not fair to them or their parents. The topics covered in math are simply too complicated to permit poor student behavior. It simply will not be tolerated.

Power School Online Access: Grades and attendance may be accessed 24 hours a day online with your Power School access code.

Grading: (Subject to change in second semester) Unit Assessments (mid and final unit exams) 50% Quizzes 30% Projects 15% Homework Practice Assignments 5%

Scale: 90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D 0 50-59% F *grading software rounds up

Make-up and Re-take Policy:  If homework or projects are not turned in on time, the student will stay at lunch to complete the work.  If a test or quiz is missed, the student will make it up upon his or her return.  If a student does not do as well as he or she would have like to do on a quiz or test, they may make it up before or after school. This make up must be scheduled with me 24 hours in advance.  Tutoring will be available regularly either before or after school. This must also be scheduled with me 24 hours in advance. I also suggest www.Khanacademy.org for additional assistance.  No extra credit is available.

Suggestions for Success:  Keep a positive attitude!  Ask questions and seek extra help if needed.  Do not miss class.  Do not interfere in the learning of others.  Make mistakes! That is how learning occurs.