Mathematics Class Syllabus

Course Description: Grade 8 mathematics is about (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean theorem.

Objectives: As a result of this course, you will be able to:

      Expressions and Equations

• Work with radicals and integer exponents.
• Understand the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations.
• Analyze and solve linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations.

       Functions

• Define, evaluate, and compare functions.

       Geometry

• Understand congruence and similarity using physical models, transparencies, or geometry software.
• Understand and apply the Pythagorean theorem.

Required Materials:

• Expo Marker (for in-class use of personal whiteboards)
• Spiral Notebook (Labeled with name and Subject on Front of Spiral; Example: “Kristin Arras; Math”)
• 2pocket Folder w/ 3-rings for Homework/Handouts (Label left pocket “To Do” and right pocket “Done”)
• Pencils with erasers (#2 wooden or mechanical)
• Daily Agenda/Calendar (paper printed provided by teacher or storebought)
• Earbuds (cheap pair to keep in locker for scheduled iStation days where headphones are needed)
• Calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS; Keep at home for homework and independent practice)

Required Texts:

• Eureka/EngageNY math books provided by Steel City Academy (no additional books required)

Attendance Policy:

• Tardy:
  • If you tardy to class by less than one minute you will receive a -$1 in Kickboard.
  • If you are tardy to class between 1-3 minutes you will receive a Red Slip Stay In Class and receive -$5 in Kickboard.
  • If you are more than 3 minutes late to class you will receive a Red Slip, Report to ISS immediately, and receive -$10 in Kickboard.
• Retention:  At 10 days absent, students can be considered for retention.

Communication Protocols:

• If you have questions regarding grades, policies, behavior, or any other concerns, send me an email or GChat at kristin.arrras@steelcityacademy.org. I will commit to responding to your email within 72 hours, but I can usually respond by the end of the day.
• You can request an in-person conference that we will schedule together as needed.
• Login to Kickboard to get updates on daily positive and negative Steel City Bucks. (https://www.kickboardforschools.com/)

Electronic Device Policy:

• Personal Cell Phones or Electronic Devices: Students are not permitted to use any non-Steel City Academy devices during school.  Cell phones, messaging devices, iPads, other tablets or any device otherwise not approved by your child’s teacher or grade level dean are not permitted for use. They cannot be seen or heard from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. If a student is seen or heard using a cell phone or electronic device they will receive a Red Slip and will turn the phone in immediately to the ISS facilitator. The device can be picked up by the student by the end of the day.
• School laptops: Students are expected to follow the outline of the Acceptable Use Policy. Students using school-provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior on-line just as they are in a classroom or other area of the school. The same general rules for behavior and communications apply. Any violation of School policy and rules may result in loss of School-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

Food & Drink Policy: Water is permitted in class in a clear, non-glass water bottle. Students may not bring any other food or drink into the classroom.

Bathroom Policy: Students will have 5 minutes between each class to use the bathroom, use the drinking fountain, and go to lockers as needed.  Bathroom passes will never be issued the first and last 10 minutes of each class, per school policy.  Other bathroom passes will be issued on an emergency-only basis during math classes.

Grading Policy: Your final quarter grade is comprised of the following the following areas:

• Summative Assessments: 45%
  • Summative Assessments include mid and end-of-module assessments and projects.
• Formative Assessments: 25%
  • Include weekly formative assessments (weekly quizzes) on the objectives and skills taught that week.
• Inclass Assignments: 20%
  • Include any individual or group work assigned to be completed within the class period.
• Homework Assignments: 10%
  • Includes assignments to be completed outside of class for additional support and reinforcement of the class material.

Grading Scale:

Academic Policies:

• Late work due to suspension or absence: Any missed work due to suspension or absence is allowed to be made up. Make-up work is due upon return (on the first day back) from suspension or extended absence. Parents/guardians and students are responsible for obtaining the make-up work and contact with teachers.
• Missed Assessments: Teachers reserve the right to request that any assessment--test, quiz, etc. be made up before or after school and not during the absence period or suspension.
• Late work deductions: Teachers also reserve the right to impose deductions on work submitted late and/or completed during suspensions.
• Reassessment: For any grades C and below on assessments, students will be given a reteach lesson and then allowed to retake the assessments.  These reassessments may happen in Science class (weekly formatives) or by request directly to Ms. Arras.
• Plagiarism/Academic Integrity:  According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, to "plagiarize" means:

                         -to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own

                         -to use (another's production) without crediting the source

                         -to commit literary theft

                         -to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source

If found plagiarizing, students will receive a Red Slip and a zero for that assignment, but will be given the opportunity to complete a similar assignment or assessment per the instructor’s timeline.

Quarter 1 Course Calendar:

• Formative Assessments (Quizzes) occur every Wednesday in math class.
• Any changes to the calendar will be announced at least one week in advance.

Classroom Behaviors: As your teacher, I commit to giving Kickboard points in every single class and all dollars will be entered by COB (4:00 pm). We should always aim for a 3:1 positive to negative ratio.

Behavior Ladder:

1. Reinforcing/reminding teacher language
2. Redirecting teacher language with loss of Kickboard dollars
3. Seat Change/ Reflection Sheet/ Conversation with teacher
4. Red Slip for Exhaustion of Classroom System

Links

Email/gchat is the best way to Contact Me. 

Kickboard is how you will stay updated on Steel City Bucks and behavior reports.

Don't forget to stay updated with Steel City Academy's Facebook and Twitter or on our School Website! 

Ms. Arras 

  O: 219.750.1010 | F: 219.654.2884